Singer 6233 oiling
 

Hi all,
I am new to sewing. I procured a Singer 6233 sewing machine in a recent yard sale. I also have access to the user Instruction manual.

However I am trying to find cleaning and oiling information for this sewing machine. The Maintenance section of the user manual only talks about cleaning the exterior and bobbin cases with a lint brush. I am surprised it doesnt talk about oiling.

I saw quite a few videos on how to oil vintage machines, including the one in this forum.

Some people seem to believe that we need to oil this machine anyway. However I also heard from some people that this particular model doesnt need any oiling. But I dont see any good explanation for either. I however favor oiling this machine as it seems only logical.

So I am looking for some guidance/reference. Has any of you used/know about this machine? If so what is your recommendation regarding oiling it. Is there a specific oiling procedure /video that you follow.

Thanks in advance

The difference is that one is mechanical and one is electronic. The old ones are pure mechanical machines with belts, gears and bolts. They need oil to perform properly. Metal rubbing against metal with no lubricant over a period of time will wear the metal, and cause failure (loose joints, noisy gears and then, complete failure eventually).

The other is an electronic machine. It's like a computer. It has circuit boards, fuses and the like. Like your computer, electronic machines do not need oiling. I would be inclined to to vacuum the bobbin area regularly, though.

bkay

Thanks bkay. Then I will have to figure out what type singer 6233 is. As I see it, it has a pneumatic air bulb based pedal and seems mechanical from outside. All mechanical levers and switches. No electronic push buttons. So I assume its mechanical and not computer based. Especially since it seems to have been manufactured in 1985-1987.

My daughter's machine ( from husband's grandmother) is a Singer 6233. I took it to have a service check done but I haven't really looked at it for routine maintenance (after all, it's her machine!) It sews well so lucky you to find one at a yard sale! Have fun.

Another possible reason for no maintenance on your sewing machine could be that your machine "should be serviced annually by an authorized dealer".

bkay

I did a quick search and it appears that the 6233 is electronic. For the mid 80's that would make sense. It may not have an onboard computer, but it most likely has some electronic components which is probably why they don't want you to oil it. It may also have self lubricating metals used in it. I'm not sure how long those have been around and used in sewing machines. Bottom line, I would take it in to be serviced rather than trying to do it yourself. JMO

Thanks every one. I guess I will look into getting it serviced. If its too expensive I will just vacuum and do a lint brush cleanup . Right now the machine seems to be chugging along just fine. I tried a few stitches on a test fabric.

The self lubricating(sintered) metals only last around 20-25 years. ALL machines need oiled/lubrication regardless of what metals are used. A machine from the 80s should be easy to service. Basic oiling applies to any machine, a drop anywhere there's an oil hole or where metal moves on metal. Just be careful of any electronics.

Cari

Let's hope so. I have one from the thrift store that was seized, but I think it was very mild. I gave the Needle Bar a shove and it started moving. From my experience with ancient Singers, I figured oiling was in order. Then, when I wanted to see if I'd missed any places, I started looking for an oiling diagram, uh, oh. Well it probably only cost $20, so there is that.

Sunny, this is part electronic, The air part is hooked up to electronic stuff. I have 2. And that electronic foot is blah. I have lost a gear and they are as expensive as the machine was. So I don't want any more of these machines. They do sew good if you can get them to sew.

I've had mine from brand-new. It came with a little bottle of oil. It's a work horse. Clean it regularly with a lint brush or gentle vacuum. You do need to service it now and then. I hope mine never dies. It's my backup in case my new, computerized machine decides to bite the dust.

These models are lubriated, but meant to be done during a service. The electronic circuit board doesn't need oil, but all moving joints, gears, hinged parts, where metal move against metal, could do with some kind of oil. It will make the machine turn run lighter and smoother. The trick is to get the covers off to reach the part, and to oil sparingly, neat with out excess, but enough to reach the inners of noocks and crannies. Except for the step motor and no cam stack, the moving parts are much the same as on any new or vintage sewing machine. The only parts not taking oil can be nylon or loosely clipped together parts, but actully, most of these to recieve some kind of lubtication during a service.

What kind of feet do these use? Low shank, or what?

Accessory storage compartment
 

As long as we are on the subject of mid 80's machines, I'm always on the look out for this series at thrift stores.
The model 6235 has a complete set of attachments in a built in storage compartment on top of the machine. Here is a picture of a model 7050 to show what I'm talking about. The model 9131 Has the same set up.

oiling a Singer 6233
 

Hello. I'm new to this forum. I bought a new Singer 6233 machine in the 80s in New York City. I used it steadily till about 2000. I gradually purchased additional machines and used the 6233 less and less. I never oiled it but it was always reliable. About two years ago, it started skipping stitches. I brought it to a qualified Singer repair person. He said it would cost me $150 for him to replace a computer system inside the machine. I told him that I would just pick up the machine. From then I have used it for quick zig zags. But today I used it for some straight stitches and sure enough it skipped stitches again. Examining it I saw there were holes for adding oil in several accessible places. So I got out the manual and was surprised to see that, just as mentioned above, there was no instruction for oiling the machine. So I came downstairs and searched for answers on my computer. Low and behold I found this forum. I'm going to go up and oil those holes and see what happens. Why not? I will let you know.

"Self-lubricating" machines have been around since the 60s, at least for Husqvarnas. If the owner's manual doesn't have oiling instructions, it is probably expected to be part of periodic dealer maintenance. That said...