I think if you poke and prod and play with those machines you will like them. Is that Lenco a dedicated left hand needle position when it straight sews? Don't you just love the funny lines of that machine? Looks like the feed dogs drop for FM. The Dressmaker will be Japanese and may be a good machine that will hem all your jeans.

Hello,
I'm new to your forum. I sew & stuff fabric teddy bears for the hospital axillary to give to whomever needs a hug. The bobbin winder unit on my trusty Singer 1425N sewing[ATTACH=CONFIG]384450[/ATTACH] machine quit working. I purchased this Majestic brand sewing machine at a local resale shop. I'm trying to get it in good working condition. It sews a straight stitch and a ZZ stitch, which is all I want. I think very little interior cleaning is required, although the exterior is somewhat nicked. I really like the cover case as it is made from wood, but in sad shape. Any tips on cleaning the cover? Also, is it normal for the motor of a machine that has probably sat unused for a long period of time to emit smoke? Do you think this will stop after a while? It's somewhat scarey, but I'd like to keep this heavy gal. There are no plastic parts that I can see. No owners manual was included, but thankfully it was still threaded.
Thank you,
Kathleen (kskate)

Kathleen,

The Japanese machines like this are pretty stout machines. Pull off the top, usually two screws and oil everything that moves or looks like it should move. "Gently" move all the controls as you do the oiling, don't force anything. Make sure the underside is clean and oiled as well.
I recommend Tri-FLow oil.

The motor may have a small hole on each end just above the end bushings for oil, if so give it a couple drops of oil, but not too much. Then release the stop motion knob and run the motor a full speed till it cleans itself out. You'll hear the motor sound change as the oil and debris burn off of the commutator.
It is fairly common for them to smoke a bit when first run after sitting a while.
I use regular sewing machine or small motor oil in motors.

For a manual you might try: { http://sewusa.com/index.htm } or { http://www.tias.com/stores/relics/ }

Joe

Oh, thank you! I now know I won't need to call the fire department if it smokes some. LOL I need to oil the machine, but just Had to see if it even worked, & sewed a little on a scrap of material, the needle broke and then saw some smoke issuing from the motor, so I immediately stopped everything! Thanks again.
Kathleen

Oh, me too me too...

Made by Riccar

[ATTACH=CONFIG]384462[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]384463[/ATTACH]

That Ricar looks like a muscle machine!!!
I love the looks of the Majestic - it looks like an old well loved car dash board. Nicks and scratches just add character - probably better than one that hasn't been used. Just do like Joe says and oil the inside parts that move. Triflow is the best.

Steve,

Put that bobbin cover back on, it looks neglected like that. And, if the spring on the plate is broken they can be replaced. My LSMG has replacement springs so I suspect yours might too. If not Sew-Classic has the slide plates for really reasonable prices.

Joe

Sorry, those were older photos that I had available up on Dropbox. it's all fixed now.

My Daughter (who owns this unit) is absolutely in love with it. For Christmas I found her an original "Riccar monogrammer" with all the cards.

She sews with this machine at least once or twice a week now.

Cool!!!

Joe

Hi meriam
I didn't know that some machines were made in japan.
I am a vintage japanese sewer, ( made in japan 1/20 /1954 ) hehe
This made me think about the machine here in the computer room It is a new home machine & it has little black cams that you put in it to do lettering & decrative stitches. My sister in law won it years ago & gave it to our step mother. My stepmother used it a little bit then I got it after her & daddy went to the nursing home.
But it is made in japan but I couldn't find a date on it.