slant-o-matic tuesday report :)
 

so the machine has been sitting for 7 or 8 years, but it seemed to run very well.

there was a slight smell of burning though. i am hoping you will tell me it needs a good oiling and that's not a huge concern, or that it's just sticky lube burning off or something. i would of course also replace the wires to the footpedal.

it has one bobbin and none of the other accessories. also, the up/down for the throat plate wasn't working, but i could hear movement. the screw for the foot pedal is seized a bit, but i suspect it's nothing some oil wouldn't fix. i have been looking at the attachments and for what i want to go with it i'm not looking at a huge outlay for feet and bobbins. i do covet those buttonholers! i would love some recommendations for how to find good old singer feet and the like if you have it...

the cabinet is great - the knee mount worked really well.

so....i kind of loved it. it's not what i was looking for exactly (a cabinet mounted machine for quilting....the space between the needle and the machine isn't very big) but she sure can do a whole lot. and her straight stitch is truly beautiful.

i think i should buy it, but i really am hoping for some feedback on that very subtle burning smell.

thanks again. i feel mso much more confident knowing you guys are here :)

aileen

When a machine sits for a long time oil seeps out onto the armature. Dirt, dust, cat hair ( don't ask me how I know this part :) ) and other debris will build up inside the motor through the air vents. When you first run it they will stink, and sometimes smoke too. Singer motors don't use oil generally. I don't know what model your machine or the one you looked at is, but I'd unlock the stop motion knob and run the stuffins out of it for a while.

Joe

it's a slant-o-matic 401. the smell didn't get worse or really persist i don't think.

i figured being stored side ways like that, folded down in the cabinet that oil would gradually run to places it didn't really belong.

i flipped it over and took off the bottom cover. the gears i could see showed almost no wear (as far as i could tell) and there was no sign of rust.

ima buy it :)

aileen

i just had a revelation.

you know what?

there's a singer featherweight on my local board right now for $100, good selection of feet and extra parts included and in running condition. a 306, same story, same price.

i can buy the 401 now for the stuff it does and the others in time if i'm inclined.

the price is right if i don't have to to everything all the time all at once.

i liked that 401. i liked the stitches and the motion of it.

i can find a good machine for fmq in time if i decide that's what i want.

yes. calm. nice :)

aileen

I would evolve wings to get that featherweight before the seller comes to their senses!!!!!

i don't really understand the featherweight fetish.

they are so small and pretty, but i want a bigger machine now. for straight stitch and dressmaking my beloved janome 352 isn't going anywhere. i like the 401 for it's fancy pants action.

aileen

aileen,

I'm with you on not understanding the FW fetish. Since before we were married my wife has told me she wanted a FW. We found several in antique shops for around $350.00 but didn't have the money. She oooood and awwwd over them and practically drooled.
Then last year when I did have some money I got her one. She was thrilled, but hasn't used it once. I've cleaned it a bit, cleared the thread jam, and made a whacky bag on it ...... and she hasn't used it once.

I like the little machine and it would make a dandy traveling machine, but I don't understand either.

Joe

We love them because they're light weight to take to class etc. Their stitching is beautiful and they are all just so darn cute. All of those in my collection receive a turn in getting used, except the white one. I'm too afraid of getting a scratch on her. Her finish is nearly pristine.

A featherweight for $100 you could buy and resell doubling your investment or more.

i want someone to buy that featherweight who will dance on clouds at getting what they dreamed about at a price they could afford :)

aileen

i never leave the house. my machine won't let me! snork!;)

isolde