SteveH

The key with older unknown stuff is to be patient and observant.

Gently try each shuttle with the bobbins to see what fits what.
Pair them up and zip lock bag them for future reference(my method)
Then try each shuttle in the carrier and cycle the machine gently.
Watch for how much "slop" or "rattle" they have. it should be very clear quickly which is correct.

The nice thing about older machines is the threading is usually self explanatory.

Rule one:
The bobbin goes into the shuttle so that the thread makes a direction change as it enters the slot (usually at an angle on the edge)

Rule two:
The thread has to pass through a tension on the shuttle before it is picked up

Rule three:
Threading the top path is generally some variant of
Spool, guide, tension, guide, take-up, guide, needle

Rule four:
The side of the needle with no groove must face the hook when lowered

Rule five:
The needle thread direction is generally from the no-groove side to the groove side

For Needle choice:
In reality any needle that is of the correct general type (curved or straight) and long enough can be made to work.

Step 1: Move unit until the needlebar is all the way down.
Step 2: Continue movement until the needlebar has lifted approx 3/32 of an inch
Step 3: Set needle in correct direction and height so that the eye of the needle is 1/16 inch below the point of the sewing hook.

This can get most machines sewing....

Macybaby

Here is mine - and the shuttle/bobbin it should take.

amcatanzaro

The original Royal sewing machine was made by the St John Sewing Machine company (long before they sold it to Illinois) here in Springfield, OH. John Foos owned the company. There's stuff out there, maybe I can come up with it.
It's a pretty similar machine.

Macybaby

Here is a picture of a New Royal, with an original Royal in front

jlhmnj

Hi,

The New Royal uses a long 20x1 needle. Sometimes needle packages marked New Royal are found. Boye (brand name) #24 is also common. The needle measures a little over 1-3/4". The needles can be found online or with collectors with the Boye needle cabinets.

Jon

amcatanzaro

There's the Sewmuse info on the Royal. It's not 100% helpful but it's an idea.

HelenAnn

Thank you Steve these are great rules.

OurWorkbench

ladydukes - I am in agreement with all the positive remarks. The cabinet is indeed "eye candy.".

Steve - thank you for the "rules" - It's nice to have it so well put-together. I'm thinking that "Rule five: The needle thread direction is generally from the no-groove side to the groove side" might be confusing to some? I think that the cut end of thread coming off the upper spool goes into the long groove side and comes out the the no-groove side?

Cathy - thank you for all you contribute, especially willingness to share your knowledge and pictures.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Justsosew

Lovely machine. It's amazing how much I am learning just reading this threads. The next machine on my list is a treadle, but not sure which one.
Maggie

DonnaMiller

Bless you Cathy. Some are getting hard to impossible to find. We will be ever so grateful for manuals we can actually use.