The 401a has less hesitation when it is unthreaded than when it is threaded and I am only doing a straight stitch. It was just recently oiled. I checked it for being gummed up but it looked clean. The foot control is from the 403 which didn't have the problem so I think it is ok. Had to use it because the case the 401 is in had the knee lever which I am really enjoying. This 401 is the one that tumbled over backwards to the floor when I was putting it in its case.

jb

thank you jlhmnj for the info, I thought it might be a 201, thanks for confirming it:) I have a treadle downstairs, I want to get info on. Waiting for DH & DS to pull it out so I can get the serial number and see what condition it's in.
Hope everyone had a great turkey day! Off to one store this morning, Staples".

[QUOTE=Julie1;4717916]The 401a has less hesitation when it is unthreaded than when it is threaded and I am only doing a straight stitch. It was just recently oiled. I checked it for being gummed up but it looked clean. The foot control is from the 403 which didn't have the problem so I think it is ok. Had to use it because the case the 401 is in had the knee lever which I am really enjoying. This 401 is the one that tumbled over backwards to the floor when I was putting it in its case.
Did the machine work well before it fell? If it did, something is bent and needs to be straightened. If it acted the same it probably just "gummy" which is real common for 401's. Here's what I do when I get a sluggish machine:
---Put a drop or two of penetrant (nut and bolt loosener but not WD40) on every oil spot as indicated in 401 manual (free at ismacs.net) . One missed spot can make a huge difference.
---don't put any penetrant on or in the motor and pay particular attention to the top half of your machine
---run the machine unthreaded at full throttle in short bursts, should hear the difference in increased speed.
---If fixed, oil the machine.
Guess there are a few other spots your problem could be but this is a likely and cheap place to start. Good Luck
Jon

treadle machine phoenix
 

Pretty sure that is what it is, the picture would not load. serial number V 14632??
she needs a spa obsolutely; beautiful treadle base but handmade top. Soon time in the future will need to look for a nice cabinet.

Thanks Jon, I will try this as soon as I can get some penetrating oil. Should be Monday when I get it done. jb

I have a vintage(?) Universal Brand KAB-M SN 401762 1960"s, a l shaped hinged plate. Have broken and now lost the straight stitch plate attachment.

l___

SOMEBODY HELP ME! I'm trying to get instruction manual for a Davis Honeymoon machine S/N 2929792. I see several different pix of Honeymoons on ISMACS but none exactly like mine. I saw a pix of one that sold in 2008 that looks like mine except mine is a coffin top, 5 drawers, elaborate carving on drawers and top. I have searched this site but nothing comes up except I see where GrannieAnnie has one. I need to know specifically how to thread the tension which is on top of the machine and how the thread goes thru the needle from rt to left, etc.

Found this image with a beautiful handmade treadle cabinet:
http://tidytipsy.wordpress.com/2010/...part-1-oiling/
Also some older machines similar to a Singer 27 Vibrating shuttle and a 50's ZZ machine. Few images on google search "phoenix sewing machine german", but not alot. Good luck, I'm sure it's a well made machine but couldn't pinpoint who made the older versions.
Jon

I really don't think oil is going to help you if you dropped it. It will need some work to get it back to good order I imagine...