Anybody familiar with Brother Select-o-Matic?
 

My latest - but it's pretty solidly frozen. And I can't figure out how to get the top off! There's a dial on top of the machine that is NOT turning, and seems to be something you'd have to remove before the top will lift off for cleaning/lubing. Generally fearful of setting my burly husband on it to try and torque it off. (Because, it's a running joke between us how he's always breaking things.) Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks!

I don't have this machine. I know some of the machines I do have, one has to turn knobs or levers in a particular order for them to work. Some knobs are turned, some are pushed or pulled. Do you have a manual for your machine or one similar to see if that might be the case? Have you oiled it? For frozen parts, Tri-flow works a little faster than just sewing machine oil. I know some of the Brother machines have a spider type assembly on the bottom side of the top, to distribute oil to various places on top. Sometimes it takes time to get things to loosen up and old oil flushed out. Some of the tops look like one needs to take something else off first, but just undoing the visible screws, the whole top lifts off. Sometimes knobs DO need to be removed first. Of the ones that I have that the knob needs to be removed, most will have a set screw on the side to undo it.

We like pictures. Good luck on getting it back into working order.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Thanks, Janey! I did try removing the screws holding the top down, but I did not look carefully for a set screw on the knob - would make total sense. Will let you know if I find one - thanks again!

There is no set screw on that big knob. Actually, the knob and the flat piece under it are two separate pieces. You have to somehow hold the flat piece in place while turning the knob, ccw I believe.(not at home to check) Once the knob is off the flat piece lifts straight up off the machine and then the top will lift right off.

Cari

I forgot to add that the first time unscrewing that knob can be really tough. I wrapped a rubber band around it to get a good grip on it.

Cari

Thanks, Cari! When I got home, I went to my sewing room to look for a set screw on that knob. When my husband realized I was trying to take that knob off, he just reached down and unscrewed it. (sigh) I do envy his grip, and his ability to intuitively understand machines. I'm learning tons taking these old machines apart and looking inside them, but where I struggle to understand the connections and functions of the parts, he looks at 'em and just knows. Guess I'm just grateful he finds my hobby interesting and likes to help out once in a while. :)

It is unlikely that a knob itself is actually stuck - generically speaking... It is more than likely what ever the knob is trying to turn.