Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Montgomery Ward Sewing machine


A woman I know told me her sewing machine kept breaking the thread.  This week, after work, I picked up the machine.  The motor worked, the needle went up and down and back and forth, in the case of ZZ.  I took the top off, oild it in a few places,   tried a new needle and it sewed striaght stich and Zig Zag just fine.   The knobs were stiff, but what do I know?  I did try the stretch stitches and the machine went backwards.  ONLY.  I very carefully dribbled some tri-flow on the reverse mechanism and waited over night.  This morning I applied heat (hair dryer) and moved the reverse mechanism 1347 times. Slowly it released and began to work easier and easier.  Success, stretch stitches are fine and back tacking works wonderfully.  The knobs, as well, now turn easily.  OK  so how about the BW?  That worked fine but the hand wheel did not release.   UP and down went that needle when I tried the BW.  More tri flow and more heat freed that all up.  I was into it now more than I had planned and since I had come this far, off came the needle plate to clean the feed dogs.  They were not so bad.   The gears behind the shuttle were just barely visible but I saw enough.  I took off the bottom of the machine and greased those gears.  Then I checked out the rest of the underside and that was when I saw this:
I admit that I am pretty upset.  The machine is working and as long as it continues to sew I will let my friend know that nothing should be done, right now.  When this finally gives way, we can fix it then.  I think, if this part is available. 

7 comments:

  1. Somebody tried to put that screw in too far, must be working on big machines where all screws should be in and tighter then tight. My friends just commom and cheap electric (NOT electronic!) sewingmachine would not stitch at all, the underthread breaking as she was just pulling it up. Out with the screwdriver that belongs to it, I had a feeling something might be broken, she is not one you give anthique porcelain to wash, more like a plastic mug might be just safe in her hands, biut she is a lovely friend. As I was taking out the spool she casually mentioned her DH had gone through all screws and adjusted them tight. Right, penny dropped, the screw on the spoolholder was tighht, the spool would not jo-jo at all, in trying the thread snapped. Loosening that screw was all that was needed, I did the drop and lower trick and he presto, finally she could finish a seam on a pillowcase. I told her her DH has no right to touch that screw ever again, he works as a mecanicien at machines five times his height and ten times as long, screwdrivers are powered ones over there. Reina

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  2. I am having trouble with a MW UHT J1460 that I inherited. The straight stitch is fine, as is the zig zag, but when I put in some of the decorative cams, the machine runs backwards - ONLY. Someone told me that some of the decorative cams only work in reverse similar to a Kenmore 158?? Since I haven't a clue, I thought I would ask you. Also, some of the decorative cams that do stitch forward, look awful, not full or precise. Do you have to use the adjustment on the back of the machine as you would for a buttonhole? Or use double needles? Help! I'm lost. Thanks! (Love your blog!)

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    1. All I can suggest is oil and heat (hair dryer works great). Good luck

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  3. Can you explain how to thread this machine? I've looked everywhere with no luck. Your other diorama isn't the same machine as this one shown.

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    1. I would place the thread on the spool pin. Draw the thread through the thread guide at the top of the machine, then down through the tension discs (presser foot UP) up through the take up lever then down through the thread guide nearest the needle and then through the needle.

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  4. I just bought a Montgomery Ward UHT J1460 with cams. I have never used a machine with cams and I have no idea how to get the one off and/or put another on. It seems to be stuck unless there is some sort of release or special thing I must do to get it off. Hoping someone can help me. Please..please..please!

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