In March I ordered a new belt for the Necchi. It was guaranteed to fit. Well it didn't. I knew it wouldn't but, nevertheless I persisted, and forced that belt onto the Necchi. That, of course rendered the machine inoperable because the motor position interferred with the feed. Sigh. I had hoped that the new belt, which is the appropriate width, would fit so that I could use the Bobbin Winder. The current 14 3/4 inch diameter 1/4 inch width lug belt works fine. It's just too wide and kicks the bobbin winder off after only a few rotations of the wheel. I doubt I wll be able to find a narrow 14 3/4 inch belt, though I will continue to look. Meanwhile I can wind bobbins on my Nolting BW and when all of my sewing stuff is in one place, it will not be an issue.
I had started this project in the house. That was just plain stupid. I figured that I would be better off in the shop. As soon as I set the machine on my makeshift working block, two lock washers fell off onto the work bench. Why they didn't fall off between the house and the shop is a mystery to me. But it was clear where they belonged, on the bolts holding the motor to the machine.
Steven was of the mind that the lock washer should be positioned next to the bolt, not next to the motor. This picture was taken before I took the bolts off, in the house. I believe whoever changed the belt put the lock washers next to the machine. When I put them back, I put them next to the bolts, in the interest of marital harmony, so to speak, and because it was much easier.
It felt good to be in the shop. I opened the window, listened to our babbling brook and played with my tools.
Yesterday I sorted through machines, looking for one I could donate to a new sewist, sewer, person who sews. I had in mind that the Montgomery Ward I have is the perfect machine. Except....
When I got it out to look at it and test it, I felt that SOJ. Spark Of Joy. Nope Gotta keep this one.
That machine would make me happy also. I do not own a free arm machine- I have found a bunch of Kenmores that I cleaned and gave to to others, but never kept one. This one looks clean, simple and ready to do some serious sewing.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure you can apply the "spark of joy" test to sewing machines – your shop would catch on fire! Maybe the "thrill of joy," or the "spark of ecstasy" would be more culling.
ReplyDeleteI had that fat belt problem with my Necchi, too. I solved it by taking my rotary tool(like a Dremel, but cheaper because its generic) put in a little drum sander, and sanded a little bit of belt off both sides.Voila! Perfect fit.
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