Featherweights--Do they have their own sound??
 

I have two FW's and each one sounds completely different. One is more of a thunk thunk and the other makes a click click sound. Should they sound the same? The both sew fine, thunk thunk is quieter--she's my 1936, click click is my 1955 machine and louder than the older one.

I do believe individual machines are just that, individuals. We only have one FW so I can't make a comparison there, but we have 8 66s and no two sound exactly alike. Similar, but not exactly the same.

Joe

When several of us get together for sewing, we are amazed by the different sounds our sewing machines - and sergers - make, even though some are the same brand and model!! It's a din for sure, but the end results (a baby clothes and quilts charity) are great and it's true: "Quilting with a friend will keep you in stitches!"

My FW makes a little clickity click sound.

I hear a click click sort of sound on the 221. Unfortunately, the second one is in pieces at the moment waiting to be painted, so I can't compare. I've heard the 221 noise compared to a waterfall. DH says he falls asleep to the sound. The 222 has a sound all of it's own as well, I think because the hook shaft is in a tube rather than a box. The sound must bounce a little differently.

The other one thumps even with a new sharp needle?

The click click sound is the bobbin case finger bouncing between the two little springs where it sits. I think Miriam has a couple really good pics of this area, or someone does. On one site the recommendation was to use a screwdriver under the springs and gently bend them inwards a bit to reduce the movement of the bobbin case finger.

Our machine isn't objectionable so I haven't done that to it.

Joe

I could swear that info used to be on http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/
The photos in the PDF I downloaded from some site are identical in style.

Rather than go searching for it again, I attached the PDF I had on my computer.

ArchaicArcane -- thanks so much for that PDF! Without the clicking sound, the FW has only a purr.

Dayle

ArchaicArcane--Thanks, I did it and it still clicks, but not nearly as loud. I was afraid to move them too much--afraid they would break. I haven't oiled her lately, I think I'll give her a good oiling and see if that helps.

No problem! I think some of them have a little click of their own anyway. Mine clicks a little, and it's never bothered me. So does my 301. It doesn't hurt them from what I can tell, but the further the metal clips get apart, the louder the clicking will get, and possibly the wider the space will get because it hits with more force the further apart they are.