It is embarrassing to confess, but I have been woefully negligent in care
and maintenance of my Featherweight (aka Isaac) and it started squeaking! I
added a bit of oil, then DH took it apart to do a proper clean up and
oiling. It works smoother and quieter now, yet one task needs doing.
The manual for FW 221 indicates that one should add Singer Motor Lubricant
to the grease tubes on motor. I don't have any on hand. Do I need that
particular brand or is there a common product that would work as well?
I know we have several quilters who are vintage SM savvy, so I eagerly await
your advice. Thanks in advance.
Pat in Virginia
There are a couple of FW's here that probably are sort of neglected. Mostly
in that they are not used enough.
Singer lubricant is what Pat needs. It comes in a white with red writing on
the
tube. Probably in a blister pack on the notions wall at Joann's. Walmart
used to sell it but don't think they do any more.
Taria
I use the Singer brand; I'm just afraid of what anything else might
do.....turn to gunk, maybe? I just got my FW out, as I had to take my
other machine in for repairs. I love to piece on the FW, but I sure miss
the knee lift. I have gotten so used to that and the needle up and down!
I have a Featherweight and a Singer 99K, both with full attachments
and manuals, and they both work beautifully! I follow all of the
maintenance instructions to the letter, and only use Singer brand oil,
etc. I think it's well worth the small investment of time and
effort.
My current sewing machine issue is that I now have my grandmother's
White treadle, which sat covered up with an old bedspread in my
mother's basement for over 35 years. I know I'm telling my age, but
it's the machine Grandma taught me to sew on when I was in grade
school. Fortunately, the original manual was rolled up and stuck in a
drawer, and with lots of time and patience I was able to get it
flattened out and copied. The machine, of course, had not been oiled
for at least 35 years, so over the course of two months I oiled it,
and have been able to get the parts un-jammed and beginning to move
again. It took repeated oilings, of course. I am hopeful that I can
get it really working nicely again. (The bobbin is working beautifully
now!) The next problem is getting needles that fit. The one in the
machine is almost twice as long as the ones I can find for sale these
days. However, there is a Singer shop in town that has parts for
Singers of all ages, so I am hoping they can look at the needle I have
and find something that will work. If all else fails, I will have to
clean up and sharpen the needle I have.
As soon as I get rid of this flu or whatever, I will check out Joanne. There
is a Singer store near there, convenient in case JF does not have the
product. I hope Polly doesn't read about your neglect, Taria!!
Thanks, Pat
Too late, Pat. I saw Taria's confession but I was cutting her a little
slack since her DH has been terrifying her with assorted ER visits. See?
There are a few excuses for neglecting SMs. Very few. Don't push. As to
flu recovery, I highly recommend a visit to the Swamp. The skies are clear,
the temp is about 75° and the gators are all preening and grooming for their
Spring Break ritual a/k/a "take a tourist to dinner". Polly
"Pat in Virginia" <
Is it a White Family Rotary? If it is, it takes the same 15x1 needles
that modern machines use. The older White VS (vibrating shuttle)
machines use the 20x1 needle, that is still in production, although in
limited sizes. Size 14 will be the easiest to obtain, but I think 12s
and 16s are still available as well.
Try putting a regular needle in the needle clamp, and see if it will
pick up the thread. Bear in mind that the White Rotary handwheel turns
"backward" from the forward motion of Singers. HTH.
Maria in NE PA
Thanks Polly. I appreciate that kindness. Things seem to be sort of
getting back to some sense of 'normal' here. I don't wish to have such
excuses in the future.
Weather beautiful here lately too. It is a joy to sit out in the sunshine
and watch the pups and birds enjoying the yard.
Taria
And for at least some of the White vibrating shuttle machines that take the
20x1 needle, they will work with regular needles if you cheat them down in
the needle clamp half a hair.
I've got a 1886 White VS treadle that is one of my favorite machines to use.
Dragonfly
I love it too! Wonder if our Va Pat could get her fife corps to belt that
tune out? Polly
"Louise in Iowa" Love it! Does he sound anything like Englebert
Humperdinck (or Jim
Puhleese Miss Polly! The Original Virginia Fife and Drum Corps* does NOT
'belt it out' for any tune. The Corps* is a very talented and sophisticated
musical organization. Today the songs of choice are 'Danny Boy', 'Irish
Eyes', 'It's a long way to Tipperary' and other music to celebrate MY name
day!
* Kindly note that Corps is pronounced Core, not Corpse, and Corpsman is
pronounced Core-man, not Corpse-man, despite a certain someone who should
know better!!! Now I will step off my soap box and wish you ....
Happy St. Pat's Day from Pat in Virginia
On the other hand.....when someone stacks their instruments ready to be
packed for a road trip....and someone else backs over them....
THEN you have the fife and drum corpse(s)!
--pig, ducking
On 3/17/10 10:24 AM, in article tu6on.37070$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe07.iad, "Pat in
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