Trying to fix up a Singer 306M
 

I found this 306M in a barn. It turns freely but it needs a good cleaning, a belt, and a power cord. There are some chips in the paint around the base and on the end. Can these be fixed? I saw the thread entitled Cleaning and repairing the Shellac clear coat on Vintage sewing machine heads

Am I looking for the same technique here?

I'd say so. For sitting in a barn she doesn't look that bad! Interesting machine. I've never seen one of these before.

I have a 306M aka Sophia Loren. She is my favorite sewing machine. Yours is worth fixing and restoring. Even my OSMG did not know of the 306M model. The serial number records were destroyed when the Italian Singer factory closed in about 1967. The only thing that my machine needed other than lots of oil was the motor which had a "squeak" and was fixed by the OSMG. He said that the gears in the motor needed some lube.

See my thread here http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/singer-306m-questions-t208803.html

I am just going to clean her and get her running. If I fixed the paint, I still couldn't fix the decals.

Even though you exact model is not listed there may be something here that you could use: http://www.keelersales.com/servlet/C...ategory=Decals

Thanks. I was aware of those decals but I like originality. I don't mind replacing things, but if they aren't the same kind, I try to avoid them. Thanks anyway!

Check out this link regarding paint touch up

http://www.featherweight221.com/fwrx...02774793256171

There is a good information regarding the paint and what to use. The information should apply to the 306M also. Though Dave McCallum's blog pertains to Singer Featherweights the information is valuable to other vintage Singers. Be prepared to spent a LOT of time at his blog. I have it bookmarked so I can refer to it.

How very strange...today I spent several hours cleaning up my 306W and looking for a serial number on it. My machine is the brown godzilla finish. It will use cams but I don't have any of them. I will be watching CL and Ebay for some of the flat ones. I also need to get the ZZ throat plate. I'm planning on checking with Sew Classic to see if I can get one there when I get my little brunette her new belt. Also, can anyone tell me what bobbin this machine uses. I could find the manual for the 301 but of course there wasn't anything about what bobbin to use. When I used it last, about 25 or more years ago, it sewed like a champ but when I got some newer machines, this one get put aside. Now I want to use it for a class machine and keep it ready in a rolling bag so I can go on a moment's notice and sew with a friend and leave the computer machines at home. Did you find a serial number? DH found a number underneath on the front left but it didn't seem to be a serial number according to Ismac. I found another number but it didn't seem right either...oh well, I don't really need to know when she was "born". Enjoy your new found project!

I use a #55623S metal bobbin in my Singer 306W24, and it has a Simanco #105032 bobbin case on it. Some of this model machine may have a different hook and bobbin case system on them, so check to see if your bobbin case has a number inside of it.

Your serial number probably has 7 digits in it and starts with a “W”.

CD in Oklahoma

Your machine also uses special needles. 206 I believe.

The 306, 206, and 319 all use an "L' bobbin. I think I got mine from Sew Classic. They also all use a 206x13 needle. Some people have tried to put in a 15x1 needle, but you will mess up the timing if you try that. I'd get the correct needles for your machine. The needles and bobbins are not expensive, but you won't be able to buy them at your local JoAnnes, or Walmart. I treadle my 319w. I don't even have a motor for my machine. Those are great machines, easy to work on - I have had to re-time my 319w twice after my grandson did a number on it -, and easy to use. Did you get the cams?

Nancy

If you’re talking about the 306M, the one shown in the first post it doesn’t take cams.

CD in Oklahoma

CD What? How interesting! You are right of course, but I thought all 306's took a cam? I googled the 306, and looked at Sandman Collectibles site on identifying Singer models. He mentions the cam knob as an indicater that you have a 306? Geeze, is this 306 just missing the parts to attach the cams, or did it never have the capability to use cams? CD can you explain? I always thought the letter behind the model number merely told where the machine was made? In this case does the 'm' mean a 306 without the ability to use cams? Geeze, I have a 306w, and it takes the flat cams!

Nancy

I have two 306k machines and I love them, they are quirky: needles, bobbin, bobbin case, and changing of bobbin but their stitch quality is premium straight and flat.

Enjoy your new baby!

Wow, always something new to learn!

Nancy

Nancy, I may have messed up your thinking when I posted earlier in the thread about my 306W. I mentioned that I was going to have to start watching for some flat cams as mine came with none. Sorry if I confused you by my comment. It just struck me as strange that 2 members would be "cleaning up" a couple 306's on the same day.
Donna

No Donna, you did not mess me up. I didn't know that there is a 306 that doesn't take cams! I thought all 306's took cams, and I think there are a lot of other people who thought so too! If you go to Sandman Collectibles, the cam is his way of identifing a 306 as opposed to a 206. I find it fasinating that the 306m doesn't use cams, but the 306w does! Another anomaly I suppose! Hey, I love to learn and with this obsession we are always learning!

I guess this will teach me to look closer at the machine photos!

Nancy