Newbie with a Singer 111w155

[vonL]

Hi folks!

Last week I bought my first sewing machine, a Singer 111W155 with table and original clutch motor, I paid 35 usd. It's been sitting for quite some time and is in need of a good cleaning, lubricating and adjusting. The timing belt was broken so I have not been able to test it, but it turns over by hand. Timing belt should be here in a week or two, eager to test it.

I think there is an issue with the foot lift mechanism - it binds when i use the knee lift, I have to gently push down on the linkages on the back of the head. Max lift is around 4-6mm it seems. I'm being gentle with it as I am afraid of breaking something. 

I have not been able to locate exactly where it binds, but it seems to be the parts of the mechanism on the inside of the head. I will post pictures with arrows this evening. 

I dont know of any place who can do a service on this machine om Norway, so i guess I'll have to manage myself and I am up for the task.

Stefan 

Edited September 11, 2019 by vonL
Corrected some errors

[Wizcrafts]

Here is a manual for the 111w155

 

111W152_W153_W154_W155.pdf

[vonL]

Thank You Wizcrafts, will dive into the manual later today:-)

[vonL]

I watched Uwe's video on changing the thread tension release guide, and found out that it was bent on my machine (where the lift arm meets the thread tension release - does this make sende?). Bent it back just to test, with the result of even less presser foot lift. I then found out that since every moving part is dirty and gummed up, things weren't moving as it's supposed to. After cleaning with wd40 and some gentle prying I now have what seems like correct lift, but the inner foot now binds on the feed dog. I'm going to adjust as per some other thread on this forum as soon as my timing belt arrives, and will also get a new thread tension release guide. 

[vonL]

My machine now has a new timing belt, and I've adjusted the feet. I need a new thread tension release guide, mine is broken, but now I know how to change it, and have all involved parts cleaned, it will be an easy fix.

The small pin in the thread tension plate is missing - what length is this pin? I figure I could fabricate one easily enough as long as I know the dimensions 

[dikman]

If you're referring to the tension release pin that slides inside the housing to push the discs apart, I've had to make a couple in the past and just found a suitable sized nail or piece of rod and cut it by trial and error until it worked.

[vonL]

Yes, not the big one which slides inside the machine casting, but inside the tensionplate. I'll get some nails in a suitable size and give it a go:-)

[Samalan]

Thats a great machine it was the first sewing machine i used when i first started cabinet making we made dunkin donut stores the stool heads were covered with an orange naugahide that required one stitched seam i still have that machine 111-155 its in great shape and runs well i have 11 machines but still use the 155 once in a while have fun with it .

[shoepatcher]

A cut off needle works better than a nail for the small tension release pin!

glenn

Edited September 25, 2019 by shoepatcher

[Bert51]

I have found a small drill bit that has been abuse once to often works well.

Bert.