Lucky, lucky me... Singer 301
 

At an estate sale I saw a pretty plain cabinet that I recognized should have a sewing machine in it. Was shocked to find a black shortbed 301 in it, in nice condition! This is the one machine missing from my collection-- never even saw one in person before! It had the little bench seat too.

Now that I have it at home I am starting to play with it. It sews well but needs that good first cleaning/oiling/greasing. It's been years since I did this... I know Liquid Wrench is a good cleaner, but remind me if Tri Flow is okay in lieu of oil, and Tri Flow Lubricant in lieu of grease?

Also, from the serial number I found this machine is a 1952 model 301-- no "a". What exactly is the difference between a 301 and a 301a? Or did they just start labeling them with the "a" after 1952?

Thanks for your help and advice!

Lovely,lovely machine! You are so lucky! The "a" means it was built in Anderson, SC. Check out www.singer301.com for lots of info. This is still on my list to get, but haven't found one cheap enough yet! Have fun with her!

Mine was made in Anderson, but I read that 1952 was the year of the first and last 301s. After that, they were all 301a's. Just wondering why they changed it.

Thank you for that site, Margaret! It's wonderful!

I do not recommend Liquid Wrench it may take the black finish off. I use Tri Flow and it does a good job oiling and soaking to the dry spots. Miriam as posted a list of videos on cleaning and oiling vintage machines. HOW TO CLEAN UP and use a vintage sewing machine - videos by Muv and Fav

Thanks Ken! Is Tri Flow Lubricant acceptable as gear grease?

sewbizgirl you asked "... I know Liquid Wrench is a good cleaner, but remind me if Tri Flow is okay in lieu of oil, and Tri Flow Lubricant in lieu of grease?"

Yes, Tri-Flow is okay for oil, the consensus is that the Tri-Flow Lubricant for grease on gears is okay, just not to be used in the motor grease tubes on Singer motors that have them.

I'm thinking that Liquid Wrench is okay for shiny bits off the machine, but not cleaning the actual machine head.

Yes, you are lucky. Did you get the manual and lots of goodies in the bench and/or drawers?

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

I use Tri-Flow Clear Synthetic Grease on the gears and it make the machines run very quiet.

It's gorgeous and what a great find. I'll let the pros tell you how to clean it. Just cleaned mine (401) thoroughly this week and she purrs like a sleepy kitten. I didn't use the tri-flow just the singer oil and lube.

Great find. I have a few of these and like them all. Always fun to see a cabinet and find something wonderful inside!

Congrats on finding the last machine on your want list...:thumbup: