My first vintage machine - 301A
 

After reading the forum, I was bitten by the bug, and bought a 301A at an estate sale - they were asking $100 but I got it for $70 (I know that a lot of you find them for less!) But now I have some questions:

• what is that white knobby thing on the left side of the machine? I don't see it in any of the pictures online
• the needle is threaded and the machine runs, but when I compare it to the threading diagram http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag..._threading.htm, it looks like I'm missing thread guide 10, 11, or 12 - I only see 2 thread guides in that part of the machine.
• it sews pretty well, and quiet, and fast, but it does seem to make a "gunning" sound sometimes - does that mean it needs to be oiled?
• I'm not handy - but I could probably follow the oiling diagram - or should I bring it in to have it serviced and cleaned?
• At first, when I tested it, tension looked great, except when I went backward, then the tension didn't look good.
• I appreciate all the helpful hints I've seen on this board.
• Now I want to find a card table for it - but that will be hard I think.
• Thanks for reading!
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Congratulations on your new purchase! The 301 is one of my favorite Singer models. They are great for classes and produce a lovely stitch just about all the time. If I were you, the first thing I would do is remove the needle plate and the bobbin and clean up that area. Who knows when it was cleaned last? Then I'd give her a nice drink of oil and sit down with some fabric to test her out. She may be so grateful for the spa day that she sews like a champ. If not, you may want to find a SMG to give her a tune-up -- or if you're feeling adventuresome, you could do some of that yourself. Whatever you decide to do, keep us posted. We love to see finished projects too.

I have no idea what that white nob is on the left side.

You have all the thread guides. 10-11-12 are there and threaded correctly as far as I can see.

The motor uses Singer motor lube only, not oil. The entire machine could use an oiling but if the motor needs lube it uses the Singer lube. The belt could also be too tight. That will cause them to serge sometimes. Just tight enough to not slip and no tighter.

I agree with the thorough cleaning under the needle plate. That will make a big difference in tension. Clean the top tension too.


Joe

Is the white thing part of the case or the machine? It looks like it is on the case and a support for the machine. It looks like #10 is missing. Check e-bay where you can enlarge the pictures. It is just above the curly wire on the post that goes up and down. It probably keeps the thread from going right or left.

Congrats on your great find! Happy sewing!

Good start. You will soon need space for more machines. Have fun looking for the table.

Hi - Yes, you have all the thread guides on it. There are only 2 after the arm...both are there. There is another that does down by the needle, but if it's gone, don't worry about it. I took mine off to put a darning foot on, and it sews fine without it. I use my 301a for all my piecing. Literally...all of it! I just love her...she sews a perfectly straight seam, which I just think is her best attribute. Also light to carry to sewing events...put her in a rolling case and you will be in Hog Heaven!! LOLYou really don't need to take her to the SMG. He's gonna charge you big time to do little things you can do yourself. find the manual online for free, and just do the oiling and cleaning under the needle plate and around the bobbin case...that will do 98% of what needs to be done. Sometimes they do a little "growl" when they've been sitting without oil for a long time, but after oiling and running her for a while, she's quiet down. Remember to oil her at least once a month, but more often if you sew a lot. One drop in each hole is all. You'll truly love her when you get acquainted. Mine is my favorite!

Thanks for your replies... The white knobbie thing is screwed onto the side of the machine. It seems it's a mystery.
And... I just went to wal-mart and bought their singer all purpose machine oil...it was in their fabric department... Is that the correct type of oil? I want to take good care of the machine!
and... When you refer to the SMG - does that mean sewing machine guy???

I am pretty sure that I know what the white knob is. It is part of something called Magnastitch. It is a magnifying glass that snaps onto that knob. You could buy extra "knobs" so that you could put one on each of your machines. They attached with adhesive. If you wanted to remove it you could drizzle GooGone behind it and it would eventually come off. Make sure you allow the GooGone to soak in. Otherwise you could accidentally remove the paint/finish on the machine.
Colleen

Just want to say "Welcome" to the club. I hope you enjoy your 301A. I love mine.