Morse 1000
 

I don't know if a Morse 1000 is old enough to be considered vintage. It does have an all metal body, and looks like a well built machine. I cannot find ANY information on this machine. If you know anything you would like to share, I would appreciate it. It appears to sew, except that the needle is in the left position when it should be in the middle, so some stitches don't form properly. It is at my daughter's right now, but I will get a picture of it, if that will help.

Your Morse 1000 should be a good machine if the cam stack isn't cracked - never run it cold. I am betting it is in dire need of cleaning the mechanism that the zigzag rides on. Push on the needle bar and you will see where it goes back and forth then look under the lid and see if there is another place where it rocks back and forth - probably gummed up with 3 in 1 oil or just plain old dried up oil. I don't know if you can learn anything by looking at the stuff people have posted on the Singer 401... I just cleaned some old Japanese zig zag with that very problem - I got it to move - use some Tri-flow. Denatured alcohol will dissolve it (and the paint) - use VERY carefully. Mine still has gummed up control knobs - stuck like in cement. I think I need to apply some heat so they will move. http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post4795016
Look at window #22 on that post - there is a pic of a zig zag needle bar all gunked up. Look for something similar on your Morse.

Thanks for the info - I will check it out.

I have an old Morse, but it doesn't zig zag.I agree you have to keep it oiled. I oil mine before every use.I got mine at a yard sale for 3.00,took it home cleaned her up and have been sewing on her for 15 years now. Still sews as good as the first day I got her.I sew all my quilts on her, I've even sewed a gun holster on her.I even took her outside and repaired an old canvass tent with her.Just a great machine, a real workhorse.