tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post1431173347280444612..comments2024-03-23T15:01:52.186-04:00Comments on The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog: How to Oil Your Sewing Machine (Using the 221 Featherweight as an Example)Nicholas Rain Noehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12644468824283007784noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-31737232979423226952013-09-10T20:47:49.766-04:002013-09-10T20:47:49.766-04:00This article was recommended to me by a friend on ...This article was recommended to me by a friend on Facebook. I'm so glad she pointed me in this direction. Now I think I can handle oiling my 15-90. Unexpected Treasurehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11149312213633593178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-385049797165270062013-03-01T03:54:44.316-05:002013-03-01T03:54:44.316-05:00I guess my other comment didn't make it on the...I guess my other comment didn't make it on the other day. Thank you for replying so quickly, though! I didn't know anything about the different models at the time, so I didn't realize that other "portable" machines just hinge out of their bases. After some fiddling with my machine I figured it out! I've been researching for the past several hours and I've learned a ton! It turns out that I have a Singer 99-13. Sorry for being a panicky ditz on your blog!<br /><br />Thank you for a very informative post, it was quite helpful. The only thing that confused me was that you said any hole without a pin sticking out was an oil hole, so I put oil in three holes that I shouldn't have... You have the same holes on your featherweight. One is in the D shape next to the bobbin plate, and the other two are for screwing in attachments. I didn't think I should put oil in them (I could see the threads), but I didn't know what they were for so I put a tiny bit in. Now I see that they just drop down into the base! But no harm done. There was also another hole that looked exactly like all the others right next to the wiring that wasn't anywhere near anything mechanical and seemed to only have wood underneath it. I avoided that one, but I was uncertain for a moment!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06379569226345264119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-4677712369160043922013-02-27T16:31:24.911-05:002013-02-27T16:31:24.911-05:00Heather, I have no idea what model you're disc...Heather, I have no idea what model you're discussing, nor the exact pieces that you're referring to. If it's from 1926 it's definitely not a Featherweight, as those didn't go into production until the 1930s. If you can send me some well-lit photos that would help.<br /><br />- RainNicholas Rain Noehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12644468824283007784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-19490763666780899502013-02-27T16:23:38.295-05:002013-02-27T16:23:38.295-05:00Hmm, maybe it has not been nailed shut... I remov...Hmm, maybe it has not been nailed shut... I removed three small screws that were quite gently turned into the bottom. They were sitting on the top of the plate, not recessed. Now I see that there are two very large recessed screws, but when I screw them to the left, they move a tiny bit and then are stuck completely. Am I in danger of damaging anything if I apply a lot of force?Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06379569226345264119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-63446380866724298002013-02-27T16:19:00.753-05:002013-02-27T16:19:00.753-05:00Mr. Noe, I just unscrewed the bottom of my vintage...Mr. Noe, I just unscrewed the bottom of my vintage Singer (I think it is around 1926) to find that it has been nailed shut!! The nails have been painted over with the same varnish that is on the bottom plate, so it must have been done ages ago. I hope it wasn't my grandpa who "fixed" my mom's guitar by gluing the bridge down... We had taken the machine to be serviced a few years ago and as far as I know, the guy didn't mention it! What should I do?? I don't think I can get the nails out without destroying the bottom!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06379569226345264119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-49506738198007266762013-02-08T21:29:16.728-05:002013-02-08T21:29:16.728-05:00Just found this post and I want to thank you! I p...Just found this post and I want to thank you! I picked up a 1946 featherweight and after thoroughly cleaning I consulted the manual...your step by step was far better and perfect for me, far better than the drawings! :)Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09000247658480481455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-34118424592451999232013-02-04T22:18:21.542-05:002013-02-04T22:18:21.542-05:00I've run into the same issue with a few of my ...I've run into the same issue with a few of my industrials, and have yet to locate anyone who can tell me what "Type A" or "Type C" oils are, or where I can get them. In the meantime I've been using the regular clear oil that's sold for industrial sewing machines. Can't remember the name--I bought a gallon jug and distributed it into smaller bottles--but I think it was called "Lily White" or somesuch.<br /><br />If you find out what "Type A" or "Type C" are, what makes them different and where we can get it, please be sure to let us know.<br />Nicholas Rain Noehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12644468824283007784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-87762081761819881612013-01-02T14:57:12.180-05:002013-01-02T14:57:12.180-05:00I just purchased a industrial singer 241-12. Its a...I just purchased a industrial singer 241-12. Its a self oiling machine that take 1 1/2 quarts of "type-A or type-C oil" according to the old manual. I can't find any type-A or type-c, so what type of oil should I bue?Anthony Pinkstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05785243662282904143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-70106350148032542752012-12-01T11:00:20.862-05:002012-12-01T11:00:20.862-05:00Thank you for the excellent step by step guide. I...Thank you for the excellent step by step guide. I have just completed oiling my "new" 221-1 and am ready to give her a job to do. Terrinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-79657097180603783132012-06-26T01:35:09.578-04:002012-06-26T01:35:09.578-04:00I have a 221 and really appreciate your blog on ho...I have a 221 and really appreciate your blog on how to oil it. I call Singer and gave them the serial number and I was told it was made (born) 5/24/1938. That just amazed me. This machine has been in my family for generations and now it is mine. My mother used it all the time and it works beautifully. Greatest little sewing machine I have ever seen. Small, lightweight and just easy top wip it out quickly to use.<br />I reall appreciate the details and photos on how and where to oil and your recommendation on exactly which oil is good to use.<br />Thank you again for this article and I will order Triflow from Amazon as suggested.<br />Would also like to see how to grease this machine and what type of grease to use. Don't want to mess up a machine this nice but also want to give it the best care I can.Becky B from WVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-63620713260341712702012-05-31T17:15:19.520-04:002012-05-31T17:15:19.520-04:00Thank you so much for this detailed post! I just ...Thank you so much for this detailed post! I just bought a featherweight and your blog has been the best resource.Kat-O-All-Tradeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06340978953203543403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-83659812180651557682012-03-31T23:38:52.100-04:002012-03-31T23:38:52.100-04:00Hi, you mentioned making a separate entry about gr...Hi, you mentioned making a separate entry about greasing parts on a sewing machine. Was this entry ever made? I'm scouring the internet for greasing instructions for my Singer 127, and all I'm finding is oil diagrams :( Any help would be greatly appreciated.Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15555505767782930877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-79446481874756387872012-01-07T23:59:06.344-05:002012-01-07T23:59:06.344-05:00Fantastic! Thanks for a very helpful article. I j...Fantastic! Thanks for a very helpful article. I just had a guessing attempt at oiling my machine a few minutes ago then found your article - so now I'll get the machine out and put a drop in the oil holes that I was convinced were not oil holes (I only put a drop on moving metal on metal parts - like I said: guessing).<br /><br />Keep up the good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-86112733693028925222011-12-30T15:21:26.969-05:002011-12-30T15:21:26.969-05:00For Anonymous: You may be dealing with a thread l...For Anonymous: You may be dealing with a thread lock rather in addition to a dry machine. If a thread is caught in the bobbin mechanism it will cause the machine to seize. Look here for the repair. (Take good care of the tiny screw -- put it in a little jar so you won't lose it!) <br />http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/ThreadMachineJam.aspxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-28284446305199749502011-12-13T08:56:25.450-05:002011-12-13T08:56:25.450-05:00I have a 1922 Singer tredle machine that has seize...I have a 1922 Singer tredle machine that has seized. Is there any way to get it back to working condition? I have oiled it and managed to get the bobbin winder to work, but the rest of the machine is not budging.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-9677162179510066322011-09-14T14:44:33.618-04:002011-09-14T14:44:33.618-04:00Holy cow, talk about good timing! Yesterday Peter...Holy cow, talk about good timing! Yesterday Peter Lappin had a link on his website to yours, so I read and bookmarked your site. Last night I was complaining to my husband about what a mess my newish Singer machine is and how I wished I had a vintage Singer. He went upstairs and came back down with a mysterious black case, which I opened up and revealed a circa 1949 Singer 221-1 in perfect condition with all the attachments. Thanks to this blog on oiling the machine, I was able to get my 'new' Singer up and running in no time at all! Thanks so much!gypsyathearthttp://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-oil-your-sewing-machine-using.html#morenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-53337256970518694412011-08-30T12:11:09.240-04:002011-08-30T12:11:09.240-04:00Thank you! I inherited my grandmother's old Si...Thank you! I inherited my grandmother's old Singer that we're pretty certain is from the turn of the 20th century and was refitted for electricity and since the original owner's manual has long since been lost, this is a sanity saver.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-9871661992388103722011-08-23T19:20:34.636-04:002011-08-23T19:20:34.636-04:00You make it seem so easy! Thanks.You make it seem so easy! Thanks.Torynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-91312404936259539642011-07-22T16:25:09.533-04:002011-07-22T16:25:09.533-04:00Great tutorial! And I kept it in mind last night w...Great tutorial! And I kept it in mind last night when I was in Goodwill, looking at sewing machines; I opened up the faceplates and poked a toothpick into the oil holes, looking for a clean, well-maintained machine. <br /><br />For $12.50, I came away with a really sweet model 348 (in robin's-egg blue!) from the '60s that, while "attic fresh" outside is absolutely immaculate inside. She was obviously cared for back in her day. So I shall oil her up and take her for a spin later today. <br /><br />When Peter at Male Pattern Boldness posted about your blog, I think I read maybe the first four sentences of his post before coming over here and immediately subscribing to your feed--I'm absolutely thrilled you're doing this. I also have a model 15 that runs, but needs serious cleaning up (and a bobbin case), and a 'Dressmaker' brand model 15 clone with a motor that needs attention. I at least want to get the 15 cleaned up and back to work by the end of summer, but wasn't sure where to start--and now I know. <br /><br />Thank you so much for all the work you've done here! I look forward to future posts!Magical Realisthttp://twitter.com/magicalrealistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-89926164426555130592011-07-21T19:17:30.187-04:002011-07-21T19:17:30.187-04:00Thank you for this wonderful site and information....Thank you for this wonderful site and information. <br /><br />Do you know when you will post the information on greasing the gears of a 221?<br /><br />Other than oiling and greasing the gears, what is recommended to do to a newly acquired 221?<br /><br />Thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-1651399538642593352011-07-21T00:10:47.315-04:002011-07-21T00:10:47.315-04:00Great resource. When I pass on a machine, this si...Great resource. When I pass on a machine, this site will go with it. <br /><br />You have put in the hours on this blog! <br /><br />The least I can do is to order the oil from Amazon. <br /><br />Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-14702056966319415232011-07-20T11:39:14.469-04:002011-07-20T11:39:14.469-04:00Your tutorial is terrific and the pictures are exc...Your tutorial is terrific and the pictures are excellent. I've sent a link to your post to all my Featherweight 221 friends. Thank you for your time to keep us informed.<br />CandiceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-81007379356341654292011-07-20T02:45:59.828-04:002011-07-20T02:45:59.828-04:00I've got two Featherweights (one I bought, and...I've got two Featherweights (one I bought, and one from a friend whose mother had passed, and he wanted to give it to someone who would use it.) The manual isn't nearly as good as this tutorial, and I really appreciate you putting this information out there in such a clear and direct fashion. Thank you!lwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08731797783816953087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-70252536037625615472011-07-19T22:07:42.146-04:002011-07-19T22:07:42.146-04:00Great post. This is such an everyday thing but so...Great post. This is such an everyday thing but so important. Nicely done!yarndivahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10132680063667909853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7726502802933887607.post-2415703173751537892011-07-19T20:44:29.019-04:002011-07-19T20:44:29.019-04:00Wish I had a Featherweight to oil!!!! Some dayWish I had a Featherweight to oil!!!! Some dayElizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285943308096103980noreply@blogger.com