The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: Snowgoose on January 11, 2018, 15:09:59 PM

Title: Brother motor
Post by: Snowgoose on January 11, 2018, 15:09:59 PM
Can anyone help, please?

I have a Brother Zig Zag electric machine, no model number that I can see, but the paper in the base is dated 1962, so vintage!

The motor looks to be in a very good condition, and runs beautifully - a nice speed, not too fast - but, the pedal and lead look lethal  :( the pedal is badly cracked.  I have no access to a repair shop or electrical shop.  Do I need to replace the whole motor and pedal, or is there an easier fix?

This is such a lovely machine- it looks so clean inside but other than the very short test drive, I'm frightened to use it  :(

Please can anyone advise me?  :flower:
Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: LeilaMay on January 11, 2018, 15:33:14 PM
You can buy a replacement pedal, but not sure if you have anyone who could fit it for you?

this kind of thing will be fine

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-YDK-SEWING-MACHINE-FOOT-CONTROL-PEDAL-FITS-LOTS-OF-MAKE-AND-MODELS/351786803276?hash=item51e820a04c:m:mH9GesBSVIsZxOyNUlzu7rw

You can buy cable from DIY stores.
Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: Snowgoose on January 11, 2018, 18:16:38 PM
Thank you so much  :flower:

I'm very sorry to be such a dunce  :( but what cable do I look for, please?  I can buy from eBay or Amazon.

Nobody to fit it for me, but if it is the same as wiring a plug then I should be okay  :)
Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: LeilaMay on January 11, 2018, 18:34:08 PM
From the mains plug you need 3-core 5 amp wire.

To the pedal you need 2-core 5 amp wire.

Mr advises - ou could look at what's on there at the moment - take photographs or draw diagrams before you disconnect anything.

:)

Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: Snowgoose on January 11, 2018, 20:51:41 PM
Thank you - and Mr LeilaMay - so much  :flower:  :flower:  :flower:

Lots of photos will be taken to remind me of what goes where  :)
Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: arrow on January 11, 2018, 22:18:27 PM
I have never seen a three core wire on a domestic machine. The modern machines have double insulation and a sealed plug at the end. I know there are a few earthed 201K  machines but they are few and far between. If you have a point in the machine to connect the grounding wire you can, but you might be better for with a simple wire repalcement. I can buy them at any store with a good selection of electrical equipment, but I'm not sure how the UK standard is.
Title: Re: Brother motor
Post by: Barnyard on January 15, 2018, 18:09:12 PM
Both the mains and foot unit wiring are 2 core as arrow said they are double insulated. If you intend to replace them then you will need a soldering iron as the pins in the machine plug are soldered and not screw fittings as found in vintage Singers. It's not a difficult job for a half competent sparky to do and he will will also advise on suitable cable replacements.

Hope you have it up and running soon!

Barny