wow what a big job you took on, but it will be worth it in the end.She is a nice color.

Miriam, has she tried these needles yet? Do they really work??? (Possible revolution for 319 users!)

Miriam, I am just now working on my 319. I thought mine was dirty, but yours was much worse! [ATTACH=CONFIG]502266[/ATTACH] I may have taken mine farther apart than you did... I removed that little stitch selector and have cleaned behind it. I was tempted to take off the bight control to clean those knobs, but was adamantly advised not to do so by people on the VSM Facebook page. I've removed the top plate, hand wheel, spool plate, and the motor.

Fortunately the electrics, plugs, and cords seem solid and intact. I tried the motor & machine when I bought it, but there was no needle so I haven't been able to sew with it. Fingers crossed. But I was happy at being able to do a deeper clean by getting the pieces off. I'd show you another picture of the in process work, but for some reason nothing else will upload.

So glad to find this thread solely devoted to the 319!

Best, Ellpea

Is the bobbin case all chewed up?

Well, actually, I haven't got down to the bobbin yet! The machine is so heavy (and getting to the bobbin is so awkward --what were they thinking with that design?) I haven't even looked yet. I will let you know!

Nope, the bobbin is fine! (so previous owners hadn't tried to use the wrong needles... but it had NO needle, so they may have thought they couldn't get replacements and just put it away)

did the serger needles work in the 319?
 

Miriam, still dying to know if those needles worked for your sister!

You have put a lot of "elbow grease" into this. Bet it will run beautifully when all is done!

My sister says they do. I bought needles on line to fit so I don't personally know.

Well, I can report that I've got my 319 ALL cleaned and lubed, and finally have the needle jib in. That is a real trick, I can tell you! I also tried first to use the serger needle, but it would not stay in straight. I kept thinking I'd put something together wrong, but finally decided to try a regular 15 needle (and watch the bobbin closely). It went right in, stayed straight, and SEWS like a dream. I did 6 layers of denim before deciding to call it a night. SUCCESS! I've been puttering with this machine since before Thanksgiving, and it has been a ton of fun!

Now to get my clone finished (just discovered it's a 15-30) and the base and bentwood top restored on the 12... (but that's another thread)!

Hmm. I don't know what to say.

Good your DH knows machinery and electricity.

It's all a foreign language to me

Your working hard.

Wow looking good.

Starting to look beautiful

Poor baby but looking good.

I've had my 1953 US made 319 since 1971, always working beautifully. BUT I have run out of needles and don't have a resource for them. If you know where ti buy needles, please post.

sew-classic carries them. There are some serger needles - somethere in the above thread you will see that discussed. Also there is some way you can polish off part of the bobbin case and be able to use regular needles. Read the whole 22 pages I guess. The info is here.

cnichol, you CAN use 15x1 needles for straight stitching, I'm doing that right now for FMQ on my 319. I *think* you can also do a zigzag/decor stitch with these needles if the width is under a 3. I have not tried that yet, but if I do I'd operate the via handwheel first to see how it goes. I did order an after-market bobbin case with the intent of modifying it, but the machine does not like it very much and gives me some trouble. I'd like to try the modification, but hate to risk my only vintage case.

I have also tried the serger needles -- be careful to get the ones with the flat side. The sewing machine store gave me the correct size but entirely round, which of course didn't work. If we didn't experiment, we'd never learn anything! Enjoy your 319, they are wonderful machines!

Pamela,
Did you need to drop the serger needles a hair to get them in time with the hook or did they not fit in the needle bar because they are round? I haven't tried regular needles to see if they straight stitch but the 206 I have was sold because it had the wrong needle in it and wouldn't even straight stitch.

Miriam, my issue with the serger needles was that they were round and wouldn't stay seated in the proper direction. I had just taken that machine apart and put the needle clamp back on (with that weird little jig inside), and had a horrible time anyway even finding my way up through the clamp. (I wound up using a mirror and a flashlight with the machine tilted back so I could finally SEE). So getting that round needle organized just didn't work. I was just a *little* annoyed with the local sewing machine store... I had asked for the "DX-something F" needles, and they gave me the package without the "F", which I now guess means "flat" sided. But it's a family business, they'd just lost a daughter-in-law to cancer, and getting the wrong package just didn't seem worth complaining about right then. I still need to order the proper needles so we can do special stitches though!

I have wondered if you can put a different clamp on it but never experimented.

I have a 201 with the same needle clamp. Any others?

Looking much better.

You are very fortunate to have a DH who shares your passion. Good luck with the new baby.

This info should work for the SINGER 206 and 306 as well as the 319.
To clean the crinkle finish I’ve done well with Dawn and a toothbrush. Rinse carefully and get everything dry so nothing rusts.

That is just amazing ! I recently cleaned up my grandmas Singer that she bought when I was born. Because everyone smoked in the house back then it was totally gummed up with nicotine ,it is really sticky! I wonder if thats what was on your machine.

Very likely from smoking or an oil stove....

Amazing before and afters! I hope she's humming along for you real soon!