Unsticking stitch length regulator on Consew 227 (not R)

[SheltathaLore]

I am super excited to sew my first project on the beautiful reconditioned 227 I got from Gregg at Keystone, but for the life of me, I can't get the stitch length regulator knob on the handwheel to turn.  It's from Gregg, so I'm confident it works and isn't rusted on or anything, I just can't get a good enough grip for my wussy hands to make it turn. 

I found the manual, and this doesn't seem to be one of the ones where you need to push a button and turn the handwheel to unlock the screw.

Any advice?

 

[Uwe]

Call @Gregg From Keystone Sewing , I'm sure he's interested in you being able to change the stitch length on that machine. That knob may also not turn in the direction you think it should turn. 

Otherwise post some pictures. It's hard to guess exactly what your stitch length mechanism looks like.

[SheltathaLore]

I've been emailing Gregg - it sounds like it's probably operator error, because it *ought* to be turning just fine.  I just can't get a good grip on it. 

Pictures:

[Uwe]

That knob should turn clockwise to come out. It's the opposite rotation of what you'd expect.

I made a video some time ago about that stitch length adjustment mechanism on a Singer 153W102, which should be the same as your Consew 227:

 

[SheltathaLore]

Unfortunately, I can't get it to turn in either direction.

[Uwe]

Ah, well, that's a problem then. Has it ever worked since you got it? Either way, Gregg's your man.

[SheltathaLore]

No - I'm about to start my first project.  At least it sounds like the problem isn't just me being dumb?

[Uwe]

You are right to expect that knob to turn as it should. For some reason it doesn't.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the threads on the shaft that the knob screws onto are brittle and break easily.  On my machine a large portions of the thread on the end of the shaft had already broken off, leaving jagged edges and gritty bits behind. I spent the better part of an hour Dremel grinding the jagged threads smooth until the knob would thread in and out smoothly.

Hypothetically, if it were my machine and I'd have not much to loose, I'd be tempted to grab some channel lock pliers, wrap a piece of leather around the knob and as gently as possible apply some twisting force on the knob in the correct direction in hopes of getting the knob to turn. I'd also spray some WD-40 or similar in the (tight) gaps by the knob beforehand in the hopes of providing some lubrication on the threads. 

But it's your machine and I'm certainly not telling you to do that. And you really should check in with Gregg before you do anything drastic.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

13 hours ago, Uwe said:

Ah, well, that's a problem then. Has it ever worked since you got it? Either way, Gregg's your man.

Uwe,

No, you're the man!  Seriously, I appreciate you and your knowledge.  Again, I learned a lot of new tricks with your 441 timing video.  Some things were the same, some were new, and some were different.  If you have not seen it yet, it's a good one, CLICK HERE for YouTube video.  

Anyway, back to the issue at hand.  Uwe is correct, ShelathaLore. 

-Get a better grip on the knob, love the leather and vice grip option, and put some force into it.  Make sure that we are turning the correct direction, long or short stitch length.  Don't be afraid to do this, we've got your back!

[SheltathaLore]

It worked perfectly - I'm all set! Thank you guys!

Look at this beautiful stitch :D

 

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

11 hours ago, SheltathaLore said:

It worked perfectly - I'm all set! Thank you guys!

Look at this beautiful stitch :D