Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Don't quit your Day job

I took this photo on Saturday when I was trying to time a Taiwanese made White badged sewing machine.
I was having trouble seeing exactly where the hook was in relation to the needle.  So I photographed it figuring I could enlarge the photo and see if it was where it needed to be.  
This machine is not one of the more desirable machines, but Betsy and I worked on it for HOURS and still could not get it to pick up the thread.  We figured it was the timing and so we looked for the set screws that would relase the hook so we could set the timing.

We thought these two set screws were the ones
But nothing much happened to the hook when we loosened these screws.  It certainly did not move easily, as the hook on the 66 does when its set screw is loosened.  Finally I convinced Betsy to let me bring it home and play with it.  It did not take much convincing.  I think she was ready to ditch the whole machine.
I brought it home and played with it. And I totally messed it up.   It is not a bad looking machine.  It is light weight though the bobbin gears are metal.

Turns out ( no pun intended ) that these two set screws are the ones that release the hook. Why they put those in there with those greasy gears, but I do believe thems the ones. 

So I tried and tried. I turned more screws and schmutzed up more adjustments on this machine than you can ever imagine. I  could not center the needle without making the right sided zag go onto the needle plate.  So I finally concluded that maybe it is a left homing needle and left it at that.  But not before I stripped a screw (I really don't know how that happened.  but it won't tighten down now.)  For details on how I schmutzed this up, check back later.  I still have not given up.  But I do believe that since I am turning 59 in less than a month, time is getting short for me.  I'd best not be spending DAYS on this machine.  I have too many others to work on that have real value.  Such as 2 Singer 201s that I know I can get running again.  Several 15-91s that merely need cleaning.   A couple of 101s that I should just get running and cleaned up because, well, after all they are 101s.  Two featherweights that need servicing and loving.   Sewing to do, a treadle top to make so that I can demonstrate treadling at the farmer's market on 2.18.12 . One more dog to groom  OH and the day job...

I did have business cards made up.  But I am thinking that maybe I have no business trying to do this.  Maybe it should just be a hobby and fodder for the blog.  But I love it and it is fun and I have been able to fix some machines for folks.  Maybe I should learn from this experience.  Put the tools away.


8 comments:

  1. I do not have your sewing machine repair knowledge.

    That being said, I want to mention my recent experience with a Kenmore sewing machine that was not picking up the thread. I had never used this machine but cleaned it up (oiled & greased it) with the intention of using it.

    When I noticed the hook wasn't picking up the thread I assumed the timing was off & called a friend. He had me adjust the upper screw that holds the needle bar in place. Apparently someone had sewn some heavy fabric on this Kenmore & it pushed the needle bar up. I lowered the needle bar slightly & the hook picked up the thread.

    Try it & let me know if that helps!
    Jonathan

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    1. Needle bar is where it should be, but thanks. Stay tuned for more details about me and this machine.

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  2. It's certainly not a bad looking machine. Is the cam stack metal?

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    1. I agree, it is a fine looking machine. No, I believe that the cam stack is plastic.

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  3. I would not be too hard on yourself. I would cherry pick your first jobs, for sure. Sell your service as a clean, oil, adjust kind of thing, such as through a quilt shop. I have had machines handed back to me by pro's who have said that it needs to go to a (brand) technician, not their area, and didn't think twice about it. They didn't charge for this,, obviously. I was actually grateful for their honesty. Now that I work on my own machines, well you win some and you loose some.

    Your poodle has the same look my poodle gives me. Must be a Certified Poodle Look!

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    1. Well,today I brought home a tan Featherweight to service. Can't wait to get it stitching. Vintge 1961.

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  4. I worked for 2 days on a similar machine, getting ready to toss it in a ravine, when I realized it was the wrong style needle, and was oriented wrong...sometimes you just need to walk away. Looks like you generally have alot of fun and satisfaction doing this.

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  5. Thanks a bunch for posting it...finally i can fixed my sewing machine.. :)

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