Thank you Miriam for your help.

Knob on bottom right = lower feed dog/raise it back up

Miriam, I would like to let you know, that over on the Vintage Sewing Machine (non-singer) page on FB, we have a Huge selection of manuals. Please feel free to join and get what you might need, or suggest the page to ppl looking. I have worked real hard to collect manuals for our members. Many were donated by them as well. :) And Sandy7865, I have the exact manual for your machine over there. It is listed in the Files as Deluxe Zig Zag. :)

I have stayed off face books since it is so ADHD and such a time killer. I'll log in my hubbys page and give it a look.

Singer made a 223 in Japan. It is a very nice machine there are clones of it, too.
After working on several Japanese machines marked made in occupied Japan and after working on MANY made in Japan machines, I think I now know. The made in occupied Japan machines were well enough made but very poorly adjusted. There is one I just want to throw out a window since I doubt if a sledge hammer would faze it. The next was a Singer 66 clone. It works great now that I adjusted a few things. The one I worked on last week is a 15 clone and it, too needed more adjustment than usual and now works just fine. I wonder how much word of mouth went around that those machines were junk. They kind of were. I think it might have depended on if someone took time to check it over thoroughly. I can remember even in the 60s a prejudice against Japanese machines. if you compare many of these machines they are made better than a contemporary Singer. The European machines are well made but more complicated, harder to maintain and adjust. Then getting into plastics, I start to lose interest. I think some of the Japanese machines are overly gaudy and overly control happy but that IS a big part of their charm.

Miriam there are more Singer models made in Japan than the 223. There's also the 226 and just the other day I saw another one, a 339? 239? Can't remember the model number. Anyway, there's more.

I only have one Made in Occupied Japan machine and I can't remember how well it sews. I liked the pretty green and gold decals and it's very nice condition that's why I bought it. I've also heard that they weren't the best machines but the later, after 1952 machines were much better. I love my 1950s and 1960s Brother machines. They're top quality and came at a lower cost than the feature comparable European and Singers.

Cari

Yup, can't remember #s these days...
I agree, you can get some very nice machines that were made in Japan... I drive a Honda....

Yep, several Hondas in this family too. The Accord I just sold has 279,000 miles on it and still runs good. My son bought it for me when my medical issues started and I couldn't drive a stick shift any more. The only thing I didn't like about it is I couldn't haul much in it so I bought my Pontiac with part of the inheritance. The Accord was sold real cheap to a guy who wanted a good car for his mom. Paying it forward.

Cari

Cari

Thanks Teena would love to have a manual. I will look this up.

Thank you so much Teena you have been a great help to me

Hi! I recently acquired a White 675 machine in a cabinet for free! It is in wonderful shape and runs okay. It does need a tuneup. I don't know any OSMG in my area. Any referrals for a OSMG would be great! This is my first White machine also. I also am in need of the straight stitch needle plate and some feet. The accessory box was lost by former owner. If anyone has source for these, please let me know. Photo below!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]549004[/ATTACH]

It sounds like the Japanese production line was on the hasty side, even if machines and tools were up to the job. Reading posts on this forum and various blogs on the web I think there's more Japanese machines in US than in Europe, not that I have a comprehensive knowlege. I know Japanese developed bicycle parts; gear hubs, hubs and gears in general wasn't always up to the European standard. For long they were generally of a lighter build not up to the use and heavier loads expected of bikes. In comparison, British made Sturmey Archer and German made Fichtel & Sachs 3-4 speed hubs, even the various derailleur brands of the 50s and 60s, had for a very good reason a better reputation than Suntour and Shimano. The forged steel and heavy load parts of a Japanese bike are described as being made for a made of sligther build than people in Europe and America, especially noticeable in the 3 speed hubs. It had of course a lot to do with the competetive marked and pushing prices, and hard to discern facts from fiction in the simplifed comparisons we read 60 years later. It just wasn't always the best quality steel. I don't think Shimano cought up with their 3 speed hub until some point in the 70s, though their derailleur systems had sucess from the 60s and up. There might be some parallel in the world of Sewing machines.

I see the Japanese or Taiwan made models regularly though. Some seem fine, with lots of combined push-dials selectors and ajustment options like medium for the feed dog position when other machinen only have a either up or down option. Compared to todays standard they come off as very sturdy and capable. It's hard to say anything about the parts though. The best forged and hardened steel isn't cheap where ever it is made. Singer seems to have kept a very dependable quality for decades.

European brands ventured into plastics early on, not exlusively, but top models and new technology quickly took to using plastic gears in the free arm versions in the early 50s. Even 40s models have parts made of phenol type plastics like bakelite like hand wheels, stop motion screws, motor pulleys. I lean towards all metal models and easily serviced motors, but some of my favorite machines to work on is the 50s and 60s Bernina free arm models, as well as the Elnagraph cam mechanics for it's fancy stitches. So far I have handed my Berninas in for service and repairs afte cleaning and oiling, I find them a bit too complicated to fully service my self, I might make an attempt soon though :- )

There were lots of sewing machines brands back then, gradually reducing to those still in production to day. It's very fun to discover the models who turn out to be gems well worth the time and effort where ever they were made. I love to compare them and detect their advatages and differences.

KirklandQuilter, I like the looks of your White machine. I have never seen one like that before.

Sewbeadit Thanks, it is pretty nice looking and in great condition. Now looking for OSMG in the area. It could use a tuneup, although it works good now.

Lirklander, look for Rodney - I'm not sure where he lives but he might be able to help you.

Hi! I have the exact same machine as yours. Bought it back in the mid 70s and was given the wrong set of cams with it. I was wondering if you have the cams that go with yours and if you do , would you be willing to post a pic of them so I will know what ones i need to look for. Love that machine, toughest thing I own (and I have 6).

Finding cams can be very tough and not just tough finding them but finding out what cam you need. The machine you were referring to says automatic and I do not see a cam door so it may not even use cams. Can you post a pic?

I'm new here and looking for info on this machine plz help. not even sure if I'm in the right place. this machine was bought for Me and could you point me in the right direction for a manual.

If you go back through this thread, you will see a generic manual. The knob at the front top is for zig zag, if you want it to lock the size stitch one of the knobs next to it will likely do that. Since it doesn't lock by itself, you can use the knob to vary stitch width as you sew. The knob with the R is your stitch length and the R is a reverse button. If it is not stuck, it pushes the farthest when the knob is all the way on the longest stitches. The bobbin is a class 15 type so any class 15 manual will work for that.

i have a fiati pretty sure its a clone of something cant figure out how to post pic on here

To post a photo, you have to click on "go advanced", which is below on the right when you reply. A larger screen will come up. To post a photo, go to "manage attachments", which will be below. Then, click there and "upload files from your computer" will come up. That's where you put the photo file.

bkay

There's an easier way. In the tool bar above the reply window, the third icon over from the right that looks like a tree in a box, that's the 'add photo' icon. Click it and follow the prompts.

Cari

Found a cute one!
 

Only 10$ at Goodwill, in the cabinet. [ATTACH=CONFIG]560423[/ATTACH]
Not sure if the picture worked. Bought a new belt with bobbin winder rubber bit and adjusted the shaft that holds the needle on- it was at a random 20 degree angle? Dusted it out and oiled it and it runs. The color is a bit lighter in person.

That lilac Home Maker is the find of the year!

fiati
 

finally got back here to post pic. anybody ever c one of these on back of machine not motor is stamped made in poland. thanks in advance.

I tried to post info
Go over to Victorian Sweatshop forum. Then at the top bar, use search and search "Singer Lotus" and you will find info on that style machine
It may not be not a Japanese clone and it may be some what recent judging by the plastic knob unless it is just something on the bed.

Hi Im new on here I was trying to find a book on my Dial n sew machine my model number is 2516 almost like this one. Do you know where I might be able to find one?

msbetty.
I am a bit confused. Do you have a brand for your touch and sew? Sounds like too new of a name for a 15 clone.

Dial and Sew was used by more than one manufacturer. Without a picture of your machine we don't know what it is.

Cari

I just did a search on QB and it seems that a lot of Dial n sew machines came without a manual. You might try http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Deluxe_ZigZag_Sewing_Machines.htm and see if there is anything close.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

I'm a little late to the party, but I wonder if this one rings a bell with anyone here. It's a Piedmont made for the Hudson Bay Co. in Canada. Thank you for any input!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]572821[/ATTACH]

I really like the colors.

bkay

Just got this beauty yesterday and would like any info anyone can provide about it. Like what year it was made or anything like that. The model number is #752, Serial #3045. On the bottom it has J-C5 stamped into it. Other than these id's there is no other marking on it.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]573097[/ATTACH]

Electro Grand
 

I'm new here, just stumbling across this site and this thread in an effort to learn more about a vintage sewing machine I rescued from a dumpster demise this weekend. I bought it in the cabinet, with the accessories and a bunch of random fabric for $35. From what my limited research today has yielded, it looks like it was maybe made in 1957. It has both J-C5 and JA21 stamped on the bottom. The serial number plate starts with E-71. The only plate on the face says Electro Grand. I've attached some photos. I believe this one would fall under the Japanese badged machines. Can anyone tell me anything about it? I haven't been able to learn much. Thanks so much!!!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]573198[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]573199[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]573200[/ATTACH]

Wow nice bunch of machines! Electro grand was made by Brother. At least mine was. It has Brother stampings on the bottom and on the hand wheel.
I am not the expert Cari is on Japanese machines. I have a couple dress maker machines some I love and some not so much. One I replaced the zig zag gear when the plastic gave. You may have a plastic cam stack on that dressmaker. Read through the above stuff for more info on the camstacks. Check to see if it is cracked. Oil is your friend.

Not all Electro Grand machines were built by Brother, I don't think this one is. My chart doesn't have a manufacturer listed for JA21. Nice machine, I like the clean lines of it.

Cari

I want a chart. Where did you get a chart? Is it in the resource section?

I'll PM you with mine when I get home.

Cari

Miriam I've sent you a PM.

Cari

I just found a sewing machine just like this one. Do you know how much it's worth. They want $100 for it.