The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: Lizzy777 on June 18, 2019, 18:51:25 PM
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I'm the very happy owner of a vintage Singer Featherweight 221. I know nothing about them but I saw this very small sewing machine in the window of a local charity shop as I was on my way to the shops yesterday. I thought it was a toy machine at first (never having seen a 221 in the flesh (so to speak) before. I fell in love with it but decided I needed to go home first to see what machine it was. The machine in the window had a note that said it needed a new power plug? I didn't think much of it at the time, as I thought it would be easy enough to get one. This morning, I rang the shop to see if it was still for sale, so I bought it. It has a case and some spare needles. Some Singer oil and all the feet that came with it. The case totally in tact, smelt a little bit musty but the machine is mostly in a great condition. I love this machine already and I cant even plug her in yet. I looked at the site that has been recommended to other people before. But Helen Howes husband has retired now (it says on her site) so they no longer deal with anything electrical etc.
I am totally at loss what should go on the end to plug into the electric. The pedal is there with the cable but the lady in the charity shop, in her wisdom, has chopped off the end of the plug -<
Please can anyone help me regarding this? I have been looking at videos etc and also wonder if it is going to be within my capabilities to oil it and do all the things that may need to be done to it before using the machine? It is a 1949 model :)
Or is there anywhere, someone can recommend that can service the machine for me?
Thank you. :)
lizzy
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https://singer-featherweight.com/collections/parts/products/electronic-foot-controller?variant=8483140291
This is the part you need. There is a 3 pin plug that goes into the machine and the foot and outlet come off that.
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https://singer-featherweight.com/collections/parts/products/electronic-foot-controller?variant=8483140291
This is the part you need. There is a 3 pin plug that goes into the machine and the foot and outlet come off that.
Thank you for the link and quick response. I did look a this before, but I am in the UK and it says it is just for the US? Or am I reading it incorrectly?
lizzy
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The annoying this is that the lady in the Charity shop, told me she had plugged it in and it worked ok?? But she then unplugged it and cut off the plug as they are not allowed to sell it with that plug on? So I don't even know what the original plug looked like?
lizzy
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Is it just the plug that goes into the wall socket that has been chopped off, or is it the plug that goes unto the machine?
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Is it just the plug that goes into the wall socket that has been chopped off, or is it the plug that goes unto the machine?
Yes, I just looked. It's just the plug for the wall socket that has been cut off the cable thankfully. I tried the other plug into the machine and it fits fine.
lizzy
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If you are on FB then this group is great... I have two featherweights.. a black 222 and a white 221
https://www.facebook.com/groups/36353681750/
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That’s good news - a three pin plug is easy enough to replace.
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That’s good news - a three pin plug is easy enough to replace.
Thank you. I presume you can just put a new three pin plug on the existing wiring then?
lizzy
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If you are on FB then this group is great... I have two featherweights.. a black 222 and a white 221
https://www.facebook.com/groups/36353681750/
Thank you Effie. I don't use facebook but think I should join. Have put it off long enough. They are such lovely machines aren't they? Like they have a personality all of their own. Do you use your machines at all? I read the 221 just does a straight stitch but I am more than happy with that. Can't wait to try her. I've never seen a white one, I would imagine they are hard to find? I wasn't looking out for a featherweight but have read the posts on here about vintage singers, with interest. And then I just saw this one in the window yesterday. :)
lizzy
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Just be aware that the colour coding of the wiring probably won’t be the modern blue (neutral) and brown (live), but old black (neutral) and red (live).
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The other place to try if you need spares is Sewlincs (https://www.sewlincs.co.uk/index.aspx?pageid=4628653)
He often posts in the Vintage Singer Sewing Machines UK group on FaceBook and seems to hold a lot of spare parts.
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I just had my Featherweight serviced, and as part of the service, he replaced the cord and reattached the plug. So perhaps see if you can find a appliance electrician who can rewire a plug for you. Its a shame the lady cut the plug off, as the original plug would help it maintain its value as an antique.
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I am in the US, I wasn't linking for you to buy, just what the plug should look like. As far as I remember, you guys have different wall sockets then we do, type G I believe to our A and different voltage (homes here are 110 to 220 I think you guys have).
I didn't do it on my featherweight, but I routinely fix cords by splicing them to plug into the wall or a foot pedal. I did it on an Elna who was $150 to replace the controller, so I spliced an older gas pedal one to it. Happens frequently when repairing old machines...too many plugs and not enough working.
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The wall plug is not a big deal to replace and will take any qualified electrician (or sewing machine technician) about 10 minutes to do. You can do it yourself, but if you don't regularly work with electicity it's worthwhile to pay a qualified person. They will already have a plug that will work, no need to order anything special.
It would be nice to have the original plug...call the shop and ask it they have already thrown it out, and if not go over and retrieve it. (Just for collector's value...the new plug is a really a better one to use.)
The white featherweights are fairly rare...you've got a gem. Read up ...
I can't post links but cut and paste this and add https:// to the beginning
singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/the-white-featherweight-221k
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I am in the US, I wasn't linking for you to buy, just what the plug should look like. As far as I remember, you guys have different wall sockets then we do, type G I believe to our A and different voltage (homes here are 110 to 220 I think you guys have).
I didn't do it on my featherweight, but I routinely fix cords by splicing them to plug into the wall or a foot pedal. I did it on an Elna who was $150 to replace the controller, so I spliced an older gas pedal one to it. Happens frequently when repairing old machines...too many plugs and not enough working.
Thank you for the information Kwaaked. I wasn't too sure whether you could just attach a new plug to the old cable but it seems to be a relatively easy thing to do and I shall an electrician to do that for me.
lizzy
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Just be aware that the colour coding of the wiring probably won’t be the modern blue (neutral) and brown (live), but old black (neutral) and red (live).
Thank you for this information. I have decided to ask an electrician to do it for me. I don't even know if the machine works yet? Hope it does.
lizzy
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The other place to try if you need spares is Sewlincs (https://www.sewlincs.co.uk/index.aspx?pageid=4628653)
He often posts in the Vintage Singer Sewing Machines UK group on FaceBook and seems to hold a lot of spare parts.
Thank you for the information Brenda. I shall have a look on there today. Do you happen to know anyone who services these machines too?
lizzy
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I just had my Featherweight serviced, and as part of the service, he replaced the cord and reattached the plug. So perhaps see if you can find a appliance electrician who can rewire a plug for you. Its a shame the lady cut the plug off, as the original plug would help it maintain its value as an antique.
Yes, I have decided to use an electrician to wire the plug for me just to be on the safe side. Yes, it was the Manager of the Charity shop. They aren't allowed to see an electrical appliance with an old plug on, so they chop them off? What I didn't quite understand was that she said it had been pat tested? With an old plug and then chopped off the old plug?
Anyways, I'm not complaining too much as it was totally clear in their window that they were selling ti with no plug so it wasn't misleading. Would have been nice to have had the old plug though.
lizzy
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The wall plug is not a big deal to replace and will take any qualified electrician (or sewing machine technician) about 10 minutes to do. You can do it yourself, but if you don't regularly work with electicity it's worthwhile to pay a qualified person. They will already have a plug that will work, no need to order anything special.
Thank you. Yes, I've decided to do that and think it is a good idea.
It would be nice to have the original plug...call the shop and ask it they have already thrown it out, and if not go over and retrieve it. (Just for collector's value...the new plug is a really a better one to use.)
It would have been nice to have had the old plug but there is no chance of retrieving it unfortunately.
The white featherweights are fairly rare...you've got a gem. Read up ...
I don't have a white one. Just the black one. It is Efferma who has a white one.
I can't post links but cut and paste this and add https:// to the beginning
singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/the-white-featherweight-221k
Yes, I saw this site and had a read up of a few things on there. I like the white one too but if it is that rare it would probably be quite difficult to buy now at a reasonable price? I like my new machine though. She is tiny in comparison to my existing machine.
lizzy
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I would definitely get a qualified electrician to take a look at the wiring inside too. Take the oil drip plate off. It probably needs a good clean under there anyway. There are some really good videos on the internet.
They mostly have rubber insulation which perishes over time. Mine looked like all the wiring was plastered in oil, it was in fact sticky rubber. They also have a large capacitor underneath which was necessary in the days of radio to stop interference. These can now be removed. Definitely get the wiring checked. Also depending on the foot pedal, there may be a capacitor in there too. These can be the main cause of the sewing machine starting itself.
I love mine and it sews beautifully. Enjoy
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Nice thing about older mechanical machines, they can all get running again for the most part.
I have 2 FWs...one from 1938 that is in pristine condition except for the case, and needed a new bobbin winder when I got it (the wire was missing to hold the bobbin...not much of an issue, the part is the same on all of them). This is the machine I use when brides add on my delivery, dressing and repair service for their weddings...I take it just in case something happens to the dresses. The other is from 1953 and needed work. It took me about 6 hours to get it running and un-froze and cleaned, now I need to a new plug myself to make it run.
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Thank you for the information Brenda. I shall have a look on there today. Do you happen to know anyone who services these machines too?
lizzy
When I had a problem with mine I took it to the local man - I'm just dreading the day when he decides to retire. I think the guy from Sewlincs does sevicing, but then there's the problem of getting it there and back.
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@Lizzy777 I see from your profile that you are in Cheshire. Depending on whereabouts in Cheshire, Bambers in Eccles might be an option for servicing. I had a vintage Bernina repaired and serviced by them recently and am very pleased with it. I know they service and repair featherweights as I asked if they could look at a 222k I have. They won't commit to a price without checking over the machine but will phone you with the costs once they know what will be involved and what parts (if any) are needed. There is no cost for looking at the machine and giving a quote, but you will have to leave it with them and collect it later whatever you decided to do.
Alternatively, Jaycotts in Chester offer servicing (but I've not used them) and I remember seeing a sewing machine shop in Macclesfield (Phil Morton sewing), but I think this might be more in @Tamnymore 's neck of the woods so she might have more information on this shop.
Edited - here are links for the shops mentioned:
https://www.bambersew.com/service--repairs-4-w.asp
https://jaycotts.co.uk/
http://www.philmortonsewingmachines.co.uk/
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I've not used Phil Morton's in Macclesfield but I think he has serviced some of the machines in my textiles class and I seem to remember my textiles tutor though he was OK. I got my machine serviced in a local shop which had a visiting repair man for the day which I think possibly was Bob Green from Widnes. If it's not him then Bob Green from Widnes certainly gets good reviews and he is a mobile repair person so might be a possibility.
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Thanks for the feedback, @Tamnymore - Bob Green serviced an old Pfaff of mine many years ago, but I'd lost his details. According to Google, he is now based at the Sewing Shop in Bromborough (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.3492648,-3.0002822,3a,45.2y,225.64h,90.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0E5cnfTJ7RqIc_h77WUXVg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), Wirral.
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A bit late to this, but I think I read on FB that Bob is poorly. I looked him up because I needed one of my machines serviced.
Jessie
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Thank you so much for all the information. Will reply to each new poster a bit later BUT I think I may have a problem with this machine? I never checked the motor when I bought it and after reading everyones posts and looking at some sites online, I thought I better check what voltage the power is on the motor just to be on the safe side. I hadn't checked it before as the lady in the shop said it had been PAT tested and she had, had, the sewing machine running ok before she cut the plug off? I thought strange she cut the plug off in view of those comments but I was so happy getting the machine I wasn't as cautious as I am usually.
Anyway, the motor states 110V. So that means I can't use it then? Does it mean a new motor? I don't know what is required to make it work here? I don't even know how they managed to get the machine running in the shop?
I know I can take it back and get a refund as they have offered to do that. But I love this machine but obviously if it is going to cost a fortune to be able to use her then it's too much for me.
Any advice at all on this situation? What could I do/what would you do?
Thanks,
lizzy
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It must be a USA model...You could just buy a transformer
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=240+110+transformer&adgrpid=53449659015&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI49_T7tr44gIVz5TtCh2GogXyEAAYASAAEgJQ_fD_BwE&hvadid=259059599690&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9046820&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14889288107178689509&hvtargid=aud-615159460541%3Akwd-314718037096&hydadcr=28154_1821064&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_6rpalu9j1g_e
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It must be a USA model...You could just buy a transformer
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=240+110+transformer&adgrpid=53449659015&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI49_T7tr44gIVz5TtCh2GogXyEAAYASAAEgJQ_fD_BwE&hvadid=259059599690&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9046820&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14889288107178689509&hvtargid=aud-615159460541%3Akwd-314718037096&hydadcr=28154_1821064&tag=googhydr-21&ref=pd_sl_6rpalu9j1g_e
Thanks @Efemera I shall take a look at the link. The serial number shows it was made in 1949 and made in US. I think the Featherweight 221's that were made in GB are 221K's from what I have read today.
lizzy
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If you are not too bothered about maintain integrity the original condition of the machine, the motor and foot pedal could be replaced which would also solve the problem of any dodgy internal wiring. I don’t know if the light can be rewired, but they are not that bright and do get rather hot.
https://www.bsk.co.uk/ydk-sewing-machine-motorfoot-control-2456-p.asp
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You can get LED replacement light bulbs...I have them in both of mine.
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The wiring on the machine is in excellent order and the plug going into the machine is like new. Just the power plug was chopped off.
I'm wondering if the motor has been damaged because I spoke to the lady in the shop today and she has confirmed the following again to me.
1. She plugged it in and tried the machine and it worked ok before she cut the plug off?
Surely plugging in the machine (which is 110V into a 230V socket) must have damaged the motor?).
2. She said it was PAT tested too.
But she also told me on Tuesday that she doesn't do the PAT tests herself but someone else does them?
So surely the PAT test would have shown it was a 110V motor?
My quandary is this. I can take it back and she will refund me no problem. If I keep it and get a transformer and plug it in and the motor has been damaged then I would have to buy another motor and they look quite expensive too. I would want a similar motor on it. And I would have paid out for a transformer and wasted my money if I do have to take it back.
3. All the feet and lots of spare needles are in the tray that fits int he box. I have till Sunday to decide what to do?
4. I'd like a featherweight but think it best probably to wait and get a GB made one?
Do existing owners find they need to replace their motors? Or do the motors last some time? This machine is 1949.
I'm so disappointed. Have had to pack her away -<
lizzy
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You can get LED replacement light bulbs...I have them in both of mine.
Thanks @Efemera . That's good to know.
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It depends on what you paid...
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It depends on what you paid...
It was £50. it's in a good condition but some of the decals at the front are worn. the case is ok but not perfect but good enough. Musty smell inside the case but it will go away when aired.
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Well, I'll tell you this on price:
I paid about £300 for my good one and £200 for the one that needs work. And for the condition, I got a good deal on them. I have a buyer for the one that needs to be worked on, and after redoing the work and paying for a replica case and plug (about £100) plus what I paid, I'll still make £150 on it.
You guys may be a lot different, but they are very high in general to buy. At £50 I would have jumped and replaced everything because buying one in good, working condition here is usually well over £400-600.
Editing to point out that I also got none of the accessories with mine at all.
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Well, I'll tell you this on price:
I paid about £300 for my good one and £200 for the one that needs work. And for the condition, I got a good deal on them. I have a buyer for the one that needs to be worked on, and after redoing the work and paying for a replica case and plug (about £100) plus what I paid, I'll still make £150 on it.
You guys may be a lot different, but they are very high in general to buy. At £50 I would have jumped and replaced everything because buying one in good, working condition here is usually well over £400-600.
Editing to point out that I also got none of the accessories with mine at all.
Yes I know they are more expensive @Kwaaked but it hasn't got a GB motor and I don't know enough about these things to see if and how you can do something with it. I'm not really into repairing and sorting out vintage machines. It's not my forte so to speak. I know its cheaper but if it doesn't work at all it would just end up being an ornament and I don't really want that. If I could find someone to service it and check it out etc at a reasonable cost then I would keep it perhaps?
Still undecided about this atm. But appreciate your post on this. I have looked on ebay etc here (UK sites) and there are a few up for sale. They are selling GB made ones though.
Lizzy
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Hi Lizzy,
I do have a spare US plug (nightmare to get in the UK), and you can get a 'step down' transformer for as little as 20 quid on ebay, so all may not be lost. This is the set up I use on my 500a.
However a 503a I picked up a while back has had the motor converted - I tried to run it at the correct voltage and it was sluggish and unusable... which meant I had to rewire the plug again.
If youre interested I'd be happy to help.
R.
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Hi Roger,
Thank you. That's really kind of you and I would welcome any help at all. I'll take the machine out of her box tomorrow and have another good look at her and see what's what as I haven't really examined her too much yet. I am not sure what a 500a or 503a is?
Lizzy
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For £50 I’d keep it...you wouldn’t lose money if you decided to resell.
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For £50 I’d keep it...you wouldn’t lose money if you decided to resell.
Where would you be able to resell it though? I have been looking on ebay uk and some other sites and the ones I have seen for sale all appear to have been made in Great Britain and have the GB motor?
Do you think someone in the UK would buy it if I put it up for sale as it is at present?
lizzy
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Yes...as I say you only need a transformer to use it. Most Featherweights go for around £150-£300 maybe more if it’s a 222K
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I agree with Roger (and others) You put a US plug on the thing, get a step down transformer...and the machine will work fine in the UK (with the transformer) and will also work fine in the USA and Canada (without the transformer).
When you are ready, this machine will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers...and you'll make a profit.
I have a Swiss made Bernina, with a US motor and plug, and use it on European current with a transformer. No problems.
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Well I certainly wouldn't have any issues using it with a transformer. I've had several 110V appliances, large and small and used them this way. I think it would be important to find out what the seller plugged it into, though because it is easy to damage the motor if too high a voltage was used.
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Hi Lizzy,
a 500a and 503a are 2 classic US machines from during the space race so they have very iconic styling and get called the 'Rocketeers'
Something like this:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLTAGE-CONVERTER-TRANSFORMER-STEP-UP-DOWN-200W-240-230V-TO-100-110V-VICEVERSA/250725568129?hash=item3a60688e81:g:gsAAAOSwrjhavC6u&frcectupt=true
Should do the current changing and I have a 2 pin vintage style US plug - admittedly in retro brown to suit the 503...
Definitely dont write off your machine with a little time and love it'll be a beautiful little stitcher that you got at a bargain price :)
R.