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Bob Fowler
United States
Registrace 25. 06. 2006
It’s been said that once something is on the internet, it’s there forever.
Welcome to my immortality.
Welcome to my immortality.
Community
This is in response to, and in support of, my dear friend Marie's video "How to Survive as a CZcams Creative while Protecting Your Gentle Soul", and is also a call to action for our community members who are content creators to share links to their channels, webpages, blogs, etc. in the comments section.
Marie's video: How to Survive as a CZcams Creative while Protecting Your Gentle Soul
czcams.com/video/mrtjdFHegrk/video.html
The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here:
bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/
New manuals page on my website:
bobsvsmservice.com/manuals-i-mention-in-youtube-videos/
If you have a nightmare story you would like to share, send me an email to argosybob@gmail.com with "My Worst Nightmare" in the subject line. Include lots of pictures if possible and let me know the gory details!
My website: bobsvsmservice.com/
Get a coffee mug! The world is so much better with coffee...
bobs-vsm-service.creator-spring.com/
Marie's video: How to Survive as a CZcams Creative while Protecting Your Gentle Soul
czcams.com/video/mrtjdFHegrk/video.html
The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here:
bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/
New manuals page on my website:
bobsvsmservice.com/manuals-i-mention-in-youtube-videos/
If you have a nightmare story you would like to share, send me an email to argosybob@gmail.com with "My Worst Nightmare" in the subject line. Include lots of pictures if possible and let me know the gory details!
My website: bobsvsmservice.com/
Get a coffee mug! The world is so much better with coffee...
bobs-vsm-service.creator-spring.com/
zhlédnutí: 130
Video
Thread Guide Update
zhlédnutí 336Před 7 hodinami
My friend Marie brought up a very good point in the comments of my lower thread guide replacement video... Marie's channel: www.youtube.com/@prometheansewingmachines Bend-and-Stay Corrosion-Resistant 316 Stainless Steel Wire 1 Foot Long, Matte, 0.064" Diameter www.mcmaster.com/92705K145/ The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmserv...
Quick Tip(s)! 221 Lower Thread Guide & Flex Shaft Handpiece
zhlédnutí 468Před 9 hodinami
In this video, we take a look at a replacement flex shaft handpiece that uses a keyed shuck rather than collets, and I show how I repaired a broken lower thread guide on a Featherweight. Foredom 30 Handpiece & Chuck Key Flex Shaft Machine Tools www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQRSRBTN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details My good friend Jen's channel, Sewing Machine Rehab www.youtube.com/@SewingMachineR...
Singer Featherweight Case Latch & Handle Replacement Update
zhlédnutí 413Před dnem
As promised in the previous installment, I'm presenting here the handle replacement for my Featherweight case repair. In the previous video, we installed the replacement latches using the included hardware. This time, I'm revising that hardware and replacing the originals with 4-40 size T-nuts and flat head machine screws. While not always necessary, this case is from 1938, and therefore I real...
Singer 201-2 Potted Motor - Collaboration with Marie from Promethean Sewing Machines
zhlédnutí 456Před dnem
My good freind Marie from Promethean Sewing Machines asked me if I would like to collaborate on a machine project by doing all of the electrical work in her 201-2 project. Of course I said yes, Marie is a great friend and I'm super happy to help. In this installment, we'll take the motor apart and degrease it before sending the carcass parts back to Marie for paint. Marie's disassembly video fo...
Singer Featherweight Case Latch Replacemenrt
zhlédnutí 642Před 14 dny
The backstory... I recently sold a Singer Featherweight to a friend who wanted a second machine for traveling. Unfortunately, the case of that machine had a broken latch, so I swapped the damaged case for the one from my personal machine so she could be ready to go on her adventures. Knowing that it would drive me nuts that I had a machine with a bad latch, I started looking for a solution... A...
Tool Tip! A better Way To Hold Small Parts
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 14 dny
A hand vise is an excellent way to protect your fingers and your parts when cleaning with a rotary tool. 8 Pins Universal Work Holder Peg Clamp Hand Vise Jewelers Hand Tool Deluxe Premium A1 by JTS tinyurl.com/y8vju9pw The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/ New manuals page...
A 221 for Lori - Timing, Needle Bar Height, Hook to Needle Clearance (and Grace Slick!)
zhlédnutí 593Před měsícem
Once again, this isn't as much an instructional video as it is a "this is how I do it, follow along at your own peril" video. Oh yes... Grace Slick makes a cameo appearance at the end. In this video we'll look at the timing, needle bar height, and hook to needle clearance of the 221. If you have the "old style" 221, by all means, go over to my good friends Jen's channel "Sewing Machine Rehab" a...
A 221 for Lori, Part 2 - The Hook
zhlédnutí 556Před měsícem
This isn't as much an instructional video as it is a "this is how I do it, follow along at your own peril" video. In this video you'll see me dissect, clean, polish, and reassemble the hook mechanism on the 221. If you watch other mechanics work on 221 hooks, you'll probably find that I approach this a little differently, that's cool, everyone has their own way of working. I'm not saying my way...
A 221 for Lori, Part 1 - Teardown
zhlédnutí 563Před měsícem
Some major disclaimers:... This isn't as much an instructional video as it is a "this is how I do it, follow along at your own peril" video. My friend Lori mentioned to me that she was looking for a second Featherweight, one that had cosmetic issues, one that she didn't have to worry about when she took it traveling. I told her I would look through my collection of 221 machines. The result is t...
Jan's Machine Caught My Eye
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed měsícem
Viewer Jan contacted me about some issues she was having with this machine. We spoke on the phone, and when she sent me pictures of the machine, I knew I wanted to be the one to work on it... The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/ New manuals page on my website: bobsvsmserv...
Memorial Day
zhlédnutí 455Před měsícem
Dedicated to my cousin, Sergeant First Class Daniel Charles Fowler, who was killed in action while on patrol near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam on April 28th, 1967.
Safety First Safety Always Part 2
zhlédnutí 519Před 2 měsíci
If you're going to rewire a power cord, or any electrical apparatus for that matter, do it correctly! If there is the slightest doubt, ask for help. The incorrectly assembled cord end in this video can result in injury, death, or any number of calamities. The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-mate...
Happy Mother's Day! (and Happy Birthday Sue!)
zhlédnutí 546Před 2 měsíci
No SMQ this week, as I'll explain in this very short video, but I actually DO show something that some have requested... The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/ New manuals page on my website: bobsvsmservice.com/manuals-i-mention-in-youtube-videos/ If you have a nightmare st...
Words of Wisdom - Featuring my cat, Grace Slick
zhlédnutí 901Před 2 měsíci
This is dedicated to my good friends and colleagues Jennifer and Marie for having the patience to listen to me rant. Much love friends! Most of the veteran mechanics already know this, but for the rookies out there... The feature on my web page - "My Recommended Tools, Materials, and Suppliers" can be found here: bobsvsmservice.com/my-recommended-tools-materials-and-suppliers/ New manuals page ...
Some Cool Tools, & A Badly Abused Motor - Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 118, May 5, 2024
zhlédnutí 756Před 2 měsíci
Some Cool Tools, & A Badly Abused Motor - Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 118, May 5, 2024
Singer BU7e Motor Rewire and More! Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 117, April 28, 2024
zhlédnutí 1KPřed 2 měsíci
Singer BU7e Motor Rewire and More! Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 117, April 28, 2024
Goodbye Chicago - Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 116, 21 April, 2024
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 3 měsíci
Goodbye Chicago - Sunday Morning Quickies, Episode 116, 21 April, 2024
An Old and Problematic (Basket Case?) G.E. Motor - Sunday Morning Quickies, Ep. 115 April 7, 2024
zhlédnutí 812Před 3 měsíci
An Old and Problematic (Basket Case?) G.E. Motor - Sunday Morning Quickies, Ep. 115 April 7, 2024
Cleaning the Casting, Plus a Lot More... Sunday Morning Quickies, Ep. 114, March 24, 2024
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 4 měsíci
Cleaning the Casting, Plus a Lot More... Sunday Morning Quickies, Ep. 114, March 24, 2024
Quick Tip - White Rotary 77 Power Connector
zhlédnutí 509Před 4 měsíci
Quick Tip - White Rotary 77 Power Connector
201-2 Needle Clamp and Upper Thread Tension Assembly - Sunday Morning Quickies, EP 113 Mar. 17, 2024
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed 4 měsíci
201-2 Needle Clamp and Upper Thread Tension Assembly - Sunday Morning Quickies, EP 113 Mar. 17, 2024
You are a joy to know. I'm so lucky to have vintage machines because it lead me to you. Beyond your expertise of sewing machines you are wise beyond beyond. Love you kiddo.
I'm a herd dog lover. Thank you for understanding me, and my dogs who would 'love' to herd your kitties. My sewing machines appreciate you just a smidge less than i do. Accepting and kindness is needed these days.❤
Sewing machine stuff only!
"I ate some pie " and it was delicious 😋 Thank you for making this zone Politic Free Zone
Speaking of pie... A special shout out to Lorne and Susan at Hot Graham Sauce Company. Their "Warmup" hot sauce is absolutely delicious on apple pie. Yes, hot sauce on apple pie sounds strange, but it is soooooo good! hotgrahamsauceco.com/
If you have to hide your politics in order to get along, I'd argue that you're not really getting along.
It's not hiding, it's going back to the basics of polite society of not inserting political commentary where it isn't appropriate. Honestly, the ONLY way to change my mind of this is to convince me that politics have ANYTHING to do with the subject here, which is vintage sewing machines.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Nope, I wouldn't try to change your mind, nor do I blame you. If I had a yt channel, I might do the same thing. But only because we have so many people in the world who can't get past opposing viewpoints.
Thank you.
Civility is so important! I loved Marie's video... A great watch!
Thanks so much, Bob! Sending so many positive vibes to the entire community. Much love ❤️
Wonderful camera work and description! Thanks so much.
Thanks, Bob. Several of my favorite YT creators have recently expressed how burned out they're feeling, due, in part, to riding herd on the comments section. Unfortunately, some of them are shutting down their public online presence.
I have a lot of friends who have complained about "comment section burnout", and even one (not a sewing machine related channel) who just turns comments off, period!
❤❤❤
Thanks Bob. I saw Marie's video and wanted to see this. Wow, the KK did the paint in. Good to know. sorry that happened but glad it is getting painted anyway. Which Ultrasonic do you have? I may want to invest one day. Stay well and stay cool in these sweaty days of summer.
Hi bob, if your .235 tool ever wears out, grab a piece of 6mm (.236) keystock at a nearby big box store
Would like to to see how you clean and polish the machines
Plz help I took my tension assembly apart and ended up with 2 disc and another disc but looks like an everyday washer. And I don’t see it in any videos
Email me pix of what you have to argosybob@gmail.com and I'll take a look...
Brilliant! ❤
The top of the eye to the hook is 1/8 too deep on your machine. You should have moved it up a little bit in your movie, so people can see the distance.
I so appreciate all that you share with us! I have removed all the washers, & the 2 screws at the hub of the balance wheel of my 101-2, and plucked out a couple of straight pins & thread that were hiding behind. I STILL cannot get the balance wheel to slide off. Ir is necessary, too, as the bobbin winder needs working on. 🤔
For refreshing old vinyl I'm using cheap spray "plastic polisher for car interior". That's works great and looks like new and shiny.
Questions if you don't mind. 😊 where are you located? Where can I order parts needed ? Do you sell parts ? Thank you. Appreciate your dedication and hard work. I am learning so much from your video.
Hi Just purchased a 1912 or 1915 from a thift store with 3 drawer cabinet. Thank you 😊. Your video was very helpful.
Brilliant! Thank you for all your videos
Thanks for finding us a great solution! Makes sense to make the hole larger so you can make the repair a 2nd time if necessary. Things happen!
This kind of thing is so clever. I would love to see how you go about bending wire like this so precisely, and don't end up with something that looks like a committee tried to design a paper clip and forgot what they were doing half way through! Could you put it on the To Do List, pretty please? I promise to be very, very good - I'll even eat all my vegetables! :-)
Thanks for sharing the information
Great to know
Wow! You,are very resourceful! Thank you for your efforts.
It's not as much about being resourceful, rather I don't want to have to worry about lack of spares or delivery times. Besides, I like specialty pliers and this gives me an excuse to own a lot of them! 🙂
You are my hero!
Can you advise how to adjust timing?
Short answer: you can't, it's fixed at the factory. Long answer: on these machines, unless the shuttle driver has been replaced, the linkages that drive the shuttle were pinned in place when the machine was built. On these we don't adjust timing, we adjust the needle bar height to get the machine into proper time. To do this, it's necessary to remove the needle plate so you can get a good view of the hook portion of the shuttle. Often, it's helpful to also remove the feed dog for a clearer view. Install a NEW 14 size needle for this measurement and adjustment. The screw that you need to loosen is on the pillar side of the needlebar box. There's a hole, that when the needle bar is down, allows access to the screw on the back of the needle bar clamp. On the needle bar itself, you will see two lines engraved at the upper portion of the bar, where the needle bar enters the upper bushing. With the needlebar at the very bottom of its stroke, the upper line should be even with the bottom of the busking. Loosen the screw that secures the needlebar clamp to the needlebar though the previously mentioned hole, and raise of lower the needlebar to align that mark. With the screw tightened snugly, turn the balance wheel in the direction of normal operation (top of the wheel towards the operator) until the lower mark on the needlebar is even with the bottom of the bushing. At that point in the rotation, if all else is OK, the point of the hook will be even with the shaft of the needle, and the point of the hook will be approximately 1/16" above the top of the eye of the needle. If the needle is aligned with the point of the hook, but the distance is too great or too little, loosen the needlebar clamp and move the needlebar to the appropriate spot. At this point, the marks are not important, it's the alignment of needle to point of hook, and distance from point to top of eye of needle that's important. I know this is a long explanation, but you asked! There is a copy of the adjuster's manual in the manuals section of my website here: bobsvsmservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Singer-15-91-service-manual.pdf
👍👍👍
YES!!!! Thank you. And now I need to get one of those wires.
Love that idea, Bob! Do you think that is the same size for that little upper guide?
I'll measure, but I suspect it's smaller. I also have .064 wire that should work for the upper.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop That would be great. Those little buggers are my nemesis.
Ask and it shall be given... czcams.com/video/8kWknUOjpVs/video.html
Nice to have that link and the tool ideas! I did this repair not too long ago, but the remaining piece refused to be pushed in any farther. Drilling for 2 hours with a special bit got me 3/16" hole. I used JB Weld and built it up around it a tad. That was good enough, the thread guide is holding. I ran completely out of profanities doing this job.
Hey Bob, I found a 306W this week and made the mistake of removing the foot pedal wire in order to get the machine out and I’m looking for a video to figure out where to put it back. I think this is the video I need but I’m wondering where the ribbed wires go! You didn’t mention it here. Does it matter? I should have taken a better video, the video I did take, I didn’t pay attention to the ribbed wire, ugh! Thanks
Hi Rhonda, The wiring is pretty simple, and if you look at the diagrams on my website that are linked in the video description, you'll be fine. As for the ribbed wire... (This only applies to North America, the UK and EU do things differently). These machines were not polarized nor did they have a ground (earth) connection back in the time when they were made. The wall plugs back then used two, equal sized blades. Modern plugs have a larger width blade for the neutral, and a narrow blade for the hot side. If you are using the "modern" US wiring plug with the two sizes of blades, the ribbed conductor would be the neutral, and be attached to the wider blade. On the machine connector end, I put the neutral on pin 3 (the one with the red dot), but there is no absolute requirement to do so. I hope this helps.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop that’s great information to know but more so a relief! So glad I found the video. I did a screenshot of the diagram and saved it to my files! As usual, you’ve come through. Thanks a bunch!
It would be different if they would Wire. Correctly
Thank you so much for all of these wonderful videos. I have a Jones vibrating shuttle that is making a terrible noise. I have pinpointed it to the fact that the needle bar wiggles up and down a bit. I have no idea how to fix this. I’m guessing it’s a worn and I’m probably not going to be able to get to it much less find a part for Jones machine in the US.
I have never seen a Jones VS machine, but I have to assume it's not too different from most of the other VS machines made in the day. Availability is probably very different on the other side of the pond, but here in the US... Not so much.
Yo tengo una de las mismas maquinas pero el motor se hiso muy lento
I wish you could work on my Singer 66…your work is excellent…sadly my machine and I are in a different country 😂
What is used to polish the parts
When did you get your RAT FINK tattoo.........I'm guessing '65-----67. Getting the old grease out of the potted motors is the hardest part for me. Later gator.
Gee, if I got that in 1965, I would have been all of 8 years old! IIRC, Rat Fink appeared on my arm in September 2017 at a charity tattooing event held at my VFW post. FWIW, the memorial rose on my right arm was done at the same event a year earlier.
Hi Bob! I haven't worked on a machine for almost a year sue to some health issues, but all it took is seeing you take apart a nice old potted motor, and my hands are itching to get back to it! I have a dusty old 66 sitting on the bench all this time. It only needs some good cleaning and a stitch regulator cover and it'll be done, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning to get her done! Thanks for the joyful inspiration!
Welcome back to having dirty hands!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop 😄
At 4:10 in this video you made reference to another video where you wired up one of the Leviton plugs that you were talking about. Can you tell me which video that was, I'd like to view it as I have bought the 10 pack of plugs and used my first one today.
That would be this video, at approximately 12:13 in. czcams.com/video/S5adztNUMFw/video.html
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Thanks Bob. I got the wires around the terminal screws in the right direction, but the way you inserted the wire was a lot easier than the way I did it.
You are a marvel!! Watching from Australia and learning all about my 201.😊😊😊
Awesome! Thank you!
I’m trying to adjust the tension on my mum’s old singer 201k. Your video has been very helpful. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I just got my Aunt‘s 237. It still runs. Thanks for the info!
A great machine!
Love watching you... Learned much from you! Thanks for all the videos you have posted and all the knowledge you share!
You are so welcome!
Yes, Krud Kutter is quite rough on paint.
Indeed, but since it's being stripped anyway, might as well have some fun...
Great video as always! Just purchased my third 15-91 yesterday at estate sale 40 dollars in a bentwood case. I will start rebuilding soon.
Great deal! Mine in a bentwood set me back $75
Thanks for this video. The handle on mine is a mess.
Glad it helped
Thanks for the two videos on this case. I have a featherweight case that is needing attention to make it usable again.
Glad it was helpful!