It’s funny how every time I find a “new” machine, I come back to your videos. I’m not sure how many times I have watched this one.🤓. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without your videos. As I’ve said many times before, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for all the fantastic information. I learned so much from you that I was able to restore my mother’s 1959 401A. It was completely locked up. I am so pleased to have it sewing beautifully again. My mother passed away when I was just 5 years old so this machine is precious to me. Thanks again.
I'm grateful to have had a part in your story. I love what you've done and know that a family machine is the best to own. Thanks for keeping that machine, and memory, alive. Take care, and thanks for sharing.
Andy, I am so happy that I found all your videos on repairing your own Singer sewing machines! They are very easy to follow because of your deliberation. Thanks so much!
I'm glad you found my channel, Terise. Thanks for owning and working on vintage machines. I am deliberate and slower in my videos as half of my viewers are ESL or do not understand English language and I want them to be able to follow along. Many people watch my videos at 1.5 or 2 times normal speed. It was very kind of you to comment. Take care.
Andy, my "Baxter's" tension has been a bit off. Thanks to your patient, detailed explanation - what initially appears to be a confusing set of 'pieces'...ends up being a methodical, understandable, workable replacement operation. We sewers appreciate you! Thank you sir!!! Danielle Simone
You're a quick study, Danielle! I had just started to answer your comment on Bobbie Jean to refer you to this video when this comment came thru showing you'd already found it. Thanks for the kind comment. By far, most of the complaints I hear are about tension. BTW, here is the full playlist of my 401A videos if you need help with those knobs or the cam stack; th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html Happy sewing, and thanks for watching my channel. P.S. I think of you all as sewists.
Andy, Thank you for your excellent videos. I bought a 404 at a Church "Trash and Treasure" sale for $5.00 and a 431G was given to me. When I got them I had no idea what treasures I had. Thanks to your videos I was able to make adjustments in the tension and in the bobbin case on both of them. I appreciate your taking the time to make the viewer completely understand the mechanisms. It's nice to know that when something goes wrong I can do a search and find one of your videos that will help me solve whatever problems come up with these amazing machines.
Oh, man! Who knew in this crazy year of 2020 you could be so lucky! Yes, a couple of treasures for sure. I'm glad if the videos helped you with the machines. You can do any and all repairs/adjustments required and keep them running for every. If the motor seems a little sluggish I'd like to share this newer method for speeding it up. I do this on every motor I work on now. th-cam.com/video/pzq4tv8qn94/w-d-xo.html Thanks for taking time to comment, Steve. See you next time.
@@andytubesewing1953 I ordered a Diamond D stick right away and just used it. I noticed right away the increase in the speed of the motor on my 404 but my 431G has a different type of motor and the commutator isn't as easily accessed and I didn't want to take the motor out. Thanks for the tip!
@@stevel9353I appreciate the confirmation that it helps. I'm not familiar with the 431G German slant needle models other than pictures. I just assumed they had the same PA motor. Thanks for sharing on my channel. Take Care.
@@stevel9353 I was able to find some pictures online. I see what you mean. There are no brush covers that give direct access to the area and the commutator, but looks like a two-part cover and you remove the lower half to get to the brushes and commutator. I think internally it would be very similar to the PA motor on your 404. Maybe someday you'll need to replace the brushes (20 years from now, haha) and you can take a look inside. Take care, Steve.
Andy Thanks for your excellent video on 401a tension.i took the tension mechanism apart on my wifes machine to clean it as it was loosing tension half way through a major sewing project and for the life of me could not figure out how to put it back together let alone adjust it correctly Thanks to your video it is now back together and working again I haven't told her about your video yet as I am still enjoying the fact that she thinks it's me that's the genius Thanks again Andy and greetings from Australia stay well
I absolutely LOVE your videos!! I have a 401A with a tension issue. I have not had the courage to tackle it yet. But after watching your video I feel like I can fix it. I also really enjoy your personal comments and all-knowing chuckle! You are my favorite repair person on TH-cam!!
Thank you! My machine had lost tension and I had no idea what to do. I watched your video and took apart the tensioner assembly cleaned and reassembled it following your video. It works now!
I'm glad you found my video. Bless your Mom and what a machine she picked. Slant-O-Matic 🏆 Here is a playlist of all my 401A videos if you are interested in the future th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html Happy sewing, Sonja
Your vid has been a life saver as the tension releasing pin from my Singer 224U dropped out when I serviced my machine and I couldn't figure out where was the original location. Now I know! Thank you Andy for your excellent teaching vid! 🙏
Wow, thanks for the kind words 🙏 I'm glad the video was so helpful. I've never seen a 224U in person, only videos, but it looks like such a powerful model. Happy sewing, Maggie, and take care.
You are most welcome Sir. Yes, Singer 224U was made, I believe, for the Asian market. It is equivalent to the Singer 223 (or 224) I think. Very silent and powerful machine with zig-zag fashion cams. The letter U indicates the manufacturing location which was Utsunomiya, Japan (in the 1950s, after WW2) 😃. Hope you will continue to impart your invaluable knowledge to many novices like me who lives in a part of the world with very little access to sewing machine experts like you.
Andy, your videos are such an invaluable resource for these vintage Singers. I have been able to tune up my 301, and recently acquired 401 with your detailed videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us all - you are a treasure! 🙏🏻
Well, your comments certainly made my evening. Thank you very much. I appreciate your interests and support of my channel and let me thank you for saving those machines while keeping them in service. Those are two incredible slant needle models and I know you love them already. Thanks again and take care!
You have saved my like fe with the set screw and pin explanation, nobody shows the internal workings. Thank you so much. bridesmaids dresses will be done on time!!
Thank you for your videos on the 401/403. I have two 401's that I got at D.I., one working and one labeled as a parts machine. I just stored them for years due to lack of time. I recently set out to convert my working 401 as a treadle/hand crank because I have several old Singers, including treadles and centennial models, but no zigzag treadles, so I made the adapter, and the 401 worked perfectly. Then I got to looking at the "parts machine" and discovered it was missing the bobbin cover, the red lever, the outer/brown zigzag knob, foot, but everything looked good and motor ran. I bought a foot and threaded up, but it would not sew a stitch. Thought it might be because of no red lever to control width, so I made one. It still would not sew a stitch. I fiddled around some more and decided it must be an alignment problem. That is when I discovered your videos. I followed your 401/403 timing video to the letter, and it now sews perfectly. It was WAY OFF. Someone had obviously monkeyed around, screwed up the needle depth and timing with the hook. I just finished your tension video so now I will go check that end of things out. Thank you for sharing your excellent knowledge!! I have since passed the info on to two friends who also have 401's.
Greetings, Wayne. I have to say I enjoyed your comment immensely. I bet the 401A makes a great treadle machine. It has some cousins in Germany, 401G, 411G, 431G, etc. that can be set up as treadle machines also, and viewers who have them tell me they work fabulously and they love having a treadle ZZ machine. Yes, for sure someone fooled around with that machine and got lost and decided it was now a "parts" machine; I've seen a few like that. It's great that you have rescued it. I'm glad you found my channel and the videos are helpful. I appreciate you sharing the info, too. How fortunate to have two Slant-O-Matics! Have looked at the serial numbers on the bottom near the nose end? Just wondering how close in age they are. If you ever find out their names I'd love to know them. Happy sewing, and take care in 2023.
Thank you so much! I didn't know why my knob was so tight. Then I found out that the stud came crooked when I got it (used). My husband had to use some force to bend it back relatively straight enough. Following your thorough video, I learned so much and was able to put everything back together. I will be testing the sewing this afternoon. Hopefully all the tension problems are eliminated. Appreciate your generous sharing! ❤
I hope you are sewing away on it by now, 7 hours later. It's a tough machine and you can still buy used parts on eBay, etc. for it. Happy sewing and good luck 👍
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you Andy for your response! I am sewing with the machine now! :) Unfortunately I still have trouble with my the tensions. I followed your steps to start from 0 tension. But for some reasons this is the only setting I can sew without crinkling up the fabric. Anything higher than 0 is too tight. I don't understand. Basically the discs are barely touching to each other, the tension of the thread is only coming from the guiding hooks. I learned from another person's TH-cam to adjust the bobbin tension with a "one ounce" force (tiding a bag of 1 oz beans), was hoping the thread tension would become the variable which could be easily resolved ... but no luck. Now I just set it to 0.5 tension. Lol. Oh, and I don't know what I did wrong, my tension knob turns by itself while sewing! It turns from 0.5 to below zero. Any clue? I need to get into zigzag stitches soon ... and which supposed to use even lower thread tension according to the manual. I wonder what I should do!! 😢 I would just like to say thanks again. You are so kind! 😊
@@wingwong888 It is late here now and I'll think of this tomorrow and find some testing for you to do, but it is a tension problem either the tension unit or how you threaded the upper threading or bobbin case. When you have a bent stud it is hard to get it back to normal function. You think the parts are reassembled OK but the thread is catching somewhere. Other possibilities. See you tomorrow.🙏
@@wingwong888 So, there are a few things that can cause the "crinkling" of the fabric while sewing. I start troubleshooting one part or area at a time to try to isolate the cause. In this case, I'd also start with the upper thread tension assembly that you reinstalled. If you look starting @46:00 in this video you see I test by adding more and more tension to the dial and can feel the thread getting harder and harder to pull until it actually breaks, then I test the other way by turning the dial for lower and lower tension and feel the thread getting easier and easier to pull. Please do that test and see the results. If you still want help please email andytube53@gmail.com b/c it is a better way to communicate this type of problem than in a comment section. You are welcome to give me the testing results, any pictures, and videos you want to show the problem.
Thank you Andy! I love your videos their very informative. I love working on old sewing machines and your have taught me everything. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your videos! I just got my 2nd 401a and the tension is messed up. I have always been scared to touch a tension. You have helped me see I can work on it!
Andy,thank you so much for this wonderful video! I was almost giving up in fixing my singer 875 . Your explanation was much appreciated!!! Thank you again... Singer instruction manual didn’t help me like you did!!!Have a good day!!!
I'm glad you found my video and thanks for fixing your machine and keeping it in service. It's nice of you to take time and comment on my channel. Take Care.
Thank you soooo much i have a 401A singer and my tension is a bit different but it worked and gave me a better understanding of my machine im grateful for your wisdom and also for the fact that you shared this knowledge in precise details
Hi Andy! Thanks for your very thorough video! My machine 401A was constantly breaking the upper thread. I have had some trouble with the tension on this machine (my grandma's machine that she gave me back in the 80's). I had it serviced several years ago for this reason but it never really worked well after that. Watching and learning on your video revealed the reason. Whomever (and he is no longer in business) serviced the machine replaced the tension assembly with one from the 201-2 model. I am trying to work out how I can adjust this to work on my machine, if possible.
It's too sad, Susan. Sounds like they took the parts for another customer. No one I know makes the parts you are asking about. When I have this situation I have to find a used tension unit for sale, like on eBay. They are in short supply right now due to everyone sewing masks on the old machines. When they come up for sale they usually sell within hours. I've had to set up notifications on eBay to notify me when a unit like that is available, that's how hard they can be to find. I've had a couple people tell me they bought this "universal" tension unit to be able to sew while waiting to buy a vintage unit. www.sewingpartsonline.com/tension-complete-singer-422403-455.aspx Please note that the seller states you may need to modify the tension pin by making it shorter. Sorry for this disappointing news, but here is a little bit of better news. Singer models 401A, 403A & 404 all use the same tension assembly, so if you do search for a used one be sure to search by the 403A and 404 models also. Not many people know that yet, although the word is getting out, and you maybe can spot a 403A or 404 unit for sale. Again sorry for the news, but I'm happy you found my video and at least know of a solution now. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Thanks for helping keep that machine and service. Ginger and I'm glad you found my videos that helped you. I appreciate you watching my channel. Happy sewing!
Ginger, I was thinking you may be interested in having the original Instruction Manual as I don't know that you got it with the machine. It is available for free download from the Singer SUpport page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=237
This is an *AMAZING* video, thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise!!! If I may, I have a different top thread path and tension assembly on my machine, a SeamMaster, model w-50. This machine I think came from a garage sale, and appears to be missing parts in the top tension assembly. Internet seems to indicate made by Simplicity. It has a brand label stating "US Patent Office", but I'm not 100% sure where it was made. On Internet, I found a picture of a Myer Victor machine that has the same threading path, and presumably a similar, if not the same, tension assembly. Unfortunately, information about Myer Victor is just as scarce as for SeamMaster. I do believe the Myer Victor machines were marketed in Australia, not US. This machine us very heavy, so I'm guessing all metal, so possibly 1940's...? It is a zigzag zag, and has the bobbin mounted underneath on the left side, if that matters. This machine doesn't have any drill ways or hole for thread guard, or check spring rest, so I'm not sure how those type of parts were mounted. I'm missing both springs, some type of keeper to keep the numerical ring from turning. I only have 2 disks, not three (why do you need 3, just curious). I have the plus/minus ring, and a knurled knob. Not sure what else might be missing. I would **LOVE** to have your expert advice, and I'd love to send you photos. I'm not sure how to send photos through TH-cam, might need to just use regular email. Thank you so much for reading all of this! I'm frustrated, I'd love to get sewing, it'd be so easy to just find another machine, but this one is a challenge, hahaha.
I only work on vintage Singer machines. I know nothing about the machines you mentioned. Even some old SInger models did not have thread guides. If there are three tension discs it means the machine is usually capable of sewing with double needles or a twin needle. Two threads between the three discs then thru two needles. If there are only two discs then it is a single-needle machine. Earlier models did not have a numerated dial on the tension unit. Some models have the check spring rest/stop built into the housing of the tension unit. Here is an example: th-cam.com/video/rioRhSbog6U/w-d-xo.html and another: th-cam.com/video/5B4KAwmKdEU/w-d-xo.html About your pictures; you have a youtube channel and you can post videos and slide shows on it any time you like. Some viewers save pictures in the cloud and give us a link to them so any viewers who are interested to help can see your pictures. If you post a link in the comments YT will block it but I can release it after approving it. That's about all I can say. Thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for lifting up my morning today with this great comment. Nice job and thank you for keeping that machine in service. That's terrific! Happy sewing ahead for you in this new year. 2024
Thank you so much!! I just bought one and I am so happy but some things doesn't work like it should, this video is precious!! I hope to find a video for the arm to backstitch, the handle has fallen
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you! M. Andy, I am so grateful for your videos, last night I repaired my throat plate and the stitch lever + the handwheel, I feel like a repair guy now haha Tomorrow I will get the motor out and clean under. I really think I should began old machines restorations, those are treasures! So well built. Thank you for sharing all this infos
@@Cass_772 I Knew it! You're a natural at this. I have several viewers who have started side gigs repairing them. Some buy the restore and sell, some give to charity, and some even have their own TH-cam channel about it now. The more the merrier I say. You know where I am if you get stuck on something. Have fun.
Congratulations on your "new" Slant-O-Matic 401A. Here is may playlist of 17 videos for model 401A. Some of the videos may help you get the machine in better condition. th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Great to hear! I'm glad you found my channel and thanks for keeping that beauty in service. I have other videos for the 401A Slant-O-Matic if you need them in the future. Cleaning, adjusting. Nice of you to comment and take care.
This is such a good tutorial, I especially appreciate the part on zeroing out the tension. You mentioned your wife’s sewing machines. Are they vintage Singers? I am going to guess she has a 403 and a 338.
Thank you for noticing the "Zero-out" tension part. I get between 300 to 500 comments/emails per month, and it is surprising how many are about tension. My wife's daily machine is Coco, the 301A I restored. She took that to replace the Palomino 301A she had for many years. Her other machine is a 403A (good guess) that she occasionally uses for buttonholes and blind-hemming. Bonnie Jean, the 338 I restored was given to my daughter upon completion. I had told her I would restore any vintage SInger she wanted and the 338 was it. Part of the reason was that teal/turquoise is a favorite color, haha. My young granddaughter may want a 337, she's not sure yet. I asked my grandson and he wants a motorcycle instead, hahaha.
Thanks again for your great videos my tension seems to be fine, I tried with two different gage of cotton threads and different stitches. When I lift my presser foot lever, the releasing lever doesn't seem to push me releasing tension pin. Nonetheless it does release tension on the threads to remove the fabric
Are you still working on your 411G? (It helps me know as I have many questions to answer per day) It's great that it works properly. If you are talking about your 411G then maybe the parts are slightly different. The Slant Needle machines made in Germany have a few different parts than the USA-made models. Sometimes there can be lint and dust built up on the parts that prevent full movement.
@@andytubesewing1953 I'm still working on my 411G and there is no lint built up behind the releasing pin (it happened on my 191B and my 306K). on the presseur foot level there is a little knob that lift the releasing lever which then press on the releasing pin. My problem is that the releasing level slides next to that little knob thus it doesn't lift correctly. I tried to unscrew and rescrew the scews on the foot lever and the releasing lever but it doesn't change. even with the screws tightened correctly there is some sideways movement on both pieces which probably induces the sliding of the releasing level.thanks so much for your help
@@fanchettegaillard4529 I'm not familiar with the parts of a 411G, but knowing how SInger made their tension systems it sounds like those parts are assembled wrong, or they are not the original parts. I'm glad it at least works for you and you're able to sew.
@@andytubesewing1953 well I've been working on my presser foot heigth and alignment and I must have wiggled the right parts because now the releasing lever is pushing the pin and thus releasing tension. so problem solved. thanks for your help and your videos
Thank you for your informative videos sir. They have been helpful. Unfortunately, I continue to have problems reassembling the tension unit on my Singer Merritt 4530. To make matters worse I am unable to find any information about my particular type of machine. Any help or direction as to where I might find information would be genuinely appreciated!
Sorry, I can't help you with this model. It's one of a handful of "Universal" 5, 6, 8 & 10 stitch models sold in several countries where they took the frame and parts and used them for a number of models. I've never seen one in person and tend to avoid this type of Singer b/c of all the plastic parts inside. Other than a universal instruction manual I've never been able to find a parts or service manual for any of them.
around 28:30 it is unclear how those disc go together. are all 3 the same? mine has two the same and one that loos like a flat washer. and mine DOES not have that nut looking thing with the set screw. i have pictures but don't know how to reach you . did the 401a come with different tension set ups?
There are different versions of tension assemblies between the 401A and the 403A, and they are interchangeable between models. You have an original 401A assembly. Your three discs are assembled by placing the flat disc in between the other two with the convex sides facing the flat disc. May I suggest you download a FREE copy of the original 401A Service Manual from Sewing Dude? It has some nice diagrams with instructions for removing and replacing your assembly, including the thumb nut with the pin, starting on page 148. You can download it at this link: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf Of course, like all the Singer Service Manuals, it has adjusting and part replacement instructions for almost every part of the machine. Thanks for asking, and for watching my channel.
@@daytonpyro I've heard the opinion that the one you have they had used before on another model. Maybe the 328k and they used all those up first. Well developing the later one with the three flat discs in the thumbnut with collar and set screw. But it's been a long time since these were made so who really knows?
I hope you are well!!!!! Question if you can, I have a 301 sews perfect forward however the reverse stitch is a mess. I have taken the tension unit apart more then once, if I drop it to 3 it works fine, should I just leave it or is there I fix?
"...reverse stitch is a mess" If you leave it at 3 does is sew nicely forward and backstitch? There is no rule about it must be set at a certain number. A 4 setting is about in the middle is why most of us use it. When you have it at 3 and change to zero does that release all tension on the needle thread? OK then. This video is for the tension unit on a 401A. Model 301A usually has a different tension unit that has small holes on the numerated dial forfine-tuningg the tension. I always felt it was the better unit myself. The instruction manual has info about tension and the tension unit on pages 20 to 24. If you do not have the manual here is a free download: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-slant-shank-301-sewing-machine-manual.pdf I also have many videos in two Playlist for model 301A. This Playlist in videos parts 5a to 5d show quite a bit about the tension unit: th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html Every machine is a little different, too, based on its use history, so a 3 setting on your machine may be the same as a 4 setting on mine. There are other things that can affect reverse stitching besides tension but you did not delve into what "a mess" means. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
@ thank you so much for responding! It sews perfect forward and reverse on 3, anything higher and the reverse has big loops on the front. It has the tension unit with the little holes lime you described. It worked fine on 5 a week ago. Idk what I did. The stitch regulator seems off as well. Meaning it does not stitch the length I put it at. Setting 8 makes a way smaller stitch and so on. I will look at all the videos you said and see if this is covered. Thank you so much!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
@@vickiecentoni440 Well, loops on top of fabric signal loss of bobbin thread tension or too much needle thread tension. Not sure why that would change by sewing in reverse. Maybe the Stroke of the Check Spring is off? As to the feed, yes I have a detailed video for it: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html The other 17 video Playlist I mentioned has videos for adjusting the Feed Dog itself (different from the feed regulator/stitch length) Adjusting the height, adjusting front to back in the needle plate slots and checking and adjusting the Feed Throw Out System th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html Yes, very happy thanksgiving for all. 😊
Most of the screws on vintage machines are of proprietary sizes, not common. Replacements usually must be found as used items on eBay or other auction sites from sellers who are partings out machines. A very few are made new in China if they have very high demand. Here are a couple of well-known sewing parts sellers who may offer new screws: www.sewingpartsonline.com/ and www.vintagesingerparts.com/ Thanks for watching my channel. Good Luck.
My Singer 401A would never click as I pulled the check spring up and I was having tension issues on knits and had tried every other issue, needle, thread, etc. So, I have completely cleaned and reinstalled my Tension assembly just as you showed us. It still will not click, so I assume my tension assy is not adjusting as I change the tension and since it is not clicking, I assume something is bad....maybe the spring or the bar running inside the assy. Everything looked good after cleaning it up. What needs replacing?
Hi, Kathy. Your assumption about the clicking may be wrong. The click is simply the check spring/take-up spring coming back down to rest on the "stop" (little point thing it rests on) after lifting it with the thread. It might just be how you handle the thread that you're not getting the click. Let's go back to what started your journey here; "tension issues on knits". A few possible reasons for that. You caught me at the right time tonight. I have about 1 hour before I need to leave for an appointment. If you'd like to email me and describe the tension issue more clearly and what is happening I can try to work with you. andymanuals53@gmail.com
So sorry I didn't see your reply until now. I was assuming it was an issue with the assy since I did not get the click and I had tried everything else. With jersey, knit, spandex, etc I was getting skipped stitches or none at all, but on thicker material like cotton, it sewed great. It did not matter how I adjusted the tension, so I assumed it must be the tension assy out of whack. Background: I found this machine in a junk shop for $40. I had looked everywhere for a 401A. This was the machine I learned to sew on as a kid and I wanted the same machine. It was filthy and did not work. I ordered missing parts, cleaned it inside and out. Oiled it, etc and it was still sluggish and almost locked up. I let it sit for a year and I just pulled it back out last week and it works. It wasn't great, but more freed up. I kept cleaning and working and it is running really well. Then, I started smelling something hot and it was the pedal. So, I just rebuilt the foot pedal and found 6 of the carbon disks shattered. I cleaned and put it back together and it works, but I went ahead and ordered a new one without the carbon disks while I could get one. The hot smell concerned me. I have another issue besides skipped stitches...the thread sometimes frays from the needle up to the tension assy and breaking occasionally. Maybe this is related. Or maybe I have a burr somewhere? If I can get this tension issue and the thread fraying fixed, this may be the last issues and I'll have this battle won on my 401A. Note: the thread fraying and skipped stitches only happens on jersey, knit, etc. Any ideas and help are so appreciated. Thankyou. I wish I had found your videos last year. That would have helped me so much. You are awesome. So easy to understand and follow. Thanks again.
@@kathyharris1755 If the thread frays only on knit I'd say it is not a burr on the take-up lever or the thread guides, otherwise it would fray all the time? The 401 and 500 class machines have a know problem sewing knits, especially double-knit fabrics. Singer found a solution by adjusting the hook closer to the needle... very close like barely touching. The adjustment is in the Service Manual and Bill Holman wrote a paper about how he and other repairmen would make the adjustment. I can share those documents if you email me at the address I listed in the previous reply. Also, sometimes, but not always, threading the needle a slightly;y different way can fix the skipping without making the involved hook adjustment. YOu run the thread behind, not through, one of the thread guides. I demonstrate that method starting at 9:05 in this video: th-cam.com/video/m79nr_DHRwQ/w-d-xo.html If you want the documents tonite I suggest you email in the next 7 minutes as I am leaving. You can watch and try the threading method before attempting any adjustments,
Hi, Andy! I have a question 🤔 What is it that makes the pin come back out? Mine is going into the stud as if to release the tension, but it is not coming back to its "start position " so to speak. Mine is staying in the stud upon raising the presser foot lever to release the tension. The pin will not pop back out to its original position behind the stud on the inside of the machine. If that makes any sense. 🤯 I also have a 329K, similar set up to thr 327.
I saw your comment where we were talking about this on the 327K tension video th-cam.com/video/d4k2wlDFsj0/w-d-xo.html and I answered your question there.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you! I figured it out and she is working great! I had the dial on backwards and also didn't have her threaded correctly. So far so good! I'm going to check this video out for future reference. Thank you again, Andy! 🙌😁🤗
Wonder if you could help me? I have a Singer 401G -similar but slightly different to this machine. The tension unit seems to be identical to this but ... I put a new tension spring on it a little while ago (I managed to snap the old one) and ever since I have kept having problems with the top thread randomly sticking in the tensioner. I have taken it apart again following this and your other video to see if I can improve things. (I now suspect it might be due to the replacement spring being slightly different -but I no longer have the original one to check). However the tension stud does seem slightly bent, but my main concern is that I can't remove it from the machine. I have completely removed the screw at the side, it rotates freely but I just can't get it to pull out. Not sure if it is because the 401G is a slightly different design or if it got bashed at some point which has wedged it in there. And I can't decide if I need to force it out or not bother - the inside pin does move. Any advice appreciated
First I'll say I've never even seen a 401G let alone worked on one. I've never been able to find any Parts Lists for the German-made Singer machines. In pictures, the 401G & 401A Tension Assemblies do look the same. The 401A check spring part number is 66774: www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/upper-thread-tension-take-up-check-spring-part-66774 Are you sure you need to remove the Tension Stud? Is it just the slotted ends that are bent? I've repaired a few of those on and off the machine if they were not too bad: th-cam.com/video/IqoXtj-4tFQ/w-d-xo.html I have had a couple of tension studs act like yours where I could twist but not pull. I eventually got them out by twisting and pulling at the same time. I believe the cause was the mounting screw had been over-tightened and left a "spur" pushing up from the screw indentation on the stud. That somehow blocked the stud from pulling out. Once I did get them out I was able to file the spur off with an ememory board and the stud was easy to install/remove. The tolerance of the hole to stud diameter is very close for sure. You can also go inside the nose and remove the Tension Releasing Pin Lever and use a brass flat punch to tap on the back end of the stud, but you must be very careful. That way is a lot of work so I tried just the twist/pull method and it worked. You don't mention where the needle thread is getting stuck on the tension system. If the assembly has 3 tension discs as in the 401A, try threading between the 2 discs closest to the front. That can make a small difference if the spring is a tiny bit long. BTW, I've never heard of the tension spring getting "snapped" so congratulations on that adventure!
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much for your reply and help. I'm in the UK so I believe the German machines are more common here. I have given up trying to get the tension stud out - I have tried pulling and twisting etc but it isn't for moving - I think it well could be the mounting screw being over tightened as that was difficult to get it out...if I ever need to take the tension release lifting etc mechanism out of the nose I might try to get it out from the back then but for now as long as just trying to straighten it works I think better not to potentially create more problems. Snapping the spring - a real fluke accident, all really fast and not sure exactly how it happened. I was sewing a large and heavy canvas material with strong thread, accidentally hadn't cut one of the threads properly. I was stood up and a bit away from the machine as I pulled the material out I nearly pulled the machine off the table .. I grabbed at the machine, caught it , dropped it and grabbed again - luckily saving it. - all the while still holding the canvas... I didn't realise the spring had snapped until I went to change the thread...and honestly I was thankful that was the worse thing that had happened, it could have been so much worse. Especially as it was my Grandma's machine, she'd looked after it all those years and I'd only had a year or so .... Thank you again for your help - and your videos - I have only just discovered them but know they will be really useful for me going forward, helping keeping my 401 going - hopefully to pass onto my future grandchildren.
@@whydontyougetlost I'm glad you saved the machine. Your heart must have been pounding, Whew! I was able to find my link to a free service manual sewingdude.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/singer-401-service-manual/ I have many viewers in the EU and some have told me the 401A Service Manual helped them with their 401, 404, 411, 413, and 431 German Slant machines. Nice to hear from you, and good luck.
Andy, I've been trying to trouble shoot the problem with my Singer 401A which I inherited from my Mom 15 years ago. This is the first time I've had any issues. The machine just stopped stitching from one day to the next. After watching a number of your videos it seems to me I should replace the Tension Unit and the Finger and Hook. Do you agree?
Since you only said "stopped stitching" I would advise against changing out any parts yet. Especially when it happened from one day to the next. The hook on a 401A is very strong and it is rare to have to replace it. Maybe polish out a burr from a needle strike, but not replace it. The tension unit is all metal and seldom wears out to the point of causing a machine to stop making lock stitches. It could definitely need a good cleaning/de-linting. The needle bar could have been forced up and that would cause a loss of timing. To be honest, when something changes that drastically from one day to the next I've found it is often user error. It could be you wound a bobbin that is the wrong type, like a class 15 (flat sides) vs a class 66 (curved sides). You missed something along the needle threading path or the needle thread did not go between two of the tension discs. Lint can foul the tension discs from coming together to provide tension. The needle was installed wrong, the thread to big for the needle, the needle was not installed 100% up into the needle clamp. Just to name some of the possibilities. A better description of exactly what is happening, or better yet pictures or video posted to your TH-cam Channel or the cloud that we could see may help us diagnose better. There are other things I could suggest, but not knowing how the problem is presenting makes me hesitate and send you down a rabbit hole. Please be cautious about replacing parts at this time.
@@andytubesewing1953 I am 100% with you when you say user error. Also, happy you said don't replace parts, this machine has been a true workhorse for 65 years with no issues. I thought I threw out all the bobbins that didn't work but I will check. I did change the needle right away and cleaned out all the lint (I think) , plus oiled the machine. I used to use it on a weekly basis but now months go by between uses. I'm going to try everything you suggested and get back to you with a video if none of what you suggested works for me. I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly!
Hi I have a 401a which I've been using for past year just fine. The the other day while I was sewing it stopped stitching....the thread from top just lays on fabric and bottom pulls loops through fabric. I've messed with tension going up and down.. nothing is helping. What do I do?
Well, it is obviously a tension imbalance. If the top (needle) thread is flat that means there is more tension on it than the bobbin thread. What did you do just before this happened? Had you put in a new bobbin of thread? Your top tension may be fine and you may have lost bobbin thread tension on the bobbin case. It has a tension spring also (on the side) that you pull the bobbin thread thru. Have you looked at the bobbin case and hook/feed dog area? Have you cleaned out all the lint there? Does whatever you are sewing create a lot of lint or fuzz? Lint/debris can get pulled beneath the bobbin case tension spring. It can pile up thicker than your thread. Then the bobbin case spring can't push on the bobbin thread to create tension. No bobbin thread tension means the needle thread tension will be stronger and pull the bobbin thread up thru the fabric no matter the upper tension setting. Rarely the tension spring adjustment screw can vibrate loose or even pop out of the bobbin case creating a zero tension situation. It's easy to test your upper tension. Remove the needle thread back to the spool and rethread it up to but NOT THROUGH the eye of the needle. Lower the presser foot, set the tension dial at 4, and just pull on the thread anywhere after the tension unit, maybe near the take-up lever. You should have some tension on the thread but be able to pull it off the spool. While pulling the thread then start turning up the tension dial, like 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 and you should feel more and more tension on the thread. When you find that is OK then you need to look closely at the bobbin case. This video shows how to clean/adjust the bobbin case style you have on your 401A: th-cam.com/video/HT5XZ5eYYEQ/w-d-xo.html Good luck, Jacquelyn, and thanks for watching my channel.
@@jacquelynconant3926 Thank you. So just normal sewing so no wonder you are puzzled. It has to be tension, so you can watch this video about how to zero out and just test that without changing anything to see if it is functional. If so, then check the bobbin case video. Sometimes I have just pulled the bobbin case and fished a piece of dental floss (non-waxed) under the tension spring and flossed out a bunch of lint. It's all I can think of for now. Good Luck.
@@jacquelynconant3926 You must have missed my entire comment. In the end, I linked to a video for cleaning and repairing the bobbin case. Here is the link again th-cam.com/video/HT5XZ5eYYEQ/w-d-xo.html
I have a picture, too. That tension assembly is very similar to most Singer assemblies except the numerated dial appears to be a "push on-pull off" dial and not screwed down with a set screw. The part number is 442403-455 is was used on many models. You can buy a new one for $6 direct from the seller in China with free shipping: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tension+Set+%23422403-455+&_sacat=0 HERE IS A SLIDESHOW OF THE PARTS DIAGRAM YOU CAN PAUSE AND READ IF NEEDED: th-cam.com/video/fTq8rb5ofTM/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching my channel.
Hi Andy Thank you for the answer. Do you think that the replacement from China will fit into part 24? And can I also replace that? I think mine is a little bit bent. Part 24.
@@ninariislundstrm1726 I doubt you can exchange parts between the old & new. I would not count on that. The new ones are made to replace the old ones by removing the set screw and pulling out the old unit then inserting the new unit and installing the screw. A complete swap out.
Buenas noches. Para sustituir la tensión de la máquina singer stylist 416, le quedará la que venden para la máquina singer facilita? O cómo la puedo comprar en México? Gracias por responder.
Me es imposible saber dónde se puede comprar un reemplazo en México. Otros espectadores me han dicho que compran la unidad de tensión de reemplazo en las tiendas de México, pero es un país grande. Puede pedir uno directamente desde China, donde se fabrican. El envío es gratuito pero muy lento. Aquí hay un ejemplo: www.ebay.com/itm/265166415126?hash=item3dbd266516:g:lfkAAOSw3H1dz6Im creo que podrías comprar esto en México. Si te falta la tensión, esa debería funcionar para ti. Si tiene la tensión pero cree que está rota o no funciona correctamente, mire mi video sobre cómo reparar la tensión en su máquina. Usted o un amigo pueden arreglar el que tiene: th-cam.com/video/PSCY72bJ3x8/w-d-xo.html Gracias por ver mi canal y buena suerte.
Only Singer machines on my channel, sorry. I found Remington model 142-B manuals but not Dressmaker. www.etsy.com/listing/456442948/vintage-remington-super-deluxe-142-b Good luck.
En el minuto 18.39 metio un tornillo con engranes. Como se llama? A mi maquina se le quebraron unos engranes. Lo puedo pedir por Internet? O que puedo hacer, contesteme por favor. Gracias
Se llama perno de tensión. Depende del número de modelo de su máquina. Si una máquina antigua como en el video busca una usada, tal vez en eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+tension+stud&_sacat = 0 Es posible que un montante de un modelo no funcione en un modelo diferente. Algunos modelos tienen engranajes de plástico en el perno que se pueden reemplazar: www.sewingpartsonline.com/search.html?sort.relevance=desc&keywords=singer%20tension%20stud&index=1 Si su equipo es de plástico, a veces también puede repararlo con pegamento, como superpegamento. Ese engranaje es solo para sostener el "extremo trasero" del resorte de retención para que no gire ni gire alrededor del perno. El semental en el video es Singer Número de pieza 140178.
Veo que mi maquina es igualita a la suya,voy a buscar en internet o bien repararla con pegamento. Como usted me sugiere ,pues si es de plastico el engranage. Muy agradecida por su pronta respuesta ya me suscribi a su canal, me parecen muy interesantes sus tutoriales ,aunque no se ingles , un poco solamente. Muchas gracias por su atención. Un saludo
@@petrasaucedo2224 Si su unidad de tensión es como la mía en el video, entonces el perno / engranaje debe ser de metal (aluminio). No sé si podría pegarse. Nadie fabrica tachuelas metálicas nuevas, por lo que debemos comprar las usadas. Ningún vendedor venderá solo el perno, solo el ensamblaje completo y son costosos: www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-401-403-Sewing-Machine-Thread-Tension-Assembly/265103641313?hash=item3db9688ae1 : g: qaYAAOSwgX5gX7Mi Por eso, siempre es mejor probar y usar lo que tienes o reparar el que tienes. Gracias por ver mi canal. Si usa subtítulos CC en mis videos, puede cambiar el idioma a español u otros idiomas. Buena suerte.
Thank you for posting this! I need the screw for the thread tension. Do you know where I can purchase it or an assembly? I’ve searched the internet and haven’t been able to find one.
The tension unit has two screws. A set screw for the tension post, and a tiny set screw for the knurled thumb knob. I've never seen just the screw for sale by itself, but only the whole assembly. With the increased demand from the pandemic, they are hard to find. They do show up on eBay when a seller parts out a machine, but the tension sells within a few hours. www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Sewing-Machine-Models-403A-404A-Choose-Your-Parts-Free-Ship-Over-25/163785629050?hash=item2622625d7a:g:RHEAAOSwhCJdNEYp BTW, Models 403A & 404 use the same tension unit.
Thank you. It is the tiny one for the thumb knob. I would be willing to buy the whole assembly and keep it for parts. I’ll keep an eye out. It isn’t my only machine so the sewing will go on!
@@AspenGlow2024 Welcome. Here's a little trivia. That screw's official name is "Tension Indicator Flange Adaptor Thumb Nut Cap Set Screw". Whew! The part no. is 906ALZJ. Most call it part 906. A=Hardened, Polished, Nickel Plated, and Buffed. L=Brass Platted. ZJ=Nickel and Chromium Plated. That's quite a mouthful for such a tiny screw. Hope you find it someday. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 thank you! I love your channel. I always learn so much and it has given me the confidence to tackle some of the projects. However next time the cats will be in a separate room. One of them laid down by where I was working, sniffed the screw and licked it and down it went. Do you know if that little screw from a 66 would fit the 401a? I saw just the screw on eBay.
@@AspenGlow2024 Oh! Hope it did not screw-up your cat! 🤣 There are different versions of model 66. I have some of their parts lists. None of them show that little screw on the tension assembly.
@@andytubesewing1953 thanks it is very close to the 401G I will try to find a way to repair it or I ll have to buy a new one. I was feeling it could break but pushed it to far. Thanks for your help 😁
Mire parte de este video a partir de las 3:30. Le mostrará cómo activar subtítulos o subtítulos en español, o cualquier otro idioma que elija. th-cam.com/video/KTqoB38cuFY/w-d-xo.html
It’s funny how every time I find a “new” machine, I come back to your videos. I’m not sure how many times I have watched this one.🤓. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without your videos. As I’ve said many times before, thank you for sharing.
@@rhondamercado7527 I'm very happy that you find my videos helpful it's true justification for the efforts and time that I made thank you very much
I agree 100%. I keep watching these videos over and over and every once in a while I find one that I haven't seen before.
Thank you so much for all the fantastic information. I learned so much from you that I was able to restore my mother’s 1959 401A. It was completely locked up. I am so pleased to have it sewing beautifully again. My mother passed away when I was just 5 years old so this machine is precious to me. Thanks again.
I'm grateful to have had a part in your story. I love what you've done and know that a family machine is the best to own. Thanks for keeping that machine, and memory, alive. Take care, and thanks for sharing.
Andy, I am so happy that I found all your videos on repairing your own Singer sewing machines! They are very easy to follow because of your deliberation. Thanks so much!
I'm glad you found my channel, Terise. Thanks for owning and working on vintage machines. I am deliberate and slower in my videos as half of my viewers are ESL or do not understand English language and I want them to be able to follow along. Many people watch my videos at 1.5 or 2 times normal speed. It was very kind of you to comment. Take care.
Andy, my "Baxter's" tension has been a bit off. Thanks to your patient, detailed explanation - what initially appears to be a confusing set of 'pieces'...ends up being a methodical, understandable, workable replacement operation. We sewers appreciate you! Thank you sir!!! Danielle Simone
You're a quick study, Danielle! I had just started to answer your comment on Bobbie Jean to refer you to this video when this comment came thru showing you'd already found it. Thanks for the kind comment. By far, most of the complaints I hear are about tension. BTW, here is the full playlist of my 401A videos if you need help with those knobs or the cam stack; th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html Happy sewing, and thanks for watching my channel. P.S. I think of you all as sewists.
I've had my tensioner completely wrong this whole time. This is the best video I've seen. Now it all works as it should
I'm glad you found my video then and I appreciate the nice comment. Happy sewing!
Thanks in behalf of people that is still learning english, the clear tone and words help a Lot.
Agradezco tu comentario, David. Gracias por ver mi canal 🙏 y buena suerte.
Andy, Thank you for your excellent videos. I bought a 404 at a Church "Trash and Treasure" sale for $5.00 and a 431G was given to me. When I got them I had no idea what treasures I had. Thanks to your videos I was able to make adjustments in the tension and in the bobbin case on both of them. I appreciate your taking the time to make the viewer completely understand the mechanisms. It's nice to know that when something goes wrong I can do a search and find one of your videos that will help me solve whatever problems come up with these amazing machines.
Oh, man! Who knew in this crazy year of 2020 you could be so lucky! Yes, a couple of treasures for sure. I'm glad if the videos helped you with the machines. You can do any and all repairs/adjustments required and keep them running for every. If the motor seems a little sluggish I'd like to share this newer method for speeding it up. I do this on every motor I work on now. th-cam.com/video/pzq4tv8qn94/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for taking time to comment, Steve. See you next time.
@@andytubesewing1953 I ordered a Diamond D stick right away and just used it. I noticed right away the increase in the speed of the motor on my 404 but my 431G has a different type of motor and the commutator isn't as easily accessed and I didn't want to take the motor out. Thanks for the tip!
@@stevel9353I appreciate the confirmation that it helps. I'm not familiar with the 431G German slant needle models other than pictures. I just assumed they had the same PA motor. Thanks for sharing on my channel. Take Care.
@@andytubesewing1953 I took a picture of the motor but I'm not given an option to upload it. The markings show:
PAB8-
110/120 V
Made in France
@@stevel9353 I was able to find some pictures online. I see what you mean. There are no brush covers that give direct access to the area and the commutator, but looks like a two-part cover and you remove the lower half to get to the brushes and commutator.
I think internally it would be very similar to the PA motor on your 404. Maybe someday you'll need to replace the brushes (20 years from now, haha) and you can take a look inside. Take care, Steve.
Andy
Thanks for your excellent video on 401a tension.i took the tension mechanism apart on my wifes machine to clean it as it was loosing tension half way through a major sewing project and for the life of me could not figure out how to put it back together let alone adjust it correctly
Thanks to your video it is now back together and working again
I haven't told her about your video yet as I am still enjoying the fact that she thinks it's me that's the genius
Thanks again Andy and greetings from Australia stay well
Hi, John. I'm glad you found the video. No need to tell her about it. It can be our small secret. 😀 Your comment made my morning. Take care.
I absolutely LOVE your videos!! I have a 401A with a tension issue. I have not had the courage to tackle it yet. But after watching your video I feel like I can fix it. I also really enjoy your personal comments and all-knowing chuckle! You are my favorite repair person on TH-cam!!
You can fix it, for sure. I'm here if you get stuck. It's very rewarding to work on your own machine. Thanks for the nice comment and good luck.
Thank you! My machine had lost tension and I had no idea what to do. I watched your video and took apart the tensioner assembly cleaned and reassembled it following your video. It works now!
Hey, nicely done. It's rewarding to do it yourself I bet. I'm glad you found the video and thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy sewing.
Oh my gosh thank you. Working on my moms old machine, She sewed all our clothes on this machine. I love that I can do it too!
I'm glad you found my video. Bless your Mom and what a machine she picked. Slant-O-Matic 🏆 Here is a playlist of all my 401A videos if you are interested in the future th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html
Happy sewing, Sonja
Very well explained, just bought 401G and hope use it after full service it.
Thanks. Congratulations on your "new" machine. Hope it all works out well for you.
Your vid has been a life saver as the tension releasing pin from my Singer 224U dropped out when I serviced my machine and I couldn't figure out where was the original location. Now I know! Thank you Andy for your excellent teaching vid! 🙏
Wow, thanks for the kind words 🙏 I'm glad the video was so helpful. I've never seen a 224U in person, only videos, but it looks like such a powerful model. Happy sewing, Maggie, and take care.
You are most welcome Sir. Yes, Singer 224U was made, I believe, for the Asian market. It is equivalent to the Singer 223 (or 224) I think. Very silent and powerful machine with zig-zag fashion cams. The letter U indicates the manufacturing location which was Utsunomiya, Japan (in the 1950s, after WW2) 😃. Hope you will continue to impart your invaluable knowledge to many novices like me who lives in a part of the world with very little access to sewing machine experts like you.
@@maggien9421 Thanks for the bit of history. I do hope to continue with my channel. Thanks for watching.
Andy, your videos are such an invaluable resource for these vintage Singers. I have been able to tune up my 301, and recently acquired 401 with your detailed videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us all - you are a treasure! 🙏🏻
Well, your comments certainly made my evening. Thank you very much. I appreciate your interests and support of my channel and let me thank you for saving those machines while keeping them in service. Those are two incredible slant needle models and I know you love them already. Thanks again and take care!
You have saved my like fe with the set screw and pin explanation, nobody shows the internal workings. Thank you so much. bridesmaids dresses will be done on time!!
I'm glad you found my video. It's very kind you took the time to recognize my work, and congrats to the happy couple. Good Luck.
Thank you for explaining this you are very easy to understand . I just got a machine that needs a lot of work and have been watching your videos
Thank you for the nice comment, I'm glad you found my channel. Good luck with your restoration work
Couldn't wish for a better explanation. Got the cleaned tension unit of my 431G back in and it regulates perfectly. Thanks!
Appreciate your comment, thank you.
Andy thank you for the great info on the 99k eltlon.
You are welcome, Darlene. Thanks for keeping the machine in service.
Thank you for your videos on the 401/403. I have two 401's that I got at D.I., one working and one labeled as a parts machine. I just stored them for years due to lack of time. I recently set out to convert my working 401 as a treadle/hand crank because I have several old Singers, including treadles and centennial models, but no zigzag treadles, so I made the adapter, and the 401 worked perfectly. Then I got to looking at the "parts machine" and discovered it was missing the bobbin cover, the red lever, the outer/brown zigzag knob, foot, but everything looked good and motor ran. I bought a foot and threaded up, but it would not sew a stitch. Thought it might be because of no red lever to control width, so I made one. It still would not sew a stitch. I fiddled around some more and decided it must be an alignment problem. That is when I discovered your videos. I followed your 401/403 timing video to the letter, and it now sews perfectly. It was WAY OFF. Someone had obviously monkeyed around, screwed up the needle depth and timing with the hook. I just finished your tension video so now I will go check that end of things out. Thank you for sharing your excellent knowledge!! I have since passed the info on to two friends who also have 401's.
Greetings, Wayne. I have to say I enjoyed your comment immensely. I bet the 401A makes a great treadle machine. It has some cousins in Germany, 401G, 411G, 431G, etc. that can be set up as treadle machines also, and viewers who have them tell me they work fabulously and they love having a treadle ZZ machine. Yes, for sure someone fooled around with that machine and got lost and decided it was now a "parts" machine; I've seen a few like that. It's great that you have rescued it. I'm glad you found my channel and the videos are helpful. I appreciate you sharing the info, too. How fortunate to have two Slant-O-Matics! Have looked at the serial numbers on the bottom near the nose end? Just wondering how close in age they are. If you ever find out their names I'd love to know them. Happy sewing, and take care in 2023.
Thank you so much! I didn't know why my knob was so tight. Then I found out that the stud came crooked when I got it (used). My husband had to use some force to bend it back relatively straight enough. Following your thorough video, I learned so much and was able to put everything back together. I will be testing the sewing this afternoon. Hopefully all the tension problems are eliminated. Appreciate your generous sharing! ❤
I hope you are sewing away on it by now, 7 hours later. It's a tough machine and you can still buy used parts on eBay, etc. for it.
Happy sewing and good luck 👍
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you Andy for your response! I am sewing with the machine now! :) Unfortunately I still have trouble with my the tensions. I followed your steps to start from 0 tension. But for some reasons this is the only setting I can sew without crinkling up the fabric. Anything higher than 0 is too tight. I don't understand. Basically the discs are barely touching to each other, the tension of the thread is only coming from the guiding hooks. I learned from another person's TH-cam to adjust the bobbin tension with a "one ounce" force (tiding a bag of 1 oz beans), was hoping the thread tension would become the variable which could be easily resolved ... but no luck. Now I just set it to 0.5 tension. Lol. Oh, and I don't know what I did wrong, my tension knob turns by itself while sewing! It turns from 0.5 to below zero. Any clue? I need to get into zigzag stitches soon ... and which supposed to use even lower thread tension according to the manual. I wonder what I should do!! 😢 I would just like to say thanks again. You are so kind! 😊
@@wingwong888 It is late here now and I'll think of this tomorrow and find some testing for you to do, but it is a tension problem either the tension unit or how you threaded the upper threading or bobbin case. When you have a bent stud it is hard to get it back to normal function. You think the parts are reassembled OK but the thread is catching somewhere. Other possibilities. See you tomorrow.🙏
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks you Andy. I didn't expect that you'd replied me so soon. Of course, please have a good rest. Have a great night. 🙏🙏🙏
@@wingwong888 So, there are a few things that can cause the "crinkling" of the fabric while sewing. I start troubleshooting one part or area at a time to try to isolate the cause. In this case, I'd also start with the upper thread tension assembly that you reinstalled. If you look starting @46:00 in this video you see I test by adding more and more tension to the dial and can feel the thread getting harder and harder to pull until it actually breaks, then I test the other way by turning the dial for lower and lower tension and feel the thread getting easier and easier to pull. Please do that test and see the results. If you still want help please email andytube53@gmail.com b/c it is a better way to communicate this type of problem than in a comment section. You are welcome to give me the testing results, any pictures, and videos you want to show the problem.
Excellent video I took mine apart and forgot how to put back together After watching this video I am up and running again Thanks so much
Nicely done. I'm glad you found the video. Happy sewing.
Thank you Andy!
I love your videos their very informative. I love working on old sewing machines and your have taught me everything. Thank you so much.
thank you for your kind comment. I'm happy at the thought of you working on the machines and my videos contribute to that. Take care.
Hey Andy well I decided to clean and reset the tension turned out great, thanks to you . Cheers Tricia Hope you are doing well.
Nicely done, Tricia. Now you know you can check, clean, reset it whenever needed. Thanks for repairing your own machine.
Thank you for your videos! I just got my 2nd 401a and the tension is messed up. I have always been scared to touch a tension. You have helped me see I can work on it!
You surely can work on and fix you tension, Colleen. You'll be a tension Boss before you know it. 🏆 Best of luck, and thanks for the comment.
very nice ,take care your health dear uncle...
Thank you for your kind comment 🙏
Andy, thank you for all you have shared with all us. I wish you the very best with the issues you are facing.
Andy,thank you so much for this wonderful video! I was almost giving up in fixing my singer 875 . Your explanation was much appreciated!!! Thank you again... Singer instruction manual didn’t help me like you did!!!Have a good day!!!
I'm glad you found my video and thanks for fixing your machine and keeping it in service. It's nice of you to take time and comment on my channel. Take Care.
Thank you soooo much i have a 401A singer and my tension is a bit different but it worked and gave me a better understanding of my machine im grateful for your wisdom and also for the fact that you shared this knowledge in precise details
I'm glad the video was helpful, Nickolas. Thanks for keeping your machine in service.
Wow, that's the best most complete tension video. Thanks.
It is kind of you to say so ✨ Thanks for taking time to watch and comment on my channel.
Thank you again for helping me out of my problem with the tension assembly on my "new" 401. So helpful. Thanks so much.
Welcome and happy sewing.
Hi Andy! Thanks for your very thorough video! My machine 401A was constantly breaking the upper thread. I have had some trouble with the tension on this machine (my grandma's machine that she gave me back in the 80's). I had it serviced several years ago for this reason but it never really worked well after that. Watching and learning on your video revealed the reason. Whomever (and he is no longer in business) serviced the machine replaced the tension assembly with one from the 201-2 model. I am trying to work out how I can adjust this to work on my machine, if possible.
It's too sad, Susan. Sounds like they took the parts for another customer. No one I know makes the parts you are asking about. When I have this situation I have to find a used tension unit for sale, like on eBay. They are in short supply right now due to everyone sewing masks on the old machines. When they come up for sale they usually sell within hours. I've had to set up notifications on eBay to notify me when a unit like that is available, that's how hard they can be to find. I've had a couple people tell me they bought this "universal" tension unit to be able to sew while waiting to buy a vintage unit. www.sewingpartsonline.com/tension-complete-singer-422403-455.aspx Please note that the seller states you may need to modify the tension pin by making it shorter.
Sorry for this disappointing news, but here is a little bit of better news. Singer models 401A, 403A & 404 all use the same tension assembly, so if you do search for a used one be sure to search by the 403A and 404 models also. Not many people know that yet, although the word is getting out, and you maybe can spot a 403A or 404 unit for sale. Again sorry for the news, but I'm happy you found my video and at least know of a solution now. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks again!
@@susanbrizek1692 Very welcome, Susan. Hoping the best for you.
Thank you for your excellent teaching! You helped me to repair a Singer 237 that I bought. I appreciate your videos!
Thanks for helping keep that machine and service. Ginger and I'm glad you found my videos that helped you. I appreciate you watching my channel. Happy sewing!
Ginger, I was thinking you may be interested in having the original Instruction Manual as I don't know that you got it with the machine. It is available for free download from the Singer SUpport page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=237
This is an *AMAZING* video, thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise!!! If I may, I have a different top thread path and tension assembly on my machine, a SeamMaster, model w-50. This machine I think came from a garage sale, and appears to be missing parts in the top tension assembly.
Internet seems to indicate made by Simplicity. It has a brand label stating "US Patent Office", but I'm not 100% sure where it was made. On Internet, I found a picture of a Myer Victor machine that has the same threading path, and presumably a similar, if not the same, tension assembly. Unfortunately, information about Myer Victor is just as scarce as for SeamMaster. I do believe the Myer Victor machines were marketed in Australia, not US. This machine us very heavy, so I'm guessing all metal, so possibly 1940's...? It is a zigzag zag, and has the bobbin mounted underneath on the left side, if that matters.
This machine doesn't have any drill ways or hole for thread guard, or check spring rest, so I'm not sure how those type of parts were mounted. I'm missing both springs, some type of keeper to keep the numerical ring from turning. I only have 2 disks, not three (why do you need 3, just curious). I have the plus/minus ring, and a knurled knob. Not sure what else might be missing. I would **LOVE** to have your expert advice, and I'd love to send you photos. I'm not sure how to send photos through TH-cam, might need to just use regular email.
Thank you so much for reading all of this! I'm frustrated, I'd love to get sewing, it'd be so easy to just find another machine, but this one is a challenge, hahaha.
I only work on vintage Singer machines. I know nothing about the machines you mentioned. Even some old SInger models did not have thread guides. If there are three tension discs it means the machine is usually capable of sewing with double needles or a twin needle. Two threads between the three discs then thru two needles. If there are only two discs then it is a single-needle machine. Earlier models did not have a numerated dial on the tension unit. Some models have the check spring rest/stop built into the housing of the tension unit. Here is an example: th-cam.com/video/rioRhSbog6U/w-d-xo.html and another: th-cam.com/video/5B4KAwmKdEU/w-d-xo.html About your pictures; you have a youtube channel and you can post videos and slide shows on it any time you like. Some viewers save pictures in the cloud and give us a link to them so any viewers who are interested to help can see your pictures. If you post a link in the comments YT will block it but I can release it after approving it. That's about all I can say. Thanks for watching my channel.
I did it!!! I fixed the tension on my 403a thanks to you!!!!🎉 Took me a few tries but I got it working today. Thank you
Thank you for lifting up my morning today with this great comment. Nice job and thank you for keeping that machine in service. That's terrific! Happy sewing ahead for you in this new year. 2024
What a great video, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your comment
Thank you so much!! I just bought one and I am so happy but some things doesn't work like it should, this video is precious!! I hope to find a video for the arm to backstitch, the handle has fallen
Congratulations on your Slant-O-Matic! This video will help explain the Feed Regulator to fix your floppy stitch length lever:
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you!
M. Andy, I am so grateful for your videos, last night I repaired my throat plate and the stitch lever + the handwheel, I feel like a repair guy now haha Tomorrow I will get the motor out and clean under. I really think I should began old machines restorations, those are treasures! So well built. Thank you for sharing all this infos
@@Cass_772 I Knew it! You're a natural at this. I have several viewers who have started side gigs repairing them. Some buy the restore and sell, some give to charity, and some even have their own TH-cam channel about it now. The more the merrier I say. You know where I am if you get stuck on something. Have fun.
Well done -- thank you! Just purchased a 401a which needs a lot of TLC, including the tension knob
Congratulations on your "new" Slant-O-Matic 401A. Here is may playlist of 17 videos for model 401A. Some of the videos may help you get the machine in better condition. th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for the information video, with your help I was able to get my 401a back up and running. Plus I learned so much.
Sure, you are very welcome and I appreciate that you're keeping the machine and service. Thanks for the nice comment
Great information, helped me solve my tension issues. Super video, Thank You!
Glad it helped! You're welcome.
Thank you so much for this video. I was able to fix my 401a with your invaluable help!
Great to hear! I'm glad you found my channel and thanks for keeping that beauty in service. I have other videos for the 401A Slant-O-Matic if you need them in the future. Cleaning, adjusting. Nice of you to comment and take care.
Another machine fixed thanks to this video. I really appreciate you doing these service videos. Jgm
That's fantastic! Thank you for keeping the machine in service. I appreciate your comment and what you're doing
This is such a good tutorial, I especially appreciate the part on zeroing out the tension. You mentioned your wife’s sewing machines. Are they vintage Singers? I am going to guess she has a 403 and a 338.
Thank you for noticing the "Zero-out" tension part. I get between 300 to 500 comments/emails per month, and it is surprising how many are about tension. My wife's daily machine is Coco, the 301A I restored. She took that to replace the Palomino 301A she had for many years. Her other machine is a 403A (good guess) that she occasionally uses for buttonholes and blind-hemming. Bonnie Jean, the 338 I restored was given to my daughter upon completion. I had told her I would restore any vintage SInger she wanted and the 338 was it. Part of the reason was that teal/turquoise is a favorite color, haha. My young granddaughter may want a 337, she's not sure yet. I asked my grandson and he wants a motorcycle instead, hahaha.
Andy, Thank you For your knowledge and time once again. I always learn more.
thanks for watching and commenting. A little more info about the Zero-Out method.
Thanks again for your great videos my tension seems to be fine, I tried with two different gage of cotton threads and different stitches.
When I lift my presser foot lever, the releasing lever doesn't seem to push me releasing tension pin. Nonetheless it does release tension on the threads to remove the fabric
Are you still working on your 411G? (It helps me know as I have many questions to answer per day) It's great that it works properly. If you are talking about your 411G then maybe the parts are slightly different. The Slant Needle machines made in Germany have a few different parts than the USA-made models. Sometimes there can be lint and dust built up on the parts that prevent full movement.
@@andytubesewing1953 I'm still working on my 411G and there is no lint built up behind the releasing pin (it happened on my 191B and my 306K).
on the presseur foot level there is a little knob that lift the releasing lever which then press on the releasing pin. My problem is that the releasing level slides next to that little knob thus it doesn't lift correctly. I tried to unscrew and rescrew the scews on the foot lever and the releasing lever but it doesn't change. even with the screws tightened correctly there is some sideways movement on both pieces which probably induces the sliding of the releasing level.thanks so much for your help
@@fanchettegaillard4529 I'm not familiar with the parts of a 411G, but knowing how SInger made their tension systems it sounds like those parts are assembled wrong, or they are not the original parts. I'm glad it at least works for you and you're able to sew.
@@andytubesewing1953 well I've been working on my presser foot heigth and alignment and I must have wiggled the right parts because now the releasing lever is pushing the pin and thus releasing tension. so problem solved. thanks for your help and your videos
@@fanchettegaillard4529 Congratulations. It's always rewarding to solve a problem like that.
Thanks!
Ginger, thanks so much for your support
Thank you for your informative videos sir. They have been helpful. Unfortunately, I continue to have problems reassembling the tension unit on my Singer Merritt 4530. To make matters worse I am unable to find any information about my particular type of machine. Any help or direction as to where I might find information would be genuinely appreciated!
Sorry, I can't help you with this model. It's one of a handful of "Universal" 5, 6, 8 & 10 stitch models sold in several countries where they took the frame and parts and used them for a number of models. I've never seen one in person and tend to avoid this type of Singer b/c of all the plastic parts inside. Other than a universal instruction manual I've never been able to find a parts or service manual for any of them.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you sir! Best wishes!!
Weel, sorry I could not give some help. Good luck.
Andy I have a problem with my assembly that I am scratching my head on. Any way I can reach out to you for a couple of questions? Thank you!
subscribers to the channel can see the email address in the channel description area of the Andy Tube Channel.
around 28:30 it is unclear how those disc go together. are all 3 the same?
mine has two the same and one that loos like a flat washer.
and mine DOES not have that nut looking thing with the set screw.
i have pictures but don't know how to reach you . did the 401a come with different tension set ups?
There are different versions of tension assemblies between the 401A and the 403A, and they are interchangeable between models.
You have an original 401A assembly. Your three discs are assembled by placing the flat disc in between the other two with the convex sides facing the flat disc. May I suggest you download a FREE copy of the original 401A Service Manual from Sewing Dude? It has some nice diagrams with instructions for removing and replacing your assembly, including the thumb nut with the pin, starting on page 148. You can download it at this link: sewingdude.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/singer-401-service-manual1.pdf Of course, like all the Singer Service Manuals, it has adjusting and part replacement instructions for almost every part of the machine. Thanks for asking, and for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 yeah i just saw it in the manual too. my 1st 401a has the version you in your video.
@@daytonpyro I've heard the opinion that the one you have they had used before on another model. Maybe the 328k and they used all those up first. Well developing the later one with the three flat discs in the thumbnut with collar and set screw. But it's been a long time since these were made so who really knows?
I hope you are well!!!!! Question if you can, I have a 301 sews perfect forward however the reverse stitch is a mess. I have taken the tension unit apart more then once, if I drop it to 3 it works fine, should I just leave it or is there I fix?
"...reverse stitch is a mess" If you leave it at 3 does is sew nicely forward and backstitch? There is no rule about it must be set at a certain number. A 4 setting is about in the middle is why most of us use it. When you have it at 3 and change to zero does that release all tension on the needle thread? OK then.
This video is for the tension unit on a 401A. Model 301A usually has a different tension unit that has small holes on the numerated dial forfine-tuningg the tension. I always felt it was the better unit myself. The instruction manual has info about tension and the tension unit on pages 20 to 24. If you do not have the manual here is a free download: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-slant-shank-301-sewing-machine-manual.pdf
I also have many videos in two Playlist for model 301A. This Playlist in videos parts 5a to 5d show quite a bit about the tension unit:
th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html
Every machine is a little different, too, based on its use history, so a 3 setting on your machine may be the same as a 4 setting on mine. There are other things that can affect reverse stitching besides tension but you did not delve into what "a mess" means. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.
@ thank you so much for responding! It sews perfect forward and reverse on 3, anything higher and the reverse has big loops on the front. It has the tension unit with the little holes lime you described. It worked fine on 5 a week ago. Idk what I did. The stitch regulator seems off as well. Meaning it does not stitch the length I put it at. Setting 8 makes a way smaller stitch and so on. I will look at all the videos you said and see if this is covered. Thank you so much!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
@@vickiecentoni440 Well, loops on top of fabric signal loss of bobbin thread tension or too much needle thread tension. Not sure why that would change by sewing in reverse. Maybe the Stroke of the Check Spring is off? As to the feed, yes I have a detailed video for it: th-cam.com/video/edHOgMwSE70/w-d-xo.html The other 17 video Playlist I mentioned has videos for adjusting the Feed Dog itself (different from the feed regulator/stitch length) Adjusting the height, adjusting front to back in the needle plate slots and checking and adjusting the Feed Throw Out System th-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html Yes, very happy thanksgiving for all. 😊
Thanks. Where do you get replacement set screws?
Most of the screws on vintage machines are of proprietary sizes, not common. Replacements usually must be found as used items on eBay or other auction sites from sellers who are partings out machines. A very few are made new in China if they have very high demand. Here are a couple of well-known sewing parts sellers who may offer new screws: www.sewingpartsonline.com/ and
www.vintagesingerparts.com/ Thanks for watching my channel. Good Luck.
My Singer 401A would never click as I pulled the check spring up and I was having tension issues on knits and had tried every other issue, needle, thread, etc. So, I have completely cleaned and reinstalled my Tension assembly just as you showed us. It still will not click, so I assume my tension assy is not adjusting as I change the tension and since it is not clicking, I assume something is bad....maybe the spring or the bar running inside the assy. Everything looked good after cleaning it up. What needs replacing?
Hi, Kathy. Your assumption about the clicking may be wrong. The click is simply the check spring/take-up spring coming back down to rest on the "stop" (little point thing it rests on) after lifting it with the thread. It might just be how you handle the thread that you're not getting the click. Let's go back to what started your journey here; "tension issues on knits". A few possible reasons for that. You caught me at the right time tonight. I have about 1 hour before I need to leave for an appointment. If you'd like to email me and describe the tension issue more clearly and what is happening I can try to work with you. andymanuals53@gmail.com
So sorry I didn't see your reply until now. I was assuming it was an issue with the assy since I did not get the click and I had tried everything else. With jersey, knit, spandex, etc I was getting skipped stitches or none at all, but on thicker material like cotton, it sewed great. It did not matter how I adjusted the tension, so I assumed it must be the tension assy out of whack.
Background: I found this machine in a junk shop for $40. I had looked everywhere for a 401A. This was the machine I learned to sew on as a kid and I wanted the same machine. It was filthy and did not work. I ordered missing parts, cleaned it inside and out. Oiled it, etc and it was still sluggish and almost locked up. I let it sit for a year and I just pulled it back out last week and it works. It wasn't great, but more freed up. I kept cleaning and working and it is running really well. Then, I started smelling something hot and it was the pedal. So, I just rebuilt the foot pedal and found 6 of the carbon disks shattered. I cleaned and put it back together and it works, but I went ahead and ordered a new one without the carbon disks while I could get one. The hot smell concerned me.
I have another issue besides skipped stitches...the thread sometimes frays from the needle up to the tension assy and breaking occasionally. Maybe this is related. Or maybe I have a burr somewhere? If I can get this tension issue and the thread fraying fixed, this may be the last issues and I'll have this battle won on my 401A. Note: the thread fraying and skipped stitches only happens on jersey, knit, etc. Any ideas and help are so appreciated. Thankyou.
I wish I had found your videos last year. That would have helped me so much. You are awesome. So easy to understand and follow. Thanks again.
@@kathyharris1755 If the thread frays only on knit I'd say it is not a burr on the take-up lever or the thread guides, otherwise it would fray all the time? The 401 and 500 class machines have a know problem sewing knits, especially double-knit fabrics. Singer found a solution by adjusting the hook closer to the needle... very close like barely touching. The adjustment is in the Service Manual and Bill Holman wrote a paper about how he and other repairmen would make the adjustment. I can share those documents if you email me at the address I listed in the previous reply. Also, sometimes, but not always, threading the needle a slightly;y different way can fix the skipping without making the involved hook adjustment. YOu run the thread behind, not through, one of the thread guides. I demonstrate that method starting at 9:05 in this video: th-cam.com/video/m79nr_DHRwQ/w-d-xo.html
If you want the documents tonite I suggest you email in the next 7 minutes as I am leaving. You can watch and try the threading method before attempting any adjustments,
You are a star Andy
⭐ thank you for watching my channel 🙏
Thanks very much Andy for this video. Congratulations.
Thank you for watching. I appreciate your comment
Hi, Andy! I have a question 🤔 What is it that makes the pin come back out? Mine is going into the stud as if to release the tension, but it is not coming back to its "start position " so to speak. Mine is staying in the stud upon raising the presser foot lever to release the tension. The pin will not pop back out to its original position behind the stud on the inside of the machine. If that makes any sense. 🤯 I also have a 329K, similar set up to thr 327.
I saw your comment where we were talking about this on the 327K tension video th-cam.com/video/d4k2wlDFsj0/w-d-xo.html and I answered your question there.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you! I figured it out and she is working great! I had the dial on backwards and also didn't have her threaded correctly. So far so good! I'm going to check this video out for future reference. Thank you again, Andy! 🙌😁🤗
@@alyssapeters6271 Yippee! A happy ending. 🌟Glad you worked it out. Thanks for keeping the machine working.
Thank you a lot Andy 😊
@@CH-iz8bl You're welcome I appreciate your comment. Happy sewing
Wonder if you could help me? I have a Singer 401G -similar but slightly different to this machine. The tension unit seems to be identical to this but ... I put a new tension spring on it a little while ago (I managed to snap the old one) and ever since I have kept having problems with the top thread randomly sticking in the tensioner. I have taken it apart again following this and your other video to see if I can improve things. (I now suspect it might be due to the replacement spring being slightly different -but I no longer have the original one to check). However the tension stud does seem slightly bent, but my main concern is that I can't remove it from the machine. I have completely removed the screw at the side, it rotates freely but I just can't get it to pull out. Not sure if it is because the 401G is a slightly different design or if it got bashed at some point which has wedged it in there. And I can't decide if I need to force it out or not bother - the inside pin does move. Any advice appreciated
First I'll say I've never even seen a 401G let alone worked on one. I've never been able to find any Parts Lists for the German-made Singer machines. In pictures, the 401G & 401A Tension Assemblies do look the same. The 401A check spring part number is 66774: www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/upper-thread-tension-take-up-check-spring-part-66774
Are you sure you need to remove the Tension Stud? Is it just the slotted ends that are bent? I've repaired a few of those on and off the machine if they were not too bad: th-cam.com/video/IqoXtj-4tFQ/w-d-xo.html I have had a couple of tension studs act like yours where I could twist but not pull. I eventually got them out by twisting and pulling at the same time. I believe the cause was the mounting screw had been over-tightened and left a "spur" pushing up from the screw indentation on the stud. That somehow blocked the stud from pulling out. Once I did get them out I was able to file the spur off with an ememory board and the stud was easy to install/remove. The tolerance of the hole to stud diameter is very close for sure. You can also go inside the nose and remove the Tension Releasing Pin Lever and use a brass flat punch to tap on the back end of the stud, but you must be very careful. That way is a lot of work so I tried just the twist/pull method and it worked. You don't mention where the needle thread is getting stuck on the tension system. If the assembly has 3 tension discs as in the 401A, try threading between the 2 discs closest to the front. That can make a small difference if the spring is a tiny bit long. BTW, I've never heard of the tension spring getting "snapped" so congratulations on that adventure!
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much for your reply and help. I'm in the UK so I believe the German machines are more common here. I have given up trying to get the tension stud out - I have tried pulling and twisting etc but it isn't for moving - I think it well could be the mounting screw being over tightened as that was difficult to get it out...if I ever need to take the tension release lifting etc mechanism out of the nose I might try to get it out from the back then but for now as long as just trying to straighten it works I think better not to potentially create more problems. Snapping the spring - a real fluke accident, all really fast and not sure exactly how it happened. I was sewing a large and heavy canvas material with strong thread, accidentally hadn't cut one of the threads properly. I was stood up and a bit away from the machine as I pulled the material out I nearly pulled the machine off the table .. I grabbed at the machine, caught it , dropped it and grabbed again - luckily saving it. - all the while still holding the canvas... I didn't realise the spring had snapped until I went to change the thread...and honestly I was thankful that was the worse thing that had happened, it could have been so much worse. Especially as it was my Grandma's machine, she'd looked after it all those years and I'd only had a year or so .... Thank you again for your help - and your videos - I have only just discovered them but know they will be really useful for me going forward, helping keeping my 401 going - hopefully to pass onto my future grandchildren.
@@whydontyougetlost I'm glad you saved the machine. Your heart must have been pounding, Whew! I was able to find my link to a free service manual sewingdude.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/singer-401-service-manual/ I have many viewers in the EU and some have told me the 401A Service Manual helped them with their 401, 404, 411, 413, and 431 German Slant machines. Nice to hear from you, and good luck.
Andy, I've been trying to trouble shoot the problem with my Singer 401A which I inherited from my Mom 15 years ago. This is the first time I've had any issues. The machine just stopped stitching from one day to the next. After watching a number of your videos it seems to me I should replace the Tension Unit and the Finger and Hook. Do you agree?
Since you only said "stopped stitching" I would advise against changing out any parts yet. Especially when it happened from one day to the next.
The hook on a 401A is very strong and it is rare to have to replace it. Maybe polish out a burr from a needle strike, but not replace it. The tension unit is all metal and seldom wears out to the point of causing a machine to stop making lock stitches. It could definitely need a good cleaning/de-linting.
The needle bar could have been forced up and that would cause a loss of timing.
To be honest, when something changes that drastically from one day to the next I've found it is often user error.
It could be you wound a bobbin that is the wrong type, like a class 15 (flat sides) vs a class 66 (curved sides).
You missed something along the needle threading path or the needle thread did not go between two of the tension discs.
Lint can foul the tension discs from coming together to provide tension.
The needle was installed wrong, the thread to big for the needle, the needle was not installed 100% up into the needle clamp. Just to name some of the possibilities.
A better description of exactly what is happening, or better yet pictures or video posted to your TH-cam Channel or the cloud that we could see may help us diagnose better. There are other things I could suggest, but not knowing how the problem is presenting makes me hesitate and send you down a rabbit hole. Please be cautious about replacing parts at this time.
@@andytubesewing1953 I am 100% with you when you say user error. Also, happy you said don't replace parts, this machine has been a true workhorse for 65 years with no issues. I thought I threw out all the bobbins that didn't work but I will check. I did change the needle right away and cleaned out all the lint (I think) , plus oiled the machine. I used to use it on a weekly basis but now months go by between uses. I'm going to try everything you suggested and get back to you with a video if none of what you suggested works for me. I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly!
Andy, I tried everything you suggested, not sure what did it but the machine is running like a dream. You are a master! Thank you so much!
@@jomac2913 you made my morning with this great news. Joyce, I'm happy you'll be back to sewing and thanks for letting me know
Hi I have a 401a which I've been using for past year just fine. The the other day while I was sewing it stopped stitching....the thread from top just lays on fabric and bottom pulls loops through fabric. I've messed with tension going up and down.. nothing is helping. What do I do?
Well, it is obviously a tension imbalance. If the top (needle) thread is flat that means there is more tension on it than the bobbin thread. What did you do just before this happened? Had you put in a new bobbin of thread? Your top tension may be fine and you may have lost bobbin thread tension on the bobbin case. It has a tension spring also (on the side) that you pull the bobbin thread thru. Have you looked at the bobbin case and hook/feed dog area? Have you cleaned out all the lint there? Does whatever you are sewing create a lot of lint or fuzz? Lint/debris can get pulled beneath the bobbin case tension spring. It can pile up thicker than your thread. Then the bobbin case spring can't push on the bobbin thread to create tension. No bobbin thread tension means the needle thread tension will be stronger and pull the bobbin thread up thru the fabric no matter the upper tension setting. Rarely the tension spring adjustment screw can vibrate loose or even pop out of the bobbin case creating a zero tension situation. It's easy to test your upper tension. Remove the needle thread back to the spool and rethread it up to but NOT THROUGH the eye of the needle. Lower the presser foot, set the tension dial at 4, and just pull on the thread anywhere after the tension unit, maybe near the take-up lever. You should have some tension on the thread but be able to pull it off the spool. While pulling the thread then start turning up the tension dial, like 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 and you should feel more and more tension on the thread. When you find that is OK then you need to look closely at the bobbin case. This video shows how to clean/adjust the bobbin case style you have on your 401A: th-cam.com/video/HT5XZ5eYYEQ/w-d-xo.html Good luck, Jacquelyn, and thanks for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 I was actually in the middle of sewing...was halfway down two quilting squares when it started doing this.
So I tried the knob tension and that didn't help. How do I fix bobbin tension?
@@jacquelynconant3926 Thank you. So just normal sewing so no wonder you are puzzled. It has to be tension, so you can watch this video about how to zero out and just test that without changing anything to see if it is functional. If so, then check the bobbin case video. Sometimes I have just pulled the bobbin case and fished a piece of dental floss (non-waxed) under the tension spring and flossed out a bunch of lint. It's all I can think of for now. Good Luck.
@@jacquelynconant3926 You must have missed my entire comment. In the end, I linked to a video for cleaning and repairing the bobbin case. Here is the link again th-cam.com/video/HT5XZ5eYYEQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Andy
Do you know how to assembly the thread tension on a Singer 7105. I have a picture.
I have a picture, too. That tension assembly is very similar to most Singer assemblies except the numerated dial appears to be a "push on-pull off" dial and not screwed down with a set screw. The part number is 442403-455 is was used on many models. You can buy a new one for $6 direct from the seller in China with free shipping: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tension+Set+%23422403-455+&_sacat=0 HERE IS A SLIDESHOW OF THE PARTS DIAGRAM YOU CAN PAUSE AND READ IF NEEDED: th-cam.com/video/fTq8rb5ofTM/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much. 👏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻🇩🇰🇺🇸
You just made my day - I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. 🤓
Hi Andy
Thank you for the answer.
Do you think that the replacement from
China will fit into part 24? And can I also replace that? I think mine is a little bit bent.
Part 24.
@@ninariislundstrm1726 I doubt you can exchange parts between the old & new. I would not count on that. The new ones are made to replace the old ones by removing the set screw and pulling out the old unit then inserting the new unit and installing the screw. A complete swap out.
Buenas noches. Para sustituir la tensión de la máquina singer stylist 416, le quedará la que venden para la máquina singer facilita? O cómo la puedo comprar en México? Gracias por responder.
Me es imposible saber dónde se puede comprar un reemplazo en México. Otros espectadores me han dicho que compran la unidad de tensión de reemplazo en las tiendas de México, pero es un país grande. Puede pedir uno directamente desde China, donde se fabrican. El envío es gratuito pero muy lento. Aquí hay un ejemplo: www.ebay.com/itm/265166415126?hash=item3dbd266516:g:lfkAAOSw3H1dz6Im creo que podrías comprar esto en México. Si te falta la tensión, esa debería funcionar para ti. Si tiene la tensión pero cree que está rota o no funciona correctamente, mire mi video sobre cómo reparar la tensión en su máquina. Usted o un amigo pueden arreglar el que tiene: th-cam.com/video/PSCY72bJ3x8/w-d-xo.html Gracias por ver mi canal y buena suerte.
@@andytubesewing1953 gracias por tomarse el tiempo de responder. Bendiciones para usted. Me ha ayudado mucho.
@@yoshogarcia5101 De nada y buena suerte. 👍
Hi Andy, do you have videos on a Dressmaker Super Deluxe Automatic ZigZag 142-B? No manual of course & can't find one online.
Only Singer machines on my channel, sorry. I found Remington model 142-B manuals but not Dressmaker. www.etsy.com/listing/456442948/vintage-remington-super-deluxe-142-b
Good luck.
I really appreciate this detailed video.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for keeping your Rocketeer in service. Happy sewing.
En el minuto 18.39 metio un tornillo con engranes. Como se llama? A mi maquina se le quebraron unos engranes. Lo puedo pedir por Internet? O que puedo hacer, contesteme por favor. Gracias
Se llama perno de tensión. Depende del número de modelo de su máquina. Si una máquina antigua como en el video busca una usada, tal vez en eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+tension+stud&_sacat = 0 Es posible que un montante de un modelo no funcione en un modelo diferente. Algunos modelos tienen engranajes de plástico en el perno que se pueden reemplazar: www.sewingpartsonline.com/search.html?sort.relevance=desc&keywords=singer%20tension%20stud&index=1
Si su equipo es de plástico, a veces también puede repararlo con pegamento, como superpegamento. Ese engranaje es solo para sostener el "extremo trasero" del resorte de retención para que no gire ni gire alrededor del perno. El semental en el video es Singer Número de pieza 140178.
Veo que mi maquina es igualita a la suya,voy a buscar en internet o bien repararla con pegamento. Como usted me sugiere ,pues si es de plastico el engranage. Muy agradecida por su pronta respuesta ya me suscribi a su canal, me parecen muy interesantes sus tutoriales ,aunque no se ingles , un poco solamente. Muchas gracias por su atención. Un saludo
@@petrasaucedo2224 Si su unidad de tensión es como la mía en el video, entonces el perno / engranaje debe ser de metal (aluminio). No sé si podría pegarse. Nadie fabrica tachuelas metálicas nuevas, por lo que debemos comprar las usadas. Ningún vendedor venderá solo el perno, solo el ensamblaje completo y son costosos: www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-401-403-Sewing-Machine-Thread-Tension-Assembly/265103641313?hash=item3db9688ae1 : g: qaYAAOSwgX5gX7Mi
Por eso, siempre es mejor probar y usar lo que tienes o reparar el que tienes. Gracias por ver mi canal. Si usa subtítulos CC en mis videos, puede cambiar el idioma a español u otros idiomas. Buena suerte.
Si busque en internet y no lo encontre y pense quizá comprar completo. Pero intentare repararlo. Estoy muy contenta por sus respuestas. Gracias
Thank you for posting this! I need the screw for the thread tension. Do you know where I can purchase it or an assembly? I’ve searched the internet and haven’t been able to find one.
The tension unit has two screws. A set screw for the tension post, and a tiny set screw for the knurled thumb knob. I've never seen just the screw for sale by itself, but only the whole assembly. With the increased demand from the pandemic, they are hard to find. They do show up on eBay when a seller parts out a machine, but the tension sells within a few hours. www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Sewing-Machine-Models-403A-404A-Choose-Your-Parts-Free-Ship-Over-25/163785629050?hash=item2622625d7a:g:RHEAAOSwhCJdNEYp
BTW, Models 403A & 404 use the same tension unit.
Thank you. It is the tiny one for the thumb knob. I would be willing to buy the whole assembly and keep it for parts. I’ll keep an eye out. It isn’t my only machine so the sewing will go on!
@@AspenGlow2024 Welcome. Here's a little trivia. That screw's official name is "Tension Indicator Flange Adaptor Thumb Nut Cap Set Screw". Whew! The part no. is 906ALZJ. Most call it part 906.
A=Hardened, Polished, Nickel Plated, and Buffed.
L=Brass Platted. ZJ=Nickel and Chromium Plated.
That's quite a mouthful for such a tiny screw. Hope you find it someday. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 thank you! I love your channel. I always learn so much and it has given me the confidence to tackle some of the projects. However next time the cats will be in a separate room. One of them laid down by where I was working, sniffed the screw and licked it and down it went.
Do you know if that little screw from a 66 would fit the 401a? I saw just the screw on eBay.
@@AspenGlow2024 Oh! Hope it did not screw-up your cat! 🤣 There are different versions of model 66. I have some of their parts lists. None of them show that little screw on the tension assembly.
Wonderful but a couple of parts on mine are different. Know That I did not get the tension just right but it is sewing fir me.
You have a 401A? I'm glad you could adapt and get the machine working! Nicely done.
Thank u I did it my self
Good on you! Nicely done and thanks for keeping your machine in service.
Great video :)
Thank you, Simon. 🙏 I appreciate you watching my channel.
;-( I guess I will have to by a new one I just broke the small middle bar in the +- guide by trying to install it. I was plastic and very weak.
Ouch, sorry. What model machine are you working on? I ask b/c the tension parts on the 401A, like in this video, are all metal.
@@andytubesewing1953 I am on a 411 it maybe not an original one
@@HelptoFit OK, sure. Not familiar with the machine or its tension assembly. Good luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 thanks it is very close to the 401G I will try to find a way to repair it or I ll have to buy a new one. I was feeling it could break but pushed it to far. Thanks for your help 😁
@@HelptoFit Thanks, and good luck with that.
Thanks
I love ur job
😊 Thank you
Merci beaucoup elle survenue a temps ❤👍
Je suis si heureux que vous ayez trouvé ma vidéo et cela vous a aidé. C'est gentil à vous de le dire. Merci et prenez soin de vous.
Thanks Andy... Take Care ~!! ;-)
You're welcome Dan and you bet I always try to 😉
Traducido
Mire parte de este video a partir de las 3:30. Le mostrará cómo activar subtítulos o subtítulos en español, o cualquier otro idioma que elija. th-cam.com/video/KTqoB38cuFY/w-d-xo.html