Help with a featherweight
#1
Help with a featherweight
I just bought a featherweight. I got it and started testing it. I know I need to replace the cord, the belt and need a new carrying box, but----The handle won't turn all the way around. It only goes almost 1/2 way around. I went ahead and oiled it, to see if it would make a difference, and it doesn't. I did plug it in the motor goes grrr, but I didn't want to force anything.
Do you guys have a clue as to what is wrong?
Do you guys have a clue as to what is wrong?
#3
It is the round thing that the belt wraps around. You loosen the inside wheel to stop the wheel from turning so you can wind a bobbin. When you start on a piece of sewing you often start with this wheel, sorry the words I have are crank, wheel, and I guess handle isn't very specific.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Sounds like it's locked up. The typical culprit is thread wrapped around the bobbin assembly. Take a flashlight and look around the bobbin case area. If you see any thread, try to carefully remove it with tweezers.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 670
You will solve this, just be very slow, careful, baby steps. and don't pry or force -anything-.
You can call it a handwheel. It is not moving, very likely as was pointed out, because of a thread jam near the bobbin.
The FWs are wonderful! But. notoriously easy for getting thread jams, espe if the needle is on backwards, which often happens, as it is counter-intuitave to many.
Go slowy and cautiously with your exploration of the bobbin area, take lots of photographs, and be patient - stop and post a question any time you have any reservations. We're all here to help, and you will solve this, yes you will. :-)
You can call it a handwheel. It is not moving, very likely as was pointed out, because of a thread jam near the bobbin.
The FWs are wonderful! But. notoriously easy for getting thread jams, espe if the needle is on backwards, which often happens, as it is counter-intuitave to many.
Go slowy and cautiously with your exploration of the bobbin area, take lots of photographs, and be patient - stop and post a question any time you have any reservations. We're all here to help, and you will solve this, yes you will. :-)
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
The throat plate may not be on right. I don't have time to hunt up a picture but I have posted many times. Here is a link to the time my sister and I cleaned up my mom's machine. There is a picture of the bobbin area. Your throat plate has a place a little finger that needs to match up under it. http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t-t174236.html
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Some where in way out West Texas
Posts: 3,041
Are you referring the balance wheel on the right end of the machine(as you face it) as a handle? If you are, there may be a piece of thread locked up in the bobbin. I If you aren't familiar with working on mechanical things, and have never done much with machines, I would highly recommend taking the machine to a reputable repairman.
Featherweight RX.com has a fantastic manual they sell that gives full detail of all the parts of a FW, also how to clean, oil and repair some things on a FW fully illustrated. I bought one several years back when I bought my first FW. The name of the manual is "The Featherweight 221 and I". I pull this out when I have a problem with my machine. I have had thread lock mine up a few times and in this manual there are great illustrations to follow to take care of this problem-BE CAREFUL when doing this, as there is a very tiny screw involved, and if you lose it- you have a major problem, as they are not easy to replace. When I work on my bobbin area, cleaning or removing thread, I place the machine on a towel, to help keep anything from falling off of a smooth surface. I also have a small plastic container I use to keep the small parts in when doing this- one like the top on some cough medicine or over the counter meds, that measures liquids. I now keep it in the top tray of my machine case.
Good Luck.
Featherweight RX.com has a fantastic manual they sell that gives full detail of all the parts of a FW, also how to clean, oil and repair some things on a FW fully illustrated. I bought one several years back when I bought my first FW. The name of the manual is "The Featherweight 221 and I". I pull this out when I have a problem with my machine. I have had thread lock mine up a few times and in this manual there are great illustrations to follow to take care of this problem-BE CAREFUL when doing this, as there is a very tiny screw involved, and if you lose it- you have a major problem, as they are not easy to replace. When I work on my bobbin area, cleaning or removing thread, I place the machine on a towel, to help keep anything from falling off of a smooth surface. I also have a small plastic container I use to keep the small parts in when doing this- one like the top on some cough medicine or over the counter meds, that measures liquids. I now keep it in the top tray of my machine case.
Good Luck.
Last edited by Gerbie; 10-08-2013 at 03:45 AM.
#9
Bet it would be worth it to find a sewing machine tech. and have him check it out and get it in first class shape. He can do an estimate as to the total cost so there are no surprises. You will love your machine after it is put in first-class shape! Mariah
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SW TN
Posts: 592
For good information, check out www.novamontgomery.com
Her Monthly Tips (index available too) is wonderful in learning about your FW and problems and solutions. She also sells parts for our little jewels.
Her Monthly Tips (index available too) is wonderful in learning about your FW and problems and solutions. She also sells parts for our little jewels.
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