Author Topic: Old Singer Sewing Machine - motor question?  (Read 3692 times)

sheepgetlambs

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Old Singer Sewing Machine - motor question?
« on: March 11, 2015, 01:45:24 PM »
I picked up an ancient (1930) Singer sewing machine on freecycle a couple of weeks ago. Turns out I'm having a ball resurrecting the thing and learning a (useful) new skill in the process. So far, my only expenditure as been some oil. Everything else I've had on hand. I'm a long way from making stitches but I have found some amazing online sources and an online group to help me. I'm confident now that it will sew pretty soon.

I am wondering about very old (pre-WWII) electric motors. This motor is original and, if it's like the rest of the machine, probably completely gunked up. The housing is bakelite. Does anyone have any experience with these? I've found an online source and, while I could buy a new one, this one is working (sluggishly) and doesn't smell awful, so I figure it might be salvageable. Plus, I'm sort of up for the challenge. I've been doing all kinds of things I never have before, why not small motor repair?

If anyone can suggest a good way to get started (as in, not shattering the bakelite, what absolutely NOT to do with a small electric motor, etc) I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: Old Singer Sewing Machine - motor question?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2015, 02:48:35 PM »
The machines from that era were meant to last, so a good cleaning/oiling and it should be good to go.

Not exactly sure about a Singer motor, but I have played with a couple of motors from this era. If the enamel on the wire is good, you should not have many problems.

Electric motors are reliable with only a couple of things which wear out. The bearings and the brushes.

Checking the brushes are easy,  couple of screws (on either side) with a spring and then a carbon/graphite brush. Most probably those could be worn out.

Bearings could use some lubrication.

Have fun.

Greg

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Re: Old Singer Sewing Machine - motor question?
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2015, 11:46:28 PM »
Sounds like the machine I have, a machine that's been sort of converted to electric motor with a belt and light.  My motor started not running as well and I found that the carbon pile resistor in the foot pedal switch was not passing enough current.  I figured this out by bypassing it, motor worked fine.  Took the switch apart and cleaned the carbon discs with a rage and water, and reassembled with perfect results.

The motor and other parts are easy to clean with compressed air and then you just add machine oil to the various ports, which are small holes all over the machine.  Makes a huge difference.

Sibley

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Re: Old Singer Sewing Machine - motor question?
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2015, 07:55:44 AM »
My mom has an old Singer. The thing is indestructible. When you do start sewing, you'll probably find that it doesn't like certain fabric types though - my mom's hates the shiny/slippery stuff.