301a sewing speed
 

Besides my foot pressure, is there any way to regulate the sewing speed on a Singer 301a?

It's goes either really slow or sews too fast! Once in a while I can get my foot pressure, just right, and it'll sew at 'a good normal pace'.

Part of the problem, I believe is that I am working on 3" squares and have to stop and start often.

Any way to regulate the speed? Any tips on how to get 'a good pace'?

Thanks - Nancy

There's a setting screw in the pedal that can be ajusted. There's a fairly recent thread on how to sort out different issues with these pedals. I have slight trouble with internet connection today and can't search it up atm, but the major part can be found on archaic arcane's blog too. I have two old button type bakelite controllers I'm happy with, I have developed a feel for them and are keeping them. If you want to keep the original they can be serviced. You can also easily replace it with a new basic foot controler if you want to. The newer ones have better speed control.

Taking my shoe off allows me to have a better feel and control with my toes. I know that sounds strange, but it helps me!

Not strange to me at all! I never sew with shoes on I prefer sewing (or most other things) barefoot.

Cari

I was sewing with just socks on today, and loved it. More feeling on the pedal, more control.

I got a solid state controller at Sew-Classic.com for $16.95 and it solved a lot of previous problems. Got one for the FW and it is so much lighter. Don't know why I didn't do it a long time ago and would have if I had known how much better the solid state controller would be. Would never go back.

If it's the button controller with the carbon disks ArchaicArcane's blog has a good writeup on rebuilding them. Otherwise, the solid state controllers are pretty nice.
Rodney

Add me to the list of fans of a modern solid state controller. LOL, it's the only modern thing I really consider an improvement.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I did not find a post about 'adjusting a set screw. I took the foot apart, dusted off some white buildup that was on the part that moved forward/backward which made a connection to 2 copper pieces, and did not see a screw which could be adjustable.

I'll try the foot pedal again...this time with shoes on and maybe that'll help me 'get the right speed'.

I'll look more for pics/blogs about foot pedals.

Thanks - Nancy

I was reading online that it was old dried out grease in the motor that caused someone's 301 to run slow. Maybe consider that, as well as the foot controller.

I really dislike those button controllers - just not enough room for my shoe! (I have to wear shoes as my right big toe is fused). Going to order a solid state one for my Featherweight! Thanks for nudging my brain!!

PS - of course I will keep the original for the next owner to use in a very long time from now!

Margaret - check out the newer posting by Bonnie Hunter showing how to make a very useful "adaptor" for a buttonstyle controller - looks easy to make and would be great to have :)

http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2016/0...solutions.html

Yes, I agree. It sounds or seems crazy but it works for me too.

I use the button controller the wrong way around (I think); I have my foot on top of the pedal and the big toe on the button (the power cord side is closer to the heal of my foot). There is a description or manual some where on the web on how it's suppose to be used. It shows a lady with shoes on and she has the heel on the floor and the tip of the shoe up against the button side of the controller. The shoe rests on the solid bakelite knob, and you press on the button with the right side of your shoe tip. I have tried it and it works. I think the manual was made in a time when leather soles were more common and women often had shoes with a one and a half inch shoes. Lots of shoe types will work just as well with this approach, not all though. In the house I tend to wear socks only and that's why I use it the wrong way around, it works very well for me.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will be sewing a lot on the 301 today and hopefully it'll run at a 'good pace'.

Nancy

Wow! I thought I was the only one that sewed barefoot (or just in socks). I have a lot of trouble sewing in shoes. If I"m having to go in and out while I'm sewing I put on my garden clogs so I can kick them off when I sit back down at the sewing machine.

BTW, I also drive barefoot. I have a standard shift car and I find it much easier. My husband made fun of that until we were watching "Top Gear" and Tanner was going to drive a Noble at speeds close to 200 mph and said that that kind of driving called for no shoes.

So, I figure that just means we're in the high performance sewing league. :p

I have shoe issues due to broken bones and a bad scar from stepping on a broken beer bottle in my teens. The only shoes I wear at all any more are the garden clogs from Fred Meyer. At $12-15 a pair, I usually only have to buy a new pair about once a year. Saves a lot of money.

Cari

UPDATE: I sewed all afternoon with shoes on and the speed was to my liking. I believe the even pressure of the front of the shoe helped me.

Thanks for all your suggestions!

Nancy