cherioneal

Hi im new here but enjoying all the info about vintage machines. Im learning. I found two machines today. One a Kenmore 158 the other a Vogue Stitch TZ-15 with a Janome motor?? I know nothing about them. I also found a Pfaff 130 in good working order I plan to purchase. Ill try to post pics. (How do i do i do that ?) Please comment if you can tell me anything about them. All came with cabinets. I have removed machines to give all a good cleaning. Thanks a bunch. :-)

Overlander

A lady came into our shop today with a Singer 301. She didn't want to spend any money on the machine, just wanted to know if I could tell her if it was working or not. I checked the wiring and it was okay, dirty but no gouges or nicks in the cords. Turned the wheel to see if the machine was seized and it wasn't - bonus there! I then lifted the little extension table and looked at the bobbin. Hmmm, it didn't look right, kind of sticking out. I went to release it and it fell out onto my hand. It was the wrong bobbin case. I let her know that the machine wouldn't run without the proper bobbin case and was told it wasn't worth while to her to put any money into it. She has 3 more old machines at home. She said she was going to throw it in the garbage so I offered her $25.00 for it and the case it came in. She was happy and I was happy. I then looked up the cost of a new bobbin case for the machine and realized it takes the same one as my Featherweight. Woo hoo!! Until I can afford to purchase another case at least I can use it. When I got home from work I took this beauty apart and was amazed at how clean it was. There was a bit of rust that came clean with a good oiling and the outside is in pretty good shape. A few rub marks and a few scratches, but all in all I think she will preform well. I need to find my Lube before running her, she was very dry. Here is a pic of my newest baby before I took her apart and cleaned her up.

purplefiend

I'm so happy that you saved the 301 from certain death. Sadly not many people can see any value in an old straight stitch machine. Oh goody! That means more for us!!
Sharon in Texas

ArchaicArcane

What a great deal Barb!! As for replacing the bobbin case - don't order a new one unless you are prepared to tinker a little. Some people have no trouble with them, some have lots. It could be a quality control issue, or it could be that the tension isn't right from the factory and people don't adjust them or assume they're right. You're one of my "tension mythbusters" now though, so you might have no trouble with it.

Glenn Williams in Florida has original cases and is very reasonably priced. I just ordered a hook for a featherweight from him and restored a 222 to working condition for a very happy lady.

Can you post a pic of the bobbin case that was in it? We can tell you what machine you've just sent the siren's call out for.

ETA: LMBO!! I see you're using the machine prop too!

Overlander

Hi Tammi - here is the pic of the bobbin case that was in the 301 shown above. It would be great to know what it fits. This bobbin was in the case, but not sure if it is the correct one either.

I've been using all the tips and tools that you taught us at the workshop on my machines. It is so nice to be able to do my own maintenance (other than the computerized stuff that I take in to the shop). My babies are purring now when I use them.
I was so happy to provide this 301 with a new home I could hardly sleep last night.

manicmike

Looks like a class 15 bobbin. I'm sure your manual will tell you if this is right.

ArchaicArcane

Mike is right, it's for a class 15 machine. It also would be for a lot of the clones or branded machines. It's -not- for a 15-90 or a 15-91, they have the finger going in the 11 o'clock position. Depending on the width of the slot for the needle, it could be for a straight stitch machine, or a zig zag. If the bobbin fits inside that case, it's probably a class 15 bobbin. They're by far the most common vintage bobbin I com across.

I'm so glad to hear that you're making use of what we went over in class. A 301 is an exciting machine to come across, and for such a good deal too! They're excellent FMQ machines. My favorite in fact.

manicmike

Sorry, I was editing that to add something like "301s take the same bobbin/case as a featherweight".

The common 15 bobbin is probably of no use to you. Best keep it in a drawer and look for a 15 clone to put it in

Overlander

Thanks Tammi & Manicmike - this one has a narrow slot in the top so would be for a straight stitch machine. Too bad, since I have a zig zag that it may have fit in. The only class 15 clone I have is missing most of the bobbin mechanism parts so I haven't spent any money on it. It's too bad because it is a nice machine, black with pretty good silver decals. It has an external motor, but could be converted to a treadle eaily. A Dominion is I can read the faded printing on the head.
I really have to stop doing this. I have 8 machines now and keep saying I will refurbish and sell, but the sell part hasn't happened yet.

miriam

How much of the bobbin parts do you have?