I'm trying to get my Singer 5050 sewing machine up and running. One problem I see is that the needle will hit the needle plate, instead of going into the hole. It looks as if the whole presser foot and needle assembly are not in line with the hole in the needle plate. I've checked the manual, but don't see any way to adjust this. Its off by about 1mm, hitting the needle plate in front of the hole. Has anyone had this problem and know of a fix?
Thanks, Greg
The first thing that comes to mind is a bent needle, have you replaced the needle? Of course, if the presser foot is actually forward of the needle-plate hole too, then it likely is something seriously wrong. I doubt it's cost effective to repair a $200 machine, though. Sorry...
Beverly
Nope, the needle is brand new and I cannot see any damage at all. The whole assembly is straight as a pin. Greg
Is the needle in the right way around? For most Singers I'm familiar with, this means the flat side to the *back*.
Is this a brand new machine? If so, take it back to your dealer.
Yes, I double checked the needle position. Flat side to the back was confirmed. Its a brand new machine. Even if the needle was installed incorrectly, it would not explain why the presser foot hole does not line up with the needle plate hole. Greg
Just had another thought: As I said, I'm not familiar with the model
5050, but can you remove the needle plate (I assume you can, check the manual for cleaning instructions of the bobbin area)? If so, remove it, turn the flywheel *by hand*, and see if the threaded needle picks up the bobbin thread. If it does, then it's *not* a misaligned needle, so it might be a defective needle plate. (???)Has this machine *ever* worked properly for you?
Beverly
I just sent another suggestion, regarding the needle plate. It seems unlikely, but it's possible the wrong needle plate was installed. As I said, unlikely.
If both the needle and the hole in the presser foot are aligned, but the hole in the needle plate is off, then either the needle plate is defective OR the entire mechanism for holding the needle and presser foot is misaligned.
Again, since you indicate this is a new machine, take it back to your dealer. It should have some sort of warrantee, they should either repair it or replace it.
Better yet, see if they have a Singer 401a, my favorite machine. ;-) It'll be over in the used machine area, and probably cost less the you paid for a *new* 5050. I'm still using the one I bought new in 1961!
HTH,
Beverly
Is the problem a right-to-left (needle point too far to either side) alighment? On my vintage Singers, there are two screws, one above the other, on the 'back' side of the machine head (behind where the needle and presser bars are located. about 1/4 down from the top) that are used to adjust this alignment. The process is, raise the needle bar, remove the foot, Loosen these screws, insert the straight stitch plate, and use a new needle to align the needle bar with the straight stitch opening. Then tighten the screws. The older machines (like the 401s, 500s and
600s) have holes in the cast body for easy access to these screws. Don't know if this is the case on your machine but I imagine the adjustment is the same....-Irene
-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20
--Mae West=20
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Given your response to the others. I can with reasonable accuracy tell you the head end module is out of alignment. This is probably best done by a trained technician,but if you wish to attempt it. First remove the face plate (Light cover) You will notice several screws that hold the entire needle bar unit onto the machine. Slightly loosen all of them then tap the unit back into place. Use a size 80 needle and it should center in the plate. Be sure the hook does not hit the needle. Good luck
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