What? Me Worry?

The 29 does have a bit of a drag when I turn the balance wheel.  I noticed some shiny metal when I turned it over on its side last night.  So I decided to check it out.  Not the most brilliant idea I have ever had.

I was tired, had indulged in my evening cholesterol lowering agent and thought I could just take a quick look.  After I removed the screws holding the bottom piece in place I tipped the machine right side up and a piece fell out.  I spent the next 40 minutes trying to figure out how to get it back together.  I did it.  But I wonder if the shuttle is now out of time  I will figure that out later.

 I wanted to show you this because this is where I think the drag is originating.  That shaft rubs on the metal piece and when I have had my morning blood pressure elevating agent vs the evening cholesterol lowering agent I can take this apart again and illustrate my concerns more clearly.

I am not too worried.  I think that somehow I can figure this out.  The machine moves better after a drink (the machine's, well, ahem, mine too) and some grease but something isn't quite right.

And in case you haven't had time to scour the WWW the way I did last night trying to figure out what part is missing, check out this photo and then you will see.

Singer 29-4

It is called an oil cup.  Apparently the thread passes under a wire spring that snaps down into the cup and lubricates the thread.   I think I can fashion something functional.  Won't be pretty or original.  But it will suffice.  I found the empty screw hole.  I know mine once had it.  Oh well.

Singer 29-2 Cobbler machine and treadle