I've finished the clean! Hooray!
I seem to have somehow misplaced a screw... fortunately the one for the presser foot, so I replaced it with a vintage singer thumbscrew, which works a treat, Id like to do the same with the needle screw too. I've put it all back together, but haven't polished it. Ive also replaced the plug, so I had the clutch motor running this afternoon, smells like it needs a good run in!
I'm waiting for needles to arrive for it, so I haven't been able to test the sewing on it.
Pleasant surprises:
1) I think its almost as smooth as my 201
2) it has a very wide range of feet both vintage and modern
3) the bobbins are not excessively huge
4) that its a very affordable machine, compared to a lot of domestic Singers, (I bought this for £35 + courier £45)
5) the needles are reasonably available and in most sizes and ball point or sharp, and not overly expensive.
I was concerned that:
1) it wouldn't feel 'special' or especially smooth > I was very wrong here. the machine itself is very smooth before cleaning there was a heaviness to the action after cleaning the action is very smooth and effortless.
2) That the clutch motor would be noisy > It constantly hums, and sounds a little sci-fi, but its not noisy or disruptive
3) That the speed would be hard to control, or very off/on bearing in mind this machine has a top speed of 3-4000 stitches a minute> I'm relieved to say that this is not the case! and that stitch speed seems to be very controllable.
:devil:Gotchas:
1) the screws that hold the machine into the case, seem to use a Imperial allen key, I used pliers to loosen them
2) somewhat niche needle size, not too many needle styles, no leather needles, just sharp or ball point
3) Very very heavy!
4) The lacquer/ Japanning is not as smoothly finished as similarly aged home machine, the bed is very smooth though.
the industrial button hole device equivalent of the adjustable black Singer domestic one doesn't finish the ends well apparently, so its looks like the Pfaff and the 201 are still necessary
I have to say I'm really enjoying this machine and cant wait to try sewing on it!