booboohd

Hello All,

So I just bought a sewing machine earlier from a guy who used to work for singers in the 1990s.
gave me some pointers about the machine, which was not a singer.

During the exchange, I asked him why the USA did not get the free arm featherweight?
He says. "The US consumers did not want it. Not only that, I had to convert the motors of featherweight from overseas to get them to work here in the USA.
He also mentions that the White Featherweights are built differently.

I asked him the specifics as to how different. He says from the layouts of the gears and the internal parts. It is not the same as the black one.

Here's is the interesting parts, he says "I would rather have the black one then the white as the white has more reliability issues than black."

Can anybody confirm this? I only have the black featherweight and not the white.

Oh btw, the seller loves the slant machines of singers.

Cliffs
-US consumers did not want free arm at the time
-White featherweight are built differently
-Black featherweights are more reliable

liking quilting

I've heard something similar to that, too. White f.w. were the last ones made where the black older ones have a better reputation. Can't say that from personal experience, as I only have the black one!

SusieQOH

I have both and prefer my black one. It runs a lot better.

booboohd

thanks for the input

thanks for the input. Did you notice any change in internal designs? What about quality?

Well, after searching. I think I may have found a major change of the white featherweight and it is heartbreaking.
Saw this one website
https://www.stillstitching.com/2018/...herweight.html
This means that the singer featherweight has uses two belts. One for the motor and metal drive shaft. It same same as singers walking foot machine.
This website shows it all
https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...herweight-221k

Maybe the tan color is a better choice but nothing beats the free arm featherweight.

tranum

My white FW gets quite a bit of use and it works like a charm & I’m keeping it !

sak658

I have the black and the white and they both are fantastic...love them both the same...

Annaquilts

I own 3 or more black ones in perfect running condition but also use my one and only white one. Love it and no issues. I have many other machines, maybe 20, vintage and new but always use my white feather weight. No idea what he is talking about. They are different and the difference makes me choose the white one.

Karamarie

Love my white featherweight.

booboohd

The thing is, when the belt wears out on the white FW drive shaft, to replace the belt you have to take these steps.
1. remove the hand wheel
2. remove the washer
3. remove the internal screw that is holding the washer
4. slide the wash to the right
5. that is when you can finally remove and insert the new belt on drive shaft.

Whereas, the black FW, you do not need to do that as it is metal gear driven.

If you love your white fw, more power to you.

I am surprised that singer changed the build on the white FW compare to black and tan.

Hooligan

Thx folks, just learned something new today