Finally playing with the 201
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,963
The old straight stitchers I have used; 66, 99, cast iron 201 as well as the later beige aluminium bodied 201, takes up to #19. There's not a limit directly set for them, but from the needle - tread size chart in the manual it goes up to #19. I know they take the Chinese made #20 and #22 needles, with plenty of clearing for the needle plate hole, as well as the same alignment for hook and race as smaller size needle. My old Elna Supermatic accepts these as well. I promise, I have tested it thoroughly. The straight stitchers were made in a time before nylon thread. Thicker thread was needed to give the same strength, cotton and linen weres most common. Silk is the strongest, but doesn't stand up to regular cleaning, so not that much used. Nylon thread wasn't very common until the 50s.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 94
The feed dogs look like they have old dust gathered down there, but I'm sure you will get around to it. It took me a few attempts too, to get all parts up to par (Actually a week). The black japanning shines up wonderfully with car polish :-)
Thread snapping happens if you have too small needle eye for the thread used. If you use heavier thread, max out on needle size like #18 or #19. The old cast iron models can use up to size #22, and they can have an advantage some times (I found them on ebay).
Thread snapping happens if you have too small needle eye for the thread used. If you use heavier thread, max out on needle size like #18 or #19. The old cast iron models can use up to size #22, and they can have an advantage some times (I found them on ebay).
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
I hate using kerosene. Do you have any rubbing alcohol? be sure not to use it on the black finish or it will eat it but you can use it on the works - a higher alcohol content is what you want. Paint thinner or naphtha will clean things up with out a residue if alcohol doesn't do the job.
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Mickey, just because the needle will go down the hole doesn't mean you should use a big honkin needle. Finding and polishing out burrs caused by stunts like that is a pain. Bent needle bars from putting too heavy a load on a machine aren't fun either. If you seriously NEED a machine that uses a big needle like that buy an old industrial walking foot machine (not a high speed industrial) and use it unless your machine is disposable & wear safety glasses.
Last edited by miriam; 04-08-2017 at 03:54 PM.
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 94
I hate using kerosene. Do you have any rubbing alcohol? be sure not to use it on the black finish or it will eat it but you can use it on the works - a higher alcohol content is what you want. Paint thinner or naphtha will clean things up with out a residue if alcohol doesn't do the job.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Posts: 1,063
90%+ rubbing alcohol is better than kerosene. I'm not sure it was readily available in the "olden days ((that's pre-2010 for me!), so people used kerosene. It's much harder to clean up after than alcohol. Just use it on the metal parts, though, because it will hurt the japanning. If you have any rust, Evaporust works well to remove it. Don't leave the metal pieces in too long or they turn black! I'm thinking an hour or two at most, definitely not 24+ hours....
I haven't used naphtha, but I believe it won't hurt the japanning like the alcohol does. Best to remove any metal parts that are easy to replace, and use a Q-tip or old tee shirt cloth to clean the other parts - or a toothbrush dipped in alcohol.
I don't have a 201 myself, but I believe they are really great machines! Haven't found one cheap enough yet!
I haven't used naphtha, but I believe it won't hurt the japanning like the alcohol does. Best to remove any metal parts that are easy to replace, and use a Q-tip or old tee shirt cloth to clean the other parts - or a toothbrush dipped in alcohol.
I don't have a 201 myself, but I believe they are really great machines! Haven't found one cheap enough yet!
Last edited by MFord; 04-08-2017 at 09:12 PM.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,963
Have you tried them? The 130 needles available in larger sizes will work fine with the old cast iron straight stitchers, there is luxurious clearing in all ends from needle plate to every part under there. I'm not saying all machines can go above a size #18 needle.
#20
Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Just north of Dallas.
Posts: 7
90%+ rubbing alcohol is better than kerosene. I'm not sure it was readily available in the "olden days ((that's pre-2010 for me!), so people used kerosene. It's much harder to clean up after than alcohol. Just use it on the metal parts, though, because it will hurt the japanning. If you have any rust, Evaporust works well to remove it. Don't leave the metal pieces in too long or they turn black! I'm thinking an hour or two at most, definitely not 24+ hours....
I haven't used naphtha, but I believe it won't hurt the japanning like the alcohol does. Best to remove any metal parts that are easy to replace, and use a Q-tip or old tee shirt cloth to clean the other parts - or a toothbrush dipped in alcohol.
I don't have a 201 myself, but I believe they are really great machines! Haven't found one cheap enough yet!
I haven't used naphtha, but I believe it won't hurt the japanning like the alcohol does. Best to remove any metal parts that are easy to replace, and use a Q-tip or old tee shirt cloth to clean the other parts - or a toothbrush dipped in alcohol.
I don't have a 201 myself, but I believe they are really great machines! Haven't found one cheap enough yet!
Alcohol works fine for removing dried oil and grease, but you've got to be darned sure you don't ever get any on the finish of a prized machine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
flawhoopi
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
6
12-22-2013 11:29 PM
Carol34446
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
1
09-16-2013 10:53 AM