OurWorkbench

It kept popping up on the computer screen. Sewing machines will do that. Most Craigslist machines are only on the screen once, maybe twice. But this machine hung around a little longer than most. Then I didn't see it for a while.

It was back a couple of weeks later. After some time passed again, and it reappeared a third time, it seemed like it was really seeking our attention.

The machine is a New National. Based on its appearance, we casually judged its manufacturing date as somewhere around 1900. Just our impression. With a couple of phone calls and a trip across town, Janey returned one evening with the machine.

(New National - Front View)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561389[/ATTACH]

We didn't think to get pictures of it as it was. Janey has already worked a lot to clean it up. The decals are in very nice condition. Here's a picture of the center emblem on the bed.

(New National - Emblem)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561390[/ATTACH]

The serial number is probably in the worst shape of anything on the machine. It's badly discolored. With several lights on it, I got this picture. It is difficult to make out but we think it is US28558. Based on allocation dates, Janey thinks this machine was made around 1942. There's something curious about a machine with this appearance being made in 1942. It would have had an "old time" appearance, even then. Wouldn't it?

(New National - Serial Number)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561391[/ATTACH]

It's a hand crank machine with a substantial wheel. It has a turn ratio of three to one, or three needle strokes for every turn of the crank.

The balance wheel has no clutch, but rather has a latch pin that engages with a hole in the large gear that drives the machine. Pulling out the pin and turning it slightly holds the pin in the retracted position.

(New National - Latch)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561392[/ATTACH]

A thread take up mechanism uses a coil spring wire, with a thread loop pulled through a guide, to apply and keep tension on the thread.

(New National - Take Up)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561393[/ATTACH]

The base for the machine has nicely made hinges, which Janey spent quite some time polishing. The hinges are set into holes in the cast base.

(New National - Hinge)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561394[/ATTACH]

A release on the front of the machine allows for the machine to tip backward.

(New National - Bed Release)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561395[/ATTACH]

A feature I like is the ability to tip the machine back, without it falling over. The base is heavy enough to counter-balance it. The hinges stop the machine from tipping too far back.

(New National - Tipped Back)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]561396[/ATTACH]

Janey may want to continue with the thread. There are some things she's researching and wanting to do, such as add some rubber feet to the bottom of the cast metal base. She's also working on the bobbin winder, trying to make it work a little better. I'm just getting some pictures here of this photogenic machine.

John