I was in Scotland visiting DM while DH & DS were off skiing last week. Visited auntie, who pointed out a SM in the bottom of the wardrobe and asked if I was interested. In fact, as I was relieving DM of her Singer 522 as her scoliosis means she can't lift it any more, I wasn't but thought the little New Home might be worth looking at as a replacement. Its layout and functionality is identical to that offered by the machine currently offered by John Lewis for £99, which given it was originally purchased as a gift for Aunty #2, who died in 1988, just goes to show that some designs keep on going! It must be at least 35 years old in that case. DM & auntie assure me both DM's and this machine were serviced not more than 10 years ago.
So we got it onto the kitchen table to have a look at it. The presser foot was down with a sample piece of calico under it (zig zag & buttonhole tests, I'd expect). I could not get the foot up. There was a bit of play on the lever but nothing moved. So I tried the hand wheel. No movement of the needle either.
Next I read the manual (such as it is) and took off the top and right side panels. The left side panel swings out on an hinge. I then oiled the movable parts and gave it five mins. I checked the inner wheel and verified that it turns in both directions as you would expect for bobbin winding. The drive belt move but nothing shifts.
I plugged in the power and it lit up. The motor responded but it couldn't move anything either.
The problem for 80-something ladies with no car is that they live at the extreme east end of Dundee and the nearest servicer, according to the lady who takes in alterations locally, is in Kirkcaldy. So there's no chance of their getting it into the workshop. I also suspect that, given a new machine of the same spec can be had for under £100, the engineer may very well declare it a write-off. So, my question is, is it a dead duck? Or does anyone have any tips that might solve things?
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