Originally Posted by
BoJangles
Chris, by long bed, you must mean you have a black featherweight. They didn't come in a 'long bed' and 'short bed' like a 301 does. The black FW's all have the same length bed, and the white/light green ones all have a short bed. I don't have a tan one, but I think the tan/beige one was always a longer bed like the black FW's, but each color was what it was - there was no choice of a long or short bed. There was a free arm, though, in black.
Your needle not moving could be that the bobbin case is not set correctly for the grove (position finger) in the throat plate. It could also be that the hook/race/bobbin casing have some thread caught in there. Those FW's were made so precise - so small - there is no room for a thread, lint, anything to interfere with the action of the machine. Even one thread caught in and around the hook/race can freeze those machines. They are very easy to care for yourself - just get a flash light and start hunting. Don't force anything. Sometimes you can soak the bobbin area in oil and if there is a thread caught you can then get it out. I have 'unstuck' several FW's that just needed a very good cleaning!
Nancy
nancy; Pretty sure the seller lied when he said he sewed with this machine. It was filithy under the needle plate (like enver been cleaned) and I think there's a problem with the bobbin case. It's complete but moves freely on it's own. Also the needle doesn't move period. Pulled off face plate and oiled everything well then unscrewed top but the spool pin, cleaned out orange colored gunk and oiled some more. Gotta admit I'm stumped but figured I'll let it sit overnite with oil and try in the morning. For what DH paid, everything should move at least. I can clean dirt but this not moving has me puzzled. It is super clean in the area behind the face plate but most other areas were dirty so am wondering why clean there but dirty elsewhere.
FYI: When I pulled off the top cover piece, the shaft there didn't move at all but the handwheel moves freely. I generously applied more oil in there after cleaning out the gunk.
Am open to all suggestions. Chris