Did It!
Heard about an available Featherweight 221-1 - sent a few e-mails back & fourth. The owner couldn’t get it to sew. Made an appointment, the machine looked exceptionally good, at least a 9. Even the belt looked good and free of dry rot. The box has only a minor scuff mark or two. Obviously well taken care of, but unused for the last 40 years. A quick analysis revealed 1) improper threading of upper thread, and 2) bobbin tension too tight. Made the proper adjustments and Vola! Seller came down on the asking price a whole lot, and I paid $100 for it. I’d like to replace the other 15 classroom “portable” machines I have with featherweights because of their compactness, weight, and virtual kid proof stamina. I get tired of hauling all those big cases around, and with all the machines being different sizes, they are bulky to store. Each one needs different bobbins, have different feet, and other minor headaches with which one does not need to cope when dealing with twenty-five twelve year olds. I have machine lined up to preview later this week. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.
If any of you get bored looking at your old, drab, black machines, please advise. I’ll send you my address.