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Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: annieeg on May 04, 2021, 10:17:01 AM

Title: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 04, 2021, 10:17:01 AM
I saw this machine in my local charity shop for £30 but didn't have time to check it over.
Does anyone know anything about them - would they be a reasonable risk purchase for a vintage machine (e.g, getting spares/accessories/parts for repair)?
The original brochure is with it and I'm guessing it only had 1 owner ....
Any views from our vintage "experts" here on TSF?
TIA 
Annie
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: BrendaP on May 04, 2021, 10:50:07 AM
Is it a vintage green one from 1960s?  If so it's likely a good buy.
They were on a par with Singers of the same vintage and it's what the local college used for years.

Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 04, 2021, 11:01:37 AM
It is green..
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: BrendaP on May 04, 2021, 11:04:25 AM
@annieeg  if it looks like this it's a good buy if it's in working order - but do check the electrics

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Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 04, 2021, 11:35:55 AM
It's been pat tested by the shop and the needle does work when foot pedal pressed.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Surest1tch on May 04, 2021, 15:42:12 PM
Go grab it quick, I've got that model and paid about 3 times that for it. It is very heavy but they are lovely machines  :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 04, 2021, 16:54:47 PM
The lady in shop very kindly is reserving it for  me and I should be able to collect it tomorrow  :thumbsup:
Will post a picture tomorrow if possible  0_0
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 05, 2021, 15:57:21 PM
 :sew:sucessfully purchased today - now the challenge is to get it out of the car and up the stairs before OH sees it and says OH NO NOT ANOTHER MACHINE  :scream:
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 06, 2021, 18:41:35 PM
I've tried this today and it seems to stitch well.  But it has no extra presser feet or accessories.  Does anyone know of a reliable source where I could buy some feet,?  The model is viking husqvarna zigzag (class 19).
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: StitchinTime on May 07, 2021, 10:14:06 AM
@annieeg Does this take clip on feet as I have some older ones? I might also have a buttonhole attachment somewhere, but I can’t remember the details.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 10:20:28 AM
@StitchinTime
Thank you for your reply.  It does not have clip-on feet but the screw on (screw on left hand side of post) feet.  I think its a low shank. 
Do you know where I might source these feet?
Is there a generic model which would be compatible :thinking: :thinking:, I'm wondering ...
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 10:48:04 AM
@BrendaP   Is your machine a 19 or 21?  I cannot find a user manual for the 19 except on ebay which is £75.00 :scream: :scream: :scream:
Do you have a manual with yours?
Best regards,
Annie
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: StitchinTime on May 07, 2021, 11:03:08 AM
@annieeg There’s a free pdf manual for the 21a available via the link below:
https://sites.google.com/site/spinningayarndocuments/Home

I think this model takes a cam for patterned stitches, but some of the basic features might match your machine.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: StitchinTime on May 07, 2021, 11:21:57 AM
@annieeg I have these unmarked feet which I think are low shank - the centre of the screw space is 0.5” from the base of the foot and the needle hole is 0.5” from the back of the foot. The middle two feet are hinged.
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I also have this buttonhole attachment which is marked as being for Viking machines. I’ve never tried it on a machine, but the parts seem to move by hand.
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Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 11:29:27 AM
@StitchinTime
Thank you SOOOO much for your help.  I did google for the manual but couldn't find a link for a free copy.  You are invaluable!! :flower: :flower:
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 11:37:13 AM
@StitchinTime   Those measurements sound right when I measure the foot which I do have which is numbered 15229.
Are you looking to sell any of those pieces you've posted?
Annie x
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: StitchinTime on May 07, 2021, 11:41:49 AM
@annieeg Glad to be of assistance with the manual. I’m happy to sell all/some of the feet and the buttonholer - send me a DM if you’re interested.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 12:02:18 PM
@annieeg Glad to be of assistance with the manual. I’m happy to sell all/some of the feet and the buttonholer - send me a DM if you’re interested.

I have sent you a PM :D
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: BrendaP on May 07, 2021, 15:45:39 PM
@BrendaP   Is your machine a 19 or 21?  I cannot find a user manual for the 19 except on ebay which is £75.00 :scream: :scream: :scream:
Do you have a manual with yours?
Best regards,
Annie

I don't have one of those machines :'(  My experience of them was with the Adult Ed college about 15-20 years ago.  Good reliable workhorse machines.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 07, 2021, 17:39:01 PM
Here's a picture of the £30 machine ...  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Puzzler on May 07, 2021, 20:15:42 PM
Very nice and what a great bargain for £30.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 09, 2021, 16:01:38 PM
Hi 
Does anyone have any idea why the stitch length regulator doesn't adjust the stitch length?
TIA
Annie
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 09, 2021, 17:17:17 PM
Hi 
Does anyone have any idea why the stitch length regulator doesn't adjust the stitch length?
TIA
Annie

Plus  feed dogs not feeding fabric  :scream:
What have I done?....
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Elnnina on May 09, 2021, 17:47:03 PM
I do not know this machine at all, but from what you are mentioning here are my thoughts.  Possibly the feed dogs are jammed up with fluff, so give them a good brushing out, next does this machine have a darning mode, whereby you do something to stop the feed dogs from moving to enable you to freely move the fabric under the foot? If this is the case then maybe that is why you cannot alter the stitch length as it is set in darning mode.

Have you had the bobbin out and given that area a good clean, checking that there is nothing caught up in the mechanism that might perhaps stop things from moving.

Next how about looking on line for how to adjust the stitch length on that particular machine, may be someone has been tampering with this before giving it to the charity shop, and thus whilst it looks a lovely machine, there is work to be done - so maybe a proper service by a proper mechanic rather than trying to fiddle with this yourself.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 09, 2021, 18:11:00 PM
@Elnnina
Thank you for your input and I'll check yr suggestion ref darning mode.   
I have checked and defluffed the bobbin area.
Annie 
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: LeilaMay on May 09, 2021, 18:39:50 PM
Hsqvanas are highly  engineered bits of kit, if yours is anything like the later ones I've seen. I think you have to know what you're doing with one of those -but I do believe there area couple of specialist groups for them.
Folks might be able to point you at one?
Also check youtube for videos of your model, might get something useful there.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: toileandtrouble on May 09, 2021, 22:19:32 PM
It seems the knob at the bottom, under the stitch width selector, is the one that drops the feed dogs.  Try moving that and when you start to sew, the dogs should come back up. (if that is what is the matter!)
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 10, 2021, 10:50:04 AM
Sorry to keep on about this machine, but the feed dogs are working up now, I've oiled the parts according to the handbook but it does NOT move when I stitch.  I think rather than the stitch regulator not functioning its more the machine doesn't feed the fabric so it remains in one place when stitching. 
Should I give up on it?
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: LeilaMay on May 10, 2021, 13:37:11 PM
Really it depends on whether you want to tinker with it and try and make it work yourself?

I honestly think that having and using a vintage machine is like having a vintage car - they don't necessarily work "straight out of the box" and they do require fettling and some technical and mechanical aptitude to keep them working well. They are a bit of a labour of love.

They are just not like buying a new or newish machine - you don't just get to plug it in and go. Sorry.

It may well be possible to get it going nicely, but you need to be prepared to work on it i think, and join a specialist group for machines like this to get the knowledge of whether it will be possible or not.
I really like the machines, but know from experience that I don't know anything about them LOL so I don't have one  :)

Good luck with sorting out what you want to do.
Leila
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 10, 2021, 13:48:00 PM
Thank you for your msg @LeilaMay.  I suppose you're right - write it off to sewing machine experience or dig in and try to learn  :thinking:
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Elnnina on May 10, 2021, 15:27:38 PM
annieg it is good that the feed dogs are now up in place.  Now with regards to the stitch length etc. I have just been looking at your photo of the machine, and over on the right you have two places that are obvious to alter for something, which is which I do not know, but how about resetting them to 0 or to 1 and see what happens.  Then you have another smaller dial or something quite close to the other two, and I presume these are for some sort of zigzag, again try resetting that back to 0 or to 1 and again see if there is any difference.

If the machine had previously been set for darning, the whole purpose of this mode is that you have your fabric in a hoop, lower the feed dogs and then you do the moving of the hoop to create the darn, thus the machine probably does just stitch in one place only and to get the coverage of a darn it is down to you to move the hoop.  So just maybe the last time the machine was used was for darning and that is why the needle is just going up and down in the same place.

You have nothing to lose so try and see what moving the various switches do - don't interfere with the tension disc which is over on the left, leave that one well alone for the time being.

I had borrowed a machine last summer and my friend hadn't used this for months on end, but it had obviously been lent to someone else and the state it came to me in was disgusting, it was dirty, it had been set for some automatic patterning, a very thick needle had been left in place, and various other settings had been altered.  Why when a machine has been used for something rather than straight stitching, is it not put back to neutral as it were ready for use.  As it is my friend is not wanting her machine back at the moment, and it just happens to be an identical one to my own Elna SU - all she has left over at her house are the instruction books.  However as I know my friend rather well, it is just as well it was me who discovered the state of her machine - she would have got in a panic and not know why it wasn't working as she expected it to work.  Oh yes the part of the wheel you loosen in order to wind a bobbin was jammed so tight in the end we had to force this by using a tall anchor embroidery wooden reel put under the needle retaining screw so that pressure could be used to free the inner wheel without the needle going up or down.

So please do not lose hope yet with this machine - it might just be something so simple only you do not know yet what it is stopping this from stitching.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 10, 2021, 16:07:31 PM
@Elnnina   Thank you for your very helpful reply - I have tried all variations of the zigzag and straight stitch options, but without success so far.
Thank you for your support  :flower:
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Elnnina on May 10, 2021, 16:11:31 PM
Annieg do you have a good and friendly repair man near you?  Maybe try asking him if there is one nearby and see whether it is worth having a look at.  As this is a mechanical machine rather than an electronic it should be fixable.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Esme866 on May 11, 2021, 06:31:40 AM
@annieeg

I have no experience with Husqvana Viking, but EVERYTHING you are describing could be attributed to the works inside of the column desperately needing grease.

Owners manuals only address oiling a machine, they assume trained techs will do any additional maintenance. If everything on the inside of the column is metal, if you have access to Triflow grease it would be able to help break down any existing old, gelled, grease, relubricate and it has PTFE, a microscopic teflon type product to reduce friction on pieces. Otherwise it may have lithium grease, which I have heard can harden, it's a ple gray whitish color. Just make sure there are not plastic or nylon gears on the inside (it looks like it will be all metal) but keep in mind if there are plastic or nylon gears in contact with metal you will need a different grease.

As you apply small amounts of grease, just keeping turning any knobs or levers that adjust stitch length and width, until everything is moving smoothly.

I did my own when it completely froze up. Just took some time, but saved me $85 - $120.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on May 11, 2021, 07:43:22 AM
@Esme866    thank you for your suggestion.
I'm going to take It to a  sewing machine technician when I have some time as he lives about an hour's drive from me. 
Thanks again  to everyone who has given me feedback on this thread.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Helen M on May 11, 2021, 10:13:10 AM
Have you tried phoning a sewing machine technician and explaining what is going on? They may be able to advise.

I was thinking of Bambers in Eccles who are reasonably close to me. A few years ago I asked about changing cutting blades on my 1989 Brother 730D overlocker. I already had bought the correct blades. They talked me through it and offered to do it if I got into trouble. I didn't but, they have been in business for a long time so may have good knowledge of older machines and maybe could help you.

Just a thought........
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: StitchinTime on May 11, 2021, 11:42:19 AM
You mention that the feed dogs are now up, but have you removed the needle plate and cleaned around them? I read of one machine (it may even have been a machine on here) that had so much compacted lint around the feed dogs that it was preventing them moving backwards and forwards.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Addiscomber on May 24, 2021, 17:15:23 PM
There is an email group for Pre 1980 Viking Husqvarnas here https://groups.io/g/vikingsewingmachinespre1980 
It is moderated by an ex US dealer (also moderates the Vintage Singer group there). The rules about messages are very strict - you have to cut all irrelevant stuff from previous messages in the thread and be very 'on topic' - and you get told off if you transgress. I can understand that he is busy trying to help a lot of people but I find it a bit off putting so I tend to only read the messages. If you don't fancy signing up yourself I could search for posts on your problem if you tell me exactly which model you have.

I'm sure that the machine is worth the effort. I would have loved to get a vintage Viking but have to admit to having too many machines, especially now that I cannot get up the stairs to my hidey hole in the box room.

I have always found World of Sewing at Tunbridge Wells to be helpful with questions about feet etc for my vintage Swiss Elnas. Perhaps it would be worth giving them a call if you are not too far away? Sadly they have closed their Croydon shop, and moved their Bromley branch way out of town, but they helped me over the 'phone.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on February 28, 2022, 12:55:31 PM
Resurrecting this old thread as I've just bought one of these machines for £87, thinking it will be good for sewing bags as there isn't a lot of machine to the left of the needle, so easier to get "inside" bags.

Did you get yours working @annieeg ?  The one I've bought says it's in great working order and tested, and hardly used, so fingers crossed here.
Title: Re: Husqvarna Viking Free Arm zig zag rotary
Post by: annieeg on February 28, 2022, 13:09:38 PM
@Bodgeitandscarper
I ended up selling that machine for spares and repair on FB.  I was then GIFTED a HQ Viking 21 by a dear friend which had been her mother's.  That works brilliantly (I used it to make  some bags at Xmas but I wish I had a Teflon foot for it to sew oilcloth.).
Enjoy your machine  :thumb: