Feeddog issue (?) 111w103 singer

[CSM68]

Can you help? Chicago member here and NEW on this machine, which I inherited from my mom. I'm a lifetime seamstress (about 38 years, I guess). Machine was not used for about 35 years so I oiled it up, all seemed fine, I knocked out a quilt, but then it seems to be sewing BACKWARDS. Feed dog issue? HELP!  I've only used regular machines all my life so go easy on me, assume I'm a total beginner on this machine because I AM! Please help, I'm tearing my hair out. 

[Yetibelle]

Well since that machine does not have reverse, I'm not sure how you got it to go backwards?  I have seen them sew "in-place"  standing still but not backwards.  When you start your first few stiches - make sure you hold the needle thread and bobbin thread tight in one hand, other wise they might not grab and then it wont sew.  How did you thread the machine?  That also may be the issue.

 

[CowboyBob]

Some old motors will start backwards,just spin it counterclockwise when you start it to get it spinning the right way.

[CSM68]

Thank you for the advice!! I'll try your suggestions tomorrow. If you think of anything else please let me know. 

[dikman]

Good point, Bob. Someone on here some time ago had a similar problem, turned out to be a dried out capacitor in the start cct. (not uncommon in old motors).

[CSM68]

@dikman please elaborate if you can. Thank you

[Uwe]

Some electric motors actually have a hard time to start spinning from a standstill. They need movement to work properly. Once the motor spins, everything is okay, but starting the motor is often a problem. Without getting too technical, these hard-to-start electric motors usually have some means of momentarily "faking" movement to trick them into spinning. These motors also happily spin in either direction. The startup helper device also helps the motor spin in the right direction (most of the time). 

Ancient clutch motors can be trouble and some are downright dangerous electrical or fire hazards. I've picked up old machines where the clutch motors had frayed wiring, or dried, brittle rubber coating and all manner of potential electrical hazards and problems.

Unless you're super attached to that particular motor for sentimental reasons, it may be wise to replace it with a new clutch motor, or with a modern servo motor (the cost is about the same). If you've spent a lifetime working on domestic machines, it's unlikely that you will love the clutch motor experience, even if the motor spins in the right direction.

 Even a cheap servo motor ($135) will give you modern electrical safety and "domestic" speed control so you can safely enjoy your heirloom sewing machine.

 

Edited March 8, 2017 by Uwe

[dikman]

Hi CSM, as Uwe said an AC (Alternating Current which is what normal mains power is) electric motor can be difficult to start spinning without help (and can start in either direction). The usual way to do this is with a separate start winding or a capacitor (electrical component) which assists it to start (and in the right direction). My old Singer motor, which is at least as old as yours, has a large switch box with a capacitor inside, and while it still works I won't use it. Modern motors often have the capacitor mounted in the base or in a housing attached to the motor. I recently had a problem with a belt grinder, it was slow starting and I needed to spin it by hand to help it get up to speed. I replaced the capacitor and all was well.

In your case, however, I agree with Uwe in that I wouldn't mess around with a motor that old (unless you know exactly what you're doing). Replace it with a servo, it will make sewing so much easier.

I recently bought an old Singer that had an equally old original Singer motor. I took one look at it and junked it, I didn't even try it to see if it would work! It's one thing to restore an old sewing machine, it's another to mess around with old, and potentially lethal, motors.

I hope this helps you? (I do have a tendency to waffle a bit).

[CSM68]

Thank you Dikman and Uwe! Is it at all possible that it is simply a walking foot problem? or do you feel strongly that it's the motor?

[brmax]

Is the top of the pulley turning, coming towards the operator when started.

Also what is the stitch length and setting if i can ask. 

Have a good day

Floyd