This is the machine I bought because the case was very nice, and I really wasn’t worried about whether the machine was nice or not. Well, the machine IS nice, AND it is a TANK. (I think I got a double hernia picking it up!) It is a straight and zig zag stitch machine, no cams, but it is nice. The style of it tells me it was made in the early 60’s.
It didn’t come without problems though. When I bought the case, I took the lid off and the machine smelled like the motor had been hot at one time. I guess I just had it in my head that it was junk.
I oiled it, and plugged it in. I ran the motor, and it made a loud humming noise. The needle went up and down freely. There were no rusty parts, but to me, the humming was not normal. I decided to take the end off of the machine and take a look at the motor.
Just as I suspected. The belt was TOO TIGHT. As soon as I loosened it, the hum went away.
I wound a bobbin. It has a nice little cover for the bobbin winder…
The bobbin case was laying in the cubbyhole to the right of the machine, and when I went to put the bobbin in it, I realized that the tension plate/spring was missing off the bobbin case. Good thing I have spares! It did not disappoint.
Do you see on the back of the machine that is has a place to put your hand up inside the machine to help you lift it? It is THAT heavy!
So I guess I don’t have a spare nice case, but I have a machine that is a tank, and a workhorse. It’s probably not a machine I would have bought as a collectible, but I’m glad I saved her. It also is interesting, because it is a part of history, and one day, 50 some years ago, some young housewife was thrilled to be getting this machine to call her very own.
From the looks of this machine, it wasn’t used much. It either was something the owner decided they were not interested in, or, what I think, is that with the broken bobbin case, and the ‘too tight belt’, they just did not know what to do, so they did nothing. So sad.
Have a great Friday, and a wonderful weekend!
Be blessed,
Michelle
Another great machine! How do you do it? Thanks for rescuing them and letting us enjoy them with you!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful machine. How I wish you could teach me how to work on machines (besides oiling)!
ReplyDeleteIs there a society for rescuing/rescued sewing machine?
PS: The email I started for you has disappeared. Will try to write one tomorrow. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYes, but she was probably like me and had no Knowledge of how to fix it. I mess with my own with my owner's manual in my lap, lol, but you have a gift of knowing what to do! Good story on another saved machine ~
ReplyDelete:-}pokey
I remember my mother's first "portable" sewing machine. Good grief! I guess it was like the first portable computers. Yes, you can move them but you better be ready for the task! I bought a heavy, green machine at a yard sale. I put a new belt on it and the stitches are fabulous but the motor throws out little bits of black stuff that is smeary (I make up words as needed!) so I don't quilt with it. Tell me what you think, do I need a new motor?
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think the problem with machines getting tossed has a lot to do with the cost of repairs. I know a lot of people would love to have a sewing machine handy even just if they only use it for darning BUT at a min of $70-$90 for a tune up you have to be committed to sewing or to the machine (if it was a loved one's perhaps). Repair on a machine is more expensive than a cheap machine, but most people do not realize the plastic machines of today are so inferior.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember Granny's first machine? This was the same brand.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sold on this machine until I realized that I could control the width of the zigzag stitch. I've been trying to find a good way to sew stretchy knits without the fancy stretch stitch of the modern machines and the skinny zigzag is showing some promise. Plus, this thing is a beast.
ReplyDeleteThe 264R IS a monster, but oh what a beautiful machine it is ... my wife got this a few years ago when her then-new Singer started to crash and a friend had this one to use ... a few tweaks, oil, etc., and it has worked perfectly ever since.
ReplyDeleteThe case with it, however, was below par plastic and, with the weight of the machine and a few short drops, (clips let go as machine was above table), it has to be replaced as the machine finally cracked the bottom section.
I have a background in mechanical and electronic things and metal plus woodworking hobbies ... this machine was made in Japan when they were taking the time to build detailed, quality machines out of lasting materials. The first time I looked in this machine, I marveled at all the synchronized actions and the over-build of cast iron and steel, just awesome, putting so many newer machines to shame ...
Now, if I could just find a source for a new motor belt to fit the 264R ... I love your site and that you have this need for machines ... sew-on and sew-on ... !! My wife and I have been married since 1967.
I just picked up one of these on the curb for FREE with a beautiful cabinet during city-wide yard sales. My singet broke a couple years ago and I have been desperate to sew.can u tell me if singer needles n bobbins will work in this machine?
ReplyDeleteI have a domestic 264R serial no 11890 in great shape. Could you tell me what it's worth or who might like to purchase it please.
ReplyDelete