Friday, July 12, 2013

Brother 220 Super Streamliner

  A friend picked this machine up at a local thrift shop. It was not out on the sales floor, it was out back being used as a doorstop. The dark pink/light purple color caught her eye immediately and she had to have it.



  She brought the machine into the shop last weekend because she had dropped it and the balance wheel turned so tightly that the motor was not strong enough to rotate it. After a quick inspection for bent rods and shafts, we noticed that the balance wheel wobbled when turned by hand. The gap between the edge of the balance wheel and the housing was about ¼ “ at its closest and about 3/8” when turned 180 degrees. This usually means that the tail of the main shaft is bent and binding on the rear bushing.


  I straightened the shaft and the machine runs as smooth and quiet as new. I purposely didn’t take photos of the shaft straightening process because I don’t want to be responsible for someone damaging their antique machine beyond repair because my directions weren't clear enough. I don’t see any youtube videos of the process, probably for the same reason. If you think you have that problem, gmail me at oldsewingmachines and I will try to talk you through it. 

7 comments:

Michelle said...

A doorstop? Oh for Heaven's sake! Sew glad you got it fixed. I know this lady will treasure it. I would have been drooling over it!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Some people just don't understand about these machines. Why don't they use an old power saw as a door stop? Glad you could fix that pretty machine.

Cari said...

Thank you so much for fixing that magnificent beauty! I am a total freak for vintage Brother machines, I have 11 and I use them!

Anonymous said...

It's my machine and I LOVE it! Thanks so much for returning it to service for me! I've relocated it so I don't need to move it every time I use it, ending the opportunity to drop it again. It's a sweet machine, but HEAVY!

Pamela in SOMD

heather said...

i need tension parts for a brother machine. any idea where i could find them?

Michelle said...

I have this exact model sewing machine that I would like to sell, would you or anyone be interested? email me at michellelewis22@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I was recently given one of these machines and don't know much about it. Would someone be willing to contact me and answer a few questions?