Quick question about 1938 FW motor/handwheel sticking
 

I've been restoring a 1938 FW. I bought a new belt and lubed and oiled the machine. Tried a practice stitch on it and the handwheel seems to stick when it gets to one revolution around. Also, I bought new brushes for the motor to replace the ones inside it. One of the brushes came out ok. The other one was stuck and separated from the spring so I had to remove the motor and push the brush out so it could be replaced with the new brush. Put the motor back together and now ... motor doesn't seem to work. Check the wiring and it's all still intact. WTH.... Work for a couple months to get this little guy restored for my grandson. One thing after another keeps happening.

Does anyone have any ideas to help fix these or do I need to just give in and take him to a SMG?:(

Sounds like you brushes are not making a proper connection. By the way, if you replace one brush you really should replace both.

As far as the hand wheel sticking, sounds like you need to add a little heat (like a hair dryer) to the innards after oiling it.

Are you using Triflow oil for the parts that need oiling? I prefer Triflow - stick stuff gets unstuck with Triflow. :)

Shari

Hi Shari - Thanks for the reply. I did replace both brushes with new ones. I oiled it, but not sure why putting a hair dryer to the inside will help. I use Singer brand machine oil.

You got two issues going on here:

1. Motor: Okay, good, you replaced both brushes. Are you sure you did not get any oil on the brushes when you replaced them? Brushes have to be dry, absolutely dry. It sounds like the motor ran before the brush replacement issue so my best guess is the brushes did not get seated correctly when you replaced them or they got contaminated with oil or even grease.

2. Heat: The reason for heat is the oil thins out with heat and then the oil can seep down into all those itty bitty nooks and crannies. One little piece of rust can stop the pure, smooth motion you are looking for.

PS I don't use Singer oil. I prefer TriFlow oil because it contains other lubricants the Singer oil does not contain. Triflow can be found at most pro bicycle shops and online. Also, Triflow comes with a needle nose applicator that allows greater access to all those nicks and crannies. :)

Shari