Any one familiar with Nelco 2338 machine
 

I have been picking up old machines and taking them apart and cleaning oiling and have had to replace a few parts. I took a FW maintenance class a couple of years ago and it has made me a crazy woman. I have repaired several of my friends FWs and now I seem to have branched out. I am currently playing with a NELCO 2448 machine. It is the most complicated machine I have taken apart. I might fail on getting this one working. Anyone know anything about this machine. I can provide a picture. I wish I knew why I am so possessed with these old girls but I am. I cannot find much on-line on this one. Any information would be great. I think part of the problem is the belt. I tried to find a belt and have purchased a few because it does not seem to be in reference manuals that dealers have for replacement parts. Just thought someone might know what size belt it might take or possible have worked on one before. Don't know what I am looking for from you guys, but I have always had good responses from this group when I have had questions.

I need to look again on that model number...I think it is 2448.

Nelco machines were imported from Japan by the original U.S distributor of the Italian Necchi machines. I have worked on a couple of them and quite frankly, I won't waste my time to look at one in a thrift store. They are not worth it. The casting is rough and the finishing is sub-par. To sum it up - they are junk.

1screech,

There are so many different Japanese machines out there it's almost impossible to tell one from another without photos.
Could you post the pics you have so we can get an idea of what a 2448 looks like? I checked with Relics and they don't have a manual for it. So I'm lost.

I also have run across machines that are overly complex. They can give a person nightmares.

I can't say anything about Nelco machines as I've not yet had the pleasure to meet one. It will happen eventually.

Joe

I have yet to "throw a machine away". i hope this is not the first. It looks so well made on the inside.[ATTACH=CONFIG]415117[/ATTACH]
I do believe it needs a new belt and have bought one that I thought would fit and it does not. It is a2448. Hopefully the picture will identify the belt size for someone who can help. Thanks guys.

1screech,

That machine is very similar to my Aldens SUZ-2 machine. Internally they are very complex. Oil everything that moves or looks like it should move.
Grease the cam drive gears.
I suggest Tri-Flow oil and grease.

The controls are color coded, when making settings each control has to be set on the same color for it to work right.

Sew-Classic has a technique of using a non-stretchy string or cord to measure the belt size, then she can tell you what belt is closest. The technique for the string is explained on Sew-Classics belt section. My Aldens has a double cogged amber belt on it, no number for me to tell you.
There may be a lever on it to put the machine into stretch stitch mode. You have to move it to make the back and forth feed dog motion.

Sadly I haven't found an owners manual for my machine either.

Once oiled up and cleaned it should sew quite nicely.

Joe

Thanks joe for your help. It just has the feel of a sturdy machine.

One more thing. When you pop the top, don't unscrew, tighten, adjust, tweak, or do anything to anything you absolutely don't have to. Just clean it and oil it. Many many adjustments can be made under there and without a repair guide, it's best to leave it alone.

My Aldens is like that.



Joe