sschick

Hi all, question on timing of a Featherweight. I'm currently waiting on a bobbin case for my Featherweight since it did not come with one. I ordered one today off eBay. It is a vintage case, not a reproduction. While waiting, I decided to check some things on the machine. I suspect the timing maybe off slightly on it. When I bought the machine I discovered that the bobbin case base finger was broken. I think a past owner of the machine forced it when there was a thread jam which caused the bobbin case base to break and threw the machine out of time. There was a piece of thread caught behind the bobbin case base when I received the machine. I watched a couple of videos on how to time the machine. They said that the point of the hook needs to be directly in front of the needle when the lower timing line is just disappearing into the needle bar bushing. It is hard for me to tell because I can't get the feed dog off right now, but it does look like the point of the hook slightly overhangs the needle (not by much). Will this cause the machine to not sew properly or bind up when I put the bobbin case (once I get it) on? I've attached a picture, but the angle is not the best.

Any thoughts?
Shari

thimblebug6000

Maybe it has been mentioned previously, but have you checked out the schoolhouse on https://singer-featherweight.com

sschick

I have for other issues, not for this particular question. There were a couple of good videos on YouTube on how to fix it. I'm just not sure how much or even if the machine is out of time right now. I think I need to wait until the bobbin case comes in to truly know. Thank you for the suggestion, I will take a look there too.

Shari

lswan

I have cleaned and tweaked Featherweights for about 10 years. I own two. I have never had a machine out of time. It is very rare. Normally, there is broken thread/crud in the hook area and once I have taken all that apart and polish it, it is good. The bobbin case for the 301s also fits. Maybe you could borrow and see how the machine works.

sschick

Iswan, thank you for the suggestion. I don't think there is any thread stuck behind the hook because the machine works fine without the bobbin case on. I am hesitant to remove the hook assembly right now which would require retiming the machine. I like the suggestion about borrowing a case from someone, but I am not part of any guild and don't know of anyone around me that sews let along with a vintage machine. All my other machines have drop-in bobbins.

Thank you.
Shari

sschick

Hi Al, I just wanted to give an update on my Featherweight. After purchasing the correct part numbered bobbin case, the machine sews like it should. No timing issue at all and perfect stitches. I am a happy camper now.

Thanks,
Shari