Oiling featherweight?

[piecemaker1]

Someone mentioned that they oil their featherweight every time they use it (sorry I could not find the post to see who it was). Where do you oil the featherweight, and why do you oil it after every use?

Thanks for any help. I have a featherweight that I have just started using when I take a class.

~ piecemaker1

[quilterbee]

Keeping your machine oiled and clean helps it perform to it's best ability. I oil where there is friction. I drop 1 drop of oil in the bobbin when I have to load another. I use Tri-Flow, you can get it at any sewing machine shop or bike shop. I service all of my machines myself and only use a dealer when I need something like a motherboard for a computerized machine. Using Tri-Flow will keep your machine quiet and smooth. Amie

[ollie1shoe]

quilterbee i have heard you are not supose to oil the computerized machines only the machine dealer should what are your thoughts on this and where do you oil them only on the bobbin case?

[debisews1]

I was told to use a q-tip and put the oil on the tip and oil using the q-tip that way you can not over oil which i was told was safe for my computerized machine also i find that it gets all the lint and dust out also i was told not to use air as it is not good on the machine because you can not controll where the lint goes I have to share i have found the best find ever i found my great grandmothers singer feather weight machine i have no idea how long it has been in the case but it seems to be in really good condition i oiled it and the tension is off i have not gotten comfortable working with it but i will

[WeeOne]

If I were home I could look up oiling in the Featherweight 221 book, by Nancy Johnson-Srebro. If you have a featherweight, you should have this book. It's a wealth of information & history on featherweights. Even includes a reprint of the 221's manual. Lyn

[piecemaker1]

I actually have the Instruction manual for the 221-1 Featherweight machine. I do not know if it is the original book that came with this machine (it has a 1941 publish date, my machine is a 1938 model), but it does have points for oiling. There are a lot of places needing oil, according to the manual. I guess I just do not think about oiling this machine, as my older Kenmore only required oiling the bobbin shaft. Is it possible to put too much oil in the machine? I do not use this machine all the time, but I have been using it more lately, as I like the stitching, and I purchased a 1/4 " foot guide which has made my piecing much more exact.

piecemaker1

[CaroleJ]

Debisews, you might want to search around in your area for a shop that repairs Featherweights. It's a relatively simple fix to adjust the tension and will probably save you some headaches!

Happy sewing!
Carole

[debisews1]

Carole thanks i will do that i think your right
happy sewing back at you
Debi

[belagona53]

Caution Caution
You can not over oil your machine but you can gum it up with rancid oil which holds onto dust dirt and bits of thread. I have spent literally hours and hours pulling customers' featherweights and 221s apart to clean off the golden brown gumed up messes of rancid oil. Good oil is clear with no color - if is yellowed, it is old and rancid - pitch it.
The more oil you use the more you will have to wipe up at one point or another so it is a good practice to keep a scap of batting near your machine and give her a little rubdown before you start sewing.
If you over oil,excess oil will drip down the needle and onto you precious art work - don't fret - cornstartch spread accross the oil slick will suck the oil out of your fabric. Let is sit and then brush it off.
Get to know your baby - she will perform wonders for you - wait until you see how many thicknesses of fabric a featerweight can sew over and not even hesitate.
You'll eventually be able to hear when she needs a drop or two of oil here or there. Remember she's a Jewish princess - threads from right to left - and she will be an heirloom your great grandchildren should cherish.
Bela

[norwich]

There's a featherweight group on Yahoo groups that's very helpful. You need a Yahoo account, however, which only takes a few minutes to set up if you don't have one already. Go to "Groups" and search for "Featherweight" - very good information there.