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Messages - Radiofan

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1
Parts for the 500 series are still available. Regarding the thrust washer, I have made a brass version, but it does require complete disassembly of the top end. Followed by adjustment of timing etc. Nice to see the old 522 still going.

2
Vintage Machines / Re: Vintage machine feet
« on: April 14, 2020, 08:12:49 AM »
I couldn't get on with this type of binder attachment, the tape always wanting to wander off and do its own thing.

What's the secret?

3
Sewing Machines / Re: Old vintage (?) Singer machine - advice please
« on: February 27, 2020, 18:30:37 PM »
See YouTube video, about half way through.

4
Access All Accessories / Re: Simple man sewing.
« on: December 22, 2019, 17:44:01 PM »
Before you know it, you will be moving on to zipper pouches to hold that ever growing set of Allen keys. Then double zipper, then triple zipper...

5
I have many hobbies and have spent a great deal of money on some of them. It's your money and your pleasure, we are just offering our points of view. I do not do enough sewing to justify it.

BTW, some of the more expensive machines have metal frames and are made quite sturdy. So is the cost, but if you want the Rolls, go for it. I don't know the makes/models well enough, but I'm sure there are plenty of opinions on this forum. I recall looking at YouTube videos and people really liking the Berninas.

6
I suppose it is a bit like driving fancy new cars. You can choose to use the cruise control or the keep-in-lane function or the automatic wipers, or not. There is more to learn initially, but the features bring some convenience.

I am happy with my basic manual and electric machines, they will do everything I need them to do. Going computerized does not bring a return on investment.

If you are getting an itch to buy new gear, maybe you should look at an overlocker or coverstitcher, they can do things the humble sewing machine can't. My overlocker saves me a lot of time.

7
Vintage Machines / Re: Singer 99k - she’s fighting back!
« on: December 04, 2019, 22:21:19 PM »
It's sticking due to old oil. Best take the balance wheel off and give it a good clean with fresh oil.

8
Sewing Machines / Re: What's wrong with my Janome?
« on: November 18, 2019, 09:20:34 AM »
Needle timing: As the needle rises from its lowest point by about 4mm, the hook should pass by, 1-2mm above the eye. Singers have timing marks on the needle bar. You will need to remove the bobbin/case to see the hook.

Feed timing: The feed dogs should rise just as the needle comes out of the material (forward direction).

Regarding thickness, a sewing machine of any worth should be able to handle a few layers of cotton. My Singers will do 6 layers of denim or polar fleece (with zipper between).

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Sewing Machines / Re: What's wrong with my Janome?
« on: November 17, 2019, 16:24:11 PM »
This sort of thing is caused by the loop to be caught by the hook, being pulled back upwards by friction with the material being sewn, which has also been pulled down by the downstroke of the needle. Standard tricks to stop this happening are:

Use a needle plate with a small hole so that the material can't go down as much.
Use a non-stretch stabilising material underneath. Paper will do, then tear away.
Use a larger needle so that the thread binds less with the material being pulled down.
Use a speciality needle with stretch fabrics.
More pressure on the presser foot can reduce the distance the fabric pulls up on the loop.
Tune the sewing machine so that the needle is closer to the hook.

10
Vintage Machines / Re: Going to be rewriring a 221 - want to watch?
« on: September 29, 2019, 21:13:01 PM »
The extra green wire looks like something someone added for earthing, clearly they thought it was dangerous.

Date of the machine probably predates TV, hence no capacitors.

11
Vintage Machines / Re: Cleaning a Singer 306
« on: September 09, 2019, 15:31:28 PM »
When I look at those photographs, I swear I can smell the oil.

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Sewing Machines / Re: How many machines do you have?
« on: September 04, 2019, 14:35:08 PM »
Currently

Singer 514K in table, a spare, should sell really
Singer 538K in cabinet, main machine because it is free-arm
Singer 760G A rescue (big job), but fun with the monogrammer and template buttonholer
Singer 99K Both hand and motor options, like new, eye candy
Singer 28K Resored (big job), pretty too
Singer S14-78 Overlocker, saves time

13
Vintage Machines / Re: Cleaning a Singer 306
« on: August 25, 2019, 15:47:26 PM »
If your foot controller still has capacitors, please can you give me a clue as to what I need to be looking for as mine were thrown away about 6 years ago, and I have no idea about these things. Also were there 1 or 2?
There is usually one in the foot controller with a value of 0.1uF and rated at X2. Connected across the switch/carbon-pile.

There are potentially other capacitors elsewhere in the machine -it depends on the model.

14
Vintage Machines / Re: Cleaning a Singer 306
« on: August 23, 2019, 08:35:11 AM »
You need to be careful with black vintage machines; before a certain date they were finished with a coating of shellac (which is yellow) over the decals. Shellac comes off very quickly with alcohol and those Huggies baby wipes contain some strange ingredients:
Quote
Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Coco-Betaine, Malic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate.

I'm no chemistry expert, but some of this might affect the shellac. Shellac'd sewing machines should be cleaned with sewing machine oil, gently rubbing it until the dirt comes off. It gives the machine a nice lustre too.

For re-touching spots, you might try shellac mixed with carbon-black or lamp-black.

15
Vintage Machines / Re: Cleaning a Singer 306
« on: August 22, 2019, 19:04:33 PM »
Looks like it's in good condition. Some scuffing of the decals and the pedal probably needs rewiring, but I'm sure it will end up being a very sturdy machine. How much was it?

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