Oiling and maintaining your Singer 201
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2022
- A while ago I made a video on this Singer with a lot of side info.
Link: • Singer 201 and 201k in...
I try to make multiple videos on every sewing machine I own.
Including a long video with practical tips & tricks AND general info on that specific Singer.
But also a video on the threading path, how to wind a bobbin, and this video on oiling an maintaining your vintage Singer sewing machine.
It is vital to oil your Singer. Yes, they are almost unbreakable. But you want a smooth running machine.
Apply sewing machine oil to everything metal on metal that hinges or moves.
DO NOT USE WD40!
If you have any questions: Drop me a line.
Take care, Erik
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Singer 201 is a rare gem, indeed a fine mechanical work of art.
Thankfully it isn't rare, they made loads of them! I got one for £40 and then spent another £50 on servicing, now it runs perfectly.
Great video. Beautifully shot as well!
Thank you so much Gia.
That means the world to me!
Great video. When all else fails, read the manual!😄
Thanks Peter.
You know and are familiar with the RTFM-protocol?
I tell it all the time to people who fail at something: 'That is the RTFM-protocol!'
(RTFM stands for: Read The Fkkn Manual!)
All the best, Erik
Just got a 201-2 today, from 1951 with the "Century of Sewing" plate on it. Its in immaculate shape. Lots of accesories for it as well. Pretty pumped. Just replaced thr buld with a LED version. I do need to oik it though. Its how I found your video. Pretty awesome machines! Now i gotta find out hownto get a little newdle like something to ise to oil it. Haha.
Congratulations on your 201. Such amazing machine. You’re gonna love it!
Good luck and enjoy your 201
I have a 1938 201-2….love her. She has a family…1882 Model 12 Fiddle Base Treadle, 1925 28K Handcrank, 1928 Model 66 Treadle all side mount presser feet/attachments and they all work! I am so happy with them. I have several other Singers, a couple Brothers Serger and Coverstitch, and a Q’nique 21 Longarm. They all get cleaned and oiled regularly. Since all of my Singers are side-mount I can use even the modern snap-on presser feet. I can use my ‘antique’ attachments, i.e. my darning attachment, on my modern machines.
Hi Sharon. It's addictive right?! You have a nice collection!
Enjoy your machines and take care
The best machine I've ever sewn with. I learned on this model in 1962 when I was 8 yrs old. It runs like butter and never any tension issues. Over the years I had other Singers, Kenmores, and Bernina. Recently inherited this machine from my mother and have cleaned and oiled the machine as well as the foot pedal but it seems to be slower than I remember. Perhaps it's poor memory :) Any idea how to gauge how fast it's potential is?
Great to hear you're 201-fan too!
How nice you learned sewing on a 201.
I often hear people on the decreasing power of the original motors. Maybe yours is in need of a service.
How fast it will go? Well, my aluminium 201 mark 2 is fitted with a modern YDK motor. It has a max speed of 6000 rpm! It handles it... well, but I'm afraid that maximum speed is too high, but I don't know for sure.
Got me thinking... YEARS ago a saw a video of someone putting a washing machine motor on both the washing machine AND a Singer 99 at the same time. He/she let it run at full speed for a long time. No surprise: The washing machine failed and the Singer never stopped working 🙂
@@erikneekI did see in one of your blogs I think, that the machine is capable of 1000 spm? I'm tempted to ask if you could service my machine after watching your video - I'm impressed! I can't figure out where you are though, and probably can't afford a complete overhaul just for sentimental attachment to the machine. I can't find anyone in my central NC area who is willing to work on old machines. I don't dare start taking it apart - I'd never get it back together, lol.
@@curiouscat3384 Thank you for your reply.
The 201 can sew really fast. The 201 was also produced as a semi-industrial machine, the 1200. With a knee lift. It has an external motor and is an absolute beast.
I might know something about sewing machines, but servicing a motor is not my cup of tea. There are multiple videos on servicing those small bolt on motors. I think Andytube had some videos on that subject.
If you only want to maintain and oil it: You can't do anything wrong. Or better: I think so... 🙂
Just tilt the machine on its base and don't let go - hold it tight or secure it. To start: Just look around and watch a video on your phone at the same time. Remove the cover plates and again: Just look. That's the first step. When you're more confident you can do some more.
If you need any help: There is a Facebook group dedicated to the 201 and 1200. There are also a lot of other sewing machine groups, like the Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Group (If Im not mistaken).
Good luck and greetings from The Netherlands,
Erik
Is it slower because you used grease instead of oil on the gears?
Thanks for the question! Must confess I haven't worked on this in months, lol. I have no idea what was used in the past. After my recent cleaning I used Tri-Flow, recommended by some other guys with repair experience. But I haven't played with it in months - maybe I should give it another go to clean & inspect more thoroughly to find some hidden old gunk. I did clean the foot pedal gunk VERY thoroughly, and polished the metal contacts which gave me some improvement but not overall speed. I've called around and nobody wants to bother with it because they don't have an easy source for motor replacement. @@CurseTheDarkness
I have a Singer 201 that I bought used. It sews magnificently, however it smells hot when running. What do you think the problem is?
Hi Susan,
Congratulations on your 201!
It could be a number of things, but I THINK it may be bad wiring. (There are a number of FB groups on Singer 201's. Maybe someone over there has a better idea...)
Good luck!
@@erikneekAgree, check the wiring…better yet, have it checked.😊
...did you just mix oil with grease ln the gears 😐
I might look like it (1'10") because my machine has some old grease on the gears. But no, I did not grease AND oil.
The gears should be lubricated with oil only. The tolerances are very small, grease is too thick. Furthermore grease attracts dust, lint and other stuff. So oil the gears and no grease.