LynxSS

I've looked over the whole machine inside and out and do not see a JA mark anywhere, There is a very small S casting mark on the top next to the hand wheel and thats all I can find. I wonder if there are JA stamps under that other serial number tag riveted on, if it was screwed on I would look underneath. No identifying marks on any of the components either other than White on the motor.


Looking closer at where the cams fit with the machine in use I think it would not be too hard to make a few simple ones that make half circles and triangles. I'm used to making motorcycle and antique hit and miss engine parts. To make a cam what I would do is fit a thin cardboard disk under the cam follower and then just tape a piece of pencil lead on the follower, luckily this machine only has one, if the machine had multiple cam followers it would be too complicated to make a cam by hand. Run the machine and do the stitch you want by hand and it will trace out what the cam should look like. Take the cardboard pattern and make a cam out of a bit of hardwood or something that is easy to work with and make adjustments with and try it. When you get it to how you like you can copy the wood pattern out of something more durable. This is just a disk so should be easy enough to just cut a piece out of flat stock, for my engine parts I have to make a mold and cast it out of aluminum. EDIT: Whatever you make the cam out of needs to be softer than the cam follower so that part does not wear down and eventually throw everything off.

Rodney

Cams do turn up. If you can identify other machines that are the same basic design as yours that have cams with them it will give you a good idea of what you are after. We've started to build a database for cams and the machines that they fit in "The Cam Thread" just for this reason. You're nowhere near being alone in having a machine with no cams that fit.
Watching you build one would be interesting but realistically patience and persistence in searching Ebay ads will eventually get you a set-probably with far less effort.
Rodney

Rodney

Lynn: I just went through this thread. On page 17 there's a Universal that came out of the same factory as your Sewmatic. It's a little newer judging by the styling but you might be able to contact that machine's owner for for info.
Rodney

miriam

Not all Japanese machines have that JA stamping - No need to pry up the serial number - it would be more visible than that. It could be anywhere on the casting including the metal parts on the bottom of the machine. I've seen Brother stamped inside the fly wheel on an Electro Grand. There is no rhyme or reason. I posted the link to the "Dark Underside" above. You might learn some there, too.

missgigglewings

I like that one...nice machine!

vintagelady

Got this yesterday for free. It has been in a basement for over 30 years. I don't think the machine was used very much. It is a little dirty inside and out but will require minimal cleaning. Will post more pictures after cleanup.

missykay

Hi there! I'm new to this...so please bear with me. I got this sewing machine from my grandparents a couple years ago. They said it works, but I can't get it to work. The wheel turns, but the needle doesn't move up and down. I don't think that it has been used in 20 or maybe even 30 years. The motor sparks and smokes, but from what I've heard that isn't a big deal with the older machines. I was just hoping to see if anyone can tell me anything about it. I don't have a manual for it, but would love to use it.
Thanks for any help![ATTACH=CONFIG]494227[/ATTACH]

miriam

check the clutch knob. On the right hand side there is a big wheel. In the wheel is a knob. Turn the knob to tighten. Somewhere on this thread is a generic manual and it would take you a long ways. Read through it.

Rodney

Welcome Missykay!
That one is a beauty! I love the colors. Check the chrome knob on the handwheel. Make sure it's turned all the way away from you. It could be as simple as the machine is in bobbin winding mode. If it's in the right position and still doesn't turn, chances are the machine is stuck from sitting so long. It's nothing a little sewing machine oil and patience won't fix. Check the stickies on cleaning and maintaining these old machines. Make sure to stay away from harsh cleaners. Some will harm the finish.
Rodney

Edit: Miriam beat me to it.

missykay

Thanks for the replies...I tried the clutch knob and checked the bobbin winder and still no luck. I'm going to try oiling but will have to find the right oil. What do you suggest cleaning it with? A little soap and water or just a cloth? There is a lot of dusty grime to clean up.