The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: BrendaP on April 21, 2017, 13:55:09 PM
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My 'new' Singer 201K-3 is sewing well but a couple of times it hasn't stopped when I've taken the pressure off the foot pedal and once it just started on it's own :o
Is this a problem with the foot pedal? It's probably the original and looks like this. (http://http:https://oldsingersewingmachineblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/2012-02-11_376.jpg)
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I think you'll find it's something called the suppressor Brenda. Easily remedied with a pair of pliers once the foot pedal has been opened up.
I'll have a look for a tutorial later if it will help.
Jessie
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Thank you.
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You can take the suppressor out, they were originally put there to stop interference with televisions and radios, or you can replace the foot pedal with a clam shape type. These are more responsive than the old button type, but it depends how purist you want to be.
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I've used this tutorial to remove the capacitors from a few of my foot controls, when they've taken on a mind of their own.
http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/page43.php (http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/page43.php)
But I've also bought new clamshell foot controls for 2 machines and DH wired them onto the original connectors, using new wiring too. Feels much safer with a new one, and easier to control. I've kept the old ones with the machines though, to keep their authenticity, should I ever sell them.
Suzie :vintage:
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My Featherweight not only had capacitors in the foot pedal, but also wired into the body of the machine :o
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Sometimes these capasitors are two battery shaped cylinders (like an AA battery with a wire out each end) placed near the plug under the hand wheel. I have come across this variant twice and once it was placed in the pedal.
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Thank you all.
I'm out all day today, but will get brave and use a screwdriver either this evening to tomorrow (preferably when DH is around and see what it looks like.
I don't particularly like the pedal, so will probably end up getting a new clamshell one.
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Well, I've done a bit of Googling and have just opened up the pedal, removed the capacitor, cleaned away a bit of gunk and put it back together again - and the machine still works 0_0 so hopefully the problem is solved.
Thank you all for putting me on the right track.
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This topic brings up an important point about VSMs: you should always disconnect them from the power source when you're not using them. Some sites recommend doing that even if you're just leaving the room for a few minutes (personally I think that's ultra-cautious).
http://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2016/11/electric-foot-controls-vs-electronic.html (http://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2016/11/electric-foot-controls-vs-electronic.html)
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I do always unplug when she's not in use as there is no other on/off switch. The time she started running on her own I was in the middle of a sewing session, nipped across the landing into the bathroom for a quick wee, heard the whirring, and she was running at full speed. :o
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..... The time she started running on her own I was in the middle of a sewing session, nipped across the landing into the bathroom for a quick wee, heard the whirring, and she was running at full speed. :o
Wow ... perhaps my 'ultra-cautious' comment needs a rethink! -<
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When the capasitor is taken out there should be no risk of unexpected electric current unless the pedal is pushed. There is nothing that can complete the circuit if a copper plate part isn't pushed up against the other parts (lack of words to describe it accurately :P ). In theory the spring might get stuck and not return back properly but it should be noticed right away. Check the electric parts, it's the insulation on the wires that deteriorate with age. It's still a good idea to unplug a machine when you leave it for more than a break. When these issues are sorted out vintage Singers are upto todays standard. They don't always have the double insulation sign (depeding on age), my 1950 201 as well as my 1955 201 have it, but my 1934 99K doesn't. I can't detect any difference in motor and light setup though.
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It had been working fine until that occasion. After that it was almost impossible to use her as she started running as soon as plugged in. Once the capacitator was removed all was well again.
I do unplug at the end of a sewing session, mainly because there is no on/off switch on the actual machine as there is on modern machines. Those I leave plugged in (awkward to get at the plugs) most of the time and just use the switch.