Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell
11-07-2011, 08:29 AM
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I didn't know it was from 1949. My mom was born in 44. I know that in 1959, when mom was a teenager, she was working for a lady with ill health. The lady didn't have a lot of money, but she did have the FW. She gave it to my mother before she died. My mom was the only other owner of the machine. I know it hasn't been used in probably 20-25 years. Mom stopped sewing around the time I was 10 or so.
Are the manuals for the FW's downloadable? I don't have one and it wasn't among mom's stuff. The plate thing that moves with the thread on it looks like it should have 2 screws, but there is only a hole to screw one. I think the other one was busted off at some point. If I could figure out the name of the part I could probably buy another one.
Mom had a bunch, like 20, bobbins, all with a ton of holes in them. I think those are for the FW. There is one that doesn't have the holes. I don't know if it would go to her FW or not. Are there any tricks to tell the difference in sizes in the bobbins? I don't know what happened to the feet of the machine. There's only one on the machine and I can't find any other attachments. All I need is one to piece with cause that's what I'll be using her for. I need to go peruse the tutorials so I can find the one one cleaning, so I can clean her up.
Are the manuals for the FW's downloadable? I don't have one and it wasn't among mom's stuff. The plate thing that moves with the thread on it looks like it should have 2 screws, but there is only a hole to screw one. I think the other one was busted off at some point. If I could figure out the name of the part I could probably buy another one.
Mom had a bunch, like 20, bobbins, all with a ton of holes in them. I think those are for the FW. There is one that doesn't have the holes. I don't know if it would go to her FW or not. Are there any tricks to tell the difference in sizes in the bobbins? I don't know what happened to the feet of the machine. There's only one on the machine and I can't find any other attachments. All I need is one to piece with cause that's what I'll be using her for. I need to go peruse the tutorials so I can find the one one cleaning, so I can clean her up.
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...ng-machine.pdf
for the short manual
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...anual_1951.pdf
for a longer manual
and http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...ght-manual.pdf
lots to choose from!
Here are a bunch of links http://www.quiltingboard.com/links-r...8.html#4566890
For cleaning it up you need to look at Muv's videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bidpJ..._order&list=UL
it will go on and do part 2 when part one runs completely out
This is a very good video for cleaning up an old sewing machine!!!
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
She also has one on adjusting tension on a long bobbin sewing machine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S43_-..._order&list=UL
I think so far she has 9 videos - all very good.
11-07-2011, 08:34 AM
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11-07-2011, 08:36 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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Are the manuals for the FW's downloadable? The plate thing that moves with the thread on it looks like it should have 2 screws, but there is only a hole to screw one. I think the other one was busted off at some point. If I could figure out the name of the part I could probably buy another one.
Mom had a bunch, like 20, bobbins, all with a ton of holes in them. I think those are for the FW. There is one that doesn't have the holes. I don't know if it would go to her FW or not. Are there any tricks to tell the difference in sizes in the bobbins? I don't know what happened to the feet of the machine. There's only one on the machine and I can't find any other attachments.
Mom had a bunch, like 20, bobbins, all with a ton of holes in them. I think those are for the FW. There is one that doesn't have the holes. I don't know if it would go to her FW or not. Are there any tricks to tell the difference in sizes in the bobbins? I don't know what happened to the feet of the machine. There's only one on the machine and I can't find any other attachments.
The top cover you are talking about is a 'spool pin cover'. One the cover (and the top of the machine) there should be two holes. Either there will be two, small screws or 1 small screw and one rivit fastener. You can easily order them off ebay, or the sew-classic site (I am not affiliated with any site). Search for spool pin cover screw, etc.
Re: bobbins. Featherweights (221's and 222's) and the 301 slants take the same size bobbins. Best way I can describe them too you: they are the same diameter looking as all the other old singer metal bobbins BUT they are not as thick. There is a great 'bobbin identifyer' page/.pdf on the web. I'll attempt to attach it later. Basically, your bobbin should fit into the bobbin case so that it's flush. There should be no 'bobbin' sticking out. If there is, that bobbin is for another machine. Hang onto all the bobbins you have. The new repro/replacement ones do not seem to work as well in my FW.
FW... there are other parts you should replace as you refurbish your FW. The feet can all be replaced YES! Buy 4 new ones off ebay, but save your orig. screws. You'll need them. Buy all 4 new, so they are the same height. Either the 221/FW or the 301 feet will fit your FW. Also replace the cloth/felty liner (oil drip catcher) that's in your bottom tray. Simply unscrew the big screw, pull off the bottom tray, and peel off the old, nasty, smelly liner. Clean and replace with a new one. Again, you can find them on ebay. The little felt circles that go under your thread spools actually serve a real purpose on all machines, buy em at your local sew shop or ebay, sew-classic, etc. Manual's you can buy almost anywhere, see Miriam's post.
Keep us posted of your progress! You will love your FW... especially because of it's wonderful family history and because they sew really really well. Pay attention to how you thread it, FW's are known for making 'thread nests' in the bobbin area - mostly due to operator error! (Ask me how I know!)lol. There are many good web sites for teaching you how to correctly sew on them-to avoid nests AND what to do if you get one. Mine FW sews great!
11-07-2011, 08:42 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2007
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I have all kinds of attachment boxes, F&P pins boxes, cheese boxes, etc that I keep bobbins and attachments in, all labeled for which machines they are for. Too confusing otherwise!! When I had just a Brother, it was no problema, but now...wow...I have 4 different types of bobbins and tons of different attachments right now.
Last edited by jljack; 11-07-2011 at 08:45 AM.
11-07-2011, 08:57 AM
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11-07-2011, 09:01 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Coastal Florida - Mountainous Maine
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Hi back everyone....
OMGosh, that New Home Treadle? I'd have been all over it!
Miriam, I saw you posted a craigslist link a few pages ago... was that to the awesome ANKOR Treadle in Indiana. I WANT that machine! (We're nautical boaters here in S. Florida)! But there was no way to get it down to me in one piece. Rats.
On that 411g machine for sale in canada. I emailed the guy (who's probably lurking on this list!) lol. And asked him a few questions about it. I really cannot afford $300 let alone $400. But that's one awesome machine.
I had to LAUGH out loud about the 'green' machine emails. At first I was thinking, "Oh... I bet she found a 185j".. but no, now it sounds like a Jap clone. LOVE those machines. Billy is so right, they are great.
<takes sip of coffee> I'm off to a library meeting tonight (ladies are in their 80's) and tomorrow, off to a doll club meeting (again, older ladies and gents)... I'm going to try to sneak in a question about ... "hum... I really like old sewing machines, I don't suppose any of you ladies have any old machines or parts you no longer want....????" LOL You never know. LOL! Um, my name is Kim and I'm an UN-recovering sewing machine addict.....
OMGosh, that New Home Treadle? I'd have been all over it!
Miriam, I saw you posted a craigslist link a few pages ago... was that to the awesome ANKOR Treadle in Indiana. I WANT that machine! (We're nautical boaters here in S. Florida)! But there was no way to get it down to me in one piece. Rats.
On that 411g machine for sale in canada. I emailed the guy (who's probably lurking on this list!) lol. And asked him a few questions about it. I really cannot afford $300 let alone $400. But that's one awesome machine.
I had to LAUGH out loud about the 'green' machine emails. At first I was thinking, "Oh... I bet she found a 185j".. but no, now it sounds like a Jap clone. LOVE those machines. Billy is so right, they are great.
<takes sip of coffee> I'm off to a library meeting tonight (ladies are in their 80's) and tomorrow, off to a doll club meeting (again, older ladies and gents)... I'm going to try to sneak in a question about ... "hum... I really like old sewing machines, I don't suppose any of you ladies have any old machines or parts you no longer want....????" LOL You never know. LOL! Um, my name is Kim and I'm an UN-recovering sewing machine addict.....
11-07-2011, 09:05 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Hi back everyone....
OMGosh, that New Home Treadle? I'd have been all over it!
Miriam, I saw you posted a craigslist link a few pages ago... was that to the awesome ANKOR Treadle in Indiana. I WANT that machine! (We're nautical boaters here in S. Florida)! But there was no way to get it down to me in one piece. Rats.
On that 411g machine for sale in canada. I emailed the guy (who's probably lurking on this list!) lol. And asked him a few questions about it. I really cannot afford $300 let alone $400. But that's one awesome machine.
I had to LAUGH out loud about the 'green' machine emails. At first I was thinking, "Oh... I bet she found a 185j".. but no, now it sounds like a Jap clone. LOVE those machines. Billy is so right, they are great.
<takes sip of coffee> I'm off to a library meeting tonight (ladies are in their 80's) and tomorrow, off to a doll club meeting (again, older ladies and gents)... I'm going to try to sneak in a question about ... "hum... I really like old sewing machines, I don't suppose any of you ladies have any old machines or parts you no longer want....????" LOL You never know. LOL! Um, my name is Kim and I'm an UN-recovering sewing machine addict.....
OMGosh, that New Home Treadle? I'd have been all over it!
Miriam, I saw you posted a craigslist link a few pages ago... was that to the awesome ANKOR Treadle in Indiana. I WANT that machine! (We're nautical boaters here in S. Florida)! But there was no way to get it down to me in one piece. Rats.
On that 411g machine for sale in canada. I emailed the guy (who's probably lurking on this list!) lol. And asked him a few questions about it. I really cannot afford $300 let alone $400. But that's one awesome machine.
I had to LAUGH out loud about the 'green' machine emails. At first I was thinking, "Oh... I bet she found a 185j".. but no, now it sounds like a Jap clone. LOVE those machines. Billy is so right, they are great.
<takes sip of coffee> I'm off to a library meeting tonight (ladies are in their 80's) and tomorrow, off to a doll club meeting (again, older ladies and gents)... I'm going to try to sneak in a question about ... "hum... I really like old sewing machines, I don't suppose any of you ladies have any old machines or parts you no longer want....????" LOL You never know. LOL! Um, my name is Kim and I'm an UN-recovering sewing machine addict.....
I don't remember.
11-07-2011, 09:05 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 1,618
Hi there. Yes, the white, powdery stuff on the FW wires is usually a sort of dusty stuff that's caused by age/reaction of the wire coating to humidity. You can wipe it off, don't ingest it. lol. Graham Kendrick's 'Featherweights to the Gentry" website in England has great info about this sort of thing. Also, the sew-classic.com web site too.
The top cover you are talking about is a 'spool pin cover'. One the cover (and the top of the machine) there should be two holes. Either there will be two, small screws or 1 small screw and one rivit fastener. You can easily order them off ebay, or the sew-classic site (I am not affiliated with any site). Search for spool pin cover screw, etc.
Re: bobbins. Featherweights (221's and 222's) and the 301 slants take the same size bobbins. Best way I can describe them too you: they are the same diameter looking as all the other old singer metal bobbins BUT they are not as thick. There is a great 'bobbin identifyer' page/.pdf on the web. I'll attempt to attach it later. Basically, your bobbin should fit into the bobbin case so that it's flush. There should be no 'bobbin' sticking out. If there is, that bobbin is for another machine. Hang onto all the bobbins you have. The new repro/replacement ones do not seem to work as well in my FW.
FW... there are other parts you should replace as you refurbish your FW. The feet can all be replaced YES! Buy 4 new ones off ebay, but save your orig. screws. You'll need them. Buy all 4 new, so they are the same height. Either the 221/FW or the 301 feet will fit your FW. Also replace the cloth/felty liner (oil drip catcher) that's in your bottom tray. Simply unscrew the big screw, pull off the bottom tray, and peel off the old, nasty, smelly liner. Clean and replace with a new one. Again, you can find them on ebay. The little felt circles that go under your thread spools actually serve a real purpose on all machines, buy em at your local sew shop or ebay, sew-classic, etc. Manual's you can buy almost anywhere, see Miriam's post.
Keep us posted of your progress! You will love your FW... especially because of it's wonderful family history and because they sew really really well. Pay attention to how you thread it, FW's are known for making 'thread nests' in the bobbin area - mostly due to operator error! (Ask me how I know!)lol. There are many good web sites for teaching you how to correctly sew on them-to avoid nests AND what to do if you get one. Mine FW sews great!
The top cover you are talking about is a 'spool pin cover'. One the cover (and the top of the machine) there should be two holes. Either there will be two, small screws or 1 small screw and one rivit fastener. You can easily order them off ebay, or the sew-classic site (I am not affiliated with any site). Search for spool pin cover screw, etc.
Re: bobbins. Featherweights (221's and 222's) and the 301 slants take the same size bobbins. Best way I can describe them too you: they are the same diameter looking as all the other old singer metal bobbins BUT they are not as thick. There is a great 'bobbin identifyer' page/.pdf on the web. I'll attempt to attach it later. Basically, your bobbin should fit into the bobbin case so that it's flush. There should be no 'bobbin' sticking out. If there is, that bobbin is for another machine. Hang onto all the bobbins you have. The new repro/replacement ones do not seem to work as well in my FW.
FW... there are other parts you should replace as you refurbish your FW. The feet can all be replaced YES! Buy 4 new ones off ebay, but save your orig. screws. You'll need them. Buy all 4 new, so they are the same height. Either the 221/FW or the 301 feet will fit your FW. Also replace the cloth/felty liner (oil drip catcher) that's in your bottom tray. Simply unscrew the big screw, pull off the bottom tray, and peel off the old, nasty, smelly liner. Clean and replace with a new one. Again, you can find them on ebay. The little felt circles that go under your thread spools actually serve a real purpose on all machines, buy em at your local sew shop or ebay, sew-classic, etc. Manual's you can buy almost anywhere, see Miriam's post.
Keep us posted of your progress! You will love your FW... especially because of it's wonderful family history and because they sew really really well. Pay attention to how you thread it, FW's are known for making 'thread nests' in the bobbin area - mostly due to operator error! (Ask me how I know!)lol. There are many good web sites for teaching you how to correctly sew on them-to avoid nests AND what to do if you get one. Mine FW sews great!
I'm glad that the powdery junk can be removed. There is one of those little felt circles in the bottom of the machine. It's red. I don't know what that liner thing is that you were talking about though.
Also, is this a 221 or a 222? I know that 221's seem to have been more popular, and there were more of them. Do you know what the differences are?
11-07-2011, 09:07 AM
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11-07-2011, 09:09 AM
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