Thank you so much for your detailed videos. They were invaluable in getting the 404 machine we just bought to getting it cleaned, adjusted and running great.
Andy, thank you for all of your informative knowledge and videos, I have learned a great deal about various machines. I recently acquired both a 401A and a 404 and have started restoration. The question I have for you is “ Are the PA motors interchangeable and do you know of a site where I could get SPECS on the various PA styled motors? Thank you in advance for your attention.
Hi, Joe. Singer models 401A, 403A, and 404 all use the same motor. Model 500A & 503A motors are interchangeable with each other, the same motor, but different than the 401A motor. Singer Touch & Sew models in the 600 & 700 models are different and I've never worked on them. There is a video on YT of a guy forcing a T&S motor into a 401A (I think it was a 401A) b/c it's a 2-speed motor. I've never found a chart with a lot of specs, just a shortlist in the corner of page 28 of a model 404 parts list. I made a slide of it for you here: ruclips.net/video/41LwrVXFOqo/видео.html Thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you so much for this series!! I too have a mess under the throat plate. At first the top thread was shredding. I did all the things, buffed for burrs, and then i was able to move forward. Now when I go in reverse, i cant go more than 2 passes and the top thread shreds or rips. What could be doing this when going in reverse? What check points should i be looking at?
Also, i just had my machine tuned and oiled. Was working great until i made a set of curtains two nights ago. i was reverse happy on my ends and have learned my lesson 😬
@@Michelle.Becker Maybe you can ask whoever "tuned" your machine? Can you tell where the thread is "shreds or rips'? Like is it near the needlepoint, below the needle plate, by the upper tension. My experience with shredding thread was usually the needle eye and changing the needle fixed it. The eye can easily get a burr, but it is weird it only happens in reverse. The only thing different in reverse is the feed dog is moving toward you instead of away. The hook is still rotating the same way, the needle is still timed to the hook point, the bobbin thread is still pulling off the bobbin in the same direction. Wondering what is catching the thread in reverse. You are not "helping" the fabric too much, are you? If you are heavy handed when the fabric is changing direction that messes up the thread all along the way. I think I would go supper slow or even just turn the handwheel until I felt/saw the thread getting tight and stop to try to see if it is hanging on the bobbin case or feed dog or near the check spring.
Great knowledge here. I'm assuming there is a similar process on vertical bobbin areas. I will have to study up! The feeler gauge sure is a handy tool but I need to degrease mine and re-oil it with Tri-Flow because it's current oil stinks.
Thank You. I have not done this on a vertical bobbin now that I think about it. I'd have to research that myself. I think it uses a Thread Loop Guard, rather than a Bobbin Case Holder Spring, or Positioning Bracket. I believe on the 221/301 you have to remove the hook from the machine to remove the Loop Guard. The Loop Guard can get notches worn in it from the needle, so needs to be ground smooth or replaced. I am assuming the Loop Guard provides the Thread Clearance, but that is an assumption, and you know when we assume it makes an ass-u-me! LOL, yes the old oil in these vintage machines has a "unique" smell. If your 301A had feelings, it would think you took it to a SPA for a complete makeover.
I mention in the video at 2:04 that it is called a feeler gauge. www.harborfreight.com/feeler-gauge-32-pc-63665.html In the USA, 4 pieces of standard 20lb copy paper equals .014 inches. If you don't have a feeler gauge, try using 3 or 4 pieces of standard copy paper as a gauge.
Andy; how can I get a hold of you? You are the only person that addresses the exact issue I have. But - even with your explanation (which is super!), my issue MAY be a mis-shapen - or bent out of shape - position bracket. Thank you! Danielle Simone
When you look at my channels "About" page you should see an email address for the channel. In my case the channel email address is andytube53@gmail.com
oh and one question: is there anything that can really break in this bobbin pin area? or should i count that it is a mal-adjustment of some sort if the problem is this area?
Any part on any machine can break. In the bobbin area, it would tend to be more of a stripped screw the was cross-threaded or over-tightened. There can be a retaining spring inside the bed that holds the arm of the bobbin case bracket and it could be bent, the screw could have rusted out, or you could have missed the spring when reinstalling the arm. As I said, I've never seen your machine, but those are possibilities. The hook shaft could be bent also. The best thing to do with an old machine is clean it very well and oil it according to the manual before machine any adjustments of any kind. It's too late for that I suppose.
I want to help, but not counting the motor & foot peddle there are 14 springs on the model 404. Can you give me a clue, like maybe a link to the spring you bought, or at least a link to a picture of it? Then maybe I could tell you or show you about it.
You covered it in your video. I asked too soon. Thanks. I have a 401a that has sat for a loooong time and the bobbin assembly has held me hostage. Thanks to your videos I am back using this jewel.
Oh good, a happy ending then? Thanks for letting me know, and for watching my channel. (Rotating Hook Bobbin Case CUshion Spring, Part No. 172084) ttps://www.vintagesingerparts.com/collections/singer-model-404-parts/products/singer-bobbin-case-position-bracket-fits-models-401-403-404-500-503
Here is a link to download a FREE pdf copy of the original Singer Service Manual for Model 500. Everything you need about adjusting your machine. sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-500-service-manual.pdf
Thank you so much for your detailed videos. They were invaluable in getting the 404 machine we just bought to getting it cleaned, adjusted and running great.
@@joydelee8769 congratulations on getting that machine and I appreciate you getting it back in service I'm happy you found my video 💘
Andy, thank you for this episode. I truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to us.
Sounds like this helped you and that makes me happy. Thanks for letting me know, Marilyn. Take Care.
Andy, thank you for all of your informative knowledge and videos, I have learned a great deal about various machines. I recently acquired both a 401A and a 404 and have started restoration. The question I have for you is “ Are the PA motors interchangeable and do you know of a site where I could get SPECS on the various PA styled motors? Thank you in advance for your attention.
Hi, Joe. Singer models 401A, 403A, and 404 all use the same motor. Model 500A & 503A motors are interchangeable with each other, the same motor, but different than the 401A motor. Singer Touch & Sew models in the 600 & 700 models are different and I've never worked on them. There is a video on YT of a guy forcing a T&S motor into a 401A (I think it was a 401A) b/c it's a 2-speed motor. I've never found a chart with a lot of specs, just a shortlist in the corner of page 28 of a model 404 parts list. I made a slide of it for you here: ruclips.net/video/41LwrVXFOqo/видео.html Thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you so much for this series!! I too have a mess under the throat plate. At first the top thread was shredding. I did all the things, buffed for burrs, and then i was able to move forward. Now when I go in reverse, i cant go more than 2 passes and the top thread shreds or rips. What could be doing this when going in reverse? What check points should i be looking at?
Also, i just had my machine tuned and oiled. Was working great until i made a set of curtains two nights ago. i was reverse happy on my ends and have learned my lesson 😬
@@Michelle.Becker Maybe you can ask whoever "tuned" your machine?
Can you tell where the thread is "shreds or rips'? Like is it near the needlepoint, below the needle plate, by the upper tension. My experience with shredding thread was usually the needle eye and changing the needle fixed it. The eye can easily get a burr, but it is weird it only happens in reverse.
The only thing different in reverse is the feed dog is moving toward you instead of away. The hook is still rotating the same way, the needle is still timed to the hook point, the bobbin thread is still pulling off the bobbin in the same direction. Wondering what is catching the thread in reverse.
You are not "helping" the fabric too much, are you? If you are heavy handed when the fabric is changing direction that messes up the thread all along the way.
I think I would go supper slow or even just turn the handwheel until I felt/saw the thread getting tight and stop to try to see if it is hanging on the bobbin case or feed dog or near the check spring.
Great knowledge here. I'm assuming there is a similar process on vertical bobbin areas. I will have to study up! The feeler gauge sure is a handy tool but I need to degrease mine and re-oil it with Tri-Flow because it's current oil stinks.
Thank You. I have not done this on a vertical bobbin now that I think about it. I'd have to research that myself. I think it uses a Thread Loop Guard, rather than a Bobbin Case Holder Spring, or Positioning Bracket. I believe on the 221/301 you have to remove the hook from the machine to remove the Loop Guard. The Loop Guard can get notches worn in it from the needle, so needs to be ground smooth or replaced. I am assuming the Loop Guard provides the Thread Clearance, but that is an assumption, and you know when we assume it makes an ass-u-me!
LOL, yes the old oil in these vintage machines has a "unique" smell. If your 301A had feelings, it would think you took it to a SPA for a complete makeover.
great video, really helpful!!! i might need to get this tool though that you are using here to meassure the distances. what is it called?
I mention in the video at 2:04 that it is called a feeler gauge. www.harborfreight.com/feeler-gauge-32-pc-63665.html
In the USA, 4 pieces of standard 20lb copy paper equals .014 inches. If you don't have a feeler gauge, try using 3 or 4 pieces of standard copy paper as a gauge.
Andy; how can I get a hold of you? You are the only person that addresses the exact issue I have. But - even with your explanation (which is super!), my issue MAY be a mis-shapen - or bent out of shape - position bracket. Thank you! Danielle Simone
When you look at my channels "About" page you should see an email address for the channel. In my case the channel email address is andytube53@gmail.com
oh and one question: is there anything that can really break in this bobbin pin area? or should i count that it is a mal-adjustment of some sort if the problem is this area?
Any part on any machine can break. In the bobbin area, it would tend to be more of a stripped screw the was cross-threaded or over-tightened. There can be a retaining spring inside the bed that holds the arm of the bobbin case bracket and it could be bent, the screw could have rusted out, or you could have missed the spring when reinstalling the arm. As I said, I've never seen your machine, but those are possibilities. The hook shaft could be bent also. The best thing to do with an old machine is clean it very well and oil it according to the manual before machine any adjustments of any kind. It's too late for that I suppose.
Can you show the spring? I think the spring is missing from my machine, I bought another but don't know where to attach it.
I want to help, but not counting the motor & foot peddle there are 14 springs on the model 404. Can you give me a clue, like maybe a link to the spring you bought, or at least a link to a picture of it? Then maybe I could tell you or show you about it.
You covered it in your video. I asked too soon. Thanks. I have a 401a that has sat for a loooong time and the bobbin assembly has held me hostage. Thanks to your videos I am back using this jewel.
Oh good, a happy ending then? Thanks for letting me know, and for watching my channel.
(Rotating Hook Bobbin Case CUshion Spring, Part No. 172084)
ttps://www.vintagesingerparts.com/collections/singer-model-404-parts/products/singer-bobbin-case-position-bracket-fits-models-401-403-404-500-503
Andy, is this the same for the 500a?
Here is a link to download a FREE pdf copy of the original Singer Service Manual for Model 500. Everything you need about adjusting your machine.
sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-500-service-manual.pdf