Singer 403A tension

 Lisa A. wrote:
"My new-to-me 403a tension dial with numbers just spins. The nut does not have any pin to fit in the holes on the dial. Is there a pin on the nut on your machine, to hold the numbered dial in place? I wonder if mine has a broken or wrong part."

No Lisa your nut is not broken.  It does not have a pin in it.

The tension numbers are adjustable.  Yours spins, perhaps because you are missing other parts?  Does the nut have a set screw like this?   Does it have the chrome collar?

 Perhaps the set screw is just loose or the nut is adjusted too loosely to keep the numbered dial from spinning.

In order to "set" the numbered dial you do need to loosen the set screw and remove the chrome collar.  Loosen the nut just  until the numbered dial spins easily.  Turn the numbered dial to the desired setting ( I like to use 4 for the perfect stitch when I am "stitching in" a machine) and while carefully holding the dial at your selected setting, tighten the nut so that it is secure against the numbered dial.  Then replace the chrome collar and tighten the set screw.

Singer 403..The hook stayed home

I worked on the 403 today and decided NOT to take out the hook.  There are instructions on vintage singers but I just did not have the gumption to take it out.  If it doesn't stitch I will accept the challenge, but maybe at the Ray White class.
 Fortunately the throat plate lever on this machine worked perfectly so it just popped right off.  The feed dogs came out readily, as well.  But I did not know how to remove the bobbin case.  I guess I did not do it on the 401 when I cleaned her out, or else, I forgot.  That would not surprise me.

 I referred to the 401 manual.  To remove the bobbin case, all you have to do is slip the position bracket to the right and lift out the bobbin case.

 I did that and cleaned and scrubbed and scraped all the crud out from in and around the hook.  But I left that hook alone.  I never noticed that piece of red lint in the bobbin case.  These photos really magnify detail.  I did notice it when I was cleaning the bobbin case:

I was able to remove it with the help of a dental pick that my wonderful dental hygienist gave to me.  What a fine instrument that is.  Perfect for getting into these very tight clearances. 

I imagine the machine would not have stitched well with that lint trapped in there.

Speaking of clearances, next on my list of tools to purchase is a set of feeler gauges. 

I am now the lucky "winner" of a manual and some accessories for the 403.   Stayed up to watch the countdown on eBay.  Now I can go to bed.

Singer 403

It has been a whole month since I last bought a sewing machine.  Yesterday  I fetched this Singer 403.  I have a 401 and a 404.  Now I have a 403.   That means I have all of that series.  It has no attachments or cams, maybe I will find some, maybe I won't .  I can't wait to get her oiled and cleaned up.

 The motor sounds strong, though it did protest a little a first, once running it was FAST.  The levers move easily and I love the look.  Did I mention that I learned to sew on a 401?  I just love this  style.