katier825

When I had my featherweight in for service, I mentioned how it had started running very slowly lately. My repairman suggested swapping out the motor. It's pricey, which is why I haven't done it yet. I didn't get more than a 1/2 hour or so on it yesterday and it was very sluggish, so I decided to put it aside and get my Viking Sapphire out.

Each machine has a 1/4 foot, but they do not sew the same size seam. The one for the featherweight actually sews more of a scant 1/4 and the one for the Viking is a tad over. I knew that when I changed machines, my seam allowance would change. Just on chance, I decided to take the foot off the FW and put it on the Viking. I had to take the ankle off and screw the foot directly to the Viking (the ankle allows snap on feet). The Viking does have a 1/4" setting, but I do much better with the metal guide than just lining up with the edge of the foot.

I don't know why I never thought to try that before...DUH! LOL

Tink's Mom

has he checked the motor brushes??? maybe they need to be changed...swapping out the motor isn't the only thing he can do....maybe it is the foot controller.

irishrose

I had a machine of similar vintage that ran too slow. I took to my appliance repairman who cleaned it and now it's fine. My Elna (1973) will slow down when she needs cleaning. There are other options - As Tink's mom said, sometimes it's the foot controller which you can clean yourself, too. Cleaning may be an option. My understanding is that the FW has low tolerances like the Elna. They have no room for lint.

On topic - I swap feet all the time with my low shank machines. I'm looking for a hinged presser foot for a slant needle right now. I don't like the rigid one.