I was lucky enough to be given my 201 and cabinet for free because the owner wanted to get rid of it. It had been in a garage (warm dry climate!) for 30 years, had been serviced before being stored, and I had it serviced before use but was in perfect working order. I love it!
I REALLY love watching your videos. I never fail to learn something and as I only began refurbishing machines a few years ago, I have a great deal to learn. I've wanted a 201-2 for quite some time now and just scored one at a price I can afford. It's a beauty, built in the 1940's, and doesn't need much, just some cleaning and lubrication. I also have my mother's 1947 or 48 White Rotary model 77 which I've been refurbishing over time. Mom taught me to sew on it over 60 years ago, it's very sentimental and deserves to be refurbished. Actually, I like the expression "conservationist" also. It's a perfect word for what you do and it's on my bucket list to become in whatever time the Good Lord chooses to give me. Thanks again for all of your extremely helpful videos!
I look for vintage machines to buy in Ontario Canada and some sellers want crazy high prices. I’ve seen machines you have serviced and your price is reasonable considering the work you put into a machine. I have a rough running 401a, I thing the motor needs to be serviced. Keep up the videos. I enjoy them.
I love your videos. I just got my first 201. And my first white rotary. I found them on craigslist. I picked up four free sewing machines and when I was loading the last one in my van she said she had on other one in the garage and when I saw it I couldn't contain my excitement it was a 201 and after getting this machine home you are right. These are extremely well built machines. I was able to plug mine in hit the pedal at it just purred. I need to give it a good cleaning and oiling. Thank you for the awesome videos I will be following your tips as I clean and preserve this beautiful machine. Have a wonderful day Happy Sewing.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage it's fun finding these old machines. I picked up very nice Nelco last week that has a couple animal stitch patterns. Fish swans and dogs. Very Very cool.
I found a locked up 201k with treadle which I took home and cleaned and it now sews beautifully. I used oil and some very slight force to get things moving and have been keeping it oiled since then. Made some clothes on it. Changing wires on an electric is a priority to me. No way I'm keeping rotted electronics. I'm gonna look for another one to give to a friend, but that will not be an active pursuit.
I just picked up my first 201 with a 42 Art Deco cabinet. It’s also my very first sewing machine. Its pretty dirty as it was in storage for about 15 years in a garage (unfortunately) so it definitely needs some serious work. However it is in beautiful outward condition. The cabinet, however, does have some problems with water damage and musty smells which is so unfortunate. I don’t know how to repair that yet. I am a little scared to service it myself but I am fascinated by the machine and how it works. I would love to disassemble and clean everything to learn the intricacies of how it runs and to make sure everything is functioning properly before I use it. I am in awe of its beauty and power and I want to respect it as well as I can.
Most of the machines I bring home have been thrown away by someone not realizing what they have. Many have issues that are easy to fix. I really enjoy your content and find it helpful when I am stumped, thank you for your informative videos. If you have time and are inclined, I would find it helpful if you made playlists of your series.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Hello, I feel so lucky today, yesterday I saw an offer of a Singer 201, and I bought it today, it was a bargain, I guess cause maybe they dont know the history behind this beauties, or cause they are in a rush to sell everything to move to their original country, anyway it was AWESOME...LOL I got a 201 1941 for a $100. I star cleaning.
I restore old handtools to usable condition. I don't usually do full restoration to like new, I'm more concerned with making them useable again. Old oil can polymerize and create a protective film similar to a varnish. A coating of old oil polymerized onto the tool is usually a sign that there is a lot of good metal under it. There are plenty of solvents that will readily remove the film, though care should be taken to protect other surfaces that the solvent might strip, such as laquer.
That's a great point and I've found that old oil 'varnish' that has polymerized can sometimes help in protecting metal parts from corrosion when a machine is stored in areas that have high humidity levels (basements/outdoor sheds). For parts that show on the outside of a machine, removing the old oil film and then applying a metal polish shines things up for aesthetic reasons which matter to my clients. The other area that demands removing that film is on parts that move together such as the needle bar or presser foot bar. But your point is well taken since I agree that 'conservation' is preferable in many instances to total stripping and repainting. If it were not for old oil films, some of these machine I get would require a LOT more rust removal!!! Oh, btw, do you have your own channel regarding your hobby? If not, I bet there is a solid audience base that would enjoy learning from your experience with hand tools!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage There are so many great channels that both know more than me and have much better production. I just work at my tiny desk under my lofted bed in an apartment. Kinda hard to get a camera and decent lighting in there. Unrelatedly, I bought a singer 404 largely inspired by you and andytube. Got it for $30 and a bit of a hike lol. I like the idea of a dedicated straight stitch fully mechanical system. I know how to fix that kinda thing. Can't be any worse than overhauling a lathe or something similar, just smaller and more delicate. Thanks a ton for your channel. I wouldn't have even thought of getting a vintage machine if I hadn't stumbled onto a video of you servicing a frozen kenmore. Do you know if the automatic zigzag attachment is worth it?
@@jsmxwll Great question on the attachment. As you may know, attachments were created to allow people to harness sewing techniques that sewing machines could not perform at the time (or those consumers could not afford to pay extra for as built in features). Some attachments work great and I swear some of the finest button holes I've ever seen were made possible by the Singer 'Buttonholer' attachment. However, not all attachments were easy to use. Many were 'upsells' at the machine dealer that could look easier to use than when the customer got home. I suspect that the ZigZag attachment was one of these. I've overhauled them before and they are made incredibly well just like the sewing machines. But trying to do ZigZag with an attachment can be cumbersome for those who are determined to try. Other folks may find them useful. But I have observed that many of them gathered dust in sewing table drawers. Again, some attachments were quite useful, but others not so much.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks a ton for the reply. I really love my 404, but it has its limitations. Do you know if the 437 is a quality machine? I have a shot at one for $75usd. It looks clean and seems to run well. Does that sound like a reasonable price? I couldn't find much on what those are worth on ebay and whatnot.
I was following your videos to restore a 99k and got as far as cleaning out the bobbin area. Can you please do some videos for restoring the rest of a machine? You were going to provide a template for making the red felt snakes tongue wick, I don't think I've found that either (also what thickness of felted wool you used?). Could you please also do a video for real beginners like me on what a rotary stitch is, difference between potted motor and the other one, what machines can be treadled - I've got a hand crank is that the same? What direction is the wheel to be turned! As this seems to be where I have issues. How to get good tension and I still can't work out how to wind a bobbin on it. Sorry but I'm a total beginner and haven't been sewing long either. My 99k came with the rounded wooden box/lid what's the best way to clean/restore them as I notice it has a Singer decal on the wood and wouldn't want to lift/damage that by using my antique wood cleaner. Just a few ideas to keep you busy (as if you haven't already got enough to do)! Thanks for the videos, I'm wanting to save all the old machines! In fact now I've spoken to friends about my 99k they've asked me to look out for them, they aren't sewists and don't care if it doesn't stitch they just love the way the old machines look and want it as home decor. Just to think our predecessors wanted to hide them away, how times have changed! Speaking of which, should I keep the lid on the 99k? It's just it is so beautiful. Sorry for the essay!
Within 2 weeks, I first bought a 128 with the crinkle finish and bentwood case, for 80 bucks, that needed a few parts and lots of oil. 2 weeks later, I was given a 66 and a #40 table, that needed nothing but a little oil. I am now waiting on an unknown Singer, my mother-in-law just gave me. If she hadn't voted for Cadet Bone Spurs twice, I might just like her.
@Vintage Sewing Machine Garage Oh, the machine my wife brought home is a 66 Blackside from '48. It was pretty locked up, but a bunch of oil and about an hour rocking back and forth loosened it up.
I have an old vintage Singer that I saved form the dump. I have wanted a sewing machine to do some projects. Can you tell me where to get parts? I know the Singer I have will need a bobbin cover slide plate at least.
Sure Nathan. Some parts you will want to get new reproductions for such as bobbin winding tires if your model uses them. Others, you will want to search for vintage/used parts. Here is a brief list: New Parts: shop.sew-classic.com/ Used/vintage parts: bonanza.com ebay.com etsy.com facebook vintage sewing machine groups
I think your idea of "conservation" instead of always aiming for ""restoration" is brilliant. And it's less intimidating for anyone who's thinking about giving it a try.. .
I had a friend give me their Union Deluxe sewing machine. It sat in their garage for years. I oiled it and plugged it in,. It runs and I purchased a singer cabinet for it. I will do a good clean up before I use it.
201 models that use Direct Drive motors (Potted motors) have the switch you refer to. On other 201 models, the light fixture is mounted on the back and has its own black switch attached.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Awesome information! I own a 201 with the white switch. I didn’t know there was a different design. The 15 models are so close in appearance that the white switch was the easy way to tell them apart.
I found one like that in the cabinet(cabinet was very nice) the machine was in great shape! That's a 201K right? With external motor not potted motor. Oh no... not pin rash! 😩
I bought a sewing machine, a Singer 66 from 1930. The bobbin winder has a broken kick out spring that prevents the tire from pulling away when the bobbin is full. Do you know where we could buy springs or spring sets for those types of bobbin winders?
I was just given a 15k91(made in Scotland In 1947) I didn't have to go far right in town here, it needs a complete rewiring, spool pin and a bobbin tire and it's good to go! Yes conservation is a better word(thanks to your viewer!)
What could I use to clean things like the thumb screws that are dark brown? I have a 15-91 that has the side plate and other parts that are discolored.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you for your response!! I've tried Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish but no luck. As long as I get her running, the rest is just a bonus. 😁
I have a vintage Singer 201. I am wondering if the rubber bobbin wheel is supposed to be engaged to the hand wheel at all times and be turning when the sewing machine is sewing?
I cringe every time you put a machine on top of a wooden cabinet and move it around. That said, thank you for all videos, they may be long-winded, but they are so very helpful.
I just had someone give me very dirty 201-2. I took it, even though I already have a very nice 201-2. It will be quite a project because I've never had to clean such a dirty machine.
Do you ever reject a machine because it is too rough externally? I have a 201 that is all scratched up in front of the needleplate, decals on the bed are gone and the rest of the surface has your combination of oil, dust and nicotine staining all over it. An orange reddish “varnish” all over everything. Metal cleans up nicely, but the painted surfaces are rough. Is the surface worth cleaning up? How long does it take you to clean the paint?
Hi Paul. Cleaning can take as long as you are willing to put in effort. But to answer your question, I would never reject a machine if it was "rough" aesthetically as long as I knew it could me made to sew well. I try to purchase any 201 I can if reasonably priced and while they do not bring as much money as a mint fresh version might, my focus is more on finding homes for the machines to be used in. Were I a collector and wanting to display machines in a museum context, I would have a different approach Im sure.
Its a great reference to those that were part of the machine's use history. The downsides of course are that the pin often went through these "cushions" and scratched the paint. But I consider that to be a "wear mark" and part of its history so I don't try to cover up or repair those. I will be doing a video on when to consider paint repair soon however.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I'm going to look more closely at the details of my machine. It WAS in better shape than now. The only thing really wrong with it when I got it was the belt being too tight or maybe short when I tried to use it and it of course flipped out of the groove without breaking and now my pin in the hand wheel clutch is off meaning the timing is off when its tightened back to sew and I'm having trouble getting it back together so its engages properly 🤦♀️. I watched the video where you were taking yours apart hoping it would help with that.
I recently flipped my grandmother's Singer 66 Red Eye out of the treadle (which has been my makeup stand for 40 years!). She had the same band around the top for her needles. I did clean her up, and put oil where needed. I need to find the leather treadle lace I bought. My Nanny sewed so many beautiful things on this machine. I never had much of an interest as a youngster in learning how to sew. I realize now (and oldster) what opportunity I missed.
I had to laugh when I saw the cloth wrapped around with the pins. The White 6477 that I asked you about a bit ago (with the cam issue) is so badly scratched where the previous owner stabbed it with pins. I think she was an angry sewist! That machine is now in for work. We tried everything we could think of, but with the realization that the timing is off, and the feed dogs are wonky, in addition to the cam issue, we decided to let a pro handle it. I'll see in a few weeks how much my free machine costs me lol.
I thought the 201s had a potted motor with the worm gear drive inside the handwheel and a light on the front? This might be some variation of a model 15?
Actually, this is a Singer 201. The 201 with direct drive "Potted"motors were almost all sold in the US. The UK factory produced 201's with belts and rear mount motors. Their light fixtures are on the back (instead of on the front like the US versions). Most 201's sold in Canada were also similar to the UK versions.
I don't think that's actually a 201. The 201 is Direct Drive... that's its selling point. Yours is a 15, I think, with the belt, which 201s simply don't have.
Thank you for writing. Actually, this is a Singer 201. I should have mentioned in the video though that it is actually a Singer 201K. You might have questioned it because the N. American made 201's did have the Direct Drive motor. They also had their light fixture mounted on the front. This machine has the light mounted on the back along with a rear mounted Singer belted motor. They are not as common in the US as they are in both Canada and the UK/Europe. FYI, if this were a Singer 15, it would typically have its tension assembly on the left side. Also, the harp or throat space of this machine is wider than the 15 class.
My God ! that's my mum's machine. It is with me and it's a treadle in a wooden cabinet. EG 888664 1951 I'm in India.we lived in UK My mum got the machine in Leicester. May I have ur email? I'm 72 and I wud like to sell it.
Sooo if the handwheel/ needle bar is seized up is that a bad sign? 🫠 I found one of the beauties but she’s in rough shape and I have a lot of work ahead of me
I was lucky enough to be given my 201 and cabinet for free because the owner wanted to get rid of it. It had been in a garage (warm dry climate!) for 30 years, had been serviced before being stored, and I had it serviced before use but was in perfect working order. I love it!
I REALLY love watching your videos. I never fail to learn something and as I only began refurbishing machines a few years ago, I have a great deal to learn. I've wanted a 201-2 for quite some time now and just scored one at a price I can afford. It's a beauty, built in the 1940's, and doesn't need much, just some cleaning and lubrication. I also have my mother's 1947 or 48 White Rotary model 77 which I've been refurbishing over time. Mom taught me to sew on it over 60 years ago, it's very sentimental and deserves to be refurbished. Actually, I like the expression "conservationist" also. It's a perfect word for what you do and it's on my bucket list to become in whatever time the Good Lord chooses to give me.
Thanks again for all of your extremely helpful videos!
Thank you for watching SG.
The 201’s have the light in the front and the back. Wondering if you could shed some light on this too!
I saw one of these a couple weeks ago at Goodwill for $6.99.
Did you buy it?
I hope you bought it.
I look for vintage machines to buy in Ontario Canada and some sellers want crazy high prices. I’ve seen machines you have serviced and your price is reasonable considering the work you put into a machine. I have a rough running 401a, I thing the motor needs to be serviced. Keep up the videos. I enjoy them.
The stitch length lock knob, is for when you reverse it will reverse the same stitch length.
I love your videos. I just got my first 201. And my first white rotary. I found them on craigslist. I picked up four free sewing machines and when I was loading the last one in my van she said she had on other one in the garage and when I saw it I couldn't contain my excitement it was a 201 and after getting this machine home you are right. These are extremely well built machines. I was able to plug mine in hit the pedal at it just purred. I need to give it a good cleaning and oiling. Thank you for the awesome videos I will be following your tips as I clean and preserve this beautiful machine. Have a wonderful day Happy Sewing.
Thank you for sharing Bryan. Sounds like you hit a jack pot of machines. So great that you could rescue them.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage it's fun finding these old machines. I picked up very nice Nelco last week that has a couple animal stitch patterns. Fish swans and dogs. Very Very cool.
My 201 centennial looks like new thanks to all your wonderful videos!!!!! Thank you so much, came with a 79 cabinet and cost me 50 bucks ,
That is awesome!
I found a locked up 201k with treadle which I took home and cleaned and it now sews beautifully. I used oil and some very slight force to get things moving and have been keeping it oiled since then. Made some clothes on it. Changing wires on an electric is a priority to me. No way I'm keeping rotted electronics.
I'm gonna look for another one to give to a friend, but that will not be an active pursuit.
I just picked up my first 201 with a 42 Art Deco cabinet. It’s also my very first sewing machine. Its pretty dirty as it was in storage for about 15 years in a garage (unfortunately) so it definitely needs some serious work. However it is in beautiful outward condition. The cabinet, however, does have some problems with water damage and musty smells which is so unfortunate. I don’t know how to repair that yet.
I am a little scared to service it myself but I am fascinated by the machine and how it works. I would love to disassemble and clean everything to learn the intricacies of how it runs and to make sure everything is functioning properly before I use it. I am in awe of its beauty and power and I want to respect it as well as I can.
Most of the machines I bring home have been thrown away by someone not realizing what they have. Many have issues that are easy to fix.
I really enjoy your content and find it helpful when I am stumped, thank you for your informative videos. If you have time and are inclined, I would find it helpful if you made playlists of your series.
What do you use for wire replacement?? The lamp cord I find and used are a little thick to fit for them lamps and motor connections.
I hope you video this restoration...I just recently acquired a 201 in a rough shape.
Im a beginner in cleaning these beauties, same as you trying to keep the original paint as possible. Thanks for all your videos.
You are so welcome!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Hello, I feel so lucky today, yesterday I saw an offer of a Singer 201, and I bought it today, it was a bargain, I guess cause maybe they dont know the history behind this beauties, or cause they are in a rush to sell everything to move to their original country, anyway it was AWESOME...LOL I got a 201 1941 for a $100. I star cleaning.
I restore old handtools to usable condition. I don't usually do full restoration to like new, I'm more concerned with making them useable again. Old oil can polymerize and create a protective film similar to a varnish. A coating of old oil polymerized onto the tool is usually a sign that there is a lot of good metal under it. There are plenty of solvents that will readily remove the film, though care should be taken to protect other surfaces that the solvent might strip, such as laquer.
That's a great point and I've found that old oil 'varnish' that has polymerized can sometimes help in protecting metal parts from corrosion when a machine is stored in areas that have high humidity levels (basements/outdoor sheds). For parts that show on the outside of a machine, removing the old oil film and then applying a metal polish shines things up for aesthetic reasons which matter to my clients. The other area that demands removing that film is on parts that move together such as the needle bar or presser foot bar. But your point is well taken since I agree that 'conservation' is preferable in many instances to total stripping and repainting. If it were not for old oil films, some of these machine I get would require a LOT more rust removal!!! Oh, btw, do you have your own channel regarding your hobby? If not, I bet there is a solid audience base that would enjoy learning from your experience with hand tools!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage There are so many great channels that both know more than me and have much better production. I just work at my tiny desk under my lofted bed in an apartment. Kinda hard to get a camera and decent lighting in there.
Unrelatedly, I bought a singer 404 largely inspired by you and andytube. Got it for $30 and a bit of a hike lol.
I like the idea of a dedicated straight stitch fully mechanical system. I know how to fix that kinda thing. Can't be any worse than overhauling a lathe or something similar, just smaller and more delicate. Thanks a ton for your channel. I wouldn't have even thought of getting a vintage machine if I hadn't stumbled onto a video of you servicing a frozen kenmore.
Do you know if the automatic zigzag attachment is worth it?
@@jsmxwll Great question on the attachment. As you may know, attachments were created to allow people to harness sewing techniques that sewing machines could not perform at the time (or those consumers could not afford to pay extra for as built in features). Some attachments work great and I swear some of the finest button holes I've ever seen were made possible by the Singer 'Buttonholer' attachment. However, not all attachments were easy to use. Many were 'upsells' at the machine dealer that could look easier to use than when the customer got home. I suspect that the ZigZag attachment was one of these. I've overhauled them before and they are made incredibly well just like the sewing machines. But trying to do ZigZag with an attachment can be cumbersome for those who are determined to try. Other folks may find them useful. But I have observed that many of them gathered dust in sewing table drawers. Again, some attachments were quite useful, but others not so much.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks a ton for the reply. I really love my 404, but it has its limitations. Do you know if the 437 is a quality machine? I have a shot at one for $75usd. It looks clean and seems to run well. Does that sound like a reasonable price? I couldn't find much on what those are worth on ebay and whatnot.
Я бы тоже хотела бы купить такую машинку есть возможность продать мне яживу Франции , оченьхочутакую смысле ZINGER можете мне продать спасибо за видео
I was following your videos to restore a 99k and got as far as cleaning out the bobbin area. Can you please do some videos for restoring the rest of a machine? You were going to provide a template for making the red felt snakes tongue wick, I don't think I've found that either (also what thickness of felted wool you used?). Could you please also do a video for real beginners like me on what a rotary stitch is, difference between potted motor and the other one, what machines can be treadled - I've got a hand crank is that the same? What direction is the wheel to be turned! As this seems to be where I have issues. How to get good tension and I still can't work out how to wind a bobbin on it. Sorry but I'm a total beginner and haven't been sewing long either. My 99k came with the rounded wooden box/lid what's the best way to clean/restore them as I notice it has a Singer decal on the wood and wouldn't want to lift/damage that by using my antique wood cleaner. Just a few ideas to keep you busy (as if you haven't already got enough to do)! Thanks for the videos, I'm wanting to save all the old machines! In fact now I've spoken to friends about my 99k they've asked me to look out for them, they aren't sewists and don't care if it doesn't stitch they just love the way the old machines look and want it as home decor. Just to think our predecessors wanted to hide them away, how times have changed! Speaking of which, should I keep the lid on the 99k? It's just it is so beautiful. Sorry for the essay!
Within 2 weeks, I first bought a 128 with the crinkle finish and bentwood case, for 80 bucks, that needed a few parts and lots of oil. 2 weeks later, I was given a 66 and a #40 table, that needed nothing but a little oil. I am now waiting on an unknown Singer, my mother-in-law just gave me. If she hadn't voted for Cadet Bone Spurs twice, I might just like her.
Thanks for sharing
@Vintage Sewing Machine Garage Oh, the machine my wife brought home is a 66 Blackside from '48. It was pretty locked up, but a bunch of oil and about an hour rocking back and forth loosened it up.
I have an old vintage Singer that I saved form the dump. I have wanted a sewing machine to do some projects. Can you tell me where to get parts? I know the Singer I have will need a bobbin cover slide plate at least.
Sure Nathan. Some parts you will want to get new reproductions for such as bobbin winding tires if your model uses them. Others, you will want to search for vintage/used parts. Here is a brief list:
New Parts: shop.sew-classic.com/
Used/vintage parts: bonanza.com ebay.com etsy.com facebook vintage sewing machine groups
I think your idea of "conservation" instead of always aiming for ""restoration" is brilliant. And it's less intimidating for anyone who's thinking about giving it a try.. .
I had a friend give me their Union Deluxe sewing machine. It sat in their garage for years. I oiled it and plugged it in,. It runs and I purchased a singer cabinet for it. I will do a good clean up before I use it.
Thanks for sharing!
Where’s the little white toggle switch commonly found on model 201s?
201 models that use Direct Drive motors (Potted motors) have the switch you refer to. On other 201 models, the light fixture is mounted on the back and has its own black switch attached.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Awesome information! I own a 201 with the white switch. I didn’t know there was a different design. The 15 models are so close in appearance that the white switch was the easy way to tell them apart.
How do I get a hold of you to see about getting my Singer 101 running again?
I found one like that in the cabinet(cabinet was very nice) the machine was in great shape! That's a 201K right? With external motor not potted motor. Oh no... not pin rash! 😩
I bought a sewing machine, a Singer 66 from 1930. The bobbin winder has a broken kick out spring that prevents the tire from pulling away when the bobbin is full.
Do you know where we could buy springs or spring sets for those types of bobbin winders?
I was just given a 15k91(made in Scotland In 1947) I didn't have to go far right in town here, it needs a complete rewiring, spool pin and a bobbin tire and it's good to go! Yes conservation is a better word(thanks to your viewer!)
What do you do when it is frozen up, I just bought one and the needle carriage doesn't move neither do any thing else
Would love to have seen the “after” picture. ☺️
What could I use to clean things like the thumb screws that are dark brown? I have a 15-91 that has the side plate and other parts that are discolored.
Metal polishes could help.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you for your response!! I've tried Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish but no luck. As long as I get her running, the rest is just a bonus. 😁
Where can I buy the electrical cord for the 201 ?
I have a vintage Singer 201. I am wondering if the rubber bobbin wheel is supposed to be engaged to the hand wheel at all times and be turning when the sewing machine is sewing?
I cringe every time you put a machine on top of a wooden cabinet and move it around. That said, thank you for all videos, they may be long-winded, but they are so very helpful.
Ya, I think I would have put down a Dollar Tree placemat, or a cutting mat. Something.
I just had someone give me very dirty 201-2. I took it, even though I already have a very nice 201-2. It will be quite a project because I've never had to clean such a dirty machine.
Вы можете мне продать одну машинку очень мечтаю купить машинку старого производства а на новый нервы не хватают они обсалютно не шьют
I have one with bent cotton spindle. Can I straighten by hitting it with hammer? Thanks in advance
Do you ever reject a machine because it is too rough externally? I have a 201 that is all scratched up in front of the needleplate, decals on the bed are gone and the rest of the surface has your combination of oil, dust and nicotine staining all over it. An orange reddish “varnish” all over everything. Metal cleans up nicely, but the painted surfaces are rough. Is the surface worth cleaning up? How long does it take you to clean the paint?
Hi Paul. Cleaning can take as long as you are willing to put in effort. But to answer your question, I would never reject a machine if it was "rough" aesthetically as long as I knew it could me made to sew well. I try to purchase any 201 I can if reasonably priced and while they do not bring as much money as a mint fresh version might, my focus is more on finding homes for the machines to be used in. Were I a collector and wanting to display machines in a museum context, I would have a different approach Im sure.
The "pincushion" is sweet.
Its a great reference to those that were part of the machine's use history. The downsides of course are that the pin often went through these "cushions" and scratched the paint. But I consider that to be a "wear mark" and part of its history so I don't try to cover up or repair those. I will be doing a video on when to consider paint repair soon however.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I'm going to look more closely at the details of my machine. It WAS in better shape than now. The only thing really wrong with it when I got it was the belt being too tight or maybe short when I tried to use it and it of course flipped out of the groove without breaking and now my pin in the hand wheel clutch is off meaning the timing is off when its tightened back to sew and I'm having trouble getting it back together so its engages properly 🤦♀️. I watched the video where you were taking yours apart hoping it would help with that.
I recently flipped my grandmother's Singer 66 Red Eye out of the treadle (which has been my makeup stand for 40 years!). She had the same band around the top for her needles. I did clean her up, and put oil where needed. I need to find the leather treadle lace I bought. My Nanny sewed so many beautiful things on this machine. I never had much of an interest as a youngster in learning how to sew. I realize now (and oldster) what opportunity I missed.
I had to laugh when I saw the cloth wrapped around with the pins. The White 6477 that I asked you about a bit ago (with the cam issue) is so badly scratched where the previous owner stabbed it with pins. I think she was an angry sewist! That machine is now in for work. We tried everything we could think of, but with the realization that the timing is off, and the feed dogs are wonky, in addition to the cam issue, we decided to let a pro handle it. I'll see in a few weeks how much my free machine costs me lol.
I thought the 201s had a potted motor with the worm gear drive inside the handwheel and a light on the front? This might be some variation of a model 15?
Actually, this is a Singer 201. The 201 with direct drive "Potted"motors were almost all sold in the US. The UK factory produced 201's with belts and rear mount motors. Their light fixtures are on the back (instead of on the front like the US versions). Most 201's sold in Canada were also similar to the UK versions.
Vintage Sewing Machine Garage Thank you for the info! I learn more every day as I search out details about these old beauties.
🙂👍👍
The light is the same but wheel is different.
I don't think that's actually a 201. The 201 is Direct Drive... that's its selling point. Yours is a 15, I think, with the belt, which 201s simply don't have.
Thank you for writing. Actually, this is a Singer 201. I should have mentioned in the video though that it is actually a Singer 201K. You might have questioned it because the N. American made 201's did have the Direct Drive motor. They also had their light fixture mounted on the front. This machine has the light mounted on the back along with a rear mounted Singer belted motor. They are not as common in the US as they are in both Canada and the UK/Europe. FYI, if this were a Singer 15, it would typically have its tension assembly on the left side. Also, the harp or throat space of this machine is wider than the 15 class.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage also, I'm an idiot, and the 201 came in electric, belt driven, treadle and hand cranking.
My God ! that's my mum's machine.
It is with me and it's a treadle in a wooden cabinet.
EG 888664 1951
I'm in India.we lived in UK
My mum got the machine in Leicester.
May I have ur email?
I'm 72 and I wud like to sell it.
Sooo if the handwheel/ needle bar is seized up is that a bad sign? 🫠 I found one of the beauties but she’s in rough shape and I have a lot of work ahead of me