301a sewing speed
 

Besides my foot pressure, is there any way to regulate the sewing speed on a Singer 301a?

It's goes either really slow or sews too fast! Once in a while I can get my foot pressure, just right, and it'll sew at 'a good normal pace'.

Part of the problem, I believe is that I am working on 3" squares and have to stop and start often.

Any way to regulate the speed? Any tips on how to get 'a good pace'?

Thanks - Nancy

There's a setting screw in the pedal that can be ajusted. There's a fairly recent thread on how to sort out different issues with these pedals. I have slight trouble with internet connection today and can't search it up atm, but the major part can be found on archaic arcane's blog too. I have two old button type bakelite controllers I'm happy with, I have developed a feel for them and are keeping them. If you want to keep the original they can be serviced. You can also easily replace it with a new basic foot controler if you want to. The newer ones have better speed control.

Taking my shoe off allows me to have a better feel and control with my toes. I know that sounds strange, but it helps me!

Not strange to me at all! I never sew with shoes on I prefer sewing (or most other things) barefoot.

Cari

I was sewing with just socks on today, and loved it. More feeling on the pedal, more control.

I got a solid state controller at Sew-Classic.com for $16.95 and it solved a lot of previous problems. Got one for the FW and it is so much lighter. Don't know why I didn't do it a long time ago and would have if I had known how much better the solid state controller would be. Would never go back.

If it's the button controller with the carbon disks ArchaicArcane's blog has a good writeup on rebuilding them. Otherwise, the solid state controllers are pretty nice.
Rodney

Add me to the list of fans of a modern solid state controller. LOL, it's the only modern thing I really consider an improvement.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I did not find a post about 'adjusting a set screw. I took the foot apart, dusted off some white buildup that was on the part that moved forward/backward which made a connection to 2 copper pieces, and did not see a screw which could be adjustable.

I'll try the foot pedal again...this time with shoes on and maybe that'll help me 'get the right speed'.

I'll look more for pics/blogs about foot pedals.

Thanks - Nancy

I was reading online that it was old dried out grease in the motor that caused someone's 301 to run slow. Maybe consider that, as well as the foot controller.