Vintage Singer 201k sewing machine rebuild/rewire

[GeraldTheBonzai]

SHMBO has a vintage Singer 201k sewing machine from 1956. Its build like a tank and I'm pretty sure it could stitch together sheet steel - leather doesn't even cause it to blink. However, is needs a rebuild and definitely a rewire - lots of Bakerlite and perished rubber grommets. Looks like one of these. Lots of info online for me to look at but anyone ever gone down this rabbit hole?

[pseudonym]

https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/

HTH

[korolev]

I repair a lot of stuff, always have.
I would advise taking pictures every step of the way, including screws/bolts/springs etc and, if something isn't moving, check for hidden screws/clips.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Some useful info here - thanks.

This machine is so sold, it's pretty straightforward:
If it moves, oil it. If it doesn't, clean it. End.

We are actually thinking of removing the motor and putting the foot treadle back. Even like that it can still sew leather.

[Arzosah]

Gerald, please keep posting, including the photos korolev has recommended you take, I'd love to see that.

[pseudonym]

Snip>
We are actually thinking of removing the motor and putting the foot treadle back. Even like that it can still sew leather.

+1 for the Handcrank Singers.

My Jackery powerbank will run my 1950s Singer but my 1898 Singer will work anywhere if required.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Thought I would practice on the other sewing machine we had - one from the 80's that wouldn't do into reverse or change the stitch pattern.

Happy to say now fully working. Bit of localised oil, dab of grease (when had solidified) and a lot of compressed air. Fortunately was of an age where it still had screws, rather than the plastic clips that are always impossible to open.

Random fact: Those plastic levers you can put to prise open plastic cases? Found out they are called technically called spudgers. Learn something new every day.

[Arzosah]

Well done!

Erm, I have two sewing machines inherited from my mother, one from the 1980s, which has basic computerized embroidery patterns available, and the other much later, much more lightweight, that she bought because after my dad died, she started going to sewing and patchwork classes again, and she could manage to get the lightweight one out to the car that was giving her a lift.

I possess a *lot* of tech that I don't really know how to use .... I should make a list and take votes on what to work on first

In the meantime, still happy to hear your sewing machine stories. The Great British Sewing Bee started again last night, too.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

The one I just fixed had no electronics. Was pretty impressed by how it works. Can do things like zigzag and basic patterns, but they are all controlled by a set of rotors that you select via a dial. Clever.

[GillyBee]

I have a 1939 201K treadle machine. They were built like tanks and are still popular today so parts are available although soaking in sewing machine oil (never WD40) solves most things.
The electric one has a separate motor which may need a safety check or replacement wiring to be safe.
Fun fact. In 1939 my machine would have cost the average labourer almost 6 months wages.I got it for £50 which was worth about 3 hours labour at the time. Which shows just how important they are if you cant simply go down the shops to buy new clothes.