Featherweight Wiring Question
 

This is my most recent Featherweight purchase. Her serial number is AF941450. According to the ISMAC dating site http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...-database.html she should be a model 15. Not! The Featherweight 221 book authored by Nancy Johnson-Srebo gives the production dates of mid 1938 to mid 1941. I also know that it was not uncommon for Singer to allot a range of serial numbers for one model then run another model number. So I am going to go for an allotment date of 14 May 1941.

This Featherweight and her case are really, really clean for her age. The case handle is nigh on perfect. I did replace the drip pad which was smelly of course. All she needs is some surface cleaning.

I do have a question about the motor wiring which has some white stuff (efflouresence?sp) on it. It is the first time I have seen it. Is it a problem? Otherwise the wiring is what I would term excellent.

There was quite a little collection of parts in the case top including a "what is it" in the last picture. The red seam ripper has the name Necchi on it. Is the silver bar thing also a Necchi part of some sort?

I don't know the answers to your questions, but wanted to say that I think you have a lovely machine!

Yes, I purchased this Featherweight sight unseen as a package deal with four other sewing machines which included an Elna Supermatic, a Singer model 15 in a cabinet, a Singer 127 Sphinx and the Singer 27 with the crinkle finish. What I really wanted was the Elna. All five sewing machines cost $300. I guess I did OK except for the 27 crinkle finish.

Pictures of the wiring would help.

Here it is, fuzzy white stuff on wiring:eek: Will try to get a clearer pic if needed

Caroline,

By the looks of the speckles all over the area I'd guess it's either mold or corrosion. A better pic would help.

I do know our Featherweight has cloth covered wires underneath, but nothing like yours has.

Joe

Better pic tomorrow. I am thinking corrosion. That is the only area that shows the white stuff. All of the other wiring appears to be OK. I will do some light brushing on that wiring and do a before and after pic.

Mine has that. my dh said it is oxidation on the Aluminum that covers the wire. He was thinking it was there to keep the wire out of the gears. I took mine outside and brushed it off, and have had no problems.

Here's a little bit about it on this blog. Sounds like you might find out more on rains blog. And I guess it's lead, not aluminum like my dh was thinking.
http://mysewingmachineobsession.blog...221-motor.html

If it is lead then that is lead oxide and it is toxic. Do not breath or ingest it. Wear a face mask and gloves when you clean it. Probably a good idea to shellac it after cleaning it.

Joe

That is it Misskira. Now I know it is lead and will be careful about cleaning it up. Thanks Joe for the advice since those little white particles of lead are all over. I will do the cleaning outside and with protection. Now I am curious about why they covered the wire with lead?

I have a Two-Digit Dating System for Featherweights that I got somewhere off the internet. This is the information I have for the serial number you've given.

...221__AF 86-89 ….. 04/01/41
221__ AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run
221__ AG 00-01 ….. 07/01/41...


So yours should be in this period of time:
"221__AF 99 ……….. 07/01/41 *****transitional production run"

I have read that he leaded wires were so it was easy for repairmen to move them out of the way and they would stay out of the way. They are the wires to the light. I dust them off while wearing a mask and cover them with sewing machine oil. However, the shellac idea sounds better to me and I will start using shellac. It will probably last a lot longer. (Thanks Joe.)

The shellac idea comes from old time cartridge collectors. Lead bullets oxidize over time and look terrible. So a bit of clean shellac keeps them clean.

Joe

Yes, the white fuzzy stuff is very common on Featherweight and is COMPLETELY HARMLESS to the function of the machine and the wires! You can clean it off if it bothers you, but you don't have to and can leave it alone.

I have found it best to just oil it to keep it more under control as it will come back.

Update to Wiring Question
 

Second Update, Cleaned the Case
 

Sweet! And I learned something new too.

Caroline, what a good deal you got in buying your 5 machines. A lot of times, the featherweight will got for the price that you paid for all of them. Your FW looks like it is in great shape. Congratulations on getting it. You will love how it sounds when sewing!

Wow I'm envious of the deal too! Mine looks just like yours so I'm relieved to hear it will not upset the function of my machine. I will clean it gently then and get her back together soon! :)

wow, what a fantastic improvement on the case! great job cleaning and polishing it. thanks for sharing the before and after pics.