The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: LeilaMay on August 09, 2019, 09:51:15 AM

Title: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on August 09, 2019, 09:51:15 AM
Thought it might be worth having a thread about replacement light bulbs for our vintage machines.
Lillian mentioned she is having trouble fitting an LED bub in her new Singer Featherweigh, and it reminded me that even among my small herd I've had to buy a couple of different types.

There is a useful video here from the Singer Featherweight shop about the kinds of bulbs avaliable

https://singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/featherweight-led-bulb-comparison?_pos=1&_sid=b7486e07e&_ss=r

and I did have to buy a couple of the narrowest type from them to fit my white featherweight and an electric 99K in a cabinet - all the other types fouled the narrow fitting and wouldn't engage) - I haven't yet found that narrowest type in the UK but maybe someone has?

Anyway, hope this will proves helpful to some folks

LeilaMay

PERHAPS THIS THREAD COULD BE A STICKY _ AS A RESOURCE?
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Acorn on August 09, 2019, 10:05:48 AM
I have stickified it.   :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: BrendaP on August 09, 2019, 10:12:33 AM
I bought a couple of these
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XF325CG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
One is currently in my 221 Featherweight and the other is in the 201.  No particular problem getting them in.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on August 09, 2019, 12:30:09 PM
Yes I have those too - they fit in most of my machines. But the white 221 and one of my 99s needed a bulb that doesn't have that white ring around it, that stands proud just below the light-up section. In the narrowest fittings, that prevents the bulb from going far enough down to engage the lugs - who knew bulbs could be so complicated?  :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: jesster on August 09, 2019, 13:03:50 PM
I have a white Featherweight and use one of these (https://singer-featherweight.com/products/light-bulb-led?variant=9015049667).  I'm in the US, but maybe the same type is available on your side of the pond?
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on August 09, 2019, 13:23:41 PM
I have a white Featherweight and use one of these (https://singer-featherweight.com/products/light-bulb-led?variant=9015049667).  I'm in the US, but maybe the same type is available on your side of the pond?

Yes, that's exactly the type I'm talking about - it's necessary for a few types of light fitting, including the white 221s.
I haven't found a UK supplier for those, but perhaps someone will know of one  :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Lilian on August 09, 2019, 18:15:49 PM
Just had a look and found These (http://https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pack-Small-Bayonet-LED-Light-Bulb-Sewing-Machine-Fridge-Freezer-4W-Cool-White/153537328578?hash=item23bf89b5c2:g:9dgAAOSwIsddDJ~Z)  on ebay not sure if they will fit but look possible.

I managed to get the old bulb back in the machine by wrapping it in the finger of a rubber glove, pushing it in and the pulling out the glove and I felt it click into place.  :)  I have little dexterity in my fingers due to a biking accident years ago so couldn't do it any other way. I did see a short video showing how to do it with a piece of tubing which would be much better.

Thanks @LeilaMay for staring this thread  :) :vintage:
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Silverlake on August 23, 2021, 03:14:12 AM
The Plastic Tubing for fitting awkward bulbs is also available from The Featherweight Shop's UK outlet/partner; The Littlest Thistle.

https://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/shop/sewing-machine-parts-accessories/machine-maintenance/tools/light-bulb-tool

I bought two types of LED bulb from The States; one Standard, and one Super-Bright-White. The super-bright-white is great for seeing true colours. Both types are much better than the old incandescent bulbs we've been used to.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Nuttywife59 on August 27, 2021, 23:00:42 PM
If you look up singer featherweights UK on Facebook  Phillip Enstone supplies Led bulbs for them. I've had 3 from him 1 each for my featherweight and a 99k and my 201k.






Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: SewMeSome on March 05, 2022, 08:55:29 AM
I have a vintage Bernina 707 Minimatic and have sourced a bulb, but for the life of me cant figure out how to get the old one out - does anyone now of a video tutorial on how to replace it?
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: toileandtrouble on March 05, 2022, 09:30:17 AM
Does the side flap swing open on the top left?  I have a feeling it is like my Bernina, will check it later if you haven't got better advice by then.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on March 05, 2022, 09:58:16 AM
In this blog - a photogrpah  a little way in - you can see how the left hand end swings open.
https://mnel2.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/a-new-acquisition-a-bernina-707/

The bulb is behind the brown panel - you need to carefully push the bulb upwards and then twist - I think it will be a bayonet fitting. Then the new bulb replaces it.

Nimble fingers are go  . . .   :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Bumblebuncher on March 05, 2022, 10:26:22 AM
@LeilaMay If the glass bulb bit breaks while trying to get it off you can use a potato to push on the end and still do the twisty thing without too much effort  :D
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Diane on March 05, 2022, 10:46:22 AM
I always remove/replace bulbs wearing a rubber glove, you get a bit more grip without having to put too much pressure on the bulb
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on March 05, 2022, 11:33:46 AM
@LeilaMay If the glass bulb bit breaks while trying to get it off you can use a potato to push on the end and still do the twisty thing without too much effort  :D

An actual potato? When I first read it I thought you meant a potato peeler of the old kind, that you can also core apples with? Butt you mean a potato??

 :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on March 05, 2022, 11:34:24 AM
I always remove/replace bulbs wearing a rubber glove, you get a bit more grip without having to put too much pressure on the bulb
Yep, great idea.  :)
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Bumblebuncher on March 05, 2022, 12:02:01 PM
Yes I mean a potato  :laughing:
You cut it in half and then use it as a 'handle' to get a grip on the bits left after the shattering by pushing on. 
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on March 05, 2022, 12:17:40 PM
Yes I mean a potato  :laughing:
You cut it in half and then use it as a 'handle' to get a grip on the bits left after the shattering by pushing on.

Okay!  :)
Should I need it, i'll give it a try.
Fortunately I haven't ever (touch wood) broken a bulb.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: SewMeSome on March 05, 2022, 13:05:15 PM
Does the side flap swing open on the top left?  I have a feeling it is like my Bernina, will check it later if you haven't got better advice by then.

I can get in there via the flap , but how to remove the light bulb is baffling me- and I am generally ok at maintenance and fixing things like this, so I know it's not 'simple' and maybe there's a trick to it
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: SewMeSome on March 05, 2022, 13:06:28 PM
In this blog - a photogrpah  a little way in - you can see how the left hand end swings open.
https://mnel2.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/a-new-acquisition-a-bernina-707/

The bulb is behind the brown panel - you need to carefully push the bulb upwards and then twist - I think it will be a bayonet fitting. Then the new bulb replaces it.

Nimble fingers are go  . . .   :)

Thank you - I will try that this weekend. Im ok at fixing things , but 'nimble fingers' isn't really my middle name  :laugh:
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: SewMeSome on March 05, 2022, 13:06:56 PM
@LeilaMay If the glass bulb bit breaks while trying to get it off you can use a potato to push on the end and still do the twisty thing without too much effort  :D

Wow, handy tip, thank you!
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: LeilaMay on March 05, 2022, 14:57:57 PM
Earlier in this thread there is a link to a little tool, that's basically a shaped section of rubber-like tubing that fits the bulb - giving you an inch or two more to shove up there - please excuse the phrase. That might be worth a look?
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: keepitsimple on June 07, 2022, 23:09:07 PM
Encountered the same problem with some leds having a collar that stops the bulb from being pushed in far enough. Found these on amazon - they fit (among others) Bernina record 600, 730, 801, 900 nova and 1011 - so I reckon pretty well all of the older Bernina that take bayonet fittings. Also fit Husqvarna 19e, 1030, 6570, Optima 150 so fairly sure they'll be OK for other machines in those ranges. Plus Singer latest version of 201,185 and 401g.

Have all those machines so I know they fit.

on Amazon - Bonlux 2W Ba15d LED Bulb 220V-240V - there is a cool white or warm white option. About ~ £8.50 for 2.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Acorn on June 08, 2022, 09:04:41 AM
If anyone knows of an led bulb that will fit a Husqvarna Megaquilter (the same as Janome 1600P and various others) I would be eternally grateful!  According to the manual it's 12v, 5W, and it looks like this:

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

I did manage to get one that fitted the description, intended for (from memory) a car number plate light, but it didn't fit very well, and didn't work.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Iminei on June 08, 2022, 09:07:52 AM
Helen Howes (https://www.facebook.com/helen.howes.146) is the go to bod for Vintage machine parts ... She may be able to help ...

The linky is to her faceache page.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: realale on June 08, 2022, 09:09:16 AM
I bought two of those from somewhere on tinterweb. If only I could remember where...... ><
I think I just googled my sewing machine make & model and added replacement lightbulb.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Acorn on June 08, 2022, 09:10:53 AM
@Iminei  It isn't vintage (although it isn't new either) - I've just realised that I've posted this on a vintage machines thread... I'll go and put it somewhere else...  :facepalm:

@realale That's how I got the ones I tried - after a very long time and an awful lot of looking, and nothing else coming up anywhere.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on March 24, 2023, 13:46:48 PM
Encountered the same problem with some leds having a collar that stops the bulb from being pushed in far enough. Found these on amazon - they fit (among others) Bernina record 600, 730, 801, 900 nova and 1011 - so I reckon pretty well all of the older Bernina that take bayonet fittings. Also fit Husqvarna 19e, 1030, 6570, Optima 150 so fairly sure they'll be OK for other machines in those ranges. Plus Singer latest version of 201,185 and 401g.

Have all those machines so I know they fit.

on Amazon - Bonlux 2W Ba15d LED Bulb 220V-240V - there is a cool white or warm white option. About ~ £8.50 for 2.

I just got some of those - and they don't fit my Singer 185k - the top edge flares out very slightly so they don't quite push in enough.  I've now ordered some different ones, so will report back when they arrive.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: skyhigh on January 30, 2024, 13:36:46 PM
I have a vintage Bernina 707 Minimatic and have sourced a bulb, but for the life of me cant figure out how to get the old one out - does anyone now of a video tutorial on how to replace it?

Hello, did you managed to remove the bulb? Only asking as i have a Bernina 700 and had to remove the bulb as the face plate was getting far too hot!
Having removed the bulb which has a screw thread it had a 20 watt rating.
Looking to replace it with a LED type bulb now.
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on January 30, 2024, 15:37:55 PM
@skyhigh I got some of these bulbs for my Bernina 700 - linky (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BJPNN4XX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
Title: Re: Light bulbs for vintage machines
Post by: skyhigh on January 30, 2024, 17:48:32 PM
@Bodgeitandscarper Thank you for the link!
Looking at a Bernina supplier, the bulbs recommended look to be 15W! The one I removed was 20W
I have sourced one from eBay and have fitted LED bulbs in a couple of my 201K's in the past.