Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a Singer 301a from FL that has some rust here and there, including a little on the feed dogs. The machine sews pretty good, but when I went to lower the feed dogs to try out FMQ, I couldn't get the thumbscrew (to the left of the bobbin case) to turn away from me with a screwdriver as the manual says to do.

Can anyone tell me the correct way to free up the thumbscrew and if there's anything I can do to clean the rust off the feed dogs?

I've attached two pics to show you just what I'm looking at.

Thanks in advance, :D

maybe try some W-D40, but wipe it down real good.

Send a PM to Lostn51. He may have some helpful hints:)

Thanks. :thumbup: I couldn't figure out how to start a new post on the VSM thread.

DH says that Naval jelly will take off rust if you can remove the feed dogs and apply it away from your machine.

Hmm, thanks. I don't know if that's possible, but I'll look into it. Much appreciated. :D

To ask in the vintage thread, go here and 'reply'. Someone will help you.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-899.htm#2951235

WD40 might help, but be sure to clean it all off when you're done. Don't leave it on the machine. I'd use a pair of big pliers instead of the screwdriver. Your machine may be a candidate for a kerosene bath.

try baby oil it losens up lot of things

WD-40 will work.

Thanks. Thought I heard not to use WD-40 on sewing machines, but maybe that was in another context. I'll give it a try.