Thanks Sue! These machines are real work horses! ♥♥♥

Does anyone know if the feed dogs can be dropped on a 1938 Singer? I inherited one from my mom and have it sewing - now I'd like to try free motion quilting with it but can't see where the feed dogs might drop...

Also, is it okay to fmq on it? Is the motor strong enough for such hard work? It sews so well that I'd hate to damage it in any way.

Thanks in advance for your help - I'm new to this forum. :-)

201 is one of my favorite machines.

Welcome aboard whitedogpurple. Is your machine like the one in this thread or is it a different model? If you're not sure of your model number you can either call Singerco or find it here:
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...-database.html

Once you know which machine you have you can get a manual here:
http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals

The machine in this thread is a 201. I don't know if the feed dogs drop on those or not but they have a very good reputation.
Rodney

Since you have only one post to your name, I know you have not told us what model Singer you have. Singer probably had over 100 models in 1938. Some you can drop the feed dogs on, some you can't.

What model?

Some of the machines have feed dogs that drop and some don't - we need a model number.
OR maybe you can do a little detective work. Is there a knob on the machine's base to drop the feed dogs?
If not on the base some times there is a thumb screw under the machine. If it is a 301 it will be on the end of the machine. The motor is likely strong enough but you will want to check the wires for cracks and breaks in the cord and look inside the motor as it is running.