Featherweight Wiring Question
08-19-2012, 05:28 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by misskira
Here's a little bit about it on this blog. Sounds like you might find out more on rains blog. And I guess it's lead, not aluminum like my dh was thinking.
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blog...221-motor.html
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blog...221-motor.html
08-19-2012, 09:42 AM
#12
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I have a Two-Digit Dating System for Featherweights that I got somewhere off the internet. This is the information I have for the serial number you've given.
...221__AF 86-89 ….. 04/01/41
221__ AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run
221__ AG 00-01 ….. 07/01/41...
So yours should be in this period of time:
"221__AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run"
...221__AF 86-89 ….. 04/01/41
221__ AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run
221__ AG 00-01 ….. 07/01/41...
So yours should be in this period of time:
"221__AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run"
08-19-2012, 10:20 AM
#13
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I have read that he leaded wires were so it was easy for repairmen to move them out of the way and they would stay out of the way. They are the wires to the light. I dust them off while wearing a mask and cover them with sewing machine oil. However, the shellac idea sounds better to me and I will start using shellac. It will probably last a lot longer. (Thanks Joe.)
08-20-2012, 09:15 AM
#15
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Originally Posted by Caroline S
This is my most recent Featherweight purchase. Her serial number is AF941450. According to the ISMAC dating site http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...-database.html she should be a model 15. Not! The Featherweight 221 book authored by Nancy Johnson-Srebo gives the production dates of mid 1938 to mid 1941. I also know that it was not uncommon for Singer to allot a range of serial numbers for one model then run another model number. So I am going to go for an allotment date of 14 May 1941.
This Featherweight and her case are really, really clean for her age. The case handle is nigh on perfect. I did replace the drip pad which was smelly of course. All she needs is some surface cleaning.
I do have a question about the motor wiring which has some white stuff (efflouresence?sp) on it. It is the first time I have seen it. Is it a problem? Otherwise the wiring is what I would term excellent.
There was quite a little collection of parts in the case top including a "what is it" in the last picture. The red seam ripper has the name Necchi on it. Is the silver bar thing also a Necchi part of some sort?
This Featherweight and her case are really, really clean for her age. The case handle is nigh on perfect. I did replace the drip pad which was smelly of course. All she needs is some surface cleaning.
I do have a question about the motor wiring which has some white stuff (efflouresence?sp) on it. It is the first time I have seen it. Is it a problem? Otherwise the wiring is what I would term excellent.
There was quite a little collection of parts in the case top including a "what is it" in the last picture. The red seam ripper has the name Necchi on it. Is the silver bar thing also a Necchi part of some sort?
Last edited by quiltgal; 08-20-2012 at 09:29 AM.
08-20-2012, 10:30 AM
#16
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Location: Texas
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Originally Posted by quiltgal
Yes, the white fuzzy stuff is very common on Featherweight and is COMPLETELY HARMLESS to the function of the machine and the wires! You can clean it off if it bothers you, but you don't have to and can leave it alone.
08-21-2012, 05:58 PM
#17
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Update to Wiring Question
I spent some time today doing a clean up on the fuzzy lead sheathing the light wiring. I used Joe's suggestion to coat the lead after cleaning with shellac. Before and after pics for your viewing.
08-21-2012, 06:06 PM
#18
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Second Update, Cleaned the Case
I also spent some time cleaning the case. I made a new felt drip pad and tossed the old one. I then cleaned the case with some Murphy's Oil Soap and a damp rag. I then dug out my Father's old shoe shine kit, vintage of course, and treated that case like a pair of shoes. I applied black shoe polish, buffed it with the shoe brush and then did another polish with a soft rag. It looks almost new.
08-25-2012, 08:14 PM
#20
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Location: Martinsville, Indiana
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Caroline, what a good deal you got in buying your 5 machines. A lot of times, the featherweight will got for the price that you paid for all of them. Your FW looks like it is in great shape. Congratulations on getting it. You will love how it sounds when sewing!
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