Hi Andy, I wanted to reach out and thank you for your incredible videos-they’ve made such a big impact on me, both in my hobby and surprisingly, at work too! I’ve always loved clothes and wanted to learn how they’re made, but my ADHD meant that I tended to jump from hobby to hobby without really sticking to any. For the longest time, when people asked me about my hobbies, I’d joke that my hobby was “collecting hobbies.” That changed last year when I turned 25. I was working long hours, handling complex coding problems at work, and needed something creative to balance things out. That’s when I came back to sewing and discovered the joys (and challenges) of vintage machines. I rescued three vintage Singers (403a, 503a, 500a), and with your videos as my guide, I’ve managed to restore all of them. It felt incredible to bring those machines back to life-the first time I oiled a machine following your tutorial, I couldn’t believe how accomplished I felt. The funny thing is, my hobby of restoring sewing machines turned out to be oddly similar to my job-lots of problem-solving, troubleshooting, and figuring out how everything works. And thanks to your videos, I’ve learned that I actually enjoy that process, both in my hobby and at work! It’s helped me be more patient, both with machines and with the challenges I face in my job. I’ve even found myself appreciating the small victories along the way, rather than stressing about the outcome. One of my favorite things about your videos is how you talk about stuck parts and recommend things like using Krud Kutter or a hair dryer. Your advice to be patient (even if it takes days!) has stuck with me, and it’s been a valuable lesson for work, hobbies, and even relationships. It’s been over a year now, and I’m still loving this two-in-one hobby of sewing and restoring machines. My boyfriend is happy to see me balancing out my time with creativity and myfamily, who knows how hard it’s been for me to focus on things, has been amazed. My mom picked up a 503 in a cabinet that she doubted I could fix (it was older than her, after all), but with your guidance, I proved her wrong (she’s thrilled that I did, and has been waiting all her life to see me stick to something). I’ve even gifted two machines to family members who are just as in love with them as I am. In short, your videos didn’t just help me beat my quarter-life crisis-they helped me find balance, learn to appreciate the problem-solving process, and have made me more effective (and happier!) at work too. You’ve made a much bigger difference than you might realize, and I just wanted to let you know how appreciated you are.
Working on the vintage machines has always been rewarding to me. Both my physical and mental health. Making my 600+ videos took that to a new level. My channel has close to 6 million views now and my videos have been watched for about 600 thousand hours. I could not begin to count the number of comments they have received. Some of the comments have made me smile, laugh, informed me, or made me think of a new way to improve a method, communicate better, or sparked an idea for a video. Your comment though… ✨✨ your single heartfelt comment today, is the first to choke me up and get me teary-eyed. It is Justification to me for every hour I spent trying to reach out and help people save the machines and enjoy them. Justified it all. I never realized it may help anyone with more than a sewing machine. I am grateful you shared that with me and offer my heartfelt thanks. 🙏 💖
Your videos have helped me in other ways as well Andy. I love to listen to your positive and calm voice guiding me in my restoration of vintage machines. I love it when you say, “mmmmm” after getting something to work that was giving you a hard time. Now when I’m working on a machine and fix something successfully I say, “mmmm” and think of you! The world needs more people like you. Thank you for doing these videos Andy. From Denise in Virginia!
I was so very glad to see you post a video. I’ve been praying for you a lot lately, both for your health and in thanks for all you’ve done for us. My husband and I finally bit the bullet and bought me a 403. I hit a meaningful birthday this year, and the 403 was “born” the same year I was: quite a fitting way to celebrate! It wasn’t in quite as good a shape as I’d been led to believe when I bought it. Thanks to you and all your wonderful videos we figured out that one of the main problems was that the oil port under the bobbin was stopped up. That was fun-not! With a lot of cleaning and work she sews like a dream now. My husband enjoyed the process so much we bought two 500’s as well! (The second one was too good of a price to pass up.) They both sew so lovely now Andy. I was one of those people who had previously fell for the idea that the newer machines were better because they had more conveniences. My newer Pfaff rarely gets used at all now. ( I still have to learn how to use the buttonholer on the Singers.) Thank you so much for sharing. You have really enriched our lives with your bounty of informative videos. I am keeping you in my prayers. May God be so gracious and good to you and your wife!
Now that is determination, to find and fix a clogged oil port on the hook shaft there. That poor hook must have really screeched while sewing. A 403A and dual Rocketeer machines. Thanks for saving them. You sure picked a couple of winners. I am very grateful and appreciative of your prayers. 🙏 💖
@@andytubesewing1953 The 403 didn’t screech as much as it didn’t sound right. We only figured out the oil port problem after ruling out everything else that could be causing it to bind. (I have no idea how many videos my husband watched in the process.) I have really learned to value Krud Kutter, though. I took a plastic medicine dropper and pressed it tightly against the hole and used the bulb to exert a little extra pressure to push it into the blockage. My hair dryer helped a lot too. It was all so worth it though!!! Unfortunately even though we bought Triflow oil and grease, my husband isn’t converted. He happily used the Triflow grease, but I think he will always be Royal Purple guy where oil is concerned. I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas.
@@nadinewoods6971 really good info. Thanks for sharing. Good idea with the medicine. Dropper, I'll have to look up Royal purple to see what that is but if he likes it it's okay for me thanks again for saving those machines
If I help spark your creativity then I'm a very happy guy today. I've heard nothing but good things about your products and your service. I appreciate what you guys are doing to help keep these machines in service. Very nicely done by the both of you🏆👍💖
Thank you Andy.. ..I was just thinking of you yesterday while I was sewing on my vintage Singer.! and here you are.!... Wishing you a Merry Christmas, 🌲and a Happy New Year.! 🙏
Oh I finally get the chance to say how much I have loved your videos! I’ve learned so much! And they are soo relaxing to listen to! Prior to finding your videos I thought I would just have to throw away mom’s machine. But now it’s my love. Ha ha!
Siempre recordándolo Sr. Andy. Gracias por compartir tanto conocimiento. Me siento su aprendiz! Yo sé que usted entiende cada palabra. Un abrazo desde Ags, MX.
I’d just like to thank you for your videos. So far I have repaired and polished my grandmothers 221 using your videos. My wife bought a 15-91. Again using your videos. I just wanted to say thanks for the detailed help.
I really appreciate your kind remarks and thank you for saving those machines. Be careful though. It can get kind of addictive but it's a good thing to do
Was so, so thrilled to see you posted a new video. I have learned a remarkable amount from you. Thinking & praying for you as we enter 2024. Thank you again!!!
Well - this a marvelous Christmas surprise! A video from Andy is always a treat - but wait! There's more! Finally a spring for that wick! Thank you for the glad tidings Andy - and all our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and Happy New Year!! :-)
Greetings from a fellow Arizonan, Andy. I recently discovered that I enjoyed sewing at the ripe old age of 47 and picked up a 401a. Thanks to your videos, I got the cam selectors unstuck and able to select the right stitch combinations. Then a couple of days later, the needle bar connecting link snapped. I didn't think these metal parts were supposed to break, but I suppose there are limits to the tensile strength of 65-year-old steel! Currently waiting on a replacement part to arrive from eBay so I get to use another of your videos to figure out how to replace it. Thanks for all you do. A funny side note, when I first started watching your videos, my son and I both thought your voice sounded familiar. After racking our brains for a few minutes, we realized that it was a character named James Halliday in the movie "Ready Player One" played by Mark Rylance. Fun movie, cool character, and an excellent actor. All the best to you and your family in 2024. What part of the valley do you call home?
Thanks for keeping that machine and service you know on all the machines I worked on. I've only had about three broken parts like that and I always just figured there was some kind of a flaw during the manufacturing. I'm glad that you found my channel and and the videos are helping you accomplish your goals. I'm not familiar with the movie but if I get a chance I'll check it out. I've been living in Tempe since 2004
thanks Andy for another wonderful video, all the best to you and your family for the Christmas holidays . ( still raining in Liverpool England and very windy )
Thank you Trevor! 🙏 Finally having rain here today, about an inch total, with cool weather and stiff breezes, but nothing like the 28MPH winds showing for your area. Stay tucked in warm and dry my friend. Peace and health for you in 2024.
Hi Andy and have a very nice new year, we have started it with wind and rain . 250 flood alerts across the country this week. Hope you are well and looking to see more of your videos, seasons greetings to all, Trevor.. @@andytubesewing1953
@@TrevorBrierley Thank you very much. The US is having some very bad weather from sea to sea. Even in the desert of Phoenix, Arizona it is colder than normal. 33 deg F on my patio this morning watch the sun rise. No flooding here TBTG. I have read stories of the weather in England and EU countries. Climate change I guess. Be safe, friend, and stay warm & dry. Cheers to the rest of our year.
I read the weather for Liverpool every morning. I see the wind readings you're high. Today was my low this morning. It's 4:30 p.m. now and the temperature has hit the high of 19.4 c. That's actually a couple degrees cooler than normal. It's very pleasant for us this time of year compared to our summers Thursday night we had a very nice rain for about 3 hours that gave us about 3/4 of an inch of water that we can always use here in the desert. The following morning was clear and moist and so fresh. In the winter the cold air keeps more pollution in our valley and wind kicks up deaths from the desert. So a rain like that clears the air then is very refreshing for us. We did have some wind Saturday but not as strong as yours are today. Take care of yourself my friend
hey Andy, we miss your videos. Hope all is well with you...today we rescued a vtg Singer rocketeer 500a...it was put out for the trash pick up...well now it is with me and with help from your videos we will have it up & running again. Thank you sew much for your wonderful helpful videos. I have learned so much from you. I am always rescuing vintage sewing machines and homeless cats......
Your comment really lifted my spirits this morning. It's a fantastic machine and thank you for rescuing it. May it serve you well. I appreciate you watching my channel. Good luck.
I recently learned from John Morley that no one can climb out beyond the limitations of their own character. A good lesson. Survived the 113 deg F here yesterday. and was happy to watch dawn break this morning. Take care.
It’s great to see a new video from you! FYI, I understand that if you cut open a yellow electric wing nut and remove the spring inside; it will also work as a spring holder for the hook oil wick. Stay strong.
Thanks Andy. I volunteer at a local thrift store checking machines before I put them out for sale. It is because of watching you for many years that I felt capable of this job☺️I’m sure I’ll never stop learning. As you can imagine I want to “service” every machine but that’s not possible🙈. I’m cleaning up my thrift storage area and am trying to figure out how to “sell the accumulated mountain” of foot pedals for all different types of sewing machines that must have been recycled. Obviously the plug in shape gives me some clues as to what models these might fit. I plan on testing these if I have a machine it fits. They probably plan on selling these for $2-$5, so I’m not too worried if they need fixed, as they are still good for parts? Can you think of a better idea to keep these pedals out of the recycle? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Blessings and prayers to you and your wife ❤. Oh and a model 99k made in Great Britain just came in and I think it has to come home with me😂 so it’s good to know about these wool wicks!😂
Thank you for your work at the thrift store. 🙏 I've never been able to find documents about which type of plug fits into which type of model/machine. Singer only made a few types of pedals and used them on dozens of models. All of the vintage pedals used a carbon stack of carbon discs to help control speed. Those discs can fail over time and it's very hard to find new replacements. I know dozens of my viewers have bought used SInger pedals hoping to salvage enough discs to get their pedals working properly again. Many of the models used the same electric cord for the pedal, too, and they can be purchased new: singer-featherweight.com/products/cord-replacement-foot-controller-cord-electric-wiring-for-singer-301-401-403-404 Cords changed over the years and many are 3-way cords. The nice thing is I can buy a pedal for a different model and replace the cord with one for my model. I made videos about rehabbing foot pedals, including the carbon discs: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKItPLWcK24FBoMdHK8vTXNi ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71 A painstaking way to see which model/models a cord may fit is to search for replacement cords by the model number of the machine. Many online stores will show the cord for that model and a close-up view of the plug end that goes into the machine. Even a Google search of Singer Foot Petal Replacement Cord can give an idea of what is available. I heard from one viewer in the EU who bought boxes of old foot pedals very cheaply and took them apart to sell the carbon discs and internal parts. I think he said he sells 80 discs for $12, the old cords for $5, and some of the internal springs and brackets for $1 to $3. He makes enough to buy used machines to fix and donate to local charities.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank-you Andy for replying☺️. Yes my thoughts exactly. I needed some carbon discs about 10 years ago to fix a pedal for my daughters Kenmore. A very simple fix, but I couldn’t find discs or used pedals anywhere like you can now and paid $40 for a “new” used one🙄. I will watch those links you sent me and do the very best I can. Have a great day!
Perhaps you read my mind! I meant to write down the info about the replacement wick but lost track of what video it was! This revised wick with the spring might make it easier for me though. Thank you for your exhaustive, detailed videos for these wonderful machines! Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you and your family!
I had to do a poor job of repairing a spring as none were available in the past. Now a perfect solution is here. Thanks for your recognition of my work, and I appreciate the blessings. 🙏
A joy to have more of you Andy. Thanks, and Be Happy A quick Q if I may RE lubrication?...this time on those numerous plastic gears in the 700 series Touch and Sew machines. There seems to plenty of suspicion among my research (in my own mind too) that the application of substances may well contribute to their premature failure? I'm pretty sure I recollect you posting info about using the 'Triflow' product on plastic gears? My model 720 user manual (printed 1969) clearly states "EVERY FEW MONTHS (apply) Lubricant to (all gears excluding the one attached to the underside of the hook assembly). A tube of 'Singer sewing machine lubricant' was listed among the ACCESSORIES. When I collected this machine the Cam shaft gear was cracked and the 'hook' gear referred to earlier had disintegrated (an oil issue in the case of the latter, in my opinion) but all other (white) gears are in good order (they had a, dried residue of a brown substance that I took to be some kind of grease or, perhaps, the Singer Lubricant); I took these to be the original gears. I've been able to salvage pretty sturdy-looking replacements for the two damaged gears, and she now sews beautifully. My dilemma, with a view to sewing with her for as long as possible, is whether or not to lubricate all/any of the gears, and if so, with what? Does your understanding of Singer's recommended maintenance of these gears stem from a later date than my machine (based , perhaps on what Singer learnt from the earlier use of Singer Lubricant on such gears)? Do you continue to recommend the 'Triflo' product mentioned in your other posts? ...Not such "quick Q" after all!!!...my apologies Andy. Take Care Howie
I don't work on the T&S models b/c I don't care for them. The manual for model 700 (for example) does show to put lubricant on the handwheel gear and the drive gears on the bottom of the machine. If they are plastic I feel TriFlow Clear Synthetic Grease is safe for plastic. I also know that many viewers like the retro grease from this company: singer-featherweight.com/products/sew-retro-grease I have used that grease for motor wicks and liked it. If feels to have a lower melting point for using on gears (runny) If I had a machine I was keeping that had plastic gears ( never happen ) I guess I'd use the Triflow.
Hey Andy, was wondering if there’s a video of the fashion mate 257. Can I remover the top gear on the original vertical shaft or do I need to change the shaft and gear? Thank you
I'll start by saying I've never worked on this model of Fashion Mate. I do know that Singer says you have to pull the gear & shaft out the top of the machine and that is a long involved process requiring a lot of disassembly of of the main arm shaft and most of what is connected to it. You can buy the gear/shaft from several sellers for $16 to $22. You can buy a guide that Terry wrote for $10 store.tandtrepair.com/252-257-tvgearguide.html I looked into doing this for a 353 Genie once and it's about 15 steps to remove then all those steps in reverse plus timing the hook (which is easy.) I will say that a couple of my viewers said they made a hole in the backside of their machine to get to the spot where the gear connects to the shaft. One said the old gear had set screws he removed and then change the gear as in my video: ruclips.net/video/M3bFtlV1Y6s/видео.html The other viewer felt the first guys' gear had been replaced once before and that was why it had set screws. He said the gear on his 252 was held on by a roll pin he had to punch out. Then he had to install the new shaft from the bottom and slip the new gear onto it (difficult) and use the hole he made in the backside to install the set screw to hold the new gear onto the new shaft. Both guys said they would never do it again.
@@larryyoung5802 Nicely done! I appreciate the feedback. I will consider this a qualified workaround to the method in service manuals as I have three confirmations for doing it. It sounds easier to me than tearing down the top end of the machine and then rebuilding it. Happy sewing.
Доброго дня вам Енди вам привіт з України , як ваше самопочуття вже довгий час нема нових роликів . Дякую вам за консультації в ремонті 411 g ви дуже допомогли 🩵💛 завжди згадую вас коли сідаю за машику .
Дякую вам за вашу доброту. На жаль, моє здоров'я заважає мені працювати над створенням нових відео. Я сумую за нею. Я часто читаю про Україну і молюся за вашу безпеку та захист.
Hi Andy,
I wanted to reach out and thank you for your incredible videos-they’ve made such a big impact on me, both in my hobby and surprisingly, at work too! I’ve always loved clothes and wanted to learn how they’re made, but my ADHD meant that I tended to jump from hobby to hobby without really sticking to any. For the longest time, when people asked me about my hobbies, I’d joke that my hobby was “collecting hobbies.”
That changed last year when I turned 25. I was working long hours, handling complex coding problems at work, and needed something creative to balance things out. That’s when I came back to sewing and discovered the joys (and challenges) of vintage machines. I rescued three vintage Singers (403a, 503a, 500a), and with your videos as my guide, I’ve managed to restore all of them. It felt incredible to bring those machines back to life-the first time I oiled a machine following your tutorial, I couldn’t believe how accomplished I felt.
The funny thing is, my hobby of restoring sewing machines turned out to be oddly similar to my job-lots of problem-solving, troubleshooting, and figuring out how everything works. And thanks to your videos, I’ve learned that I actually enjoy that process, both in my hobby and at work! It’s helped me be more patient, both with machines and with the challenges I face in my job. I’ve even found myself appreciating the small victories along the way, rather than stressing about the outcome.
One of my favorite things about your videos is how you talk about stuck parts and recommend things like using Krud Kutter or a hair dryer. Your advice to be patient (even if it takes days!) has stuck with me, and it’s been a valuable lesson for work, hobbies, and even relationships.
It’s been over a year now, and I’m still loving this two-in-one hobby of sewing and restoring machines. My boyfriend is happy to see me balancing out my time with creativity and myfamily, who knows how hard it’s been for me to focus on things, has been amazed. My mom picked up a 503 in a cabinet that she doubted I could fix (it was older than her, after all), but with your guidance, I proved her wrong (she’s thrilled that I did, and has been waiting all her life to see me stick to something). I’ve even gifted two machines to family members who are just as in love with them as I am.
In short, your videos didn’t just help me beat my quarter-life crisis-they helped me find balance, learn to appreciate the problem-solving process, and have made me more effective (and happier!) at work too. You’ve made a much bigger difference than you might realize, and I just wanted to let you know how appreciated you are.
Working on the vintage machines has always been rewarding to me. Both my physical and mental health. Making my 600+ videos took that to a new level. My channel has close to 6 million views now and my videos have been watched for about 600 thousand hours.
I could not begin to count the number of comments they have received. Some of the comments have made me smile, laugh, informed me, or made me think of a new way to improve a method, communicate better, or sparked an idea for a video.
Your comment though… ✨✨ your single heartfelt comment today, is the first to choke me up and get me teary-eyed. It is Justification to me for every hour I spent trying to reach out and help people save the machines and enjoy them. Justified it all.
I never realized it may help anyone with more than a sewing machine. I am grateful you shared that with me and offer my heartfelt thanks. 🙏 💖
Your videos have helped me in other ways as well Andy. I love to listen to your positive and calm voice guiding me in my restoration of vintage machines. I love it when you say, “mmmmm” after getting something to work that was giving you a hard time. Now when I’m working on a machine and fix something successfully I say, “mmmm” and think of you! The world needs more people like you. Thank you for doing these videos Andy. From Denise in Virginia!
I was so very glad to see you post a video. I’ve been praying for you a lot lately, both for your health and in thanks for all you’ve done for us. My husband and I finally bit the bullet and bought me a 403. I hit a meaningful birthday this year, and the 403 was “born” the same year I was: quite a fitting way to celebrate! It wasn’t in quite as good a shape as I’d been led to believe when I bought it. Thanks to you and all your wonderful videos we figured out that one of the main problems was that the oil port under the bobbin was stopped up. That was fun-not! With a lot of cleaning and work she sews like a dream now. My husband enjoyed the process so much we bought two 500’s as well! (The second one was too good of a price to pass up.) They both sew so lovely now Andy. I was one of those people who had previously fell for the idea that the newer machines were better because they had more conveniences. My newer Pfaff rarely gets used at all now. ( I still have to learn how to use the buttonholer on the Singers.) Thank you so much for sharing. You have really enriched our lives with your bounty of informative videos. I am keeping you in my prayers. May God be so gracious and good to you and your wife!
Now that is determination, to find and fix a clogged oil port on the hook shaft there. That poor hook must have really screeched while sewing. A 403A and dual Rocketeer machines. Thanks for saving them. You sure picked a couple of winners. I am very grateful and appreciative of your prayers. 🙏 💖
@@andytubesewing1953 The 403 didn’t screech as much as it didn’t sound right. We only figured out the oil port problem after ruling out everything else that could be causing it to bind. (I have no idea how many videos my husband watched in the process.) I have really learned to value Krud Kutter, though. I took a plastic medicine dropper and pressed it tightly against the hole and used the bulb to exert a little extra pressure to push it into the blockage. My hair dryer helped a lot too. It was all so worth it though!!! Unfortunately even though we bought Triflow oil and grease, my husband isn’t converted. He happily used the Triflow grease, but I think he will always be Royal Purple guy where oil is concerned. I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas.
@@nadinewoods6971 really good info. Thanks for sharing. Good idea with the medicine. Dropper, I'll have to look up Royal purple to see what that is but if he likes it it's okay for me thanks again for saving those machines
Amen to all the above.
Thank you for your inspiration and help creating another product for our beautiful machines Andy!
If I help spark your creativity then I'm a very happy guy today. I've heard nothing but good things about your products and your service. I appreciate what you guys are doing to help keep these machines in service. Very nicely done by the both of you🏆👍💖
Thank you Mr. Andy. Hope you are doing well. Good wishes for the new year. I really appreciate your channel. Stay well. Be safe.
🙏🙂
Thank you Andy.. ..I was just thinking of you yesterday while I was sewing on my vintage Singer.! and here you are.!... Wishing you a Merry Christmas, 🌲and a Happy New Year.! 🙏
Thank you so much! Have a healthy prosperous 2024
Thanks Andy..❤❤have aMerry Christmas 😊😊
Thank you! A happy, healthy and prosperous new year 2024 to you
Oh I finally get the chance to say how much I have loved your videos! I’ve
learned so much! And they are soo relaxing to listen to! Prior to finding your videos I thought I would just have to throw away mom’s machine. But now it’s my love. Ha ha!
Thanks very much for the nice comment. It's great that you have your mom's machine. Family owned machines are the best.
Thank you for all your helpful videos. I have learned so much machine maintenance from you.
@@tricia2701 I appreciate your kind comment thanks so much 🙏
Siempre recordándolo Sr. Andy. Gracias por compartir tanto conocimiento. Me siento su aprendiz! Yo sé que usted entiende cada palabra. Un abrazo desde Ags, MX.
Seguramente lo entiendo. 😀
Pidiéndole que le brinde a su familia un Feliz, Saludable y Próspero Año Nuevo 2024. Cuídate, amigo mío. 🙏
Hope life is treating you well Andy. Thinking of you again as I go about my sewing. ❤
Thanks fir the smile today. Awesome of you. 🙏
Hi Andy thank you! Hope all is well with you and your family
Thank you, Michael. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Andy, you and Adolfo are good kids! Christmas blessings to you and your families. Prayers to you for a healthier new year….
Thanks very much and from your lips to God's ear. Merry Christmas.
Andytube, thanks for the PSA. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you very much. Hope you have a happy healthy 2024 🙏
I’d just like to thank you for your videos. So far I have repaired and polished my grandmothers 221 using your videos.
My wife bought a 15-91. Again using your videos.
I just wanted to say thanks for the detailed help.
I really appreciate your kind remarks and thank you for saving those machines. Be careful though. It can get kind of addictive but it's a good thing to do
Was so, so thrilled to see you posted a new video. I have learned a remarkable amount from you. Thinking & praying for you as we enter 2024. Thank you again!!!
I appreciate the prayers and your comments.🙏 I wish the best for all in 2024 and beyond.
Well - this a marvelous Christmas surprise! A video from Andy is always a treat - but wait! There's more! Finally a spring for that wick! Thank you for the glad tidings Andy - and all our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and Happy New Year!! :-)
Thank you so much 🙏 Often think of you and Clark; so far away yet near to heart. All the best in 2024.
Thanks Mr Andy for educating me.
Hope you are well & im looking forward to learn more from you in near future.
Greetings from a fellow Arizonan, Andy. I recently discovered that I enjoyed sewing at the ripe old age of 47 and picked up a 401a. Thanks to your videos, I got the cam selectors unstuck and able to select the right stitch combinations. Then a couple of days later, the needle bar connecting link snapped. I didn't think these metal parts were supposed to break, but I suppose there are limits to the tensile strength of 65-year-old steel! Currently waiting on a replacement part to arrive from eBay so I get to use another of your videos to figure out how to replace it. Thanks for all you do. A funny side note, when I first started watching your videos, my son and I both thought your voice sounded familiar. After racking our brains for a few minutes, we realized that it was a character named James Halliday in the movie "Ready Player One" played by Mark Rylance. Fun movie, cool character, and an excellent actor. All the best to you and your family in 2024. What part of the valley do you call home?
Thanks for keeping that machine and service you know on all the machines I worked on. I've only had about three broken parts like that and I always just figured there was some kind of a flaw during the manufacturing. I'm glad that you found my channel and and the videos are helping you accomplish your goals. I'm not familiar with the movie but if I get a chance I'll check it out. I've been living in Tempe since 2004
Always remembering you Mr. Andy. Remember you have a friend in Ags, MX.
😊🌞🙏
thanks Andy for another wonderful video, all the best to you and your family for the Christmas holidays . ( still raining in Liverpool England and very windy )
Thank you Trevor! 🙏 Finally having rain here today, about an inch total, with cool weather and stiff breezes, but nothing like the 28MPH winds showing for your area. Stay tucked in warm and dry my friend. Peace and health for you in 2024.
Hi Andy and have a very nice new year, we have started it with wind and rain . 250 flood alerts across the country this week. Hope you are well and looking to see more of your videos, seasons greetings to all, Trevor.. @@andytubesewing1953
@@TrevorBrierley Thank you very much. The US is having some very bad weather from sea to sea. Even in the desert of Phoenix, Arizona it is colder than normal. 33 deg F on my patio this morning watch the sun rise. No flooding here TBTG. I have read stories of the weather in England and EU countries. Climate change I guess. Be safe, friend, and stay warm & dry. Cheers to the rest of our year.
Hope you are well Andy! It is so amazing all the knowledge you’ve shared on your channel! Your videos have helped me so much!!
Thanks very much, Timothy. I appreciate your kindness. 🙏Take care.
Hi Andy and family, hope you are well. been warm today at 12c but still very windy..
I read the weather for Liverpool every morning. I see the wind readings you're high. Today was my low this morning. It's 4:30 p.m. now and the temperature has hit the high of 19.4 c. That's actually a couple degrees cooler than normal. It's very pleasant for us this time of year compared to our summers Thursday night we had a very nice rain for about 3 hours that gave us about 3/4 of an inch of water that we can always use here in the desert. The following morning was clear and moist and so fresh. In the winter the cold air keeps more pollution in our valley and wind kicks up deaths from the desert. So a rain like that clears the air then is very refreshing for us. We did have some wind Saturday but not as strong as yours are today. Take care of yourself my friend
hey Andy, we miss your videos. Hope all is well with you...today we rescued a vtg Singer rocketeer 500a...it was put out for the trash pick up...well now it is with me and with help from your videos we will have it up & running again. Thank you sew much for your wonderful helpful videos. I have learned so much from you. I am always rescuing vintage sewing machines and homeless cats......
Your comment really lifted my spirits this morning. It's a fantastic machine and thank you for rescuing it. May it serve you well. I appreciate you watching my channel. Good luck.
I haven’t checked in for a while Andy. I pray you are doing ok. ❤
I recently learned from John Morley that no one can climb out beyond the limitations of their own character. A good lesson. Survived the 113 deg F here yesterday. and was happy to watch dawn break this morning. Take care.
Happy and Healthy 2024! I hope your Christmas was wonderful!
It was good and I hope the world has a better 2024. Thanks so much, Dawn
It’s great to see a new video from you! FYI, I understand that if you cut open a yellow electric wing nut and remove the spring inside; it will also work as a spring holder for the hook oil wick. Stay strong.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks Andy. I volunteer at a local thrift store checking machines before I put them out for sale. It is because of watching you for many years that I felt capable of this job☺️I’m sure I’ll never stop learning. As you can imagine I want to “service” every machine but that’s not possible🙈. I’m cleaning up my thrift storage area and am trying to figure out how to “sell the accumulated mountain” of foot pedals for all different types of sewing machines that must have been recycled. Obviously the plug in shape gives me some clues as to what models these might fit. I plan on testing these if I have a machine it fits. They probably plan on selling these for $2-$5, so I’m not too worried if they need fixed, as they are still good for parts? Can you think of a better idea to keep these pedals out of the recycle? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Blessings and prayers to you and your wife ❤. Oh and a model 99k made in Great Britain just came in and I think it has to come home with me😂 so it’s good to know about these wool wicks!😂
Thank you for your work at the thrift store. 🙏
I've never been able to find documents about which type of plug fits into which type of model/machine. Singer only made a few types of pedals and used them on dozens of models. All of the vintage pedals used a carbon stack of carbon discs to help control speed. Those discs can fail over time and it's very hard to find new replacements.
I know dozens of my viewers have bought used SInger pedals hoping to salvage enough discs to get their pedals working properly again.
Many of the models used the same electric cord for the pedal, too, and they can be purchased new: singer-featherweight.com/products/cord-replacement-foot-controller-cord-electric-wiring-for-singer-301-401-403-404 Cords changed over the years and many are 3-way cords. The nice thing is I can buy a pedal for a different model and replace the cord with one for my model.
I made videos about rehabbing foot pedals, including the carbon discs:
ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKItPLWcK24FBoMdHK8vTXNi
ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71
A painstaking way to see which model/models a cord may fit is to search for replacement cords by the model number of the machine. Many online stores will show the cord for that model and a close-up view of the plug end that goes into the machine. Even a Google search of Singer Foot Petal Replacement Cord can give an idea of what is available.
I heard from one viewer in the EU who bought boxes of old foot pedals very cheaply and took them apart to sell the carbon discs and internal parts. I think he said he sells 80 discs for $12, the old cords for $5, and some of the internal springs and brackets for $1 to $3. He makes enough to buy used machines to fix and donate to local charities.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank-you Andy for replying☺️. Yes my thoughts exactly. I needed some carbon discs about 10 years ago to fix a pedal for my daughters Kenmore. A very simple fix, but I couldn’t find discs or used pedals anywhere like you can now and paid $40 for a “new” used one🙄. I will watch those links you sent me and do the very best I can. Have a great day!
@@zo1820 it's a good plan. Thanks again for your conservation efforts
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That’s great news.
They're very creative, aren't they? Thanks for watching and have a happy, healthy prosperous 2024
@@andytubesewing1953 yes, they are. Thank you and you as well.
We miss you Andy and are hoping to see you soon
🙏
Perhaps you read my mind! I meant to write down the info about the replacement wick but lost track of what video it was! This revised wick with the spring might make it easier for me though. Thank you for your exhaustive, detailed videos for these wonderful machines! Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you and your family!
I had to do a poor job of repairing a spring as none were available in the past. Now a perfect solution is here. Thanks for your recognition of my work, and I appreciate the blessings. 🙏
A joy to have more of you Andy. Thanks, and Be Happy
A quick Q if I may RE lubrication?...this time on those numerous plastic gears in the 700 series Touch and Sew machines. There seems to plenty of suspicion among my research (in my own mind too) that the application of substances may well contribute to their premature failure? I'm pretty sure I recollect you posting info about using the 'Triflow' product on plastic gears?
My model 720 user manual (printed 1969) clearly states "EVERY FEW MONTHS (apply) Lubricant to (all gears excluding the one attached to the underside of the hook assembly). A tube of 'Singer sewing machine lubricant' was listed among the ACCESSORIES.
When I collected this machine the Cam shaft gear was cracked and the 'hook' gear referred to earlier had disintegrated (an oil issue in the case of the latter, in my opinion) but all other (white) gears are in good order (they had a, dried residue of a brown substance that I took to be some kind of grease or, perhaps, the Singer Lubricant); I took these to be the original gears.
I've been able to salvage pretty sturdy-looking replacements for the two damaged gears, and she now sews beautifully.
My dilemma, with a view to sewing with her for as long as possible, is whether or not to lubricate all/any of the gears, and if so, with what?
Does your understanding of Singer's recommended maintenance of these gears stem from a later date than my machine (based , perhaps on what Singer learnt from the earlier use of Singer Lubricant on such gears)? Do you continue to recommend the 'Triflo' product mentioned in your other posts?
...Not such "quick Q" after all!!!...my apologies Andy.
Take Care
Howie
I don't work on the T&S models b/c I don't care for them. The manual for model 700 (for example) does show to put lubricant on the handwheel gear and the drive gears on the bottom of the machine. If they are plastic I feel TriFlow Clear Synthetic Grease is safe for plastic. I also know that many viewers like the retro grease from this company: singer-featherweight.com/products/sew-retro-grease I have used that grease for motor wicks and liked it. If feels to have a lower melting point for using on gears (runny) If I had a machine I was keeping that had plastic gears ( never happen ) I guess I'd use the Triflow.
Big Thanks for your informed thinking on this Andy.@@andytubesewing1953
Andy Tube you should do a Singer 319 it would be awesome.
Thank you!
😊
Hey Andy, was wondering if there’s a video of the fashion mate 257. Can I remover the top gear on the original vertical shaft or do I need to change the shaft and gear? Thank you
I'll start by saying I've never worked on this model of Fashion Mate.
I do know that Singer says you have to pull the gear & shaft out the top of the machine and that is a long involved process requiring a lot of disassembly of of the main arm shaft and most of what is connected to it.
You can buy the gear/shaft from several sellers for $16 to $22. You can buy a guide that Terry wrote for $10 store.tandtrepair.com/252-257-tvgearguide.html
I looked into doing this for a 353 Genie once and it's about 15 steps to remove then all those steps in reverse plus timing the hook (which is easy.)
I will say that a couple of my viewers said they made a hole in the backside of their machine to get to the spot where the gear connects to the shaft. One said the old gear had set screws he removed and then change the gear as in my video: ruclips.net/video/M3bFtlV1Y6s/видео.html
The other viewer felt the first guys' gear had been replaced once before and that was why it had set screws. He said the gear on his 252 was held on by a roll pin he had to punch out. Then he had to install the new shaft from the bottom and slip the new gear onto it (difficult) and use the hole he made in the backside to install the set screw to hold the new gear onto the new shaft. Both guys said they would never do it again.
Thank you for your help
I did drilled the hole and used a punch to remove the pin. Then installed a new gear.
Worked great.. thank you sir….
@@larryyoung5802 Nicely done! I appreciate the feedback. I will consider this a qualified workaround to the method in service manuals as I have three confirmations for doing it. It sounds easier to me than tearing down the top end of the machine and then rebuilding it. Happy sewing.
is there any way you can help me with a 401a problem?
Maybe I can. Can you tell me what the problem is?
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Доброго дня вам Енди вам привіт з України , як ваше самопочуття вже довгий час нема нових роликів .
Дякую вам за консультації в ремонті 411 g ви дуже допомогли 🩵💛 завжди згадую вас коли сідаю за машику .
Дякую вам за вашу доброту. На жаль, моє здоров'я заважає мені працювати над створенням нових відео. Я сумую за нею. Я часто читаю про Україну і молюся за вашу безпеку та захист.
@@andytubesewing1953 Ще раз дякую вам за все , не хворійте та видужуйте 🩵💛