Vibrating shuttle, White VS lll
 

I picked up the White VS lll a few days ago. Have a million questions because so many solutions are different, and new to me. I'll get back to that. It's by far the worst case of varnishing I've seen, some parts look they have been dipped in tar. It seems pretty much immune to alcohol that is not applied with a high pressure gun. Apart from that, or maybe because of the added protection, it appears to be in pretty good shape. I can easily rotate the action just by moving the needle bar up and down by hand. Well, without the treadle.

The head has seen hard use. The decor is gone in the wear areas. The shuttle is worn and the rear edge is worn through and razor sharp, but it works.

Finish on the cabinet is dull and stained but I think all the veneer is practically intact. Drawers are complete and in good shape, all the fittings and rings there...The quaint center drawer with the upright bobbin rack even has the key in it...chuckles.

There is a wonderful aura - only word I could think of - abut this machine, and I'm very glad I got it. I will post pictures and ask practical questions when I get them sorted more.

For now, just one basic question:

The manual - yes the whole thing was there, crumpled but readable - describes how to apply more or less vibrator, but not a word about what it is, what it does, and why. Can someone tell me?

Ok, let's start with the term "Vibrate" It is defined as "to move back and forth or from side to side with very short, quick movements" (Merriam Webster)

So, the action of the shuttle carrier Is the "vibrate" that is referred to. This was done originally to differentiate these new machines and their design from the older "Transverse" (Movement side to side) sewing machines.

There is no adjustment of the shuttle carrier movement. the adjustments are tension and stitch length, that's it.

I am sure someone will chime in with a link to the manual soon, if not I will at my next break

Thank you for the definition, maybe I come across as if I needed it.

I have the manual, PDF and paper, no need to search for links.

Your explanation of VS is what I thought it was. But there definitely is a regulator for "the Vibrator", biggest thumb screw on the face plate. The manual calls this action "vibration of the presser foot", and that I have never heard of.
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You can adjust the shuttle carrier so it is closer or farther away from the race, and maybe that is what they are talking about. I'm in the office so can't go dig up any of my manuals until I get home this evening. I would not be surprised to find there is an adjustment to affect the total travel of the shuttle. Some machines have a bit of a "hitch" in movement too, not sure what it does, but it's interesting to note.

Hmmm - that sounds like feed dogs - they do also "vibrate" back and forth. Can you show a picture of No. 7, page 9?Reminds me of the "varigator" that some Kenmore's have. it modifies the backwards/forward motion when using decorative stitches so you can get them balanced better.

I certainly meant no disparagement by offering the definition. Most folks do not realize where the V in VS comes from.

I agree with MacyBaby regarding the feed dogs... Odd way of describing it though. It seems like they may be describing the presser foot adjustment. Really curious what "vibrator in gear" refers to.

Very cool.

Interesting and puzzling. Quite different from these instructions:

http://needlebar.org/main/manuals/whitevs/index.html

Jon

This looks interesting.

http://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollect...0598/index.htm

I explored some. On this machine the whole face comes off, including bars and lifters, not just the faceplate. I haven't dared taking it off until now, fearing links unlinking and springs springing. It came off in a very civilized manner, no surprises and easy to reassemble.
The first picture shows the thumb screw, the no. 7 on page 9, Macybaby. Then the inside where the screwdriver points to a clamp that the thumb screw connects to. The clamp slides up and down on the presser bar and grips when the thumb screw is tightened. The manual says nothing about the effect or when to use it, only about how to apply more or less.

The third photo is just for fun - serious rust protection behind the face. Somebody took care of this machine, and the recommended lubricant according to the manual was prime sperm oil. And I thought only us Norwegians killed whales. Eeeeh...they are referring to whales, aren't they?

This is a very abbreviated digest. You can see the thumb screw on the faceplate, it just isn't explained.