to hold very small parts Iput a piece of wire thru a hole and bind it in a loop, then clamp the wire in a vice. It can't get away from you. love your videos, Someone who knows what he's doing
That's impressive! I can see how all that crud could affect tension. I never would have thought to take the leaf spring off and clean behind it, Bob takes cleaning to the next level!
Wow, that bobbin case looks like new! Thanks for pointing out about the hard felt attachments and the yellow compound. I agree with you about the motor tools. Many years ago I bought a Dremel. It lasted 2 years. Was going to cost a bundle to repair. I was in a Black and Decker outlet store and found their version of a Dremel. I am still using it.
Arizona, we refinished the cabinet and took the frame down to the metal, painted and applied gold rub n' buff to the singer and emblems on the sides. It's very used but being in a cabinet it was somewhat protected but a lot of rust on the foot release lever and cover plate on the back.
Patience and persistence... If all else fails, put it aside in a safe place and try again when your eyes (and back) are fresh. Using a small vise helps a lot.
This was posted in perfect timing for me. I have 99’s and 66’s and a slew of Kenmore’s. I need to go back and polish up all of their bobbin cases and races. I’m sure this could be the cause of bobbin threads breaking on any sewing machine (I’ve got that happening on a Kenmore).
A great video. Thank you. Could you use the same process for cleaning up the presser feet that come with the machine? I have just gotten hold of a Singer 66 back clamp and most of the feet including the ruffler are rusty.
Absolutely, I do it all the time. I also use the foam cored nail files to clean and polish the bottom of presser feet, going through the grits all the way up to 12,000.
Hi Lisa. Yes, I do, but the different eras of 66's come out slightly differently. If you have a later version of the bobbin case positioning bracket (that's the one with the screw we call the screw of death), you can easily lift up on the tail of the bracket so that it clears the slot, and slide it to the right which will free the bobbin case from the hook. You might have to rotate the handwheel to get the hook into a position where the bobbin case will release a little easier. Early 66's without the screw of death are a little different. On those, you must remove (or at least loosen) the mounting screw for the bracket as they don't pivot the way the newer ones do, then lift up on the tail and move it to the right. Email me for more info or if you get stuck and need help.
Hello Bob! I found your TH-cam channel after being gifted a Singer Red Eye that was literally rescued out of a dumpster. The machine is frozen solid and the bobbin area is a rusty mess! Are some bobbin cases simply beyond saving.
My favorite compounds are available here: www.kocour.net/ Kocour Yellow Compound SS17: I use the large bricks (2.75 pound). SS17 is my go-to compound at the buffing wheel for almost all polished parts of a sewing machine. Kocour White Compound KC11: I use white compound for small parts that are being polished with a rotary tool and either a buffing wheel or a felt polishing point. KC11 is a bit dryer than SS17 and buffing residue wipes clean easily and leaves a very high shine
It's not used on the machine body, it's used on the parts with a buffing wheel. On the body, I polish with an automotive polishing compound, usually one by Maguire.
The bobbin case gets lubricated by the red felt oil wick in 66 and similar class machines. For later machines without the oil wick, follow Singer's instructions in the operator manual.
I just got a 66-18 and could not get the bottom tension right. I watched your video and my Bobbin Case is exactly like the one you are working on. Those little screws suck! Is there a place for replacement bobbin cases? And if the case/shuttle is like that, then what is the hook like?
There are a lot of companies offering Apollo style 66 bobbin case replacements, but I haven't seen the all metal SIMANCO 32590 cases offered as new. Unless your case is missing screws, they can usually be brought back to life with careful cleaning and polishing.
The 404 full rotary beats a 66 for value any day of the week! The only potential negatives are that it just isn't as pretty as 66 in beautiful condition and some may not like the slant, but I do. And. it cannot be treadled like the 66. But in all other accounts it smashes it. Just like the 301 beats the Featherweight.
That's true, assuming you can GET a 404. They are very hard to find around these parts, whereas I can pick up 66's all day, every day for very little money.
Bob, I can’t believe how great your bobbin case turned out! I’ll be watching all I can of the Singer 66 restorations!
Thanks, this has been one fun machine (said nobody ever) LOL
So shall I !
to hold very small parts Iput a piece of wire thru a hole and bind it in a loop, then clamp the wire in a vice. It can't get away from you. love your videos, Someone who knows what he's doing
That's impressive! I can see how all that crud could affect tension. I never would have thought to take the leaf spring off and clean behind it, Bob takes cleaning to the next level!
Thanks Jane. This machine has been one (minor) disaster after another...
BEAUTIFUL!!!! It looks amazing!! Thank you, Bob!!!
Thanks Sam, glad you like it.
Wow, that bobbin case looks like new! Thanks for pointing out about the hard felt attachments and the yellow compound.
I agree with you about the motor tools. Many years ago I bought a Dremel. It lasted 2 years. Was going to cost a bundle to repair. I was in a Black and Decker outlet store and found their version of a Dremel. I am still using it.
I'm in the process of rescuing my grandma's 66 red eye. I'm learning a lot from your videos, I wish you were closer so I could have you work on it!
Where are you located?
Arizona, we refinished the cabinet and took the frame down to the metal, painted and applied gold rub n' buff to the singer and emblems on the sides. It's very used but being in a cabinet it was somewhat protected but a lot of rust on the foot release lever and cover plate on the back.
This will be my next project. The results are outstanding.
Thanks Sonia. Not that hard to do either...
Fantastic job, Bob. Now I know how to handle the bobbin case on this Kingston aka Brother machine that I’m avoiding restoring.
Glad to be of assistance - just watch those small screws!
I got the tension screw in, but not the other. 😢 my back hurts from Hutchins over trying to get it in so many times.
Patience and persistence... If all else fails, put it aside in a safe place and try again when your eyes (and back) are fresh. Using a small vise helps a lot.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop I just ordered a new screw, I didn't realize I hadn't put it in the storage bag.
I got it!!
What a brilliant job, I've just ordered a set of those felt bits and so happy to learn something new today! Thank you Bob! :)
The felt polishing points are a game changer!
Nice! Many a bobbin case that can not hold the right tension has been replaced because it was just dirty and gummed up with old oil.
Exactly!
Very helpful, i was wondering about a good way for detail in this area, thanks
Great video! Just what I needed! Thank you!
Thanks! Glad it's helpful.
This was posted in perfect timing for me. I have 99’s and 66’s and a slew of Kenmore’s. I need to go back and polish up all of their bobbin cases and races. I’m sure this could be the cause of bobbin threads breaking on any sewing machine (I’ve got that happening on a Kenmore).
Oh yeah... Pull those springs off and you'll find all sorts of things you didn't expect to see...
Wow great job. 👍
Thank you 👍
I wonder how this will work on the sliding plate.
A great video. Thank you. Could you use the same process for cleaning up the presser feet that come with the machine? I have just gotten hold of a Singer 66 back clamp and most of the feet including the ruffler are rusty.
Absolutely, I do it all the time. I also use the foam cored nail files to clean and polish the bottom of presser feet, going through the grits all the way up to 12,000.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Thanks for the reply and the extra tips Bob. It is much appreciated.
Beautiful!!
Thank you! Cheers!
On The 66-, do all of them have a spring on the tension release lever that is inside the sewing machine?
Do you have any videos on how to get the bobbin case out?
Hi Lisa. Yes, I do, but the different eras of 66's come out slightly differently. If you have a later version of the bobbin case positioning bracket (that's the one with the screw we call the screw of death), you can easily lift up on the tail of the bracket so that it clears the slot, and slide it to the right which will free the bobbin case from the hook. You might have to rotate the handwheel to get the hook into a position where the bobbin case will release a little easier. Early 66's without the screw of death are a little different. On those, you must remove (or at least loosen) the mounting screw for the bracket as they don't pivot the way the newer ones do, then lift up on the tail and move it to the right. Email me for more info or if you get stuck and need help.
Hello Bob! I found your TH-cam channel after being gifted a Singer Red Eye that was literally rescued out of a dumpster. The machine is frozen solid and the bobbin area is a rusty mess! Are some bobbin cases simply beyond saving.
Sure, that's entirely possible that a case is too far gone, but it's always worth a try.
Love it, and so you have me as a newbie subie 😊
Hi Bob spot on like always..... Qestion, so you don't clean the bobbin case before you apply the yellow compound to polish it ?
Hi Jorge - the polishing handles the de-rusting and cleaning all at once.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop there you go, what a time saver.... thanks for your speedy reply..
What is the compound called? Is it a polish or cleaner like crud cutter?
My favorite compounds are available here:
www.kocour.net/
Kocour Yellow Compound SS17: I use the large bricks (2.75 pound). SS17 is my go-to compound at the buffing wheel for almost all polished parts of a sewing machine.
Kocour White Compound KC11: I use white compound for small parts that are being polished with a rotary tool and either a buffing wheel or a felt polishing point. KC11 is a bit dryer than SS17 and buffing residue wipes clean easily and leaves a very high shine
Thank you so much:) Does the compound work for all sewing machines?
It's not used on the machine body, it's used on the parts with a buffing wheel. On the body, I polish with an automotive polishing compound, usually one by Maguire.
EXCELLENT!!!!!
Thanks Pattie!
Beautiful! Do you ever put a drop of oil on a bobbin case? I know you want to avoid oily thread, just asking (I'm a newbie)?
The bobbin case gets lubricated by the red felt oil wick in 66 and similar class machines. For later machines without the oil wick, follow Singer's instructions in the operator manual.
Hi! Do you have any 115 knowledge?
I just got a 66-18 and could not get the bottom tension right. I watched your video and my Bobbin Case is exactly like the one you are working on. Those little screws suck! Is there a place for replacement bobbin cases? And if the case/shuttle is like that, then what is the hook like?
There are a lot of companies offering Apollo style 66 bobbin case replacements, but I haven't seen the all metal SIMANCO 32590 cases offered as new. Unless your case is missing screws, they can usually be brought back to life with careful cleaning and polishing.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Do the plastic ones work? And are all the 66s, even the older model ones using the same bobbin case?
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Happy Belated Birthday by the way!
Rub the spring with some aluminum foil. Got to say those wooden Q-tips are great!
The 404 full rotary beats a 66 for value any day of the week! The only potential negatives are that it just isn't as pretty as 66 in beautiful condition and some may not like the slant, but I do. And. it cannot be treadled like the 66. But in all other accounts it smashes it. Just like the 301 beats the Featherweight.
That's true, assuming you can GET a 404. They are very hard to find around these parts, whereas I can pick up 66's all day, every day for very little money.