I need help from any featherweight 221 owners. I am now the proud owner of one and I have a question concerning lubricating the motor. The original manual says to use the lubricant when needed to keep the motor running smoothly. Now I read online that you should never lubricate the motor because it will sieze or stop. That you should leave it alone. I really don't know what to do. Singer still sells the little tubes. Why would they sell it if you are not supposed to use it? Please help, I don't want to ruin it.
Thanks

Go to VINTAGE MACHINES here on the board. Lostin51 or Charlee will be able to help you.

Oil and lube grease (for the gears) are necessary for Featherweights and othe old, metal machines.

I think not oiling motors is meant for newer machines.

Many featherweights have a grease port nipple for the motor, I know my 1940 221 does. Check your owner's manual for correct placement of oil and grease/lube points. The manual makes it all clear.

That link from Billy isn't working. He said he thinks they aren't accepting any new members right now :(

I have had a Featherweight for several years. The BEST book that I have found tells you everything about the machine and tells you how to take it all apart and take care and replace any part that might be needed. The book is "The Featherweight 221 and I" by David McCallum. The book was published in 2004. At that time this was his website: www.featherweight221.com.

You will love your baby ! Sue

This is a fantastic book and worth it's weight in gold. Look up David McCallum on youtube and you will get an idea of what is in the book. He also sells a DVD.

thanks so much

Oil in certain places and grease for the motor.

Congrats on your FW!

I got my copy of David McCallum's book at lunchtime today - "you will need some Singer Motor lube, or in a real pinch, petroeum jelly will do. With the singer lube, you push the tubes tip into the cups end (there are two on the motor) and squeeze, with moderation until it doesn't take any more. The only exception is if you know the machine has not been used in years, in which case put one drop of oil in and then put in the lubricant. From then on, only use the lubricant" I can tell you that the book has excellent diagrams, and I feel reasonably confident now that I will be able to maintain my 'new' Featherweight, so I reccommend it - AND he signed it for me too!

I have the white/celery color Featherweight and the motor does not take lube. It's a sealed motor. Always check.

Okay what link did you click on? If you go to the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm you are golden!!

Everyone is welcome no matter what time of day it is!!

Now about you grease if you can find the Singer grease use it on the motor if not you can find Tri Flow Synthetic grease and use it instead.

Here is the link for the grease:

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/syn...low-23004.aspx

Billy

I have a 1936 221. I have NEVER lubed the motor. I oil the machine. I got it from my grandmother around 1978. I use it constantly. She may have lubed it before I got it. Last year the machine started giving me "shock therapy". Turned out that the paper insulation had finally given out from - as the pro told me - "excess lubricant compromising the structure of the insulation." I got a new/old motor installed. After over 30 years of use - I'm thinking I'm not going to do it. Have a pro look at it every five years or so. If it needs it - they'll do it! I'm going to try to scan my manual's page about this - which says to do it every 6 months. I'll post it in Pictures if I can with the title 221 - To Lubricate the Motor

That was interesting, I only got the book at lunchtime today, and have read all about putting lube in the motor, and then you said not to with white Featherweights (which is what mine is). Thank you, I actually went to look at the motor, and you are right - no place to put the lube. Now I am wondering what else in the book is no good for my little albino?

Love the albino thing. Teehee. Let's face it - they are all different, as we are, and we'll all do whatever it takes to keep "our babies" going! You can get manuals for all the machines. Whether you believe them or not is up to you!

all the suggestions have been great. thank you. I am going to send for the book.

The white FW's were the base model so it doesnt surprise me at all about the motors not having lube ports on them. But it does raise the question of how you go about maintaining them.

Billy

Mine came with a little booklet with clear photos of where to oil it. You can probably get that info on line.