Craigslist prep

On this my day off, I decided to check out the problems I had noticed and noted on the previous vintage machines: January's Singer 237 Fashion Mate (the tension got wonky toward the end of the bobbin),  February's Singer 329K StyleMate (the tension knob drifts to zero as she sews), and May's Brother Atlas (no problems, but the tension assembly was the only thing I hadn't taken apart to clean). When I was satisfied I'd done all I could do to fix any problems, I'd start listing them on Craigslist.

I started with the 237, couldn't quite get the tension assembly off, but loosened it all the way and did a good cleaning between the discs. Then I cleaned her up, sewed a bit (for photographic proof of her tension and stitches), took copious pictures, and posted her on Craigslist:

Within 2 hours I got a text (which I missed for two additional hours because I'd forgotten to tether myself to my phone), but I've found the first hits are usually scams so although I answered that 'yes, it was still available', I'm not holding my breath.

The next machine on the table was the 329K, which had a drifting tension knob and a lagging motor. My plan was to tighten the belt, easily done once I found the video that showed me how to drop the motor.

 

That video also showed me how to remove the belt, which upon consideration of the age of this machine, seemed prudent. I'd hate to sell the machine to someone only to have the belt snap immediately. How glad I am I made that decision!

This belt is ready to break at any point along its length. I'll hit my LQS later this week for a new one.

In the list of this guy's machine repair videos was one about tension assemblies for the 327, 328, and 329 Singers, so under his guidance I took that apart and put it all back together again. I didn't take pictures, and I can't test my work until the new belt is on, but this was my perch all afternoon.

Not all the pieces were the same as his (I don't know if that's the root of the problem), but if the tension still drifts I'll make note of it in the description.

Just to say I did it and cleaned it, and using some of my newfound skills, I took apart and reassembled Pink's tension assembly. Hers is super tight on top, but there's only so far I can loosen everything before it all springs apart. 'Tswhat's. Another quick sew with her to double-check that she's still balanced (and get photographic proof), and she'll be listed next.