Odd, but worth it.

 Most domestic sewing machines take the common 15 X 1 (or 130/705 system ) sewing machine needle.  This is quite convenient. The Singer 206, 306 and 319, don't.  You must use a 206X13 needle in those machines. It isn't a huge deal.  The needles are available, though a bit more dear than the 130/705 system.  For that reason I have avoided using my 306K and 319W.

Singer 319W

Singer 306K

The 206 still needs some work, I am ashamed to admit. It has been sitting on the shelf since I returned from Ray White class two years ago. 

Singer 206K

 Tonight, after dinner, but before Downton Abbey,  I thought I would set up a zig zag machine in preparation for inside sewing.   It is much too cold out in the sewing loft now.   I was going to haul the Riccar in from the loft.  Brrrr. I really didn't want to traipse out there to fetch a machine.  Aha, the 319W lives inside.  No, no, no, remember how hard it was to get it out of that base?  Use the 306K!

TA DA

The leather belt that fit the 66 so well was way too tight for the 306. I had to install the coil spring belt . It took me about 5 minutes to do so.  I also took off the bobbin winder.  The belt rubbed against it and the noise drove me nuts.  The belt does rub against the metal lift spring, too, but I buffered that with some tape.  I know, I know, TACKY. 

 Still,  the stitch is worth it. 

Top stitches

Bottom stitches

SHOP TIME MEANS HAPPY TIME

As a reward for mowing I allowed myself some time in the shop. I am happiest when I am there.  True, it was a gorgeous day.  I walked the dogs, mowed some of the upper field and neglected the garden.  I looked at it and decided that it was too much.  So I made myself happy and went to the shop.

  First I worked on the 404A.  It is ready to go. 

I like this machine. True it is only a straight stitcher but the motor is quiet and the machine is fast.  It is lighter than the 201 and doesn't do really heavy heavy stuff the way the 201 can, but it is a lovely machine.  Anyone who wants to learn how to sew could easily manage this machine.  Plus, it has a manual.  In pristine condition.


I also worked on the cone bearings.  Not budging. 

I finally decided that a few DAYS in the ATFAcetone bath would be the best thing.

Then I finished up the 391W.  Truthfully I had been putting off this project because I was concerned that I had to do more with the timing.  Not so.  Nice stitches but stiff on the zag.  More oil and heat.  I also moved the needle bar back and forth manually about a gazillion times.  I tried to mount the hand crank but the motor mount on this machine is too high to accept it.  Too bad.  I used the spoked wheel any way for more ballast.

BEFORE

AFTER

Time will tell (be forewarned..this is a wordy, if not verbose, post)

So. I got out the famous Ray White timing tool.  Installed a brand new #90 needle in the 319W and set about timing the hook and the needle.  It would not work.  I fiddled around some before I finally decided to just come in the house (it was warmer in here) so that I could have the working 319 near by for comparison.  That was when I discovered  (moron that I am) that I was using a 130/705H system needle.  The 319 takes a 206X13 needle.  Oh good.  Something simple.  Well, even with the CORRECT needle I couldn't get the thing to NOT catch on the hook as the thread went around.  So then I put in the bobbin case (more brilliance, I just astound myself) but it STILL would catch.  I was STYMIED.  STUMPED.  FRUSTRATED.  BAFFLED.  CLUELESS. AND BUMMED TOTALLY.  TOTALLY BUMMED.  ABSOLUTELY. 

Then the kids came.  Saved from myself.

This morning I went back out to the shop. Last night I studied the 306 service manual, re-read Bill Holman's advice about how to fix these machines if they have been re-timed for a 130/705H needle system.  I checked the feed timing, I re-timed the hook, I checked the needle bar height.  I did it all.  STILL, it would catch as the thread went around the bobbin case.

THEN  I wondered if perhaps the problem was that the tension assembly was dirty.  I took that sucker apart and cleaned it.  I couldn't get the stud out of the machine because the set screw was glued in there with old dirt and oil.  Heat and Tri-Flow.  Heat and Tri-Flow.  Heat and Tri-Flow.  Admittedly the tension assembly was dirty.  But that was NOT the problem.  Well, ok I was not yet at the "I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANY MORE AND I WANT TO THROW THIS MACHINE OUT THE WINDOW AND NEVER LOOK AT IT AGAIN." but I was dang close.  Tears were trying to well up in my eyes and I was shaking, only a little bit.  So I walked the dogs.

I decided that my original plan, to have the working 319 near by, was a good one.  I came back in the house (the kids had left by then, quick trip to fetch a car) with the famous timing tool, screw driver, LIGHTED MAGNIFYING GLASS (did I mention that I am in my seventh decade?) and requisite needle and bobbin case.  Oh how I did not want to get that 319W out of its base.  I did that the other day and it was a bear to get back together.

Then I remembered... I have a 306!!!!

I put the two of them together on the table.  I stripped the foot, the needle plate, the feed dogs off of the 306.  I tipped it up on its end and I studied that hook with the lighted magnifying glass.   I dropped the needle down to DROP DEAD CENTER put the famous Ray White timing tool in place and studied the position of the needle in relation to the hook when the needle bar was raised about 2.5 mm (courtesy of the famous Ray White timing tool). 

Then I took the FRWTT off of the 306 and put it on the 319.  I got that needle and hook as close as I could to perfect.

THEN I tried it.  The thread still got stuck.  OK  tears are starting to flow...... WTF (and bad language too).

I turned to the 306 and threaded it up,  and watched as the thread went around the bobbin case.  IT GOT STUCK TOO.  WTF WTF WTF.  Could it be that simple?

I put the needle plate back on the 306...Perfect stitches.  WTF WTF WTF.

I put the needle plate back on the 319.  Perfect (ok not perfect but pretty f...... close (bad language persists)) I managed to GET perfect straight stitch stitches by adjusting the tension. 

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?   I was holding the thread up as I was testing the timing, but I guess I wasn't holding it up loosely enough or something.

Some famous inventor of a timing tool always said, over and over again.  "Nine times out of ten it is something simple."

Singer 319W

Yes, I posted this photo again.  After I cleaned up the shop I set to work servicing this machine.  I don't know how many of you are familiar with these machines.  Singer made them in the 50s.  The 206 was the first zig zag, I believe.  The 306 and the 319 were later versions.  They all take a 206X13 needle.  And they all have this funny cleated belt that drives the machine

 This belt is in good shape but it seems a bit loose to me.  I compared it to the 306W parts machine and my other 319W.

The "keys" at the top of the machine select the stitch.

The horizontal camstack looks suspiciously similar to the "fashion discs" that offer more selection in decorative stitches

You have to tip the machine up to get to the bobbin and shuttle.  It is neither a class 15 nor a class 66 bobbin. It is an L bobbin and bobbin case. They are still available, though, as are the needles.  (No bobbin case in this photo.  I did check it and it seems to be in good shape) There are gears driving the shuttle, too.

It is cleaning up very nicely, I think.

I am never going to sew with this machine.  I have to face it.  I adore it, none the less.  I bought it because I wanted to save it from the dump.  I thought I would clean it up and sell it.  The loose belt worries me, though.  I doubt it will break anytime soon.  But when I sell a machine, I like to know it is working.  So I will keep this one for the museum and sell my "Good" 319W.  Its belt is fine and it is in better cosmetic shape.  Plus it comes with a very nice base.  It also has the original light green wiring.  I also have an original manual.  Am I sad?  Not really.  I have too many machines. 

Singer 391W vintage 1956?

 

Snow Country

The forecast for today was 70% Wintry Mix with little to no ice or snow accumulation. 

"Perfect. We can head up to Utica to fetch that 319W.  Do you think we should take the Tacoma or my car?"

"I don't think it matters."

"OK  Let's take the Jetta.  It's got studded snows.  We won't need the 4WD." 

 We were running late, as usual.  Since the appointment was for 0930 I pulled over, just off of Route 12 to phone the seller to let him know we were on our way. 

"Ten minutes out," I claimed.

Two minutes later, we crossed into Snow Country

The road wasn't really slippery.  The change, though was dramatic.  Steven claims it wasn't from Lake Effect; something about the temperature being wrong.  But all of a sudden we went from no snow on the ground to this.  Needless to say, my ETA was off.

One really should check the cleated belt on these old 319s.  I did check the bobbin case and it looked fine.  Not chewed up at all.  It was not IN the machine. It had fallen out onto the board in the bottom of the cabinet.  We loaded her up and headed over to Harbor Freight and out of snow country. 

5127 Commercial Drive, Yorkville. 

"I have never heard of Yorkville," the world traveler said. 

"Neither have I, but Harbor Freight is there."

"They have a retail store?"

"Yup."

We found Commercial Drive but no Harbor Freight.  Thank You, Garmin for getting us lost. 

"There it is!" exclaimed Steven as I turned the car around in the Hubbel's parking lot. "But how do we get there?"

It was on the other side of Route 5, a major 4 lane highway with, we thought, limited access. 

After chasing down all the side roads around  Route 5 in  search  of   HF, we finally just drove down Route 5 and there was a turn off, right into the Parking lot. 

 I had heard that HF had cheap rotary blades that lasted longer than the ones sold to replace the ones for the rotary cutter I own.  The blades were as elusive as the store was.  Finally I found them. 
1.99 for two. We shall see if  1) they fit and 2) they are better.

Just the same I had a blast wandering around the store.  Steven found a tool box and did not even complain that I took a long time just feeding my tool fetish.

By the time we headed home it was raining.  Not enough to rinse the Jetta of its coating of sand and salt.  Darn.

I cleaned the machine up a bit.  Tomorrow I will light a fire in the shop and service its innards.  The cleated belt looks fine.  It turns over smoothly.  It is dusty and needs a good cleaning.  I love my compressor.  Just the tool for the inside of this machine.

 

Singer 319W

One day last December I was "trolling" on Craigslist.  I usually do not check out ads that don't have a photo.  For some reason I read the ad for this machine.  I had to drive to Western Mass to fetch her but since it wasn't THAT far past Albany,  I went.  I must admit that I paid much more than my usual 40 bucks, but I love this look.   I have done nothing to her since she was very nicely cleaned up and running very well.  However, now that I have all that soldering experience, I think I will solder a couple of connectors to the wires that attach to the three stud connection.  It's just more tidy.