Hi everyone,
I thought you might like to see photos from my complete restoration of a Singer 500A. It's just such a gorgeous machine. I'm pretty sure it was sitting in a portable case for many decades, out of the light and safe from moisture, before it came to me.
I knew it would at least need heavy lubrication and cleaning, but when I discovered the YouTube channel AndyTube, with its encyclopedic library of Singer restoration and maintenance videos, I was inspired to do a complete teardown and overhaul.
(AndyTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUS...tRoz1VA2U1xJ4w)
Here is "Bernadette" in the Singer Spinet "trapezoid" case that I previously posted about, having modified it to be able to accept a 500A (it was designed for a 301).
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The four motors I had to choose from. One came out of my machine, another from another machine (the backup!), and the remaining two from separate purchases.
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Total teardown of the PA 10-8 motor, including removing (driving out violently!) the commutator shaft from the bearing housed in the aluminum casing at right.
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Pressure-fitting the new bearing onto the commutator shaft, with thanks to Neighbor Dave for the use of the pipe clamps, without which I would have had to locate a hydraulic press somewhere!
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The vibrating bracket assembly completely disassembled -- this is what swings the needle for zig-zags and patterns.
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The needle bar driving arm rubber-banded in place along with the rest of the pattern selector assembly, missing the cam stack
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The pattern selector assembly parts removed -- this was the part that made me the most nervous.
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Washing day! Literally in the sink with grease remover and water, followed by chasing rust, drying, grease, then oil.
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All 186 removed parts arranged roughly geographically; they were otherwise stored by groups in plastic zipper bags to keep them organized.
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It was quite an adventure, and now (I promise) all the parts are back where they should be, lubricated properly, and singing beautifully! I couldn't have done it without Andy!
Cheers,
Matt