How often to Oil a FW?
#1
Junior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 255
How often to Oil a FW?
I just bought my first FW from a retired Singer mechanic. He replaced the belt and light bulb and gave it a good cleaning and oil/grease where appropriate. I then sat it down and pieced my brothers wedding quilt top on it (queen size), probably 6 hours of sewing total. The girl, who is yet to be named, didn't come with a manual so I downloaded one and watched some of the videos to service it. The manual says to oil daily. How often do I need to oil it? I confess I'm bad with scheduled maintenance but I foresee a lot of use so I want to keep her in good condition. TIA! I have tri-flow but I haven't busted it out yet.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,402
When I use mine, I oil it before I start a project and from there you can kind of hear when it needs oil, if that makes sense. So I would agree - about 6 hours of sewing sounds about right. It is not a sound, like "oh my, I better stop what I am doing and get the oil can." It is just a minor change that you can hear when sewing. So maybe if you have a very busy day, oil it when you stop for the day. If you haven't used it for a while, oil before you start.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Well, my mom has a FW since 1948. Here is a link from when we cleaned it up: http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...t-t174236.html
I don't recommend her methods... a little oil once in a while won't hurt...
I don't recommend her methods... a little oil once in a while won't hurt...
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
I found a wonderful source for Featherweight information, supplies and notions. Nova Montgomery and she conducts FW workshops as well for maintenance. She recommends oiling every 8 hours of sewing. You can find her website here. I've copied and pasted her tips into a Word document that I printed out and put in a folder for easy reference. http://www.novamontgomery.com/index.htm I've bought all of her laminated guide pages, the 1/4 seam guide, etc. I have no connection to her at all. I'm just a satisfied customer.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Well, if you "oil" it it might need it more often than if you use "Tri-Flow" on it. But I think every 8 hours of sewing is a good place to start.
One thing is for sure, when the oil dribbles out the bottom and down on your feet you know you oiled it too much.
Joe
One thing is for sure, when the oil dribbles out the bottom and down on your feet you know you oiled it too much.
Joe
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 255
I oil with tri-flow. I'll shoot for every 8 hours of use. Thanks for the info, now I have a starting place. Miriam, I hope I oil more often than your mom, though the machine didn't seem too put out for it!
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jj1150
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
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07-14-2012 07:44 AM