Singer 301 maintenance inquiry
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Orcas Island, WA
Posts: 16
Singer 301 maintenance inquiry
I have been watching a lot of videos for properly aligning and setting up the sewing machine and I was so happy to have it set up more with each part while understanding the parts more in depth.
I am not correctly set up with the timing gear and was not able to get the two screws loose and now I don’t know if I just have to put a little more effort to “break it loose” or if I have to use something to help it loosen. Or even if I am supposed to because I haven’t seen anything on the Singer 301 Service Manual or video tutorials that I have bookmarked for references also. Thank you for your time, and I hope to finish setting it up soon!! I already ordered a little variety pack of sewing needles to start with and appreciate again for helping me understand the number references for material usage and durability. Now have to figure out what happened to the order for the grease and lubricants; but I have been also thankful for the suggestions for what products that I can use for them and have to say again I am so happy to have a great community to try and make this work right and how it is my happiest moment this year for having a great source of knowledge to make it work. Hope you all have a great day and enjoy your time!
I am not correctly set up with the timing gear and was not able to get the two screws loose and now I don’t know if I just have to put a little more effort to “break it loose” or if I have to use something to help it loosen. Or even if I am supposed to because I haven’t seen anything on the Singer 301 Service Manual or video tutorials that I have bookmarked for references also. Thank you for your time, and I hope to finish setting it up soon!! I already ordered a little variety pack of sewing needles to start with and appreciate again for helping me understand the number references for material usage and durability. Now have to figure out what happened to the order for the grease and lubricants; but I have been also thankful for the suggestions for what products that I can use for them and have to say again I am so happy to have a great community to try and make this work right and how it is my happiest moment this year for having a great source of knowledge to make it work. Hope you all have a great day and enjoy your time!
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Orcas Island, WA
Posts: 16
Regarding timing gear
I was told to get it maintenance before I really tried to use it and while getting through the parts and adjusting them to the specifications I noticed that it was off on the required settings, or what the videos recommended for ideal use.
#6
I can appreciate trying to thoroughly going through the machine, however, I think that maintenance would generally mean cleaning and lubricating. The adjustments that need to be done after that, if need be. I agree, that generally a timing adjustment is very rarely needed. Since you haven't even tried to sew with this machine, it is quite possible, that it may not even require that adjustment. I would try the first several stitches, after cleaning and oiling, by turning the hand wheel rather than with the motor.
The manual has the instructions for oiling. I found this page to be helpful as the oiling points and it even has the tension assembly removal and assembly diagram. http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...Singer_301.htm
Another link that I browsed through that has some info as to when you know the timing needs to be adjusted - https://designmycostume.com/fix-sewing-machine-timing/ Please note, the other things to check as it might not be the timing at all.
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The manual has the instructions for oiling. I found this page to be helpful as the oiling points and it even has the tension assembly removal and assembly diagram. http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine...Singer_301.htm
Another link that I browsed through that has some info as to when you know the timing needs to be adjusted - https://designmycostume.com/fix-sewing-machine-timing/ Please note, the other things to check as it might not be the timing at all.
We like pictures. In order to post pictures on Quilting Board, you will probably need to reduce or compress the picture to a file size that is smaller than 2MB. How to post images can be found at https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...020-01-17-.pdf
Don't forget to scroll over to the far right to find and click on the "Upload" button.
I have found that only the big red "Reply" button or "Quote" work to give me the paper clip icon to work for adding pictures.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/attach...p-location.jpg
Some additional info regarding reducing images at post #4 and images for the scroll and upload button can be found at #5 of quilt block ID?
Or simply - Make sure pictures are smaller than 2MB
Click on red "Reply" button
Click on the paper clip icon
Click browse - choose picture/s. (only 5 allowed per post)
Once they show up as being loaded, Scroll over to the right side and click on "Upload"
After the pictures show up as being attached, you can close that window and go back to the screen to finish posting your post.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
Last edited by OurWorkbench; 07-09-2021 at 07:12 AM. Reason: add'l
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 132
Here are a couple of video's to help you remove those stubborn screws.
Ray Elkins https://youtu.be/LSU7Ua7xyuY
Andy Tube https://youtu.be/6pAWzJyV0IY
Ray Elkins https://youtu.be/LSU7Ua7xyuY
Andy Tube https://youtu.be/6pAWzJyV0IY
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,709
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,709
Who told you that and what did they mean by maintenance?
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 474
A vintage machine would have to be abused quite badly to throw off the timing. I believe one would see, at a minimum, lots of needle strikes on the needle/stitch plate.
When I get a machine, I clean and oil, but don't touch the tension at all, until after I see how it stitches. I'll adjust the tension if needed, but don't remove it to deep clean/polish -yet. Checking in this manner separates the machine capability from user error.
When I get a machine, I clean and oil, but don't touch the tension at all, until after I see how it stitches. I'll adjust the tension if needed, but don't remove it to deep clean/polish -yet. Checking in this manner separates the machine capability from user error.