Featherweight Problem
 

I have two featherweights, a beautiful black one and a pretty white one. I am having an issue with the white one. I can make a bobbin just fine, but when I turn the stop button back the needle will not move, and I can barely make it move by turning the wheel manually. I unscrewed the stop wheelandtook it off. i am not sure if i put it back together correctly, and cannot find any references on to assemble it. Does anyone have any wisdom to help me figure out what is wrong.

any help will be greatly appreciated.
Ellie

Hi Ellie,

A couple of things worth looking at.

Ok,.. the stop motion "washer", under that big knob, should have the flared part, the inside "teeth" sticking toward the wheel side.

In theory, I guess the washer being out of place could cause problems with turning the wheel, but I suspect that the problem lies under the bobbin case.

When I got my latest FW, it had a similar problem. The needle would move a little, the hand wheel would turn about an inch either way, but that was it. I had what was close to 10ft of thread caught behind the bobbin case. I could see some of it without dis-assembly, but when I got it apart it was staggering!

This is a write up done by someone else that should show you how to clear it. The threads can be difficult to see, so look very carefully. It's also a great opportunity to dust in there. :)
http://thefeatherweight221factory.co...MachineJam.php

Good luck! Let us know if it works, or you have further questions.

Made some progress
 

Thanks for the reply. I took the throat plate off and examined the bobbin area and found no thread jams. I took stop motion knob off again and positioned the flanged eges of the washer facing to the right of the machine (not sure if this is what you meant). I am able to turn wheel with my hand now (although it is nowhere near as smooth with my other featherweight), and I am now thinking the problem is with the belt and/or the position of the motor. I've ordered a new belt so I will wait until it arrives before fiddling any further.

Hey Ellie,

How does the machine turn if you take the belt off? That should help you rule out the belt and motor...
Also, when's the last time the machine was completely oiled?
Did you disassemble the way the link shows? Or just take the throat plate off?

Yes, that's exactly what I meant when I described the stop motion washer. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

More than likely the belt and motor has nothing to do with it. As ArchaicArcane said, remove the belt and try it then.

You might not be able to see it, but there still could be a piece of thread behind the bobbin assembly. That was the case with our FW when we got it. Locked up tight. I had to take the bobbin assembly apart to clear it. Made all the difference in the world.

Then oil it. If it's stiff and rough it could just need oil. And grease.

Joe

Thanks for all the replies. I did a good cleaning and then oiled it. Now it is running smoothly. I guess one can never underestimate the maintenance process. I found a really good tutorial here for oiling. It was much more helpful than the manuals.

Ellie

Yes, Rain has an excellent site. I used his tutorials to rewire my first sewing machine motor.

Glad to hear the little FW is back up and running.