To keep all my old sewing machines limber, I like to take
them off the shelf occasionally and use them on a project. I really should tag each machine to tell me
when was the last time it was oiled and used but I’m just too lazy. Anyway, I pulled this Rocketeer off the
shelf, oiled it and tested the stitches.
I have no idea how long it had been sitting unused, maybe years.
Straight stitch was fine
but wide zig zag was not.
I narrowed the stitch width and it got a wee bit better, but
still not in the acceptable range.
My first thought was that the needle bar had been shoved up
in its clamp by hitting a button or zipper but the marks on the needle bar were
in the correct position so I knew that was not the cause.
The next thought was hook timing. The point of the hook should pass just above
the eye of the needle when the lower timing mark on the needle bar is at the
needlebar bushing. It was, so that was
not the issue.
When I was watching the hook pass by the needle, I noticed
that there seemed to be a more-than-usual separation between the needle and the
hook point. The service manual says that
distance should be .018 inches but I measured it at .032 inches – almost twice
what it should be.
To be sure that the needlebar was not bent, I installed a
size 18 needle and a straight stitch needleplate and checked where the needle
passed through the hole in the needleplate.
It looked just like the drawing in the service manual, so the needlebar
was not bent.
The next step was to move the hook closer to the needle. The service manual says to loosen the two
setscrews indicated by "O"
And move the entire hook saddle. It was easy enough, after loosening the two
screws, the hook saddle swivels around the shaft it is mounted on and the hook
point can be moved closer to or farther from the needle. I moved the hook as close to the needle as
possible without hitting it and tightened the screws.
I now still have good straight stitch and the narrow zig zag
is as it should be.
I am not getting the full width zig zag that the machine is
capable of, but that is a different problem that I will tackle later.
Ed
Try opening the left end and put oil on the round slide that moves in and out to make the needle zig zag back and forth. Work it with your hand until it moves freely all the way from left to right at the widest stitch. If it is stubborn, take the hair dryer to it and soften the old oil. This always works for me.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the hook could shift on these machines. Thanks for posting. I have trouble remembering when I last used a machine also. I think I'm going to start putting post it notes (with a date) on the bed of the machine.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting these clear, well written tutorials!
ReplyDeletei also have a 500a just left to get serviced. but i wanted to ask you about my necchi i just got it and was giving it a look through i noticed i am missing the screw that holds the feed dog lever from the right side i assume it is a screw the other side has a pin. am i correct and if so where can i find one or what size is it
ReplyDeleteIts really very interesting and informative one,if u need to buy the best sewing machine ,you can also visit us Best Embroidery Sewing Machines in Chennai
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me where I can find a written source of trouble shooting information like this for my Singer 403 and Singer 500?
ReplyDeleteThanks for any help.
Patricia on the farm
i have serviced my 500a but my feet won't sit straight i have changed the screw that holds feet in place and have bought several different feet nothing has corrected this issue they all sit crooked??? what might be the problem?
ReplyDeleteBoy do I wish I could take a class or seminar in this kind of stuff. Unfortunately I have a problem learning it from a written lesson.
ReplyDeleteI have a singer 338 with fashion disc ( cams) that I'm trying to work on. It's driving me crazy. Someone gave me the machine. I like its color (mint green). I cleaned it up oiled it put a new belt on. It sews fine, but I can not get the cams to work right. It sews when I put the cams in, but not the design that it's suppose too. I think I'm doing something wrong.
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance if you can help.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom still has her Singer 500a and is still sewing at age 93. I learned to sew on that great machine. Still going strong....Mom and the machine! She made curtains last week and I made a blouse while visiting a couple of months ago. Thanks for the Fitbit bracelet pattern. Will make one too....or several!!
ReplyDelete