Silver Needle

Saw a FW for sale that has the bobbin race completely removed. Is this hard to replace and time? How many parts should there be?

Candace

It's an expensive part and it really depends on your skill level. The machine would have to be retimed. It would cost at least $50 and likely more to get a replacement bobbin assembly. And the bobbin case alone is about $50 for an original, vintage one.

Silver Needle

How hard is it to learn to retime a FW. Where would you go to learn to do this?

Candace

Some folks have taken Ray White's classes, though I've mainly learned from doing my online research and reading and spending hours and hours working on machines.

k9dancer

Timing is much easier to learn in person than from books or even videos. Have taken Ray White's classes and recommend him highly. Once you are able to visualize 93/1000 of an inch, it helps. More than that, you have to learn when to see it.

k9dancer

And regarding this particular FW, I would choose to wait for a complete unit. Your mileage may vary, of course.