Featherweight Wiring Question

Old 08-18-2012, 01:07 PM
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Default Featherweight Wiring Question

This is my most recent Featherweight purchase. Her serial number is AF941450. According to the ISMAC dating site http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...-database.html she should be a model 15. Not! The Featherweight 221 book authored by Nancy Johnson-Srebo gives the production dates of mid 1938 to mid 1941. I also know that it was not uncommon for Singer to allot a range of serial numbers for one model then run another model number. So I am going to go for an allotment date of 14 May 1941.

This Featherweight and her case are really, really clean for her age. The case handle is nigh on perfect. I did replace the drip pad which was smelly of course. All she needs is some surface cleaning.

I do have a question about the motor wiring which has some white stuff (efflouresence?sp) on it. It is the first time I have seen it. Is it a problem? Otherwise the wiring is what I would term excellent.

There was quite a little collection of parts in the case top including a "what is it" in the last picture. The red seam ripper has the name Necchi on it. Is the silver bar thing also a Necchi part of some sort?
Attached Thumbnails 2012-08-17-featherweight-af941450-003.jpg   2012-08-17-featherweight-af941450-004.jpg   2012-08-17-featherweight-af941450-009.jpg   2012-08-17-featherweight-af941450-010.jpg  
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Old 08-18-2012, 01:17 PM
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I don't know the answers to your questions, but wanted to say that I think you have a lovely machine!
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Old 08-18-2012, 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by harrishs View Post
I don't know the answers to your questions, but wanted to say that I think you have a lovely machine!
Yes, I purchased this Featherweight sight unseen as a package deal with four other sewing machines which included an Elna Supermatic, a Singer model 15 in a cabinet, a Singer 127 Sphinx and the Singer 27 with the crinkle finish. What I really wanted was the Elna. All five sewing machines cost $300. I guess I did OK except for the 27 crinkle finish.
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Old 08-18-2012, 02:17 PM
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Pictures of the wiring would help.
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Old 08-18-2012, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Candace View Post
Pictures of the wiring would help.
Here it is, fuzzy white stuff on wiring Will try to get a clearer pic if needed
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Old 08-18-2012, 04:55 PM
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Caroline,

By the looks of the speckles all over the area I'd guess it's either mold or corrosion. A better pic would help.

I do know our Featherweight has cloth covered wires underneath, but nothing like yours has.

Joe
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Old 08-18-2012, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by J Miller View Post
Caroline,

By the looks of the speckles all over the area I'd guess it's either mold or corrosion. A better pic would help.

I do know our Featherweight has cloth covered wires underneath, but nothing like yours has.

Joe
Better pic tomorrow. I am thinking corrosion. That is the only area that shows the white stuff. All of the other wiring appears to be OK. I will do some light brushing on that wiring and do a before and after pic.
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Old 08-18-2012, 06:44 PM
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Mine has that. my dh said it is oxidation on the Aluminum that covers the wire. He was thinking it was there to keep the wire out of the gears. I took mine outside and brushed it off, and have had no problems.
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Old 08-18-2012, 08:55 PM
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Here's a little bit about it on this blog. Sounds like you might find out more on rains blog. And I guess it's lead, not aluminum like my dh was thinking.
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blog...221-motor.html
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Old 08-19-2012, 12:04 AM
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If it is lead then that is lead oxide and it is toxic. Do not breath or ingest it. Wear a face mask and gloves when you clean it. Probably a good idea to shellac it after cleaning it.

Joe
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