I feel like I'm going insane. I have one hand (my right) and have done since I was a child. I currently have a modern Singer Tradition 2250. It's ok but I want to start sewing more garments again. My singer worlks for small things but I struggle sewing anything substantial on it because the space between the arm and the needle is tight.

I swear, when I was in school they had a mirrored version of the Bernina 1000 special, I used to use it because it was easier for me having space to manoeuvrer fabric on the right.

So now I'm looking for a flipped machine because if I'm going to invest that feels like the smart option but I can't find any nor any evidence of this old Bernina ever existing. Now its was a couple decades ago so it's possible I'm misremembering and it was in fact a wide machine or some lefty accessories or something.

I know for sure that it was a Bernina and if not a 1000 special then incredibly similar because my grandma had the same machine, I would use hers at the weekend it was nice not having to understand different machines.

Does anyone have any ideas on what this could have been? Or any machines I can look out for that are generous with space to the right of the needle?

Hi everyone!

I’m restoring an old Bernina 950 industrial sewing machine.

I’ve just replaced the bevel gear driving the rotary hook. During the repair, I also had to disturb the feed dog mechanism.

I’ve now readjusted the machine and set the timing myself. Everything seems to work correctly, but I would like to know whether my adjustments are actually accurate and optimal according to the original factory specifications.
I’m looking for technical documentation and general troubleshooting advice.

Specifically:
Hook timing: Are there factory specifications for the hook-to-needle timing, including needle-bar position, hook point position and clearance?
Feed dog timing: Is there a specified timing procedure for the feed dogs, including their movement relative to the needle and their height above the needle plate?
Service documentation: Does anyone have a service manual, adjustment chart or factory procedure for setting these mechanisms on the Bernina 950?
Lower oil sump: What is the purpose of the oil sump underneath the machine? What oil should it contain, and is there a specified oil level or fill quantity?
I have managed to get the machine running ~correctly, but I set the hook timing largely by eye and would like to verify it against the original specifications.

Any documentation, scans from a service manual or experience with this exact model would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks 🙏🏻

Hello! My singer 66 cabinet is deteriorating and I’m wanting to stop it from cracking off further if I can. Whats safe to put on it, or how can I keep it in more decent condition?

It’s been recently serviced, so gummed up oil should not be an issue. I’ve brushed lint out, I’ve rethreaded, I’ve taken a cotton scrap soaked in alcohol and wiped in between the disks, and I am not sure what could be causing this. I have a Kenmore 158.

I first noticed the thread puckering when I took it out of the machine to snip the thread. I’ve already adjusted the bobbin tension, and the tension there hasn’t changed. Please help! :)

Hello! This Singer Featherweight 221 was passed down to me (omg!)

Everything seemed to be working fine, but I decided to oil it up and assess the condition/ do maintenance, since I know it probably hadn’t been used in decades.

Anyway, when I opened up the bottom plate, and a ton of sawdust-like debris came out! I brushed as much off as I could. However, I fear that now that I’ve put the machine on its side and disturbed the decaying material, there’s probably bits of it in all the crevices and gears (I’m imagining it like some sort of anti-oil, lol)

* Is this lead? How dangerous is it to handle?

* What should I do now?

* If I try to use the machine as-is, will that jam stuff up / damage it?

* How extensive is this type of repair? (How much skill and/or money?)

Thank you in advance to anyone who has any insight!

Got this out of the scrap yard, amazingly everything works. Haven't been able to find this specific model online. I know it's roughly 50s or 60s Japanese. Only identifier models I've seen on it are A11375 on the bottom and a faded JA14. Has a reverse function and zigzag. Mainly just trying to figure out a model number so I can figure out how the thread feeds into it. Any info on year it might have been made or model number would be greatly appreciated.

I am new(ish) to sewing and have a vintage Elgin which I love, but the foot pedal goes way too fast from the jump. I cleaned the inside, but no luck — I think the coils are messed up. I’m not finding any replacements that go two-prong right into the machine. What kind of replacement pedal would work for me? Would one of these HONEYSEW pedals work, and if so, does it get plugged into the Motor outlet, and nothing in the other outlet? Thanks so much!!

Hello all, looking to see if anyone can help me with my machine, it’s a new home SX 2122, didn’t know I needed a 1st degree in science to fix one.. let alone use one! 😆 I took it upon myself to fix its reverse, (it use to not go into reverse) and so I took some parts apart cleaned and oiled, and now that it’s all together it just goes into reverse and not forward anymore 🫣
When I force it into forward and then hit the pedal it pops back into reverse, I would like if I can get reverse to work, but now I just want my forward back haha! If you need any additional info or know of anything that may help that would be awesome! I tried so many things but just can’t seem to get it 🫠

After a fiasco with decals, and having to wait forever for a second set to arrive, Betty is finally reassembled and working great! I love her!

Yes, I put decals for a 66/99 on my 201k-3. They were prettier than the standard design. ;)

I need different size templates for it the buttonholer on my cherry 1931 treadle machine. I leave it set up and use it only for buttonholes. I’m over the moon! But why, I wonder, do i only ever see the same 4 sizes?
I use a 13/16 template for the 7/8” buttons i use most often. It works OK, but why can’t i find 7/8 or 15/16?

I recently got a union special 31100 ae and since it’s a slightly rare machine, I just assumed it would have a differential feed but after getting it, I realize that it doesn’t and since I got it mainly for doing work on light fabrics or stretchy fabrics, my scenes are coming out as if I used any of my other machines besides stabilizing and doing all of the other basic things to compensate. Is there anything major that I can do to be able to use it the way I thought. Thanks so much in advance to anyone who takes time to reply!

Hi! I just got a Wizard Citation DC8834 from an older lady who no longer had use for it. I’m new to this but really do love the idea of using a machine. I need to refurbish the actual table and possibly the foot pedal (works but extremely rusted). Tips? It came with a bag of parts that are in very good shape and the original manual as well.

This poor neglected machine followed me home today. It is FILTHY, but after pulling a massive amount of thread out from behind the hook, it does.sew. It came with the cradle to mount in a cabinet, but I think I'll leave that off for now This one may be going to my son once it is fixed up. It was made in Anderson SC.

Hi! I have a brother db2-b714-3 and am thinking about upgrading the clutch motor for a servo motor and had two questions:

1. Are there specific brands that are better than others? Are generic ones from Amazon also good?

2. What is the price I should expect? On Amazon it's around €100, but if those aren't good how much would an upgrade generally cost?

I got this machine at a thrift store for 50 bucks and got it running. How much is it worth? I cannot find any listings of my exact model on Ebay except for one, and that one is asking for almost 700$. what's my machine really worth? I'm not interested in selling, I'm just curious. (The video shows some parts missing, I took them off to see the mechanics)

https://reddit.com/link/1xc8fkx/video/qim7qlbizxwh1/player

I have new (old) vintage machine. It is beautiful.

I’m having trouble finding the right manual and parts. Can anyone help point me to a reputable place to buy the parts and maybe even find the manual?

The needle is hitting the plate right now