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11-21-2011, 08:46 AM

#41

jljack

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW

Posts: 7,940

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesiG

I purchased a 301 earlier this year (1951 tan short bed in an art deco cabinet) and had similar issues with the tension- Icould not set the tensioner low enough to make a balanced stitch, much less lighten up the tension if needed for specificsewing. What I eventually did was to tighten the bobbin tension with that tiny screw on the bobbin case until I had a
balanced stitch when the upper disc was around the middle number. This took about an hour of fiddling around with it,
tighten the screw- sew a trial seam, adjust, adjust etc. and now I have it so that if I am sewing 2 layers of cotton, the
upper tension is set at about 4.5 or so. I also cleaned the heck out of it, oiled everything and then played with all the
attachments that came with it. Spent just one summer afternoon sitting on my camper deck to get it purring along.
I also have a FW (love it for piecing) and a Bernina 430, but I really like FMQ on my 301.

Thanks for the tips on the tension. I think I'll have to try that after all my hustling around is done....so that's the end of January. I'll come back and post how it went. For now it's sewing OK. I never thought about adjusting down the bobbin case tension. It's the original bobbin case (it's a blackside), so maybe it's spring has weakened some.

11-21-2011, 08:59 AM

#42

jljack

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW

Posts: 7,940

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linkbeth

Great to hear about http://www.shop.sew-classic.com I just ordered an Electronic controller for My (new) 301..I love the way the machine is so very sensitive to small touch adjustment as I move the fabric. Found the original Controller to be difficult to control speed (operator issue) as you need to compensate with a side foot tilt movement vs and up and down for speed.. the Seller was very helpful in guiding me and indicated that she also, has changed out most of her 301 controllers to Electronic ones, recommended this site with high ratings. I will of course keep the 'Original' cords.. anyone else change out their Controllers or cords?.. BTW. mine were in very good condition, just changing out for my desire of more speed control and newer power cords..the information is good on the above site as to what you need for what machine..
Happy Stitching Week..going to be a short one..w/ getting ready for Thanksgiving.. have a good one to all members of the Forum...

I had to get new power cord and foot controller for mine, as she came without. I am very happy with the control I have with the new controller.

11-21-2011, 09:42 AM

#43

Linkbeth

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: SWFL

Posts: 99

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfergirl

My husband and I buy all our machine parts from Jenny at sew-classic.com...she's the best! We have a collection of vintage machines which we do all the cleaning, oiling, repairs, etc, ourselves. We change out the foot controllers and cords, if necessary. There are adjustments that can be made on the original foot controllers which will help control the speed. If you join the vintage singers yahoo group, you will find information on taking care of these vintage machines.

Thanks Lynn, will scope out the Yahoo site..Like additional information.
Wanted to let others know that besides to items to purchase on Jenny's site, she has a lot of 'how to information' for free here is the link for the controllers, but look around at her site and blogs. I enjoyed it a lot.
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2010/01/...g-machine.aspx
Happy Stitching..N Fixing..

11-21-2011, 10:09 AM

#44

spindreams

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Vancouver, BC

Posts: 86

I bought a 1956 301 in May, and I purposely bought it because of the strong steel gears. It makes heavy weight sewing of things like bags and denim like cutting through soft butter! I got all of the attachments and the manual with the machine. It was oiled, threaded, and ready to use, having been used up until a few months before I bought it. I would love a 301 thread to learn mor about this fabulous machine!

Jane

11-21-2011, 11:28 AM

#45

BarbaraSue

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: near Peoria Illinois

Posts: 1,638

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbaraSue

I just recieved my 301 beauty. I'd love to have a thread to talk about her and learn more about her. She sews like a charm, and so quietly. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.

She is a fun machine. And she belongs in my family-- she has trouble controlling her weight!! She left Texas weighing 18 lbs. and came to my porch in Illinois weighing 25 lbs.! Must have stopped off for an oil buffet along the way! hehehe

11-22-2011, 08:47 PM

#46

pegstar

Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Posts: 135

301's

[QUOTE=Linkbeth;4693323]I see the 301's as a totally different machine due to the gear drive motor, larger scale design and drop feed dog feature. They are a slant foot style and I believe their motor is stronger due to the gear driven quality. Their motors are not as removable and easily replaced as that of the FW
They share the flip up bed and decals and portability of the FW, as well as the placement of the bobbin.. (the more 'senior' members will be able to expand on this. If I am not correct, please re-direct in a gentle way)
..In all due respect know that I love the Featherweight and own them as well.
Having said all this, Would Antique Machine Enthusiasts might like a thread to discuss the 301's?
Does anyone else feel they should have their own discussion thread?

I think it would be great to have a thread for 301's...I have a Viking,aBernina,featherweight & 2 301's....I use
the 301's for all my piecing & quilting...really love this machine

11-23-2011, 04:17 AM

#47

hobbykat1955

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Milton DE

Posts: 3,189

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linkbeth

When I found my 301 at a tag sale for 30.00 I took her to a Vintage Singer repair person in the area. He switched out foot and wires. When I found my 301A in mint condition in a cabinet I discovered it had the pull down knee control and I love using that versus the foot pedal...

11-23-2011, 04:18 AM

#48

miriam

Power Poster

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Somewhere

Posts: 15,507

I like the knee control too - it seems like the messages get to my knee quicker than to my toes.

11-23-2011, 06:02 AM

#49

justtrish

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: London, Ontario

Posts: 231

Quote:

Originally Posted by miriam

I like the knee control too - it seems like the messages get to my knee quicker than to my toes.

Hehehe.... Just remember to remove said knee from controller when moving around else another vaccination will happen..... I have to remind myself of this........

Sure wish my 301 had a knee controller...

11-23-2011, 08:01 AM

#50

Linkbeth

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: SWFL

Posts: 99

You have some lovely machines in your collection.
I am anxiously awaiting the post-Thanksgiving time so I can pull out my 301 and attach the new controller as well as the new cord.. got is so quickly from "Jenny @ Sew-Classic LLC". I also got some kroil, which is hard to find here..
I hope we can get an album going of individuals 301's. Before and after pictures of restored or issues worked on would also be nice.
Need to look up the thread on picture posting as well as setting up albums.
If anyone can point me in the right direction/thread it would be much appreciated.
Regards and have a good Thanksgiving.. take care if you are driving.. just came back from the supermarket and in my area w/ the 'snowbirds' and regulars, it is really nutty..staying in the rest of day to get ready for tomorrow as I am the 'cooker'..Liz

I think it would be great to have a thread for 301's...I have a Viking,aBernina,featherweight & 2 301's....I use
the 301's for all my piecing & quilting...really love this machine[/QUOTE]

Last edited by Linkbeth; 11-23-2011 at 08:06 AM.