Problem getting my FW to stitch!
 

Hi friends,

I can't figure out what the problem is.
I have a white FW that I was oiling and lubricating. When I went to sew nothing happens. The motor runs and the belt runs but the wheel won't turn and the needle won't move.

I've taken the wheel off, redid the belt, and just can't figure out what could be causing this.

Any ideas? I don't feel like taking it in but will if I have to.

TIA

Could it be a thread jam in behind the bobbin? That is what happened to me.

Ah! It could be that, Kelsie. Thanks so much. I'll check it. I watched a tutorial from the Featherweight Shop about it a couple of days ago but for some reason I forgot!

Tartan, thank you. I checked it and the little wheel was tight enough. It may have something to do with the thread in the bobbin jamming. That's the only thing I can think of and Kelsie reminded me of it.

I'll try that too. Last night I was too tired and knew I would just mess things up if I started. Thanks.

Does the needle move if you turn the hand wheel manually? If not, the thread jam is a good bet. Remove the bobbin (in its case) and try again. This is usually a simple fix when a machine has recently been running fine, but can be a little tricky to find.

I'm having trouble getting that little screw out. I got one out on another FW just fine but this one is really tight.
Yes, the needle moves when I turn the wheel manually.

I'm not sure what little screw you're referring to, but if the needle moves when you turn the handwheel manually, then all you need to do is tighten the belt a little. Don't make the belt too tight or it will stress the motor, and FWs have pretty wimpy motors to begin with. One trick you might try is to lightly sand the belt on the inside edge that comes in contact with the drive pulley. It must be slipping.