Lucky, lucky me... Singer 301
#1
Lucky, lucky me... Singer 301
At an estate sale I saw a pretty plain cabinet that I recognized should have a sewing machine in it. Was shocked to find a black shortbed 301 in it, in nice condition! This is the one machine missing from my collection-- never even saw one in person before! It had the little bench seat too.
Now that I have it at home I am starting to play with it. It sews well but needs that good first cleaning/oiling/greasing. It's been years since I did this... I know Liquid Wrench is a good cleaner, but remind me if Tri Flow is okay in lieu of oil, and Tri Flow Lubricant in lieu of grease?
Also, from the serial number I found this machine is a 1952 model 301-- no "a". What exactly is the difference between a 301 and a 301a? Or did they just start labeling them with the "a" after 1952?
Thanks for your help and advice!
Now that I have it at home I am starting to play with it. It sews well but needs that good first cleaning/oiling/greasing. It's been years since I did this... I know Liquid Wrench is a good cleaner, but remind me if Tri Flow is okay in lieu of oil, and Tri Flow Lubricant in lieu of grease?
Also, from the serial number I found this machine is a 1952 model 301-- no "a". What exactly is the difference between a 301 and a 301a? Or did they just start labeling them with the "a" after 1952?
Thanks for your help and advice!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
Lovely,lovely machine! You are so lucky! The "a" means it was built in Anderson, SC. Check out www.singer301.com for lots of info. This is still on my list to get, but haven't found one cheap enough yet! Have fun with her!
#3
Lovely,lovely machine! You are so lucky! The "a" means it was built in Anderson, SC. Check out www.singer301.com for lots of info. This is still on my list to get, but haven't found one cheap enough yet! Have fun with her!
Thank you for that site, Margaret! It's wonderful!
#4
I do not recommend Liquid Wrench it may take the black finish off. I use Tri Flow and it does a good job oiling and soaking to the dry spots. Miriam as posted a list of videos on cleaning and oiling vintage machines. HOW TO CLEAN UP and use a vintage sewing machine - videos by Muv and Fav
#6
sewbizgirl you asked "... I know Liquid Wrench is a good cleaner, but remind me if Tri Flow is okay in lieu of oil, and Tri Flow Lubricant in lieu of grease?"
Yes, Tri-Flow is okay for oil, the consensus is that the Tri-Flow Lubricant for grease on gears is okay, just not to be used in the motor grease tubes on Singer motors that have them.
I'm thinking that Liquid Wrench is okay for shiny bits off the machine, but not cleaning the actual machine head.
Yes, you are lucky. Did you get the manual and lots of goodies in the bench and/or drawers?
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Yes, Tri-Flow is okay for oil, the consensus is that the Tri-Flow Lubricant for grease on gears is okay, just not to be used in the motor grease tubes on Singer motors that have them.
I'm thinking that Liquid Wrench is okay for shiny bits off the machine, but not cleaning the actual machine head.
Yes, you are lucky. Did you get the manual and lots of goodies in the bench and/or drawers?
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
It's gorgeous and what a great find. I'll let the pros tell you how to clean it. Just cleaned mine (401) thoroughly this week and she purrs like a sleepy kitten. I didn't use the tri-flow just the singer oil and lube.
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