Originally Posted by rryder

Thanks everyone who replied to my question.

I did purchase from eBay a White selectronic 970 only to discover that the cam on the stack that allows it to step back has a crack in it. The seller had shown the picture of the crack but apparently thought that cam was a spacer since he didn't see it get engaged on the stitches he stitched out. I beleive this was an honest mistake on his part. I didn't realize that it does in fact get engaged on the "hidden stitches" that the machine is capable of until I noticed that some of them get wonky and start to make a rather interesting mess, each in their own unique way, at which point I opened up the machine and observed the cam stack while running the machine.

Further testing revealed that the presser foot foot pressure adjustment is stuck. I can't get it to release from the highest level of pressure. Am wondering if a liberal oiling would help?

Fortunately the seller refunded all my money and told me to keep the machine (which is why I always pay attention to ratings on eBay). So I am now searching for a cam stack. Since it will likely take a while to find one, if ever, I'm continuing to check my local Craigslist and thrift stores for other machines that have separate cams and will suit my needs.

The white is an interesting machine as it was originally manufactured to have user replaceable cam stacks. There were apparently 3 made for it, so if you had all three you could do something like 90 different stitch patterns with it. It has a 1.6 amp motor. I haven't taken it completely apart yet, but what I've seen so far is metal except for the cam stack. I think it was made in the late 60's or early 70's based on its looks and the atomic symbol etched into the flap that covers access to the bobbin compartment. I have to admit I am rather taken with it from a purely aesthetic point of view. lol