Thank you so so much for this video! I fixed a friends machine using this and now I'm a hero and you are my hero! your explanations and images really help explain everything in detail.
Hallelujah!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I had no idea how to get that positioning bracket back in. I didn't even know what it was called so I had a hard time finding any information on it when all I knew to call it was, "the thing on the right of the bobbin case that pushes up against it." I am forever grateful for your video tutorial. You are the best!!!
I used to call it "that D@#% thing" so no worries. I'm so happy you found my video! Nice of you to comment and stop by again someday. 500+ more videos for your viewing pleasure. No commercials or monthly fee, hehe. Take Care.
Andy...I am so happy that I found you. I have received a well cared for 403a with cabinet and box of disc's and most original attachments. It was originally bought by family member when they first came out in late 50s. She sewed alot and I am so honored to have it Andy that I stored it in corner in my home and promised myself that I would take care of it and respect Rubies memory. I left everything just the way she left it. Orderly. I know how to use a sewing machine yet I'm not confident yet. I have time to learn now and Ruby would want me to use it and not waste it. So here I am... I WILL fix this beautiful tool. Yes I have locked up the hoz.arm and found that on the handwheel, there is a screw and two gaskets that are not stock. Yikes I'm scared...no I'm just on a journey of learning. So God bless you Andy for grabbing me before I drowned in my own tears. Hahaha. Jan.19.2022 Lenore Roswell represent.
I'm happy for you to have a family-owned machine. You can get everything on the machine working again. Take your time and my playlist for model 403A has many videos to help. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg If you do not have the Instruction Manual it can be very helpful and is available for free from the SInger Support webpage at this link; www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 Good luck, Lenora.
Thanks so much! My bobbin case positioning bracket had popped out and watching you put yours back in helped me get it put back together more quickly!than usual. I love my 403A so much! My mom sewed my baby clothes on it and it’s still running great. I just have to keep it clean and oiled!
Very welcome. I'm glad you found the video. You already know the secret to your machine "keep it clean & oiled"! I wonder if your granddaughter will be sewing on in the future? Happy sewing and take care.
I have a Singer 457 and removed the bobbin case position bracket completely to clean and remove some tangled thread. I then couldn't put the bobbin case back in properly. I've been searching everywhere for help on what I did wrong. Despite this being a different model, I've understood now what I've been doing wrong and know about the trace you fit the bobbin case onto. Andy - your patience and thorough approach has been what I've been looking for. Thank you so much. I've subscribed and will be watching more of your brilliant videos.
Thank you for watching my channel, Fiona. That tiny shelf, the race, doesn't look important, but as you found out it matters a lot. I'm happy the video help you to get back in service. Thanks you for the Sub and Happy New Year.
@@andytubesewing1953 I've passed a link to your site onto a dear friend who sews having told her about you. Its great to have access to your advice to support people like us. My recently departed mum was a fantastic seamstress and always serviced her Singers herself. I inherited her Old Singer
Thank you so much for this treasure trove of knowledge you are sharing here! Thanks to your advice I was just able to get out the spring that holds the cover plate of my 421G and bend it back in shape. Now the cover plate is not sluggish any more, but sits as tight as it is supposed to sit. Great Info! Thanks Andy!
When I first got my 500A, I had a devil of a time reinstalling the bobbin case and positioning bracket. Your detailed demonstration and explanation are going to save people a lot of frustration.
thank you very much I hope it does save people frustration on my first 404 which was my first slant needle I somehow pulled out the bobbin positioning bracket and I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get it back in so I understand exactly what you mean thanks for watching my channel and it's kind of you to take time to comment
I just got my 401A and have been watching to disassemble, clean, wash and reassemble after the proper oiling and greasing. Thank you so very much for the detail in your videos. I was having trouble getting the positioning bracket put back together. When I listened to you describe the tension spring that the bar had to slide under...viola!!!!
Congratulations on getting a Slant-O-Matic! I'm glad the videos are helping and thanks for working on the machine. I do have a playlist for the 401A and all the parts up in the horizontal arm: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO Good luck going forward.
Andy you are the best at explaining all this.. someone gave me one of these sewing machines and it hadn't been used for many many years and it needed a bit of tlc to get it working.. i do keep having to resetting the tension dial, but now i know how, and can do it as needed. I'm working on the bobbin housing right now but i wouldn't go anywhere else for advice. Thank you so much
Hello again Andy. I was finally able to get things moving on my 403A and 301A. The 403 was frozen solid everywhere, from old oil and today after two months, I was able to get the top off of it and found it pretty clean on the gears which I was happy about. I had to come see you to find out where exactly to oil the bobbin case area because the book wasn't real clear on the exact spot for oiling the hook. I went ahead and removed the spring for the throat plate and it was the dickens trying to get it back on and found that sitting down in front of the machine I was having the same issue as you with it not wanting to slide. I stood up instead, looked down at the spring then placed my finger against the spring itself and on top of the spring in the middle giving it equal pressure holding it in place while tightening the screw. From there on out it's been smooth sailing and moves beautifully with no hang ups whatsoever. I'm still in the process of getting it cleaned up and the polish and wax will have to wait until my arm heals some more. Three months and counting and I still can't do much with it but I can't wait to be able to put needle to fabric after I'm finished. I still need to remove and clean the tension assembly but i'm so very happy to finally get somewhere on these machines. I'm missing the oil pan cover for my 403a but I made a temporary one out of cardboard. I want to thank you again for your knowledge and your willingness to share it with us so we can also keep our machine's running smoothly.
You're very welcome. I'm happy you stuck with it and have made so much progress. It is certainly a worthy machine and once restored you'll have very light maintenance over many years of use. You can find oil pans on eBay sometimes, but you have to check every day b/c they sell out so fast. Search for 401A, 403A & 404 as they all use the same pan. I've made a few replacements over the years. I've used sheet metal; www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-12-in-x-18-in-22-Gauge-Metal-Sheet-801447/204225782 and I've used Tempered Hardboard; www.homedepot.com/p/1-8-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Tempered-Hardboard-Actual-0-115-in-x-23-75-in-x-47-75-in-109112/202585358 I think I liked the wood hardboard a little better. The backside is porous and I did not even use felt on it but gave the customer two pans so she could just swap the first out if it got greasy. A friend replaced a 301A pan with a cutout from an aluminum sheet he also bought at home depot. The eBay ones used to cost $12 but that was a few years back. I'm excited for the day you can run some stitches with the machine and I don't even sew. Nicely done, Donna.
The further i dig into my machine, I find she is dirty and way over oiled. When i lay her down in the cabinet i get oil in the thread guide just above the needle, along with a few other places 😂 I found that the bobbin holder was bent and not keeping the bobbin steady on the race. Once i cleaned it, adjusted the bobbin holder and reassembled it, i stopped having birds nests on the bottom. Hopefully it will help stop the top thread from breaking when I use the special disks. She doesn't like fine stitching so i am hoping this will clear that up as well. So far i have cleaned the upper tension unit and the bobbin area and adjusted tension on both. I need to test out more disks today to see if it made a difference.
You are making great progress. It's amazing how much gunk and oil can come out of a machine. That's the main reason I justed washing them in the shower with Krud Kutter. Here are more videos that can help with the 403A Special model ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJZaZn2zl3LsnV2d7UhrqvX For me, the 403A Special is worth any effort needed to restore it. My favorite cabinet capable ZZ model. Good luck and thanks for watching my channel.
Hello Andy, thank you for all the videos. I have a 401 M and thanks to you I got it working. I still have a lot of cleaning to do and setting, what kind of oil do you suggest I use. After using the KrudKutter I have used a lubricant, but I see you use oil. Thank you.
TriFlow oil seems the most popular www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-superior-lubricant-drip-bottle/ But you can use any sewing machine oil if you want. Singer, Dritz, Lilly, etc. What's important, IMO, is you are starting with a clean machine. If you keep it oiled, wiping away excess oil, and keep a little grease on the steel gears, you'll be fine. TriFlow makes a clear synthetic Grease that works very well. So, grease on gears and oil on other moving parts and wipe off excess oil & grease and lint. Happy sewing and thanks for watching my channel.
Hey Andy, after using your videos to clean and fix my machine I've sewn a few projects that have gone fairly smoothly! I am having a recurring issue where the needle breaks when I switch to reverse for a lock stitch. I've read that it could be a dirty bobbin area. I also notice that the needle could be hitting the plate so perhaps I need to tighten my thread tension. Do you have any suggestions that could point me in the right direction? Thanks!
You don't have a dirty bobbin area if you followed my videos, right? 😊 If you search Google for thread breaking you'll find a lot of possibilities. When it only happens in reverse that can narrow it down somewhat. "needle could be hitting the plate" OK, maybe, like scraping on the side of the needle hole and that is usually you trying to "help" the fabric move. Just let the feed dog do that. It won't take much to flex the needle when helping the fabric or holding it a little while it is moving. When you reverse, or "back tack", the needle often goes back into the hole you made going forward, ie: two threads in one hole, which increase tension on the thread and can "flex" the needle. Sometimes using one size up needle can help. There is a chart in the instruction manual for recommended needle/thread size www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 Actually, when having thread breakage, lowering the needle thread tension a little can help prevent needle flex. You can check the alignment of your needle in the straight stitch needle plate to be sure it is centered. Page 134 of the Service Manual. Download a free copy here if needed: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf When you search for breaking thread you'll see a lot of mentions about worn needles, bent needles, needle installation, cheap sewing thread, wrong thread to needle combo, etc. because those causes are all true and happen a lot... a whole lot! My wife suggests always using just enough tension to keep the stitch flat b/c that means it is balanced to the bobbin thread tension.
Hi, Kat. You'll love using this type of tool. Mine is called the "midget" 1/4" drive ratchet made by the Chapman Manufacturing Co. and is part of this set of tools I bought: chapmanmfg.com/products/9600-starter-slotted-bit-set They make larger sets too. I did a video about the set when I bought it. ruclips.net/video/KnrvDZeaYj4/видео.html You can find this type of rachet screwdriver for as low as $3: www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html and for $10: www.amazon.com/Ratchet-Screwdriver-Tacklife-ratchet-36-tooth/dp/B07GJMGMY8 An all-metal $13 set: www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-10-Piece-Steel-Handle-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000596669 Klein Tools makes a unique one with a finger loop that's a little larger: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-1-4-in-Drive-Electrician-s-Mini-Ratchet-with-Screwdriver-Bits-and-Adapter-65200/311127793 If you watch my Champan video you'll see I chose it to get the hollow-ground drive bits. The Midget Rachet (I call it mini) was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks for watching my channel.
Hello Andy, your videos are such a pleasure to watch and I've learned so much. I was so fortunate to find a '51 403a at a garage sale for just $5! With your help from so many of your videos, I've cleaned the motor, (no more growling, and so much faster!) gotten the zig zag to swing in both directions, and got her cleaned and ready to sew. My concern is that I can still hear my bobbin jumping around in the case while I sew. My stitches are good, but I can't figure why that bobbin is doing that. I've watched your other video on the bobbin area, and all the settings are correct. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Congrats on your restoration success. Purchase of the year for $5 I think 🏆 "I've watched your other video on the bobbin area"... well, I have quite a few. A couple things that can cause a jumping bobbin/case. The needle thread is grabbed by the hook and taken UNDER the bobbin case. During that time the needle thread should be slack if the take-up spring (check spring) is set properly. If it is not set properly it can put tension back on the needle thread while the thread is still under the bobbin, popping or lifting the bobbin a little bit. Here is a Stroke & Tension video showing how to check/set the stroke and tension of the check spring. ruclips.net/video/4Q1dAUHqfvg/видео.html Another cause can be too big of a thread clearance gap between the bobbin case and the Bobbin Case Position Bracket Spring that allows too much movement of the bobbin case allowing it to "snap" back and forth between the hook race and the bracket. Her is a video for checking/setting the clearance: ruclips.net/video/OXKqZp87eN4/видео.html Those are the two most common causes. Others are dirty bobbin case slot. Dirty hook race. Lack of oil on the hook race. Too much tension on the upper AND lower thread (they can be balanced, but too high, making for a "tight" stitch and snappy thread action, again machine the bobbin jump.) Very rarely a loss of timing of the takeup lever. If the takeup lever was removed for cleaning or replacement and reinstalled improperly and the timing is off a little then the takeup lever is pulling the thread back up before the thread has come out from under the bobbin.
I am fixing a VX-1121 and the bobbin positioning part is a little different because it does not slide into the machine buy my problem is the race is not turning. What do I need to look for?
Can't find any document for a Singer VX-1121. Maybe it's a Brother brand? I'm only familiar with Singer vintage models. In general, if the hook (shuttle) is not turning it is a sign of a broken gear or drive belt. Many plastic parts and gears on newer machines wear out. If you can remove the bottom cover/side cover of the machine you can start at the hook and work back towards the handwheel to see where the hook shaft is NOT turning and find the reason.
Hmmm... I don't think bobbin cases move. The Hook rotates around the bobbin case so maybe you mean the hook? Model 648 is a Touch & Sew Model and I don't work on them as I never cared for the "wind-in-place" bobbin winding system. Maybe on a T&S model, the bobbin case does move during bobbin winding??? There are a few steps required for the wind-in-place bobbin winding to work you have to be sure the buttonhole controls are off. You usually have to put the needle bar in Central Position and set the width lever to "1". There may be a bobbin "push button" that you need to push down or move to the left. Things like that. So if you are trying to wind the bobbin I'd suggest you download a free copy of the original Instruction Manual for Model 648 from the SInger support page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=648 If your problem is that the Hook is not Rotating that may also be a Settings Problem, or it may be a physical defect, like a worn-out gear on the Hook Drive Shaft. As I don't work on the T&S machines I think they may have plastic gears, but I'm not sure. You can remove the bottom cover plate of the machine and see if the gear is broken I guess. If that is the case you can buy a new gear: www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-648-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?index=14 I think there are 5 total gears in the 648 model and the model came on the market about 55 years ago. Cracked and broken plastic gears are common for plastic that old. You can even buy a copy of the original Service Manual for $8.99 but I don't know if it shows how to change out the gears: manualsoncd.com/product/singer-630-648-sewing-machine-service-manual/ There may be RUclips videos showing how to change the gears on a Singer T&S machine since they made so many of them.
Sorry to hear that. I have never been able to buy a replacement for any Singer screw at the hardware store. Apparently, they were made in non-standard sizes so you had to go to the Singer repair shop. You could always take the screw you have to a hardware store and see if they can match it. Maybe you'll get lucky. On an item this small I would just buy a used bracket from an online seller. eBay has many sellers now that part-out a machine piece-by-piece. Keep in mind that this bracket is the same on models 401A, 403A & 404. The entire bracket is part #172086 and the screw is part #662 or 662AL. A seller I have used for many years has the bracket from a model 404 for sale right now for $6.00. If you are interested here is the link to the page it is on: thriftyfarmgirl.com/singer-404-slant-o-matic-sewing-machine-parts Her name is Connie McCaffrey. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Hola Dios los bendiga quisiera pedirles un fabor bien grande quisiera que me vendan todo lo que tiene la bobina la tencion tanbien la patita por fabor bendanmela
Gracias por ver mi canal. Lo siento, pero no vendo repuestos, solo hago videos para mostrar cómo trabajar en las máquinas. A menudo tengo que comprar piezas de repuesto y encontrarlas en eBay, Amazon y escuché que FaceBook Marketplace ahora tiene vendedores de piezas.
You really are the best, Andy. I could not get the slide plate back on till you explained it. Thank you!
Surely welcome. I'm glad you found the video. Thanks for the nice comment.
Thank you! Your blow-up images and explanation helped me replace the positioning plate quickly because I understood what was happening underneath.
Thanks for watching my channel. I appreciate you helping me justify the time I spend on the close-up photos. Happy sewing.
Thank you so so much for this video! I fixed a friends machine using this and now I'm a hero and you are my hero! your explanations and images really help explain everything in detail.
It's good to be the hero sometimes. Thanks for keeping the machine in service. A very nice comment.😊
Hallelujah!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I had no idea how to get that positioning bracket back in. I didn't even know what it was called so I had a hard time finding any information on it when all I knew to call it was, "the thing on the right of the bobbin case that pushes up against it." I am forever grateful for your video tutorial. You are the best!!!
I used to call it "that D@#% thing" so no worries. I'm so happy you found my video! Nice of you to comment and stop by again someday. 500+ more videos for your viewing pleasure. No commercials or monthly fee, hehe. Take Care.
Thank you! My daughter and I were able to get the machine working. Such a wonderful video.
I love hearing this. ✨Thanks for keeping the machine in service!
Andy...I am so happy that I found you. I have received a well cared for 403a with cabinet and box of disc's and most original attachments. It was originally bought by family member when they first came out in late 50s. She sewed alot and I am so honored to have it Andy that I stored it in corner in my home and promised myself that I would take care of it and respect Rubies memory. I left everything just the way she left it. Orderly. I know how to use a sewing machine yet I'm not confident yet. I have time to learn now and Ruby would want me to use it and not waste it. So here I am... I WILL fix this beautiful tool. Yes I have locked up the hoz.arm and found that on the handwheel, there is a screw and two gaskets that are not stock. Yikes I'm scared...no I'm just on a journey of learning. So God bless you Andy for grabbing me before I drowned in my own tears. Hahaha. Jan.19.2022 Lenore Roswell represent.
I'm happy for you to have a family-owned machine. You can get everything on the machine working again. Take your time and my playlist for model 403A has many videos to help. ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg
If you do not have the Instruction Manual it can be very helpful and is available for free from the SInger Support webpage at this link;
www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 Good luck, Lenora.
Thank you so much. The world needs people like you :)
Very kind of you. Thank you. Stop by anytime. Take Care.
Thanks so much! My bobbin case positioning bracket had popped out and watching you put yours back in helped me get it put back together more quickly!than usual. I love my 403A so much! My mom sewed my baby clothes on it and it’s still running great. I just have to keep it clean and oiled!
Very welcome. I'm glad you found the video. You already know the secret to your machine "keep it clean & oiled"! I wonder if your granddaughter will be sewing on in the future? Happy sewing and take care.
I have a Singer 457 and removed the bobbin case position bracket completely to clean and remove some tangled thread. I then couldn't put the bobbin case back in properly. I've been searching everywhere for help on what I did wrong. Despite this being a different model, I've understood now what I've been doing wrong and know about the trace you fit the bobbin case onto. Andy - your patience and thorough approach has been what I've been looking for. Thank you so much. I've subscribed and will be watching more of your brilliant videos.
Thank you for watching my channel, Fiona. That tiny shelf, the race, doesn't look important, but as you found out it matters a lot. I'm happy the video help you to get back in service. Thanks you for the Sub and Happy New Year.
@@andytubesewing1953 I've passed a link to your site onto a dear friend who sews having told her about you. Its great to have access to your advice to support people like us. My recently departed mum was a fantastic seamstress and always serviced her Singers herself. I inherited her Old Singer
@@fionawemyss5090 That's very kind of you, Fiona. I hope she finds my channel useful and fun. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for this treasure trove of knowledge you are sharing here! Thanks to your advice I was just able to get out the spring that holds the cover plate of my 421G and bend it back in shape. Now the cover plate is not sluggish any more, but sits as tight as it is supposed to sit. Great Info! Thanks Andy!
Glad you found this video then! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy sewing.
When I first got my 500A, I had a devil of a time reinstalling the bobbin case and positioning bracket. Your detailed demonstration and explanation are going to save people a lot of frustration.
thank you very much I hope it does save people frustration on my first 404 which was my first slant needle I somehow pulled out the bobbin positioning bracket and I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get it back in so I understand exactly what you mean thanks for watching my channel and it's kind of you to take time to comment
I just got my 401A and have been watching to disassemble, clean, wash and reassemble after the proper oiling and greasing. Thank you so very much for the detail in your videos. I was having trouble getting the positioning bracket put back together. When I listened to you describe the tension spring that the bar had to slide under...viola!!!!
Congratulations on getting a Slant-O-Matic! I'm glad the videos are helping and thanks for working on the machine. I do have a playlist for the 401A and all the parts up in the horizontal arm: ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO Good luck going forward.
Andy you are the best at explaining all this.. someone gave me one of these sewing machines and it hadn't been used for many many years and it needed a bit of tlc to get it working.. i do keep having to resetting the tension dial, but now i know how, and can do it as needed. I'm working on the bobbin housing right now but i wouldn't go anywhere else for advice. Thank you so much
what a nice gift! I'm sure you can get it sewing sweetly. My favorite cabinet mounted ZZ sewing machine. Thanks for commenting and good luck.
Hello again Andy. I was finally able to get things moving on my 403A and 301A. The 403 was frozen solid everywhere, from old oil and today after two months, I was able to get the top off of it and found it pretty clean on the gears which I was happy about. I had to come see you to find out where exactly to oil the bobbin case area because the book wasn't real clear on the exact spot for oiling the hook.
I went ahead and removed the spring for the throat plate and it was the dickens trying to get it back on and found that sitting down in front of the machine I was having the same issue as you with it not wanting to slide. I stood up instead, looked down at the spring then placed my finger against the spring itself and on top of the spring in the middle giving it equal pressure holding it in place while tightening the screw. From there on out it's been smooth sailing and moves beautifully with no hang ups whatsoever.
I'm still in the process of getting it cleaned up and the polish and wax will have to wait until my arm heals some more. Three months and counting and I still can't do much with it but I can't wait to be able to put needle to fabric after I'm finished. I still need to remove and clean the tension assembly but i'm so very happy to finally get somewhere on these machines. I'm missing the oil pan cover for my 403a but I made a temporary one out of cardboard.
I want to thank you again for your knowledge and your willingness to share it with us so we can also keep our machine's running smoothly.
You're very welcome. I'm happy you stuck with it and have made so much progress. It is certainly a worthy machine and once restored you'll have very light maintenance over many years of use. You can find oil pans on eBay sometimes, but you have to check every day b/c they sell out so fast. Search for 401A, 403A & 404 as they all use the same pan. I've made a few replacements over the years. I've used sheet metal; www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-12-in-x-18-in-22-Gauge-Metal-Sheet-801447/204225782 and I've used Tempered Hardboard; www.homedepot.com/p/1-8-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Tempered-Hardboard-Actual-0-115-in-x-23-75-in-x-47-75-in-109112/202585358 I think I liked the wood hardboard a little better. The backside is porous and I did not even use felt on it but gave the customer two pans so she could just swap the first out if it got greasy. A friend replaced a 301A pan with a cutout from an aluminum sheet he also bought at home depot. The eBay ones used to cost $12 but that was a few years back. I'm excited for the day you can run some stitches with the machine and I don't even sew. Nicely done, Donna.
Thanks
I've always had problems getting the bobbin case in and now I know why and how to get it in right the first time.
it's rewarding to know the video help somebody and I appreciate you telling me thanks for watching my channel
Greatest Andy you helped me allot thank you soooo much
I appreciate the comment, Sanda. I'm glad it helped.
The further i dig into my machine, I find she is dirty and way over oiled. When i lay her down in the cabinet i get oil in the thread guide just above the needle, along with a few other places 😂 I found that the bobbin holder was bent and not keeping the bobbin steady on the race.
Once i cleaned it, adjusted the bobbin holder and reassembled it, i stopped having birds nests on the bottom. Hopefully it will help stop the top thread from breaking when I use the special disks. She doesn't like fine stitching so i am hoping this will clear that up as well.
So far i have cleaned the upper tension unit and the bobbin area and adjusted tension on both. I need to test out more disks today to see if it made a difference.
You are making great progress. It's amazing how much gunk and oil can come out of a machine. That's the main reason I justed washing them in the shower with Krud Kutter.
Here are more videos that can help with the 403A Special model
ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKKyqvdDRwS-9MfLuwSNJTcg
ruclips.net/p/PLsCOZgzzaiKJZaZn2zl3LsnV2d7UhrqvX
For me, the 403A Special is worth any effort needed to restore it. My favorite cabinet capable ZZ model. Good luck and thanks for watching my channel.
Hello Andy, thank you for all the videos. I have a 401 M and thanks to you I got it working. I still have a lot of cleaning to do and setting, what kind of oil do you suggest I use. After using the KrudKutter I have used a lubricant, but I see you use oil. Thank you.
TriFlow oil seems the most popular www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-superior-lubricant-drip-bottle/ But you can use any sewing machine oil if you want. Singer, Dritz, Lilly, etc. What's important, IMO, is you are starting with a clean machine. If you keep it oiled, wiping away excess oil, and keep a little grease on the steel gears, you'll be fine. TriFlow makes a clear synthetic Grease that works very well. So, grease on gears and oil on other moving parts and wipe off excess oil & grease and lint. Happy sewing and thanks for watching my channel.
Hey Andy, after using your videos to clean and fix my machine I've sewn a few projects that have gone fairly smoothly! I am having a recurring issue where the needle breaks when I switch to reverse for a lock stitch. I've read that it could be a dirty bobbin area. I also notice that the needle could be hitting the plate so perhaps I need to tighten my thread tension. Do you have any suggestions that could point me in the right direction?
Thanks!
You don't have a dirty bobbin area if you followed my videos, right? 😊 If you search Google for thread breaking you'll find a lot of possibilities. When it only happens in reverse that can narrow it down somewhat. "needle could be hitting the plate" OK, maybe, like scraping on the side of the needle hole and that is usually you trying to "help" the fabric move. Just let the feed dog do that. It won't take much to flex the needle when helping the fabric or holding it a little while it is moving. When you reverse, or "back tack", the needle often goes back into the hole you made going forward, ie: two threads in one hole, which increase tension on the thread and can "flex" the needle. Sometimes using one size up needle can help. There is a chart in the instruction manual for recommended needle/thread size www.singer.com/search/support?title=403 Actually, when having thread breakage, lowering the needle thread tension a little can help prevent needle flex. You can check the alignment of your needle in the straight stitch needle plate to be sure it is centered. Page 134 of the Service Manual. Download a free copy here if needed: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf
When you search for breaking thread you'll see a lot of mentions about worn needles, bent needles, needle installation, cheap sewing thread, wrong thread to needle combo, etc. because those causes are all true and happen a lot... a whole lot! My wife suggests always using just enough tension to keep the stitch flat b/c that means it is balanced to the bobbin thread tension.
Hey!! I was wondering about that horizontal tool that you used to unscrew all the parts... I need to get one!! What is it called??
Thanks so much!
Hi, Kat. You'll love using this type of tool. Mine is called the "midget" 1/4" drive ratchet made by the Chapman Manufacturing Co. and is part of this set of tools I bought: chapmanmfg.com/products/9600-starter-slotted-bit-set They make larger sets too. I did a video about the set when I bought it. ruclips.net/video/KnrvDZeaYj4/видео.html You can find this type of rachet screwdriver for as low as $3:
www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html and for $10: www.amazon.com/Ratchet-Screwdriver-Tacklife-ratchet-36-tooth/dp/B07GJMGMY8 An all-metal $13 set: www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-10-Piece-Steel-Handle-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Set/1000596669 Klein Tools makes a unique one with a finger loop that's a little larger: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-1-4-in-Drive-Electrician-s-Mini-Ratchet-with-Screwdriver-Bits-and-Adapter-65200/311127793 If you watch my Champan video you'll see I chose it to get the hollow-ground drive bits. The Midget Rachet (I call it mini) was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks for watching my channel.
Hello Andy, your videos are such a pleasure to watch and I've learned so much. I was so fortunate to find a '51 403a at a garage sale for just $5! With your help from so many of your videos, I've cleaned the motor, (no more growling, and so much faster!) gotten the zig zag to swing in both directions, and got her cleaned and ready to sew. My concern is that I can still hear my bobbin jumping around in the case while I sew. My stitches are good, but I can't figure why that bobbin is doing that. I've watched your other video on the bobbin area, and all the settings are correct. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Congrats on your restoration success. Purchase of the year for $5 I think 🏆 "I've watched your other video on the bobbin area"...
well, I have quite a few. A couple things that can cause a jumping bobbin/case. The needle thread is grabbed by the hook and taken UNDER the bobbin case. During that time the needle thread should be slack if the take-up spring (check spring) is set properly. If it is not set properly it can put tension back on the needle thread while the thread is still under the bobbin, popping or lifting the bobbin a little bit. Here is a Stroke & Tension video showing how to check/set the stroke and tension of the check spring. ruclips.net/video/4Q1dAUHqfvg/видео.html Another cause can be too big of a thread clearance gap between the bobbin case and the Bobbin Case Position Bracket Spring that allows too much movement of the bobbin case allowing it to "snap" back and forth between the hook race and the bracket. Her is a video for checking/setting the clearance: ruclips.net/video/OXKqZp87eN4/видео.html
Those are the two most common causes. Others are dirty bobbin case slot. Dirty hook race. Lack of oil on the hook race. Too much tension on the upper AND lower thread (they can be balanced, but too high, making for a "tight" stitch and snappy thread action, again machine the bobbin jump.) Very rarely a loss of timing of the takeup lever. If the takeup lever was removed for cleaning or replacement and reinstalled improperly and the timing is off a little then the takeup lever is pulling the thread back up before the thread has come out from under the bobbin.
I am fixing a VX-1121 and the bobbin positioning part is a little different because it does not slide into the machine buy my problem is the race is not turning. What do I need to look for?
Can't find any document for a Singer VX-1121. Maybe it's a Brother brand? I'm only familiar with Singer vintage models. In general, if the hook (shuttle) is not turning it is a sign of a broken gear or drive belt. Many plastic parts and gears on newer machines wear out. If you can remove the bottom cover/side cover of the machine you can start at the hook and work back towards the handwheel to see where the hook shaft is NOT turning and find the reason.
@@andytubesewing1953 Sorry it was a Singer Stylist and I found a broken plastic gear.
@@RuthDeanQuiltNGo Another broken plastic gear. One of many. Glad you found the cause. Good Luck.
how do i get a bobbin case to move on a singer 648?
Hmmm... I don't think bobbin cases move. The Hook rotates around the bobbin case so maybe you mean the hook?
Model 648 is a Touch & Sew Model and I don't work on them as I never cared for the "wind-in-place" bobbin winding system.
Maybe on a T&S model, the bobbin case does move during bobbin winding???
There are a few steps required for the wind-in-place bobbin winding to work you have to be sure the buttonhole controls are off.
You usually have to put the needle bar in Central Position and set the width lever to "1". There may be a bobbin "push button" that you need to push down or move to the left. Things like that. So if you are trying to wind the bobbin I'd suggest you download a free copy of the original Instruction Manual for Model 648 from the SInger support page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=648
If your problem is that the Hook is not Rotating that may also be a Settings Problem, or it may be a physical defect, like a worn-out gear on the Hook Drive Shaft. As I don't work on the T&S machines I think they may have plastic gears, but I'm not sure. You can remove the bottom cover plate of the machine and see if the gear is broken I guess. If that is the case you can buy a new gear: www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-648-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?index=14
I think there are 5 total gears in the 648 model and the model came on the market about 55 years ago. Cracked and broken plastic gears are common for plastic that old. You can even buy a copy of the original Service Manual for $8.99 but I don't know if it shows how to change out the gears: manualsoncd.com/product/singer-630-648-sewing-machine-service-manual/
There may be RUclips videos showing how to change the gears on a Singer T&S machine since they made so many of them.
Hi Andy! Is the base the same dimension on the singer 404 and 403
Yes, it is. Even the bottom plate (oil drip pan) is the same part number. Bed is 7" x 16-1/2" with a work area of 7-3/16 (btwn needle and upright)
I lost one of those little screws off that prositionu bracket where can I find one Andy.
Sorry to hear that. I have never been able to buy a replacement for any Singer screw at the hardware store. Apparently, they were made in non-standard sizes so you had to go to the Singer repair shop. You could always take the screw you have to a hardware store and see if they can match it. Maybe you'll get lucky. On an item this small I would just buy a used bracket from an online seller. eBay has many sellers now that part-out a machine piece-by-piece. Keep in mind that this bracket is the same on models 401A, 403A & 404. The entire bracket is part #172086 and the screw is part #662 or 662AL. A seller I have used for many years has the bracket from a model 404 for sale right now for $6.00. If you are interested here is the link to the page it is on: thriftyfarmgirl.com/singer-404-slant-o-matic-sewing-machine-parts Her name is Connie McCaffrey. Good Luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Thanks for your information and thank you for all your knowledge I sure enjoy your channel.
My pleasure and I'm glad you watch my channel. Take Care.
me too!
Hola Dios los bendiga quisiera pedirles un fabor bien grande quisiera que me vendan todo lo que tiene la bobina la tencion tanbien la patita por fabor bendanmela
Gracias por ver mi canal. Lo siento, pero no vendo repuestos, solo hago videos para mostrar cómo trabajar en las máquinas. A menudo tengo que comprar piezas de repuesto y encontrarlas en eBay, Amazon y escuché que FaceBook Marketplace ahora tiene vendedores de piezas.