Bought mine today for 50 bucks in a cabinet from a lady who just doesn’t use it anymore. I plan on this being my workhorse for quilting. Thanks for the video!
New follower! I’ve been in the market for a sewing machine to practice with for a while now and didn’t want anything new. I found a $25 dollar heavy beast and tried to look up the name of the company it says “Zig Zag” model S-3000 but also has the dressmaker metal label and looks exactly like this one. Your video helped me decide to get it. Thank you,for sharing the knowledge you have on them.
Got this for $35 dollars today thanks for the little bit of recap on it! If you have any other resources on it I'd more than appreciate it if you forwarded them on!
Randy, I have been working on the exact same model. Got it all working except the adjustment for the feed dogs was cracked and wouldn't move with the bar and allow the dogs to go up and down. Of course, when I tried to tweak the screw, the cast broke altogether. I have photos of the part, any chance you may have the part? Bill in Vermont who called about buying a Kenmore 158, I did and it's an absolute dream! Thanks!
I don’t have that but it might be available on a similar type machine. Back then, many of those parts were interchangeable. Check your sources for old machines that look similar.
Looking over this machine for a friend's daughter. I have found 4 issues and thought I would reach out before I proceed forward to get this up and operational. I cleaned and oiled and lubed, so everything is turning smoothly. I am hesitant to plug it in as one of the prong housings of the two cords coming from the underneath side of the machine is half broken and missing the protective plastic casing. Question #1: is there a way to replace this prong and housing? I do notice that the belt has white stuff on the teeth. It is almost like it might be deteriorating. I would think this would be good to replace. Question #2: is this type of belt still available? Would you be able to advise which bolt/s to loosen to allow slack to remove the old belt and replace with a new one? I found an issue with the feed dog drop button. I only found this from the underneath side of the machine. At first it seemed to be stuck in the down position. The rod that goes to the feed dog comes out of the holes as if something is missing from sliding out all the way out of the holes. I manually line up the rod with the holes and push the up button and it slides thru properly. In addition the rod has a spring in the middle of it. The entire mechanism seems to be out of kilter, or maybe a bit bent? If it is in the up position and no one presses the down button, then I do not think it will be an issue. Question #3: Would you have any advice on how I could fix this? Then the last thing I found so far; the silver knob is broken and does not stay attached. (it is the selector that goes from regular sewing to using the cams) Question #4: Is there a source for replacement of these knobs? To date, these are the issues I have currently found. I may find other issues after I am able to actually power on the machine. I realize that I have written a book here and hope that I have not stepped out of bounds. I recently found your channel and am very happy to chat with another enthusiastic sewing machine person. Cheers.
@@grahamcracker1054 the belt will be easy to find online. Loosen the motor bracket screw and it adjusts easily. Install the new one with a little flex. Don’t make it too tight. A replacement plug for the wire will be found online or at your local big box or hardware store. Get the feed dogs in the correct position and accept that. Rarely does the necessity arise to drop them. Sometimes you can find replacement knobs at Lowes and Home Depot in the drawers over by the fasteners. I’ve seen them at Ace Hardware as well. Tell the handy person that your looking for a control knob for a stove or a dryer. If you say sewing machine, their eyes will roll back in their head, and they may pass out. I’ve been lucky in finding one to fit on many occasions. Good luck. 🍀👍
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you so much for your reply. I can now go in those directions with a little bit more confidence. BTW, your videos are very interesting, informative and humorous. Cheers.
@@stevenremmenga7470 search online for that machine name followed by :slide plate, or needle plate “for sale”. The sellers will pop up. The one directly under the needle is the needle plate. The other one is the slide plate That should be an easy item to find.
@@DLong-wp8su it’s a style and a design. “Dressmaker” is a made up name that has no particular meaning. The machine is awesome. It’s as good or better than just about any machine that you’ll find. It’s just made from cast iron and not lightweight aluminum. It’s heavy as well. Many folks say it’s too heavy to lift. It’s maybe a misnomer to call it a portable. If you’re not planning on moving it around, it’s a great machine.
@@marydahn9264 if the fabric isn’t moving, push down on the silver button on the top left side to apply pressure. Make sure your stitch function is not on the buttonhole setting, and set your stitch length to its longest setting.
@@stevenremmenga7470 order one online. Just notice if the check spring is an “upspring” or a “downspring” to get the correct assembly. They’re largely interchangeable otherwise.
As always, very informative and entertaining. I have seen these on ebay, don't remember the name. Really resembles a White 614 that I have (Japanese). Built like tanks. Out of curiosity, how were these packed for shipping overseas? One would think that they might have been more careful. I wonder if Singer had the same problems with things coming from Britain?
When shipped from Taiwan, the Dressmakers were in a cardboard box that was solid foam lined. Invitation to disaster with a machine that heavy. I believe the singers were secured in a wooden box and bolted solidly in place. They treated their machines with much respect and high regard.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 that's really a shame. Those machines durability wise were incredible. After viewing the video I went on ebay. I found at least 4, either model # 7000, or 2402( I think), ranging from $69 plus freight to about $300. They definitely resemble White machines. Whites were built like brick outhouses!
I just picked up a model 1550 from Facebook marketplace in Dallas, i wouldn't be surprised if it were in your hands at one point haha. I need to get it looked at though, I think the hook timing may be off. Are you repairing these?
I work on them all the time. Rarely is the hook timing off. What is the symptom that’s causing you to diagnose a timing cure? Skipped stitches? Breaking thread? Won’t pick up the bobbin thread? Remember “THE BIG THREE” 1) thread : is it correct size? 2) threading: follow my procedure 3)needle: if it’s the wrong needle or installed improperly, the machine won’t sew AT ALL. There are a many things that will cause a machine malfunction. Tension and timing are just two items on the list. Put your tension dial on 4 and the tension is set. Forever. Check the big three and you may solve the “timing “ issue as well.
Randy, I bought an old dressmaker. Not a scratch on it. Sound good when it runs but does not pull the fabric through even when the feed dogs are up and moving. Have you seen this problem before?
Usually it’s a matter of applying pressure to the presser foot, by pushing down on the button on the top left side of the machine. If you say the feeders are up and moving, that’s about all it could be. 😎
Make sure your stitch length is not on zero… sounds silly but when I was testing mine, that’s what the problem was… after getting frustrated testing it for an hour…. Yeah, I didn’t have it on a stitch length so of course the feed dogs weren’t moving the fabric forward! Doh, did I feel dumb! 😂
Today I bought a Dressmaker Stretch FA-395 free arm. Japan. 1 amp. It just a zig zag with an overlock stitch. Its cast iron overarm mounted to cast aluminum base. Heavy. Dances on the work bench on high. It has a reciprocating hook/shuttle (like a Singer 237) , class 15 side load. I cannot find any info on this machine on the interwebs. Unicorn. Looks like its from the 70's.. It has brass and steel guts.
@@robotbuster1487 yes, as long as it’s not from a 15-91, which has the release latch on the other side. A front load will work in a side load, but a side load won’t work in a front load zig zag.
My friend gave me an old Dressmaker Model S-3000. I have no sewing experience and have no idea how to use it. The current economy has left us barely scraping by and I need to repair 12 pairs of my husband's work pants. We don't have money to buy more pants. So I thought I would try to use this old machine. I plugged it in and the light comes on and the needle moves up and down. But it starts to have a funny smell. What does that mean?
It means that it hasn’t been used in a long time. When the motor runs, it will spark the armature and burn off the build up of airborne particulates that have settled there over the years. It’s perfectly normal and will eventually go away. If you want to do what’s best for your motor, you can recondition it by releasing the hand wheel clutch knob, and running the motor at top speed for a few minutes. 👍🏼😎
Thank you for your reply,I think I will take some time a just play around and see what happens ,she's beutiful,she cleaned up nice,I'm excited to set her up and give it a spin!
I’m pretty sure there’s one, or one very close to it. Most of these platforms are similar. The bottom line is: put a drop of oil wherever a part slides, pivots, or rotates. Be careful not to oil the motor or belts. It’s not hard to keep these machines maintained. Good luck 🍀
I have a video that addresses that, somewhat. My first question is, how do you know it needs a timing adjustment. On most machines is a rare event to get “out of time”. Were you trying to make a saddle? Or, just sewing in Jeans?
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I was just sewing on regular fabric. The stitch will not pick up from the bottom. I will check other problems since you said it's rare for them to be out of time.
I have a beautiful Toyota dressmaker with 24 full cam set… perfect EXCEPT my reverse is broken… opened it up but someone has totally ruined that part and I can’t really figure out how to Re-straighten the bars inside to fix it back up as it keeps slipping off no matter how I’ve tried… so… it’s just a forward machine 😂… but I’ve made a quilt on it and it does sew beautifully otherwise!
Yes, I love it anyways… I also made it a beautiful clear sewing cover last weekend cos I have to have my precious babies on display, not fully covered up! I’m also lucky, my friend is giving me 3 of her vintage machines and one is an older Toyota zigzag dressmaker model as well (the one with the coloured display panel)…because she doesn’t have room anymore (neither do I, but I’m not saying no to free machines!) Hopefully when I get that one, I can peek inside and see how that one works since it has the similar push button… so fingers crossed!
Do you have a part no. for the tension assembly I have that machine but need the piece the tension assembly go into before you put into the machine housing.
I don’t know the part number. I usually get the entire assembly to make sure everything fits. Up spring, or down spring, that’s what is important to note when ordering.
I'm not sure ifbmy roommate threw my sewing machine because one day the cord terminals were separated from the wire. I remember there being a hook on the side by the needle for the thread. The needle was jamming on the shuttle. So now when I thread it something is not right on the top. The thread slacks when the bar that goes up and down when it goes down my thread slacks between that and the tension and no stitches are formed when I sew.. hoping you could help.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I will do that...TY. It's not this particular dressmaker model but very similar. Just hard to find anything on it anywhere..
If you’re referring to the hand wheel, you remove the stop screw from the release knob, unscrew it, and the hand wheel should slide off. Sometimes it needs a GENTLE TAP OR TWO on the left side to coax it off. Use the plastic handle of a screwdriver, not a metal hammer.
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Okay, I got it off and cleaned it up. It had a lot of debris and dust in it. Now my issues it that the machine will run great unless it stops in a certain position. It will only start again if the hand wheel is turned an inch or two. Then it sews until it gets stopped again. Any idea what the issue is?
@@tiffanismith186 there’s a hot spot or a dead spot on the motor armature. Disengage the hand wheel, or remove the belt, and run the motor wide open, crazy fast for about 5 minutes and warm up that armature and the motor brushes. That will recondition those motor parts and usually solves the problem. Make sure the belt runs as loosely as it can so the motor isn’t stressed and stays cool. Usually a 1/4 inch flex will set the belt at the correct tightness.
I am *brand new* to sewing, picked one up from Goodwill, but I have no idea how to thread the needle or do the bobbin. I bought and downloaded a manual but its so blurry I can't read it. So its been sitting here for months 🤦🏼♀️
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I looked through your videos but I must have missed it. Pretty sure mine is missing the bobbin casing so I'll need to pick one up.
@@bbymks5 get a 15 class bobbin case and some 15 class bobbins. If you can’t find a video that helps you out, let me know and I’ll fire one up. A video that is. LOL
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Randy that would be great! I went and got a bobbin casing, tried to follow a couple different videos, and something was clear as mud. Without thread my fabric will feed; with thread, the fabric doesn't want to move, and the underneath is like a rats nest. I'm beyond frustrated 😭
@@bbymks5 put your top thread tension dial on 4. Sometimes it’s on the “r” in the word normal. Make sure to thread it with the presser foot raised in the up position. Be sure to put the thread between the tension discs and behind the check spring. Every time the stitch is made, the check spring has to bounce. Don’t use an oversized thread. Use an all purpose/dual duty thread. If the spool that you’re using doesn’t say all purpose/dual duty, it’s probably too heavy and won’t work.
Loosen the motor bracket bolt and remove the old belt. Install the new belt and tighten the bracket bolt. Leave some flex in the belt of about 1/2 inch.
Bought mine today for 50 bucks in a cabinet from a lady who just doesn’t use it anymore. I plan on this being my workhorse for quilting. Thanks for the video!
It will be a reliable workhorse for sure. Have fun with it. 👍🏼😎
New follower! I’ve been in the market for a sewing machine to practice with for a while now and didn’t want anything new. I found a $25 dollar heavy beast and tried to look up the name of the company it says “Zig Zag” model S-3000 but also has the dressmaker metal label and looks exactly like this one. Your video helped me decide to get it. Thank you,for sharing the knowledge you have on them.
@@destinyjohnson8130 excellent. There are many good machines out there, you just have to have a trained eye to spot them. 😎👍
Got this for $35 dollars today thanks for the little bit of recap on it! If you have any other resources on it I'd more than appreciate it if you forwarded them on!
@@nataliekreier9589 I really don’t know what “resources” I could have other than a recommendation to find one and buy it.
I'm soooo happy, I just got one in very good condition!!!!
Excellent. Enjoy
Randy, I have been working on the exact same model. Got it all working except the adjustment for the feed dogs was cracked and wouldn't move with the bar and allow the dogs to go up and down. Of course, when I tried to tweak the screw, the cast broke altogether. I have photos of the part, any chance you may have the part? Bill in Vermont who called about buying a Kenmore 158, I did and it's an absolute dream! Thanks!
I don’t have that but it might be available on a similar type machine. Back then, many of those parts were interchangeable. Check your sources for old machines that look similar.
Looking over this machine for a friend's daughter. I have found 4 issues and thought I would reach out before I proceed forward to get this up and operational. I cleaned and oiled and lubed, so everything is turning smoothly. I am hesitant to plug it in as one of the prong housings of the two cords coming from the underneath side of the machine is half broken and missing the protective plastic casing. Question #1: is there a way to replace this prong and housing? I do notice that the belt has white stuff on the teeth. It is almost like it might be deteriorating. I would think this would be good to replace. Question #2: is this type of belt still available? Would you be able to advise which bolt/s to loosen to allow slack to remove the old belt and replace with a new one? I found an issue with the feed dog drop button. I only found this from the underneath side of the machine. At first it seemed to be stuck in the down position. The rod that goes to the feed dog comes out of the holes as if something is missing from sliding out all the way out of the holes. I manually line up the rod with the holes and push the up button and it slides thru properly. In addition the rod has a spring in the middle of it. The entire mechanism seems to be out of kilter, or maybe a bit bent? If it is in the up position and no one presses the down button, then I do not think it will be an issue. Question #3: Would you have any advice on how I could fix this? Then the last thing I found so far; the silver knob is broken and does not stay attached. (it is the selector that goes from regular sewing to using the cams) Question #4: Is there a source for replacement of these knobs? To date, these are the issues I have currently found. I may find other issues after I am able to actually power on the machine. I realize that I have written a book here and hope that I have not stepped out of bounds. I recently found your channel and am very happy to chat with another enthusiastic sewing machine person. Cheers.
@@grahamcracker1054 the belt will be easy to find online. Loosen the motor bracket screw and it adjusts easily. Install the new one with a little flex. Don’t make it too tight.
A replacement plug for the wire will be found online or at your local big box or hardware store.
Get the feed dogs in the correct position and accept that. Rarely does the necessity arise to drop them.
Sometimes you can find replacement knobs at Lowes and Home Depot in the drawers over by the fasteners.
I’ve seen them at Ace Hardware as well.
Tell the handy person that your looking for a control knob for a stove or a dryer. If you say sewing machine, their eyes will roll back in their head, and they may pass out.
I’ve been lucky in finding one to fit on many occasions.
Good luck. 🍀👍
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you so much for your reply. I can now go in those directions with a little bit more confidence. BTW, your videos are very interesting, informative and humorous. Cheers.
Just got my wife one for 18 bucks at pawn shop only missing the little piece that covers the bobbin. Now i got to find where i can get that
@@stevenremmenga7470 search online for that machine name followed by :slide plate, or needle plate “for sale”.
The sellers will pop up.
The one directly under the needle is the needle plate.
The other one is the slide plate
That should be an easy item to find.
How is this brand compare to Vintage Singer, Kenmore Sears, Janome, and Brother? Is $100 a good price?
@@DLong-wp8su it’s a style and a design.
“Dressmaker” is a made up name that has no particular meaning.
The machine is awesome.
It’s as good or better than just about any machine that you’ll find.
It’s just made from cast iron and not lightweight aluminum.
It’s heavy as well. Many folks say it’s too heavy to lift.
It’s maybe a misnomer to call it a portable.
If you’re not planning on moving it around, it’s a great machine.
I have one of these and the motor only spins the needle goes up and down but not moving. What adjustments do I need to make.
@@marydahn9264 if the fabric isn’t moving, push down on the silver button on the top left side to apply pressure.
Make sure your stitch function is not on the buttonhole setting, and set your stitch length to its longest setting.
Quiero este vídeo en Español
Do you know where i can find a tension assembly for it?
@@stevenremmenga7470 order one online. Just notice if the check spring is an “upspring” or a “downspring” to get the correct assembly.
They’re largely interchangeable otherwise.
As always, very informative and entertaining. I have seen these on ebay, don't remember the name. Really resembles a White 614 that I have (Japanese). Built like tanks. Out of curiosity, how were these packed for shipping overseas? One would think that they might have been more careful. I wonder if Singer had the same problems with things coming from Britain?
When shipped from Taiwan, the Dressmakers were in a cardboard box that was solid foam lined. Invitation to disaster with a machine that heavy. I believe the singers were secured in a wooden box and bolted solidly in place. They treated their machines with much respect and high regard.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 that's really a shame. Those machines durability wise were incredible. After viewing the video I went on ebay. I found at least 4, either model # 7000, or 2402( I think), ranging from $69 plus freight to about $300. They definitely resemble White machines. Whites were built like brick outhouses!
@@ronalddevine9587 true. If bought locally without the shipping risk, they are great deals.
I just picked up a model 1550 from Facebook marketplace in Dallas, i wouldn't be surprised if it were in your hands at one point haha. I need to get it looked at though, I think the hook timing may be off. Are you repairing these?
I work on them all the time.
Rarely is the hook timing off.
What is the symptom that’s causing you to diagnose a timing cure?
Skipped stitches?
Breaking thread?
Won’t pick up the bobbin thread?
Remember “THE BIG THREE”
1) thread : is it correct size?
2) threading: follow my procedure
3)needle: if it’s the wrong needle or installed improperly, the machine won’t sew AT ALL.
There are a many things that will cause a machine malfunction.
Tension and timing are just two items on the list.
Put your tension dial on 4 and the tension is set. Forever.
Check the big three and you may solve the “timing “ issue as well.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thanks a lot! I'll see if I can get it working tonight:)
Randy, I bought an old dressmaker. Not a scratch on it. Sound good when it runs but does not pull the fabric through even when the feed dogs are up and moving. Have you seen this problem before?
Usually it’s a matter of applying pressure to the presser foot, by pushing down on the button on the top left side of the machine.
If you say the feeders are up and moving, that’s about all it could be. 😎
Make sure your stitch length is not on zero… sounds silly but when I was testing mine, that’s what the problem was… after getting frustrated testing it for an hour…. Yeah, I didn’t have it on a stitch length so of course the feed dogs weren’t moving the fabric forward! Doh, did I feel dumb! 😂
It could be in bobbin winding mode.
do you know were I could buy a motor for my dressmaker 8000
@@karenallen5908 you can buy one online.
Today I bought a Dressmaker Stretch FA-395 free arm. Japan. 1 amp. It just a zig zag with an overlock stitch. Its cast iron overarm mounted to cast aluminum base. Heavy. Dances on the work bench on high. It has a reciprocating hook/shuttle (like a Singer 237) , class 15 side load.
I cannot find any info on this machine on the interwebs. Unicorn. Looks like its from the 70's.. It has brass and steel guts.
I sold them when they were new in the 70’s.
Will any old class 15 bobbin Case work in a FA-395 side loading Dressmaker?
@@robotbuster1487 yes, as long as it’s not from a 15-91, which has the release latch on the other side. A front load will work in a side load, but a side load won’t work in a front load zig zag.
My friend gave me an old Dressmaker Model S-3000. I have no sewing experience and have no idea how to use it. The current economy has left us barely scraping by and I need to repair 12 pairs of my husband's work pants. We don't have money to buy more pants. So I thought I would try to use this old machine. I plugged it in and the light comes on and the needle moves up and down. But it starts to have a funny smell. What does that mean?
It means that it hasn’t been used in a long time.
When the motor runs, it will spark the armature and burn off the build up of airborne particulates that have settled there over the years.
It’s perfectly normal and will eventually go away.
If you want to do what’s best for your motor, you can recondition it by releasing the hand wheel clutch knob, and running the motor at top speed for a few minutes. 👍🏼😎
I've had mine since 1983 when it was new, but I've lost the cams. Any idea for a source for the cams?
I’ve seen them on eBay, goodwill, garage sales, etc. Good luck.
I was giving a dress maker 5900 model I can't find any info ,instruction book,it's in a desk mid centery please help ! Thank you.
@@tandrawofford7988 they’re almost impossible to find. Good luck. 🍀
Thank you for your reply,I think I will take some time a just play around and see what happens ,she's beutiful,she cleaned up nice,I'm excited to set her up and give it a spin!
@@tandrawofford7988 😎👍🏼
Do you have a video that shows how to oil this machine? I just thrifted one. What year is it?
I’m pretty sure there’s one, or one very close to it. Most of these platforms are similar.
The bottom line is: put a drop of oil wherever a part slides, pivots, or rotates. Be careful not to oil the motor or belts. It’s not hard to keep these machines maintained. Good luck 🍀
Randy, I'm trying to adjust the timing on my machine. Can you give me some pointers?
I have a video that addresses that, somewhat.
My first question is, how do you know it needs a timing adjustment.
On most machines is a rare event to get “out of time”.
Were you trying to make a saddle?
Or, just sewing in Jeans?
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I was just sewing on regular fabric. The stitch will not pick up from the bottom. I will check other problems since you said it's rare for them to be out of time.
I just got one. It's a swa-2000. Did it come with a cabinet?
Some were put in cabinets, some in carrying cases. It depended on customers preferences, budget, and available space at home. 😎👍🏼
I have a beautiful Toyota dressmaker with 24 full cam set… perfect EXCEPT my reverse is broken… opened it up but someone has totally ruined that part and I can’t really figure out how to Re-straighten the bars inside to fix it back up as it keeps slipping off no matter how I’ve tried… so… it’s just a forward machine 😂… but I’ve made a quilt on it and it does sew beautifully otherwise!
Toyota made some fine machines back in the day.
I hope you find a way to fix that reverse. 👍🏼😎
Yes, I love it anyways… I also made it a beautiful clear sewing cover last weekend cos I have to have my precious babies on display, not fully covered up!
I’m also lucky, my friend is giving me 3 of her vintage machines and one is an older Toyota zigzag dressmaker model as well (the one with the coloured display panel)…because she doesn’t have room anymore (neither do I, but I’m not saying no to free machines!) Hopefully when I get that one, I can peek inside and see how that one works since it has the similar push button… so fingers crossed!
@@cazkiwinz4300 good luck with your reverse issue.😎
Do you have a part no. for the tension assembly I have that machine but need the piece the tension assembly go into before you put into the machine housing.
I don’t know the part number. I usually get the entire assembly to make sure everything fits. Up spring, or down spring, that’s what is important to note when ordering.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you, do you have and spare ones.
Hi Randy, have you heard of a dressmaker pin catcher
Like a magnetic bowl that catches your pins ? That’s what I’m familiar with.
I have one but missing the cords and foot control unit.
You can get those items online at Amazon or eBay.
I'm not sure ifbmy roommate threw my sewing machine because one day the cord terminals were separated from the wire. I remember there being a hook on the side by the needle for the thread. The needle was jamming on the shuttle. So now when I thread it something is not right on the top. The thread slacks when the bar that goes up and down when it goes down my thread slacks between that and the tension and no stitches are formed when I sew.. hoping you could help.
I have pictures. If I'm able to send you pictures. I know you may be busy ...
Double check your needle to make sure it isn’t bent or improperly installed. It could be as simple as that.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I will do that...TY. It's not this particular dressmaker model but very similar. Just hard to find anything on it anywhere..
My clutch won’t disengage. Help!
Get your channel locks tool and wrap a soft cloth around the clutch release knob.
I do that almost daily. 👍🏼😎
Do you know how to pull the pulley off? I have one I bought in an antique store and it looks like there's a broken belt in the pulley on the right.
If you’re referring to the hand wheel, you remove the stop screw from the release knob, unscrew it, and the hand wheel should slide off.
Sometimes it needs a GENTLE TAP OR TWO on the left side to coax it off. Use the plastic handle of a screwdriver, not a metal hammer.
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Okay, I got it off and cleaned it up. It had a lot of debris and dust in it. Now my issues it that the machine will run great unless it stops in a certain position. It will only start again if the hand wheel is turned an inch or two. Then it sews until it gets stopped again. Any idea what the issue is?
@@tiffanismith186 there’s a hot spot or a dead spot on the motor armature.
Disengage the hand wheel, or remove the belt, and run the motor wide open, crazy fast for about 5 minutes and warm up that armature and the motor brushes.
That will recondition those motor parts and usually solves the problem.
Make sure the belt runs as loosely as it can so the motor isn’t stressed and stays cool.
Usually a 1/4 inch flex will set the belt at the correct tightness.
@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I will try that! Do you happen to have a video on how to do this?
@@tiffanismith186 most likely I do. I’m not sure how it’s titled so good luck.
I have the same thing where can I get a manual
Manuals are available online from multiple sellers. Just do the search and they’ll all pop up.
What parts are used for this machine.
15 class bobbins and hooks. Uses singer needles.
I am *brand new* to sewing, picked one up from Goodwill, but I have no idea how to thread the needle or do the bobbin. I bought and downloaded a manual but its so blurry I can't read it. So its been sitting here for months 🤦🏼♀️
There’s many videos on RUclips that can help you. I’ve seen them on other sites as well as my own.
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I looked through your videos but I must have missed it. Pretty sure mine is missing the bobbin casing so I'll need to pick one up.
@@bbymks5 get a 15 class bobbin case and some 15 class bobbins. If you can’t find a video that helps you out, let me know and I’ll fire one up. A video that is. LOL
@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Randy that would be great! I went and got a bobbin casing, tried to follow a couple different videos, and something was clear as mud. Without thread my fabric will feed; with thread, the fabric doesn't want to move, and the underneath is like a rats nest. I'm beyond frustrated 😭
@@bbymks5 put your top thread tension dial on 4. Sometimes it’s on the “r” in the word normal. Make sure to thread it with the presser foot raised in the up position.
Be sure to put the thread between the tension discs and behind the check spring.
Every time the stitch is made, the check spring has to bounce.
Don’t use an oversized thread.
Use an all purpose/dual duty thread.
If the spool that you’re using doesn’t say all purpose/dual duty, it’s probably too heavy and won’t work.
How to replace the belt
Loosen the motor bracket bolt and remove the old belt. Install the new belt and tighten the bracket bolt. Leave some flex in the belt of about 1/2 inch.
Graduation present 1982
I bet it’s still working like new. 😎👍🏼
Yes it is! I was trying to find out where to oil? I do not have the manuel anymore.@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954