Something happened to my 201. I don't know what happened, but something happened. It has gradually been stitching more and more poorly. I have tried changing the tension assembly, no better. I tried switching the bobbin case for a different one. I even purchased a new, unbent position bracket.
Nothing is helping. I finally pulled the hook and cleaned all around it. It seemed better, but then when I put a newly wound bobbin in, it went all to pieces again. After dinner I read the adjuster's manual and read that one must position the position bracket with enough room for thread to pass. So I adjusted that, messed with the tension and got a decent stitch, with white thread, on two layers of muslin with the dial set at 9. I just moved the numbers to 5 so that it would not drive me so nuts. There does seem to be an abundance of "play" in the bobbin case and I can see that the escapement between the bobbin case finger and the position bracket could tighten up if the machine runs fast. Which is when I have the issue. If I were not an obsessive, I would have ditched this machine long ago. But I am attached to it. So I will persevere. Maybe.
The motor seems sluggish as well. So I pulled the motor and checked it all out. Everything seems to be in order. I lubed the grease tubes, but didn't check the commutator. Should have. But the motor zooms when in bobbin winding mode. So then I oiled the whole machine again and gave up.
I have another 201. The light needs rewiring. The switch is bad and it needs a new motor. Fortunately I have a parts 15-91 that will donate a motor. I took a look at the light tonight. Oh boy. there will be a job. Rewiring it. And the switch. Gee Whiz.
Then, all of a sudden, I remembered !! I bought some 201-2 parts a while back. Sho nuff! There is a switch and a light . CELEBRATE ! So maybe I will be able to get a decent 201-2 together. I sure hope so. I love the way it sounds. And looks. Such a pretty machine.
Some folks prefer the 15-91. I can understand that. A vertical bobbin and a class 15 bobbin. But somehow I think it looks stubby and aesthetically I find the 201 to be a more handsome and classy looking machine.
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| Singer 15-91 |
Hmmm...never heard of that. Have you tried changing the needle? I know you will figure this out...I know you will!
ReplyDeleteI changed the needle a gazillion times
DeleteOne of these is on my wish list. I need to get rid of a bunch of my duplicates first-no more room for sewing machines.
ReplyDeleteI do think the 201's are classy looking machines, but personally, I'm in love with the 15-91 clones. I have two - a Remington that I've fully restored and an R.H. Macey that I'm currently restoring. They're really sturdy, quiet, and smooth little stitchers.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, I do hope you're able to figure out the problem with your 201 - I've never encountered something that sounds like that, but I imagine it must be frustrating.
The motor is good, so we know it isn't the brushes or the grease tubes. Check for a tiny thread stuck, in there and swelling up or getting stuck with the heat of use, maybe wound around motor or machine shaft acting like a brake.
ReplyDeleteAlso check for a too-tight belt, or an age-hardened belt. If that isn't it, check for too little end play on main shaft or other clearance not properly set. (You already know about the clearance on the drop-in bobbin.) Lastly, it might be a mis-adjusted foot control. All ideas from old posts on wefixit, vintagesingers, and featherweight yahoo groups.
Tamar,
ReplyDeleteThe 201 is a gear driven machine, so it will not have a belt that is too tight.
The motor sounds great when it is in bobbin winding mode.
I will check those other things. Thanks
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteMy 201 would occasionally do this to me and it also gave me fits. I finally figured out that it didn't like a few of my new bobbins(don't know if it has anything to do with having a replacement slide plate) and it doesn't like full bobbins. I just make sure I only fill the bobbins to about 80-90 percent full. Kind of a pain since class 66 bobbins don't hold a lot of thread anyway, but it solved my stitch problems.
Cari