The Sewing Place

Vintage Singer Belts

TomDrew

Vintage Singer Belts
« on: March 10, 2021, 18:01:48 PM »
Hello everyone,

So fettling "Belle"  (201k MK2). Had a clean up and an oil. Replaced the bulb with an LED. The motor seems okay to me ATM but am aware there are uprated modern ones with digital control pedals so will keep that in the back of my mind (they all seem to white which is a shame - if there is a brown one let me know and I'll be on it!). The belt on it is 'okay' I've seen worse belts running machinery fine but was aware there was a slight split developing so looked into getting a new belt to at least have on stand by. Looked online, everyone seems to replace them with a large diameter o-ring. Ordered a couple online (only one turned up - grrr!) Put it on the machine and... No thank you! It seems to be rubbing on the mounting for the bobbin winder. As such the motor cannot get up to full speed and is being strained. Even with the original belt on there is barely any clearance. So! Any thoughts... Are the original belts still available - I've had a quick look but lots of places are out of stock or I can't tell if it's a ONS or what. Had anyone else had a similar issue and found a solution.

As always thank you for your help and support!

T
In the stable: "Belle" - 1958 Singer 201k mk2 || "Guinea Pig" - 1902 Singer 128k || "Raf" - 1941 Singer 15k || "Naomi" - 2020 Janome 5024

MrBob

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2021, 22:32:59 PM »
Hi. I used this one on my 1948 201...it’s an “O” ring but so was the (original?) one it replaced. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEWING-MACHINE-MOTOR-BELT-TOP-QUALITY-Stretchable-Rubber-fits-SINGER-201k-/272067385010?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292. I’ve also replaced the motor with one of the white ones. It looks a bit odd but works nicely. Good luck with your quest.

P.S. You might also look at what Helen Howes has to offer...

http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/motorbelts.html

Rob
« Last Edit: March 15, 2021, 22:41:52 PM by MrBob »

KayK

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2021, 10:49:15 AM »
I second Helen Howes!
I have learnt by my mistakes: Sewing machines now are Bernina 720, Bernina 1008, Bernina 801 from 1981, Brother overlocker, ancient but works well

LeilaMay

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2021, 11:21:00 AM »
I think the original on the 201s would have been a V belt. If you still have the one you took off Tom, then Helen might be able to help you.
Good luck

TomDrew

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2021, 20:57:25 PM »
Well thank you everyone. Interesting stuff....

@LeilaMay I believe it is a v-belt and it's doing ok except for some slight damage, I'll have a look at Helen Howes - Ive seen she does some other o-ring types ones and lists all the sizes so that might be useful.

@MrBob interestingly that is exactly the type I bought and it doesn't work. Very confusing, it's too thick and seems far too small - unless I'm missing something obvious. It barely gets over the pulley on the machine and then is straining the motor something pretty grim. Tbh even the v-belt was on far too tight for my liking (not that I really know what I'm doing) but after loosening it right off so it's gripping but not tight, it made everything much smoother and quieter.

Well for the moment the old v-belt is doing okay and maybe I'll contact Helen Howes!
In the stable: "Belle" - 1958 Singer 201k mk2 || "Guinea Pig" - 1902 Singer 128k || "Raf" - 1941 Singer 15k || "Naomi" - 2020 Janome 5024

LeilaMay

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2021, 09:19:21 AM »
I've not read up n how to adjust the belt on 201s, but the 221 featherweights have advise on the FeatherweightShop website. Scary but it works - put on the belt, leave the adjustment (of the motor position) loose, and run the machine with your foot down. Now carefully move the motor about in it's range and find where the machine is running the fastest - that's it's optimum position. Tighten it up to stay there.

There should not be too much strain on the belt - sounds like it's too small?

Do you have all the manuals for the machine (sorry if I've asked that before)?

TomDrew

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2021, 17:03:43 PM »
Thanks @LeilaMay that's pretty much what I did so that's good. Or at least the other way. I had it where it was and then loosened it off until it sounded happier and was working to it's free-est!
In the stable: "Belle" - 1958 Singer 201k mk2 || "Guinea Pig" - 1902 Singer 128k || "Raf" - 1941 Singer 15k || "Naomi" - 2020 Janome 5024

Lace

Re: Vintage Singer Belts
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2021, 13:11:27 PM »
... Modified because I am not yet able to post suppliers or links.
« Last Edit: March 22, 2021, 09:03:33 AM by Lace »
Formerly at The Sewing Forum. Singer 12K, two 28Ks, 66K, 99K, four 201Ks, 221K, two drawing room cabinets, and Bernina Sport. All dating from 1891 to 1981.