w1613s

How about " the sewing machine love of my life"? I used it and used it and used it and the cam shaft needs replacement. I cannot find a cam shaft that will exactly replace the 62c I own. And, if I did, I cannot find a repairperson who is willing to do the job! I am willing to pay the price but they are NOT willing to do it.

From what I can tell there are multiple versions of the 62c. One, the one you have pictured (square knob), has an automatic buttonhole. Another version has an elongated knob and does not make an automatic buttonhole. I think a third version was discussed.

If I could get my hands on the right cam shaft and find a repairperson, my machine would be fixed so fast your hair would blow.

Now, does someone have a 62c with a square knob they would like to sell or, maybe a cam shaft (the "entire cam shaft," whatever that means) that goes to a 62c with a square knob? Also a cash on the barrelhead deal. Hmmmm??????? I am trying to love the Bernina 1630; I really am. The 1630 is a lovely machine. I am becoming fonder of it. BUT! It just is not my Elna Super 62c that makes automatic buttonholes, has a square knob, and feels like mine.

Yes, I am pitiful. I have no shame. I want my Elnaback working. If anyone would take pity on me, .....!?

Sniff,

Pat

yobrosew

Well, it is here. Came with beautiful crafted Elna cabinet with a really cool pull up thread shelf and it opens out on both sides. Cams, feet, instruction manuals that look like never opened, original portable blue case, warranty card. The woman who sold to me for forty bucks said her aunt, who bought it originally, gave it to her but she never used it. Just sat in garages. It is very dirty and must have sat opened up for a long time. The wheel turns, was stiffish but a wee bit better after just one round of oil in the little red dot areas; the red paint looks brand new. The hand wheel (or whatever we call it) has three screws and the left one (in pics) is missing and the right one looks like a replacement). Card says purchased locally in 1976. There is a receipt with a doll pattern and some fabric dated 1981 so maybe was still being sewn on then?? I am having a hard time getting pictures up; computer not very agreeable. Here are the first two and will try rest in new post.

Candace

Wow, you stole it. Congrats. Clean it well and check those gears.

Pat, I've had to remove the guts of this machine before to repair a loose knob that could only be reached by removing the cam follower mechanism and drive shaft. What a pain. I've also had to replace motor brushes and had to invent a technique so I wouldn't have to remove the bottom of the machine. Replacing motor brushes on it are not easy! I do agree with Miriam that it's not a beginner machine and I suspect the amount of people that will tackle these old gals dwindles by the day. They are not intuitive or easy to work on. I would suggest you keep your eye on ebay or CL for a donor machine to start with. Then, at least you'll have the parts to work with and then you can attempt to find someone who knows what they're doing.

yobrosew

Cleaning this scares me. It seems so foreign. I have taken apart and repaired Kenmores and Wards machine over the years as needed and even a Necchi Supernova. (My dad taught me to always obtain service manuals to machines) But this just seems, well, foreign. I am intimidated.

miriam

It is ok to be intimidated. I am. I have several around... I may even have a donor...

yobrosew

Once I have a service manual I will feel more comfortable. I do have a Bernini service guy who works on Elnas, too, so I may surrender it up to him to check out. If I could get the smaller screw on top right to loosen I would probably not be able to resist at least trying stuff. One thing wrong is the needle position wheel/button does not move. Peddle works. But only used very briefly as sounded stiff to me. I have cleaned up the outside and not one nick or chip anywhere.

Grammie Sharon

oh my this is just like mine. i still have my blue carry case. i wish my table was as nice as yours. Mine is a table i bought that pulls up and fits into the arm. this has been a great machine. There is a repair man in St. clair shores, MI that works on Elnas. the shop is called Whitakers. I'm sure if you google it you could find a phone number and could call and see what he could do to help out CAndace or yobrosew. Good luck with it.

NapaJohn

You can squirt a little liquid wrench on that screw, let it sit for a while, and then try it. You're lucky in getting that type of handwheel. Mine has a circlip fastener (no screws) that is awful to both get off and back on...easily lost when it sproings loose. You can join the yahoo group "elnaheirloomsewingmachines" and then go to the files section and download the service manual for the "Star Series." There are also some instructions on the foot controllers. That should help. I will also caution you that if you remove the bobbin case there is a tiny spring that reportedly springs out and is easily lost. I've been hesitant to take that apart for that reason but mine is sewing fine. I did see a CL add for one for a "bargain price" of $150 because they took the bobbin assembly out and couldn't get it back together.

You got a great deal.

If you're unsure, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it serviced and the service guy would replace that screw and know what to check. You could also try oiling it first and see if it improves.

A good source for parts (and information) is http://www.whitesewingcenter.com/index.php
Ray White also teaches sewing repair workshops in various locations and is reportedly very good.

Good luck and enjoy your new machine.

tumorfarmer

There is something like 111 different stitch cams that fit this Elna Star sewing machine, making all of their machines use the same stitch cams, was a stroke of genius! Because these vintage Elna's (which include the Supermatic) were so well built, & you could update your old sewing machine, just by purchasing the newest stitch cams, Elna built a huge following of faithful fans! The only reason they are so cheap used, is because America & other "western civilizations", are able to purchase clothes ready made, cheaper than they can make them, & because computerized sewing machines are the newest trend.

These older mostly metal sewing machines will last much longer, & sew better than any of these lightweight computerized plastic machines made today. The Star can actually sew more designs than the Supermatics, because of the built in cams can be used with the removable cams, to create new designs, as well as the removable cams being able to sew their specific stitch.. The Supermatics do not have any built in cams, which is why these Stars don't stay for sale long, they get snapped up quickly! Best of luck!
Becky

Mollie'sMom

The 62C was made in Switzerland. I was an elna dealer for a long time and have used the elna machines. The ones made in Switzerland are the best. I have one like this with cams and I love the decorative stitches. I was lucky enough to visit the elna head quarters in Switzerland and watch the workers put together some of the first computer machines they made. They were so precise that only one person put together a whole machine. Another would test it and another would pack it. I was very impressed with their production of elna's. The plant was very clean. no dust anywhere. The whole country was like that.