Andy, I have been watching you for a year. I'm 71, and I have bought machines at thrift stores and made them work for years. But now I have a love for the 401a. I now have 4 - 401a's. I have oiled them and greased them and they share top hats and accessories. I believe I like fixing them more than sewing?? I got sick a year ago and this takes my mind off my struggle. I saw the video where you open up and told your story, and I was doing the same thing. What a good distraction. God bless you, Andy. You are a good egg, my friend. Patty from NC
Thanks for saving those machines, Patty. Did you see my "Trouble" Playlist for model 401A? ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html It's amazing what a pain-killer working on a machine can be. It must be the same for other attention focusing work. I remember when my grand dad was feeling poorly and we'd find him in his shop cleaning and sharpening all his tools and oiling all the machinery. Nice hearing from you and take care.
The rubberband idea, holy cow. All of the goofy ways I used to hold the pins up. I move my machines around quite a bit. So simple, what a help. Thanks so much!
Wow Andy. I fell asleep watching videos and woke up this morning and went back an finished watching last night's video. This morning I watched this video about the cabinets. I'm so excited and today I plan on doing some organizing and cleaning and testing machines. I have two cabinets to put machines into. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Andy you are a wealth of information! I now know how to remove my 301 from the cradle and also know how to secure my 201 in the cabinet. I have the set screws, but didn't know that's what they were, so the machine has had to sit up all the time and I have been worried that it might come loose from the hinges and do some damage. A historian once told me that it's the "common" things in life that are lost first to history. Have you written a book yet with all of these great tips? So few people have this type of knowledge. I would buy it for sure. Thanks again.
It's wonderful comments like yours that help me feel justified in all the time and energy spent on my channel. It's so rewarding to hear if you were telling me they learned something new that's going to help them. Congratulations again on your new 301. It's a beautiful mate for the 201 as those are two of the very finest machines singer ever made. Best of luck going forward and take care
Well Andy, you found another interesting aspect of vintage sewing machines. When you mentioned the ISMACS site, I paused your video and went to that site to find information on cabinet #43 that my last 201 came with. No information there so I'll take some pictures and send them off to the site to see if they want to include that in their database. Your video also reminded me of two recurring problems I run in to. I've had two cabinets now where the drop down pedal is missing from the knee bracket. It means I end up putting the controller on the floor and I find that more inconvenient in use and in storage. In some other cabinets I have found the swing out shelf support arm has been tinkered with and the bullet detents are missing. Again, not the end of the world and inconvenient. It's hard to find just the missing parts and usually the only option is to buy an entire replacement unit. And you're absolutely right about it being a lot easier to install and remove machines with someone helping you. One of the few things my son and I do together.
When I have seen cabinet parts on eBay they usually will only sell you the complete setup for hinges, brackets, screws, etc. I think there are a lot of discarded tables in the landfills, 😢 I did see a nice mahogany one a person had converted to a wine bar with wheels. So the family that mounts machines together stays together, right? Thanks for trying to update ISMACS. I've never seen a cabinet 43 so I look forward to it.
I'm only a third of the way through and I'm already loving this video. Your "production values" on this are just lovely - not to mention those machines. They are "primo"! I couldn't wait until the end of the video to comment I'm so chuffed to see a video from you at all and this is just gorgeous.
Thanks very much, Meagan. It was a good day. I appreciate your support. Take care. chuffed - /CHeft/ adjective - informal - meaning very pleased; "I'm so chuffed to see..."
I have my grandmother's Singer 404 with cabinet and I am restoring the sewing machine thanks, in part, to your tutorials. This episode came just at the right time. I am about to take it out of the cabinet soon. The foot foot pedal is mounted on the inside of the cabinet, and I don't think it has ever touched the floor. These machines are tough, mechanical marvels and works of art, all in one. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is appreciated.
Always love hearing about a family machine. I'll bet the rubber cushions on the pedal are not flat or scuffed at all. Thanks for the kind recognition of my efforts with this channel. Take care.
Hey Andy! I inherited my grandmother’s Touch & Sew 626…in its original cabinet! However, when I took it out of the cabinet years ago in order to have it serviced, I misplaced the two hinge set screws but I didn’t know what to call them in order to find replacements, so I’m grateful to have found this video. Thank you a million times over!!
Very welcome. I'm never sure what information viewers will find helpful so I just try to include all I can think of. I'm happy you'll be able to remount your T&S machine, and happy sewing.
Thank you for this video. I bought a singer rocketeer (500) machine in a vintage cabinet and needed to remove the foot pedal from the interior. Your video had exactly what I need.
Thank you for making this video. I have my mom’s 301 with cabinet. Last year I took it out to have the machine serviced. I’ve hesitated putting it back in the cabinet because I wasn’t real sure how it went back together. I’m confident I can do it after watching this video.
I'm glad you found the video. I was very puzzled the first time I tried to remove a 301A. I unscrewed the set screws and thought "what is this weird thing on the bottom of the machine", haha. My wife figured out the release lever for me.
Thank you for this most informative video! You educated me about the table I have been using for the longest time without knowing about the hinge pins. I ordered a set and hope to have my whole setup ready for my upholstery work coming up.
I'm glad you found my video, Mario. For sure having your machine is a cabinet with work surfaces level to the machine bed makes for smoother sewing with less effort. Best of luck with your upholstery project, and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for this info- I'm currently reviving my Moms 401A and searching for a cabinet. I really want a knee control and you are so very awesome to provide so much info!!!
Thank you for making this informative video. I have my mother's 201-2 singer sewing machine that is in excellent working condition. I also have cabinet #42 . It has three large drawers on the right side and a small desk drawer on the left side, complete with the original inkwell! I plan on having this cabinet professionally refinished.
You're welcome, and I'm glad you found the video. Having your mom's 201-2 is wonderful. A family machine. Cabinet 42 is perfect for it. Restoring the cabinet sounds very worthwhile. Have fun and thanks for commenting.
So wonderful to see and hear you again ❤. Personally I prefer the hinges that mount on the top of the sewing surface of the cabinet. Kenmore also uses that under mount hinge, as did White. Big problem with that is it is really difficult to oil certain areas under the machine. As with every one of your videos, VERY INFORMATIVE, HELPFUL, AND ENTERTAINING. Stay well, dear friend.
Andy, your video answered so many questions for me. I really appreciate all the time you spend sharing your knowledge. I also think we are “neighbors”, as I live on the Tempe/Mesa border.
I'm glad the video was informative for you. Yes! I'm in "Central" Tempe for the last 20 years, and we are enjoying this nice weather right now. Take care.
I’m lucky enough to have a large enough sewing room to have several machines in cabinets. I really do prefer them that way. Machine is steady and seems more quiet.
Happy for you! I agree with cabinet mounting especially with the heavier models. It provides a larger work area at the same height as the sewing bed. The SInger cabinets and combination tables even look decent when closed up and the machine stored inside. Thanks for sharing, and for watching my channel.
I could be wrong but I haven't picked up a single machine that doesn't have those. I think they were made in every casting because it would be easier to do that than it would be to try to figure out what to do with the machines. And oh we're going to make so many of this or that they can just cast everything one way. Drill it out and things like that. And if they didn't come in a table they usually came in a carrying case as a portable and sometimes people bought tables later so I can said I don't think that there was any of them that were made without them, even the Japanese models the clones were generally set up for singer tables
Thanks for the video. I'm still looking for a cabinet for my 338. There are quite a few around on eBay in the UK but fairly pricey now and often badly stained. Main problem is getting the transport to get them home they are quite bulky. I'll keep looking as they are so much better than just sticking the machine on an IKEA table!
Many of the vintage wooden cabinets before the 'late '60s, were shipped "flat-packed" from a Singer factory to their stores, much like Ikea ships. You can dismantle them fairly easily for packing and shipping. The legs and sides are screwed onto the lower part of the fold-open top, either directly or with metal corner brackets. The two top pieces are together with hinges you can remove if needed. I have shipped 3 of them to S.E. Asia by taking them apart. I hope you do find one, say like a No. 40 Queen Anne or No 40 Library Style made of solid wood. This section at ISMACS has some pictures of the earlier cabinets. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html Those early huge ones and the Treadle-style ones with iron legs are another story though. Good luck, and thanks for watching.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks for that information. If I see one I can always contact them to ask about dismantling them. We could try to get them into the car if we are able to do that. I would have bought one when Mam bought my machine but that ws before we were married and had our own house, there was no space at home for it. By the time we bought our house we couldn't afford one!
@@user-cy6cr2hk3k I sold many machines over the years and most younger people did NOT want a cabinet saying they had no room for one. Maybe 1 out of 40 bought one. When I would later sell just the cabinet it was always to middle age or older folks. My wife has a 301A for most of her sewing, a 403A for when she has a lot of ZZ sewing to do and an overlock. All in cabinets with knee lever motor controllers. Many of the vintage cabinets are nice enough for the living room if needed. I sold many of the No. 40 "library" cabinets b/c the top split in the middle and the right side folded back and straight down taking up much less room when open. A nice choice when space is limited. Good luck with your search.
Yes, I have the same. Wish they're very well made and it's interesting that singer designed and manufactured them. They didn't farm that out to a furniture company or anything. I've shipped a lot of them overseas with my machines because you can dismantle them and flat pack them. A singer repairman told me once that that's how they came from the factory to the stores and then himself and other people at the stores. Would assemble them clean and adjust the machines and install them? If the customer wanted their machine in a cabinet, a lot of people now use them for end tables. Nightstands entry area tables and so forth. A few I've had were solid wood. Then later they went to a solid softer wood with real wood laminates. I think my favorite one was a combination table 304. It was wider than the average cabinet. Hadn't accordion fold up drop down top opening then you could pull the machine up from inside and so some of those were made with solid tiger oak. Really gorgeous. Thanks for the nice comment
Hi Andy i'm now subscribed on my television too and it's so neat being able to see you on a much larger screen. The 221 model 68 cabinet has a top when the machine is removed and placed down below inside the cabinet. That piece you weren't sure about is the top and covers the hole and makes it a beautiful piece of usable furniture. Ohhhh, to be able to own one of those. Thank you for your video's. I just purchased an LBOW 301A, a 403A in the desk like you said your wife has but is a little different and thinking hers may be the same as mine. Mine has three drawers with knobs instead of handles and the fake drawer front on the right hand side. I looked at the site too the night before I went to pick up the purchase and couldn't find mine either. I love it, the lines and the cute mcm look to it. I also got a 66 with a potted motor (that iron lady) in the deal for $60. Drove five hours round trip, but i'm so very happy and can't wait to be able to dig in and clean them up. My kitty cat tripped me three weeks ago and my elbow is still messed up so i'm waiting to heal up. Oh wait. It's a 1947 201 with a run of 15,000 Dec. 19. How neat, my mom has her 66 treadle from 1924 given to her when she was 16 in 1962.
Thanks very much for the Sub! I'm glad you explained about cabinet 68. I've never seen storage for the top insert before and never would have guessed it. Wow, you sure picked up some nice models. That was a trip alright, but worth it. I hope you're taking care of yourself and healing nicely. Elbows are kind of tricky, right? You have time to plan and prepare for working on your "new" machines before you start. I think my biggest question would be "which one first", hehe. BTW, I did not know you can watch my channel on television. I better check into that b/c I'd love to see some YT videos on a larger screen like that. Take care now.
@@andytubesewing1953 Hi Andy. My daughter bought my mom and I, an onn. Roku tv and it uses apps which includes UA-cam. My mom had a stroke and we were paying nearly $100 a month on direct tv and she only watched four channels and for the most part stayed on just one. This is much cheaper because you pay only a nominal fee per month on different apps like Roku but UA-cam is free unless you get the paid version. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
Another nice video.. Thanks for that info.!! I like looking at all the cabinets that were made. I love the cabinets.!! , but they do take up a lot of room, if you have one for every machine.. lol .. About 3 or 4 weeks ago, around 6/14/23 or so, I purchased an (in-operable) (1939) Singer 15-91, in the small "Queen Ann" cabinet with a matching Queen Ann bench for (($30.00))..!! All in pretty nice shape except for the wiring. it had no foot pedal, and it needed a total rewire, plug, light, motor wires, ....But What a deal.. I finished restoring it myself, I even re-covered the upholstered bench with a brown vinyl "faux tooled leather look" and it is one of my favorite machines.!! hmmm, I'm thinking of getting rid of some furniture, so I can fit more machines, and more cabinets.. LOL.. just kidding,, well maybe not,,, haha.. maybe I'll just make a table with a recess so I can put my "case" machines in the recess table, and just change them out, when I want to use a different machine.
Ooh that's a great idea to have one or two favorite tables that you can just set the machines in and out of whoa. I'll have to mention that to my wife. I've got so many pointer bruises on my hips from bumping into her tables haha
@@andytubesewing1953 I know how that is, my smaller cabinets are about 50" when opened with the small wing on the right and the large side opened out on the left.. And my 201-2's in cabinets, are about 58" when opened up. I usually leave them open, and if they are in the middle of a room, as they are sometimes when I first bring them home, ouch.. especially in the dark. hahah.. Oh,,, I think the purpose of that black spring hinged flap on the right side of the many cabinets is for the foot pedal cord to come up through a (hole), which then goes right to the back of the 3 pin terminal,, so when folding the machine down, it keeps the cord from getting pinched anywhere. they may have another purpose as well? IDK.. but it's a weak spring. I have 5 iron ladies in cabinets. two 15-91's ,, two 201-2'sand a 66 treadle. they all have that black hinged flap with a hole for the cord, and of course the treadle has the leather belt coming up through..
I bought a 1925 model 99-13 in a case with that exact 301 table. It has the knee lever action control. The knee lever is engaged into the hole on the right side of the case base from underneath the table and has a bent lever to clear a table top if you want to work on a different able.
This was so interesting to watch and I really appreciated how you broke it down into sections. The website was fascinating! I just picked up a cabinet for a 401a that my mother in law gave me. I’m pretty sure it’s the Priscilla Alden Style #87. I’m just a novice so when they sent me pictures of the hinge pins I saw a cradle and thought it was the bottom plate for a 401a 😅 Anyway, I would really like to find a manual for it or something because there are several metal attachments on the inside that I’m not sure what they are. I can see that at least one is to hold the pedal but there’s another piece perpendicular to it that looks like it might be a section of the knee lever but I’m not sure and a random tangled spring over by the swing out storage box. If I can figure it out, that knee lever sounds like it would be a genius feature to have! One question, the power plugin is above the surface of the table when the machine is up, does that mean you just unplug the power cable and store it inside with the machine when you put it away?
I'm glad you found a cabinet style you like. I'm not familiar with it but the extra parts underneath may have been for a "built-in" style of pedal that had the inner workings of the pedal, but no cover for the pedal as it was only meant to be mounted in the cabinet. Some older Singer cabinets had a "lift assist" spring system to help you lift the cast-iron machines. Singer stopped that later in the '50s when they went to cast-aluminum bodies after WWII. The only cradles I know of (for Singer) were made for Model 301A as the machine had no hinge holes for mounting on the drop hinges but used the cradle to hold the machine. Yes, you normally unplug the line cord and store it in the cabinet. Older cabinets often had metal "coat hook" looking parts to wrap the cord around for storage. I hope it works out nicely for you. Once I gave my wife a cabinet with a knee lever she has never used a floor pedal again. I had to buy used brackets and put them in all her other cabinets, and added the coat brackets for cord storage at that time. Thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for responding :) I found a second video that showed all the pieces and was able to clip in the floor pedal and all I’m missing from the setup is the actual lever. That might be a ways down the road since it looks like they’re a little pricey, but hopefully in the future I’ll be able to pick one up. Thanks again for getting back to me :)
@@kathrynnewillhoite4342 Congrats then. It sounds like a nice video so I', glad you found that. Levers are usually about $15 on eBay. Hope you get it set up. Take care.
What screw driver are you using in this video . I only have short ones that fit the hinge pin set screws. Thanks for all your videos. You help us all see and understand the beauty and purpose of these vintage machines.
I you mean the one I'm holding at @54:21 that's a 45-year-old Bell System C6 cabinet screwdriver. It's a 3/16" x 6" flat blade. If you mean some other screwdriver just give me a time in the video so I can see it. Thanks very much for watching my channel.
@@dparkman491 OK, got it. That's an HJJ Co. spring screw-holding screwdriver. They went out of business over 30 years ago. They have brass tubes and push-button action to release. You can find them once in a while on eBay but they are getting pricey. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=hjj+co+screwdrivers&_sacat=0 They last forever, I think. They made Phillips tip also. There are modern knock-offs made with plastic handles that seem to work OK, Search amazon for "Feuerhelm Tool LLC Holding Screwdriver" and another brand is "NoDrop Tools LLC - 6-inch Screw Holding Screwdriver" A web search of Screw Starter or Screw Holding Screw Drivers will come up with name-brand (and other) modern versions that you kind of twist onto the screw then hold the barrel and twist back to release the screw. They work well but are not as quick as the HJJ ones and you sometimes need two hands to use.
@@dparkman491 it's a good plan. I found two or three at garage sales in retirement communities. About 20 mi from where I live. Kids selling off everything before they sell mom and dad's house and don't realize what the tools are really. I got them pretty cheap. Good luck! Hope it works out for you
Hey Andy, I’m just starting to read up on and watch videos on sewing machine cabinets. What had me curious were the numbers that are stamped on the cabinets themselves. I understand there’s really no tracking of the numbers or what their actual purpose is. Anyway, thanks for sharing this video. I found it very interesting.
I've never really found a positive true answer for what the numbers mean. There are many people who believe that they are parts numbers just this. Every part on the sewing machines has a number that singer use for ordering an inventory and that's about the best possibility that I've heard of just part numbers
Okay good. Many of the later models will fit it also. It's a pretty versatile table over the years. Some of the much later touching souls were a little too long. Good luck with your 401s
My cabinet doesn’t have any hardware for mounting a sewing machine. There is a shelf that folds that looks like it might sit on. There isn’t anything to hold the shelf up though. The table is from the 1970’s I believe. Thank you
Hey Andy this is Tracy with the 401a I'm the guy that you helped out tremendously how do I find out about my singer cabinets like the age it's not it's a desk more like I can't find anything I'll post a short video on my channel if if you like to help I would appreciate it you're awesome by the way
Hey Tracy. Nice cabinet, and very rare. Up until about 1960 models you can find decent info about the cabinets here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html Personally, I think your desk came after 1960. You can find pictures of it online with 401A, 500A, and some 600s slant needle Touch & Sew models. I have a couple other viewers who have this cabinet, and a handful more that have it with different hardware, ie; handles and pull knobs. There are similar ones with fold-open tops vs your removable insert and that is the case with Singer going back decades. Your cabinet would have been the most expensive in the SInger Store, IMO and you just do not see many of them. www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpixl.varagesale.com%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fhopshop-image-store-production%2F9740070%2F3243f6e9f298469d489b11440bc44756%3F_ver%3Dlarge_uploader_thumbnail%26w%3D640%26h%3D640%26fit%3Dcrop%26s%3Ddf4dcc861916972f63f6786eac8482ca&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.varagesale.com%2Fi%2Fwdfdnsdb9wafqxyfvzdvewcc-1958-singer-401a-sewing-machine-with-rare-mahogany-sewing-desk-343&tbnid=jm6sulZ_svXHXM&vet=12ahUKEwjE76PVhYP6AhVKHDQIHVYNAT4QMyg2egUIARCHAg..i&docid=flpHGJRznmcyVM&w=640&h=640&q=singer%20sewing%20machine%20desk&ved=2ahUKEwjE76PVhYP6AhVKHDQIHVYNAT4QMyg2egUIARCHAg www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fproductimages.goantiques.gemr%2F96844%2F992970240_fullsize.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bculinarylab.com%2Ftag%2Fuvilla%2F%3Fss%3D5_55_3_27_55%26pp%3Dsinger%2Bsewing%2Bdesk%26ii%3D4680097&tbnid=HT93Ek0-hzShJM&vet=12ahUKEwik88zqhYP6AhURBDQIHXwUAFkQxiAoBHoECAAQIQ..i&docid=7DgOxtrSTz52EM&w=600&h=800&itg=1&q=singer%20sewing%20machine%20desk&ved=2ahUKEwik88zqhYP6AhURBDQIHXwUAFkQxiAoBHoECAAQIQ Notice that your handle pulls, etc. are fancier than in the above photos? You have a real beauty there, congratulations.
Great video, thanks! Can I put my 403 into a treadle cabinet? AND do you have a video on removing the black hinge panel thing to create a bigger hole to put machine?
I'm not familiar with treadle cabinets, sorry. I know that some of the4 German-made 4xx models, like 404G, can convert to a treadle machine, so I assume the 404 could go into a treadle cabinet. It's like in the video where you measure the space of the hinge holes on the machine to the space of the hinge pins on the cabinet. "black hinge panel thing"... ?
The machine left the factory with the screws installed on the machine so be sure they are not in the mounting holes. If you do need replacements, most of us buy original vintage screws like this: www.ebay.com/itm/174844627658?hash=item28b58d4aca:g:jmQAAOSwsMZdH030 Some people want newly made screws like this: www.sewingpartsonline.com/head-hinge-screw-sewing-machine-50380.aspx Thanks for watching my channel.
horse head things??? if you're asking about the hinge pins to use for hanging the machine there are plenty on eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+cabinet+hinge+for+hanging+machine&_sacat=0
Hi Andy, I've enjoy all of your videos, I have a Singer 301a, gifted to me. I'm looking for a cabinet to keep it in. Can you offer any information? Thanks
Congratulations; an incredible machine. Regardless of the cabinet you choose you will need a "cradle" to mount the machine into it. While most vintage Singer models can hang from hinges in the cabinet, model 301/301A sits in a cradle and the cradle hangs from the hinges. Here is a video about it: ua-cam.com/video/jLSCL7PoqqU/v-deo.html You can find cradles for sale on eBay and other online marketplaces: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+301a+cradle&_sacat=0 My favorite cabinet for model 301A is the one Singer made specifically for it, the Model 74 "Spinet" Cabinet. Here is a page with info about this cabinet: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/74_cab.html and here is a very nice blog post about it: www.core77.com/posts/20002/Sewing-Furniture-Part-6-The-Brilliant-Unsung-Design-of-Singers-No-74-Spinet-Cabinet The Cradle will fit in many of the Singer cabinets made before and after No. 74. Here is a page at ISMACS you can scroll down thru many of the cabinet styles and which models of the sewing machines will fit in them: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html If you are interested in the 301A I have a couple of Playlists with a total of 36 videos about cleaning, adjusting, repairing, and replacing any worn or defective parts. Here is my Coco series: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html and here is a technical series with some deeper details: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html Very happy for you to have a 301A. Thanks for watching my channel.
Wow like "that's cool"? You can find used ones on eBay for about $15 if interested. Most of them will work on either the button or clamshell foot controllers. Just search for Singer Knee Controller. Thanks for watching my channel.
Love that set pin screw driver!! Where did you get it? I'm hoping to get a cab #42 that will either keep the model 15-91 in it, or swap with another beautiful machine made in Japan for Montgomery Wards (if dimensions allow).
Those screw starter screwdrivers are vintage. They were made by the HJJ CO LOS GATOS CA. They come up for sale sometimes on the online auction and selling sites, but they go quickly. fhelm.com/ makes a new version of these drivers now with the spring steel inside but hard plastic handles instead of brass. Thanks for watching my channel.
Anytime, you are the best! I’ve been rescuing old machines. Can I put a 603E into an older cabinet. I’m almost sure the HP holes are 9 3/4 inches apart. Will check now for the set screws.
Thanks for saving those machines, Linda. Normally you can put most Singer vintage models into vintage cabinets. The holes are uniform. Where I have run into snags is if the body of a "newer" vintage machine is slightly longer on the needle bar end. Both times I was able to remove 1/8 to 1/4" of the left side opening so the machine could fit flush and also be able to be lowered down inside. Just measure the machine end-to-end, the space between the holes, AND from the left side hole to the left edge of the body or bed of the machine. Thanks for watching my channel.
I have a table with a hinge pin spacing of 9" only. It is a singer table. do you by any chance know which model would have that spacing? Woudl love to put that table to use. thanks
@@janiiyer5754 Sorry, I am not familiar with that spacing. My first thought was maybe it was for a Model 221 Featherweight. SInger made a special table for it: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/featherweight_sewing_machine_cabinet_number_68.html I've never seen a Cabinet No. 68 in person. I thought the Featherweight just sat on a tray or shelf in the cabinet. There are several other cabinets shown on ISMACS. I don't know if you would find your cabinet among them. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html There are later model cabinets not shown on ISMACS, and there are hundreds of SInger models I've never seen or worked on. Another thing you might try is a "picture search" of your cabinet. I've used that on my cellphone and Google Search to identify models and other items. That's about it. hanks for watching my channel, and good luck.
Wow, shipping is high! The best price I found for 2 screws & shipping was $21. I can't tell you the screw size info, sorry. I have about a dozen pages of Singer screw sizes but this screw is not on any of them. I think Singer considered it incidental. I have hundreds of parts lists by model number. Singer used the same screw on almost every machine (domestic, for the home) they made. They called it the "Machine Hinge Connection Set Screw" and gave it Part No. 51045AL. The "AL" stands for "Heat Treated for Toughness". Those two set screws were installed at the factory and if they are missing on a machine you have someone removed them on purpose. Most folks do not even know they are up in the holes for the hinges on the backside of the bed. In your case, it may be cheaper to find a vintage machine at a thrift shop or yard sale. A nice old rusty one no one wants, and get the screws from it. Many, many Singer screws are non-standard size and proprietary to Singer so you had to go to them for replacement parts and/or repair. Some screws were standard size. As to a hardware store, you'd have to lug the machine there and use their size tester to see if a standard screw would fit. There are a handful of models that use that screw in other places, like the needle clamp, but I can't remember specific model numbers. I guess you could tap out a bigger hole in a standard size. The black machines were usually cast iron and post-WWll models changed mostly to cast aluminum.
Hi Andy! I used your technique on holding the hinge pins up so I was able to set the machine into the cabinet. It was great! Do you know anything about treadle machines? I'm looking for 20x1 needles for my Singer model 27. Any advice would be appreciated.
Glad the rubber band helped. I don't know treadle machines or stands, but here are some 20x1 needles: vatican.com/Needles-Cases-20X1-Sewing-Machine-Needle/
Great video. I wonder about moving these cabinets. Is it safer to leave them on the hinges and in the cabinet or move separately. The cabinet is top heavy. How would you pack/load for transport?
Hi Jo. Local or shipping? I've driven 50 miles and brought home machines still in the cabinet in the back of a mid-sized SUV. I lay an old blanket down and push the cabinet in top first and facing down. Then the machine hangs on the hinges. Upon arrival home I pull the whole cabinet and blanket out together and let the feet touch down first. I've shipped many cabinet to S.E. Asia by "flat packing" them. Most of the vintage cabinets can be dismantles by removing the leg, sides and top by taking out screws/brackets. Then all the wood lays flat for shipping and I wrap the machine in bubble wrap and pack in a HD box from home depot and stuff the spaces with rigid foam pieces, like cheap foam insulation. If I ship a machine in the USA I take it to UPS and pay them about $30 to pack it then I get a S400 guarantee on it. If you are nervous to transport a machine home, then please take it off the hinges. It's only a couple of screws. Lay the cabinet down for transporting and put the machine, standing normal, on the floor behind the driver seat. Hope that answers your questions and thanks for watching my channel.
Hi Andy! I was able to remove my right-side controller wiggling downwards, thanks for your help!! The rubber circles on its bottom are full of brown grease. Since I wanted to put it on my carpet, I have to clean it. The controller works but why was it greased? Should I open it to clean inside?
Nicely done! ⭐ I've seen some gooey feet on cabinet mounted pedal controllers. I always figured it was from oil, but who knows? Before I used it on carpet I would at least take the feet off and clean them. The controller has stacks (2) of small carbon discs inside to control speed. The discs break down into carbon powder, black and very hard to remove from soft items. With the back cover off to remove the feet you can at least blow out the interior with canned air or such. If you are interested I have a whole playlist of videos showing step-by-step how to dismantle, clean, assemble, and adjust the controller: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71.html Carbon stack controllers get quite warm when in use, especially when sewing slowly. As the carbon discs break down they get coated with the dust and cause more resistance to the electricity flowing through them and resistance makes heat. I've had controllers where the discs were crumbled, cracked, and powdered to pieces, and barely working. I have replaced worn/hot pedals for people with new style electronic pedals bought online that barely get warm and have superior speed control. You can take a look at yours and see what you think. Learn to use the button control on it. I'd put down a piece of carboard, old towel, or something at first to protect your carpet. Your last question was "Should I open it to clean inside?" I always do; every time. Congrats again and take care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Gooey feet! You have a way with words as well as with 404’s! Thank you so much again. Your videos are amazing, your knowledge astonishing, and your generosity is heartwarming.
What is the model of Singer machine you're using to show this? This is exactly the model my mom removed from her cabinet. I still have the cabinet, and I wish I could put my modern machine in, but it doesn't seem like it will work.
Hi Barbie. It's a Singer Model 404. My favorite Straight Stich Machine. I bet your mom loved it. ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKIB4kvIHCfHYuyLMUp5A4UI.html Modern machines are not made to hang in cabinets like this any longer. Too sad, really. Vintage Singers can be found on Craigslist, offer up, Facebook marketplace, and eBay. Not that expensive for what you get and how well they sew. Thanks for watching my channel.
Andy, I have cabinet #65 and it had either a 15-91 or a 201 in it. I'm going to put my 301 inside. I have the cradle and clips needed but I need to move the black piece on the right of the opening, where the electrical cords went through. I wish I could show you a picture but I need to ask you if you know what's the best way to remove that piece?
I'm familiar with the cabinet/desk. I have also seen the "black piece" you mention but never attempted to remove it. That piece is often attached to a coiled spring that also attaches to the cabinet. I have heard it called a "Lift Assist" b/c the iron machines are difficult to just raise up from inside the cabinet and that spring lift made it somewhat easier. A retired Singer man told me the cabinets were shipped to the Singer Stores "Flat-Packed" meaning not assembled and all parts and wood pieces laying flat for easier shipping. The guys would assemble the cabinets at the stores and mount the machines into them. I personally have disassembles a few cabinets though none with the lift assist or black piece. I believe that those pieces are just attached to the inside of the cabinet with wood screws that can all be removed. I have 100s of Singer manuals but never found any for the cabinets. I looked at an old model 15-91 Service Manual and it has pictures and descriptions for removing the controller and knee lever device, and I can see the coil and wiring in the pics although it does specifically say how to remove the coil or black piece. You can view this manual here: www.manualslib.com/manual/364405/Singer-15-91.html Pages 4/5. Sorry, I can't give you specific instructions. Good Luck.
Hi Andy, l just got a cabinet that seems like it will fit my 401. However it has a metal piece down the right side of the opening taking up space. If l press down on it the rear edge goes down. If l let up it springs back level with the cabinet surface. What is it? What is it's purpose?
Hi, Christine. Thanks for watching my channel. It's called a "Lift-Assist Hinge" and it was used to help you lift up the old 40+ pound iron sewing machines. There is often a knee bracket to operate a screwed-in foot regulator. You must have one of the older-style cabinets, like for a model 66. They were used in the old treadle cabinets also. You should be able to unscrew it and unmount it and hang your 401A from the hinge pins. You may be able to keep it and attach your 401A to it, but I'm not sure. If you want to learn more about SInger Cabinets, and maybe find the model number of yours, you can look here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html You can search google for the hinge/spring and there are many pictures like this one if you want to see it out of the cabinet: www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/vintage-original-singer-cabinet-assist-hinge?variant=20431872786530 That pix is just the hinge without the spring that does the assisting. I've seen a couple different styles of spring, a long one and a roundish coil one. That's about all I know about them. Good luck.
This video on choosing a cabinet was a treasure trove for me. I have my grandmother's Singer model 28 treadle machine in a cabinet that I am now excited to clean up! I have a problem, though. Opened the top and when I swung the machine up the left hinge on the back seems to be set in crooked so the machine doesn't clear the wood trim on the front. I cannot pull the machine up to rest it on the top of the cabinet.. Problem is how to get to the hinge pin hole when there is a nice bentwood dust cover underneath and I can't reach it. Is it okay to remove the whole rounded sunk in hinge from the top or is that a mistake? Help! ( Do you live in Pittsburgh, by chance?)
I've seen this before. The set screw on the hinge post may be loose and sliding on the flat spot. Sometimes you can lift the machine a little and pull or yank it to you (front of the cabinet) and it will straighten enough to continue lifting the machine. YES, yes!! you can absolutely remove the hinge screws and lift the machine with hinges attached right up off the cabinet if you like. I did this with the very first cabinet/machine I bought b/c I did not know how to use the hinges. I have restored a couple of cabinets and always remove the hinges anyway for sanding and staining, etc. no harm done. Thanks for asking, and for watching my channel. Stop by anytime.
Andy do you still receive sewing machines for repair? I believe I'm in the same state and near your city location, is there a way to contact you regarding a sewing machine cleaning and servicing, talking about a Singer 301. Thanks!
Sorry, not able to do that work right now. You know I have 36 videos for model 301A showing how to restore it yourself, right? ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html The only person in the US I refer restoration work to is Scott at CowCountryVintageSewing MachinesAndRestoration ua-cam.com/users/CowCountryEnterpriseabout You can see on his channel the beautiful work he does on machines sent to him from around the world. I recently contacted him about accepting referrals and he agreed. I don't know his cost, including shipping both ways, but his work is fabulous. Thanks for watching my channel and good luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 Not a problem, thank you for the referral information, I have used your videos to get my machine back to where it is and watching them realized we were in the same state. I'll jump at the chance if you start accepting machines in the future and go back through it with the updated cleaning method if Scott doesn't work out for me. Thank you sir!
My controller is on the right side. I feel the prongs on the top of the foot pedal! Pushing down, one side wiggles but the cord side won’t budge. Any suggestion?
I've been told you can try to insert a flat tipped screwdriver up behind the back of the pedal and try to pry back the spring part of the metal bracket to push it away from the indentation on the backside of the pedal. I've never tried that b/c I worried about cracking the Bakelite back of the pedal. I usually just keep pushing harder to force out the pedal from the bracket. The pedal had probably been in the bracket for 60+ years and the metal bracket spring is stiff.
Sure is, and several ways to do it. You can buy felt at the fabric store and use craft fabric glue to hold it in place. www.walmart.com/ip/Aleene-s-Super-Fabric-Adhesive-1-5-fl-oz-Fast-Drying-Permanent-Fabric-Adhesive/53748191?wl13=2515&selectedSellerId=0 Removing the old felt and degreasing the cradle first, of course. You can buy custom cut peel & stick felt replacement pads: singer-featherweight.com/products/felt-drip-pad-for-singer-301 I have used these and they are convenient and "OK"; a little thin IMO. A couple customers wanted better felt and I bought this and used the craft glue: www.mcmaster.com/felt/firm-felt-sheets-and-strips/ These pads are wool and very absorbent, although pricey. Quality always is. I also have a long-time customer who buys felt at the store and uses stick-on velcro to hold it in place near the corners and the circle cutout. She buys a black felt pad for $1.00 (12" X 12") They are probably polyester, but she just replaces the cheap pad every couple of years. Personally, I have pretty good luck degreasing them with Krud Kutter ua-cam.com/video/4Rk8z_oOESQ/v-deo.html Thanks for watching my channel. Good luck.
I have a Singer Featherweight 221. Since the hinge pin holes are not part of my machine, what would be the best way to hang a shelf below to hold the machine?
Sorry, Julie, I'm not a carpenter so I can't advise you about building a shelf. I can give you some alternatives though. Singer made a special cabinet (No. 68) for the featherweight. It is very hard to find (I've never seen one in person) but they are out there if you are patient. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/featherweight_sewing_machine_cabinet_number_68.html Singer also made two folding Card Tables that hold a featherweight. Table No. 308 ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/308_table.html and Table No. 312 ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/312_table.html These are somewhat more available if you watch for them online like eBay, FaceBook, Esty, etc. I used a different approach than building a shelf and bought a Cradle for Singer Model 301. This is a metal "shelf" that uses the hinges in the cabinet and holds a 301 in the cabinet. It fits many cabinets and some cabinets need minor modification and then can hold the cradle. With the cradle in the cabinet, you just open the cabinet and set your featherweight on the cradle to sew. Here is a video I made about the cradle and a 301 machine: ua-cam.com/video/jLSCL7PoqqU/v-deo.html I liked this solution b/c it did not require building anything or over-modifying the cabinet. The cradles are usually available for sale online at various outlets although the prices are higher now due to the big increase in demand from the pandemic lockdown of 2020. A casual search of eBay just now came up with a few for sale including this one: www.ebay.com/itm/265281489508?hash=item3dc4024a64:g:5dYAAOSwQp1hI7ld The one I bought had a fairly clean felt oil pad, but I still cut a thin piece of plywood to cover the pad and set the machine on. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 I did buy this cradle for my cabinet. I was hopeful, but it does not work. It’s too narrow to hold the Singer featherweight . Since I’m not able to return to the eBay seller, I would love to give to someone who could use this cradle. It’s in nice condition and came with all the screws. Let me know if you know anyone who could use this. I hate to just throw out. I think I will build in a shelf to hold the machine. Thank you.
@@juliehorner889 I'm sorry to hear this. We did not have this problem. If you will send your PayPal or other info to my UA-cam Channel email andytube53@gmail.com I'll reimburse you for the cradle. I feel bad you bought it on my suggestion and it failed to serve your needs. I have a couple of them and do not need more, so you can give it to a local charity if you like.
I had the same problem for a year when I bought my wife. Her first 301 finally learned about the cradle from a retired singer. Man, I'm glad you found the video and thanks for watching
Andy, I have been watching you for a year. I'm 71, and I have bought machines at thrift stores and made them work for years. But now I have a love for the 401a. I now have 4 - 401a's. I have oiled them and greased them and they share top hats and accessories. I believe I like fixing them more than sewing?? I got sick a year ago and this takes my mind off my struggle. I saw the video where you open up and told your story, and I was doing the same thing. What a good distraction. God bless you, Andy. You are a good egg, my friend. Patty from NC
Thanks for saving those machines, Patty. Did you see my "Trouble" Playlist for model 401A? ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLiDl9yFTP6mJgQmz5lj4NO.html It's amazing what a pain-killer working on a machine can be. It must be the same for other attention focusing work. I remember when my grand dad was feeling poorly and we'd find him in his shop cleaning and sharpening all his tools and oiling all the machinery. Nice hearing from you and take care.
A vintage singer machine without a cabinet just feels wrong! Thx for your videos Andy
😊 like something is missing. Thanks for watching.
The rubberband idea, holy cow. All of the goofy ways I used to hold the pins up. I move my machines around quite a bit. So simple, what a help. Thanks so much!
In an effort to save my poor fingers I finally came up with a good idea. Glad you found something useful on my channel. Take care.
Wow Andy. I fell asleep watching videos and woke up this morning and went back an finished watching last night's video. This morning I watched this video about the cabinets. I'm so excited and today I plan on doing some organizing and cleaning and testing machines. I have two cabinets to put machines into. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
I appreciate your comment; thank you. You have a busy day ahead of you. I hope you will enjoy it. Good luck.✨
Andy you are a wealth of information! I now know how to remove my 301 from the cradle and also know how to secure my 201 in the cabinet. I have the set screws, but didn't know that's what they were, so the machine has had to sit up all the time and I have been worried that it might come loose from the hinges and do some damage. A historian once told me that it's the "common" things in life that are lost first to history. Have you written a book yet with all of these great tips? So few people have this type of knowledge. I would buy it for sure. Thanks again.
It's wonderful comments like yours that help me feel justified in all the time and energy spent on my channel. It's so rewarding to hear if you were telling me they learned something new that's going to help them. Congratulations again on your new 301. It's a beautiful mate for the 201 as those are two of the very finest machines singer ever made. Best of luck going forward and take care
Well Andy, you found another interesting aspect of vintage sewing machines. When you mentioned the ISMACS site, I paused your video and went to that site to find information on cabinet #43 that my last 201 came with. No information there so I'll take some pictures and send them off to the site to see if they want to include that in their database.
Your video also reminded me of two recurring problems I run in to. I've had two cabinets now where the drop down pedal is missing from the knee bracket. It means I end up putting the controller on the floor and I find that more inconvenient in use and in storage. In some other cabinets I have found the swing out shelf support arm has been tinkered with and the bullet detents are missing. Again, not the end of the world and inconvenient. It's hard to find just the missing parts and usually the only option is to buy an entire replacement unit.
And you're absolutely right about it being a lot easier to install and remove machines with someone helping you. One of the few things my son and I do together.
When I have seen cabinet parts on eBay they usually will only sell you the complete setup for hinges, brackets, screws, etc. I think there are a lot of discarded tables in the landfills, 😢 I did see a nice mahogany one a person had converted to a wine bar with wheels. So the family that mounts machines together stays together, right? Thanks for trying to update ISMACS. I've never seen a cabinet 43 so I look forward to it.
This is an interesting video. I didn't know about the cradle for the 301 and always enjoy learning more about the older sewing machines.
thank you for commenting, Jeanne. Take care.
I'm only a third of the way through and I'm already loving this video. Your "production values" on this are just lovely - not to mention those machines. They are "primo"! I couldn't wait until the end of the video to comment I'm so chuffed to see a video from you at all and this is just gorgeous.
Thanks very much, Meagan. It was a good day. I appreciate your support. Take care.
chuffed - /CHeft/ adjective - informal - meaning very pleased; "I'm so chuffed to see..."
I have a cabinet for each of my 6 vintage singers. Ergonomics make sewing so much easier with a flat bed on the left. Thank you dear Andy.
Right on! My wife says she agrees with you 100%. Thanks for watching, Terry.
I have my grandmother's Singer 404 with cabinet and I am restoring the sewing machine thanks, in part, to your tutorials. This episode came just at the right time. I am about to take it out of the cabinet soon.
The foot foot pedal is mounted on the inside of the cabinet, and I don't think it has ever touched the floor.
These machines are tough, mechanical marvels and works of art, all in one.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is appreciated.
Always love hearing about a family machine. I'll bet the rubber cushions on the pedal are not flat or scuffed at all. Thanks for the kind recognition of my efforts with this channel. Take care.
Hey Andy! I inherited my grandmother’s Touch & Sew 626…in its original cabinet! However, when I took it out of the cabinet years ago in order to have it serviced, I misplaced the two hinge set screws but I didn’t know what to call them in order to find replacements, so I’m grateful to have found this video. Thank you a million times over!!
Very welcome. I'm never sure what information viewers will find helpful so I just try to include all I can think of. I'm happy you'll be able to remount your T&S machine, and happy sewing.
Thank you for this video. I bought a singer rocketeer (500) machine in a vintage cabinet and needed to remove the foot pedal from the interior. Your video had exactly what I need.
Congratulations on your new rocketeer! I'm glad you found the video and thank you for the nice comment
Thank you for making this video. I have my mom’s 301 with cabinet. Last year I took it out to have the machine serviced. I’ve hesitated putting it back in the cabinet because I wasn’t real sure how it went back together. I’m confident I can do it after watching this video.
I'm glad you found the video. I was very puzzled the first time I tried to remove a 301A. I unscrewed the set screws and thought "what is this weird thing on the bottom of the machine", haha. My wife figured out the release lever for me.
Thank you for this most informative video! You educated me about the table I have been using for the longest time without knowing about the hinge pins. I ordered a set and hope to have my whole setup ready for my upholstery work coming up.
I'm glad you found my video, Mario. For sure having your machine is a cabinet with work surfaces level to the machine bed makes for smoother sewing with less effort. Best of luck with your upholstery project, and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Much appreciated Andy! My machine fell out of its cabinet today as both screws were loose. Glad I found your video so I could fix it :)
Hope your machine is OK and thanks for the comment.
Thanks for this info- I'm currently reviving my Moms 401A and searching for a cabinet. I really want a knee control and you are so very awesome to provide so much info!!!
I'm glad you found the video helpful and the machine like 401 definitely belongs in a cabinet with a knee pedal. A beautiful machine. Congratulations!
Thank you for making this informative video. I have my mother's 201-2 singer sewing machine that is in excellent working condition. I also have cabinet #42 . It has three large drawers on the right side and a small desk drawer on the left side, complete with the original inkwell! I plan on having this cabinet professionally refinished.
You're welcome, and I'm glad you found the video. Having your mom's 201-2 is wonderful. A family machine. Cabinet 42 is perfect for it. Restoring the cabinet sounds very worthwhile. Have fun and thanks for commenting.
So wonderful to see and hear you again ❤. Personally I prefer the hinges that mount on the top of the sewing surface of the cabinet. Kenmore also uses that under mount hinge, as did White. Big problem with that is it is really difficult to oil certain areas under the machine.
As with every one of your videos, VERY INFORMATIVE, HELPFUL, AND ENTERTAINING. Stay well, dear friend.
Thanks for commenting. Most of the cabinets I have seen (Singer) have the lollipop hinges mounted on the top surface.
i realize I am kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good website to watch newly released movies online?
@Gunnar Stetson flixportal =)
@Declan Kristian Thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I appreciate it !!
@Gunnar Stetson Happy to help :D
Andy, your video answered so many questions for me. I really appreciate all the time you spend sharing your knowledge. I also think we are “neighbors”, as I live on the Tempe/Mesa border.
I'm glad the video was informative for you. Yes! I'm in "Central" Tempe for the last 20 years, and we are enjoying this nice weather right now. Take care.
I’m lucky enough to have a large enough sewing room to have several machines in cabinets. I really do prefer them that way. Machine is steady and seems more quiet.
Happy for you! I agree with cabinet mounting especially with the heavier models. It provides a larger work area at the same height as the sewing bed. The SInger cabinets and combination tables even look decent when closed up and the machine stored inside. Thanks for sharing, and for watching my channel.
Excellent video ! This will help a lot of people.
Thank you. I hope it does.
I could be wrong but I haven't picked up a single machine that doesn't have those. I think they were made in every casting because it would be easier to do that than it would be to try to figure out what to do with the machines. And oh we're going to make so many of this or that they can just cast everything one way. Drill it out and things like that. And if they didn't come in a table they usually came in a carrying case as a portable and sometimes people bought tables later so I can said I don't think that there was any of them that were made without them, even the Japanese models the clones were generally set up for singer tables
Really interesting Andy! I have never actually seen the cradle for a 301...brilliant engineering from Singer. Always enjoy your uploads
thanks. I love the whole cradle setup and idea and wish more models could be set up like that without making a custom table.
Thanks for the video. I'm still looking for a cabinet for my 338. There are quite a few around on eBay in the UK but fairly pricey now and often badly stained. Main problem is getting the transport to get them home they are quite bulky. I'll keep looking as they are so much better than just sticking the machine on an IKEA table!
Many of the vintage wooden cabinets before the 'late '60s, were shipped "flat-packed" from a Singer factory to their stores, much like Ikea ships. You can dismantle them fairly easily for packing and shipping. The legs and sides are screwed onto the lower part of the fold-open top, either directly or with metal corner brackets. The two top pieces are together with hinges you can remove if needed. I have shipped 3 of them to S.E. Asia by taking them apart. I hope you do find one, say like a No. 40 Queen Anne or No 40 Library Style made of solid wood. This section at ISMACS has some pictures of the earlier cabinets. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html Those early huge ones and the Treadle-style ones with iron legs are another story though. Good luck, and thanks for watching.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks for that information. If I see one I can always contact them to ask about dismantling them. We could try to get them into the car if we are able to do that. I would have bought one when Mam bought my machine but that ws before we were married and had our own house, there was no space at home for it. By the time we bought our house we couldn't afford one!
@@user-cy6cr2hk3k I sold many machines over the years and most younger people did NOT want a cabinet saying they had no room for one. Maybe 1 out of 40 bought one. When I would later sell just the cabinet it was always to middle age or older folks. My wife has a 301A for most of her sewing, a 403A for when she has a lot of ZZ sewing to do and an overlock. All in cabinets with knee lever motor controllers. Many of the vintage cabinets are nice enough for the living room if needed. I sold many of the No. 40 "library" cabinets b/c the top split in the middle and the right side folded back and straight down taking up much less room when open. A nice choice when space is limited. Good luck with your search.
The 301A was the coolest machine. Love the cradle and handle.
Very unique, isn't it? I wish Singer had made more like that. Thanks for watching.
I wish people understood the beauty and functionality of these tables, they are space-efficient, and add beauty to your home or condo/apt.
Yes, I have the same. Wish they're very well made and it's interesting that singer designed and manufactured them. They didn't farm that out to a furniture company or anything. I've shipped a lot of them overseas with my machines because you can dismantle them and flat pack them. A singer repairman told me once that that's how they came from the factory to the stores and then himself and other people at the stores. Would assemble them clean and adjust the machines and install them? If the customer wanted their machine in a cabinet, a lot of people now use them for end tables. Nightstands entry area tables and so forth. A few I've had were solid wood. Then later they went to a solid softer wood with real wood laminates. I think my favorite one was a combination table 304. It was wider than the average cabinet. Hadn't accordion fold up drop down top opening then you could pull the machine up from inside and so some of those were made with solid tiger oak. Really gorgeous. Thanks for the nice comment
Hi Andy i'm now subscribed on my television too and it's so neat being able to see you on a much larger screen. The 221 model 68 cabinet has a top when the machine is removed and placed down below inside the cabinet. That piece you weren't sure about is the top and covers the hole and makes it a beautiful piece of usable furniture. Ohhhh, to be able to own one of those. Thank you for your video's. I just purchased an LBOW 301A, a 403A in the desk like you said your wife has but is a little different and thinking hers may be the same as mine. Mine has three drawers with knobs instead of handles and the fake drawer front on the right hand side. I looked at the site too the night before I went to pick up the purchase and couldn't find mine either. I love it, the lines and the cute mcm look to it. I also got a 66 with a potted motor (that iron lady) in the deal for $60. Drove five hours round trip, but i'm so very happy and can't wait to be able to dig in and clean them up. My kitty cat tripped me three weeks ago and my elbow is still messed up so i'm waiting to heal up. Oh wait. It's a 1947 201 with a run of 15,000 Dec. 19. How neat, my mom has her 66 treadle from 1924 given to her when she was 16 in 1962.
Thanks very much for the Sub! I'm glad you explained about cabinet 68. I've never seen storage for the top insert before and never would have guessed it. Wow, you sure picked up some nice models. That was a trip alright, but worth it. I hope you're taking care of yourself and healing nicely. Elbows are kind of tricky, right? You have time to plan and prepare for working on your "new" machines before you start. I think my biggest question would be "which one first", hehe. BTW, I did not know you can watch my channel on television. I better check into that b/c I'd love to see some YT videos on a larger screen like that. Take care now.
@@andytubesewing1953 Hi Andy. My daughter bought my mom and I, an onn. Roku tv and it uses apps which includes UA-cam. My mom had a stroke and we were paying nearly $100 a month on direct tv and she only watched four channels and for the most part stayed on just one. This is much cheaper because you pay only a nominal fee per month on different apps like Roku but UA-cam is free unless you get the paid version. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
@@donnasmith2720 OK, I get that now. Thanks for sharing.
I love all your videos, thanks for taking time to teach us. God bless you.
It's very nice of you to leave such a wonderful comment and I appreciate the blessings as I can use them at this time. Thanks for watching my channel
Another nice video.. Thanks for that info.!! I like looking at all the cabinets that were made. I love the cabinets.!! , but they do take up a lot of room, if you have one for every machine.. lol .. About 3 or 4 weeks ago, around 6/14/23 or so, I purchased an (in-operable) (1939) Singer 15-91, in the small "Queen Ann" cabinet with a matching Queen Ann bench for (($30.00))..!! All in pretty nice shape except for the wiring. it had no foot pedal, and it needed a total rewire, plug, light, motor wires, ....But What a deal.. I finished restoring it myself, I even re-covered the upholstered bench with a brown vinyl "faux tooled leather look" and it is one of my favorite machines.!! hmmm, I'm thinking of getting rid of some furniture, so I can fit more machines, and more cabinets.. LOL.. just kidding,, well maybe not,,, haha.. maybe I'll just make a table with a recess so I can put my "case" machines in the recess table, and just change them out, when I want to use a different machine.
Ooh that's a great idea to have one or two favorite tables that you can just set the machines in and out of whoa. I'll have to mention that to my wife. I've got so many pointer bruises on my hips from bumping into her tables haha
@@andytubesewing1953 I know how that is, my smaller cabinets are about 50" when opened with the small wing on the right and the large side opened out on the left.. And my 201-2's in cabinets, are about 58" when opened up. I usually leave them open, and if they are in the middle of a room, as they are sometimes when I first bring them home, ouch.. especially in the dark. hahah.. Oh,,, I think the purpose of that black spring hinged flap on the right side of the many cabinets is for the foot pedal cord to come up through a (hole), which then goes right to the back of the 3 pin terminal,, so when folding the machine down, it keeps the cord from getting pinched anywhere. they may have another purpose as well? IDK.. but it's a weak spring. I have 5 iron ladies in cabinets. two 15-91's ,, two 201-2'sand a 66 treadle. they all have that black hinged flap with a hole for the cord, and of course the treadle has the leather belt coming up through..
I was told the black spring thing is a lifter to aid with lifting the heavy (cast iron) machines into sewing position@@connieworcester55
Wow! This is great information. Great!
Thanks very much. 🙏
Great information, I have experienced the earlier machines spacing is always different.
thanks for sharing that. I seem to remember being told of different spacing, but I never measure the 99K I restored.
I bought a 1925 model 99-13 in a case with that exact 301 table. It has the knee lever action control. The knee lever is engaged into the hole on the right side of the case base from underneath the table and has a bent lever to clear a table top if you want to work on a different able.
I've seen the machine, but not the combination table. It looks like a great setup to have. Thanks for commenting and watching my channel.
Love your music Andy, Panis Angelicus, one of my favorites.
Glad you enjoy it!
This was so interesting to watch and I really appreciated how you broke it down into sections. The website was fascinating! I just picked up a cabinet for a 401a that my mother in law gave me. I’m pretty sure it’s the Priscilla Alden Style #87. I’m just a novice so when they sent me pictures of the hinge pins I saw a cradle and thought it was the bottom plate for a 401a 😅 Anyway, I would really like to find a manual for it or something because there are several metal attachments on the inside that I’m not sure what they are. I can see that at least one is to hold the pedal but there’s another piece perpendicular to it that looks like it might be a section of the knee lever but I’m not sure and a random tangled spring over by the swing out storage box. If I can figure it out, that knee lever sounds like it would be a genius feature to have! One question, the power plugin is above the surface of the table when the machine is up, does that mean you just unplug the power cable and store it inside with the machine when you put it away?
I'm glad you found a cabinet style you like. I'm not familiar with it but the extra parts underneath may have been for a "built-in" style of pedal that had the inner workings of the pedal, but no cover for the pedal as it was only meant to be mounted in the cabinet. Some older Singer cabinets had a "lift assist" spring system to help you lift the cast-iron machines. Singer stopped that later in the '50s when they went to cast-aluminum bodies after WWII. The only cradles I know of (for Singer) were made for Model 301A as the machine had no hinge holes for mounting on the drop hinges but used the cradle to hold the machine. Yes, you normally unplug the line cord and store it in the cabinet. Older cabinets often had metal "coat hook" looking parts to wrap the cord around for storage. I hope it works out nicely for you. Once I gave my wife a cabinet with a knee lever she has never used a floor pedal again. I had to buy used brackets and put them in all her other cabinets, and added the coat brackets for cord storage at that time. Thanks for watching my channel.
Thank you for responding :) I found a second video that showed all the pieces and was able to clip in the floor pedal and all I’m missing from the setup is the actual lever. That might be a ways down the road since it looks like they’re a little pricey, but hopefully in the future I’ll be able to pick one up. Thanks again for getting back to me :)
@@kathrynnewillhoite4342 Congrats then. It sounds like a nice video so I', glad you found that. Levers are usually about $15 on eBay. Hope you get it set up. Take care.
Oh I hope I find a good deal like that :) Thank you!
@@kathrynnewillhoite4342 www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+knee+controller&_sacat=0
Excellent this cabinet. Good job.
Many thanks!
What screw driver are you using in this video . I only have short ones that fit the hinge pin set screws. Thanks for all your videos. You help us all see and understand the beauty and purpose of these vintage machines.
I you mean the one I'm holding at @54:21 that's a 45-year-old Bell System C6 cabinet screwdriver. It's a 3/16" x 6" flat blade.
If you mean some other screwdriver just give me a time in the video so I can see it. Thanks very much for watching my channel.
Actually meant the one very early in video 4:20 - 4:30.
@@dparkman491 OK, got it. That's an HJJ Co. spring screw-holding screwdriver. They went out of business over 30 years ago. They have brass tubes and push-button action to release. You can find them once in a while on eBay but they are getting pricey. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=hjj+co+screwdrivers&_sacat=0 They last forever, I think. They made Phillips tip also.
There are modern knock-offs made with plastic handles that seem to work OK, Search amazon for "Feuerhelm Tool LLC Holding Screwdriver" and another brand is "NoDrop Tools LLC - 6-inch Screw Holding Screwdriver"
A web search of Screw Starter or Screw Holding Screw Drivers will come up with name-brand (and other) modern versions that you kind of twist onto the screw then hold the barrel and twist back to release the screw. They work well but are not as quick as the HJJ ones and you sometimes need two hands to use.
Thanks . I’ll keep my eyes peeled at yard sales.
@@dparkman491 it's a good plan. I found two or three at garage sales in retirement communities. About 20 mi from where I live. Kids selling off everything before they sell mom and dad's house and don't realize what the tools are really. I got them pretty cheap. Good luck! Hope it works out for you
Thank you Andy. This was a very interesting video. Thank you for sharing the knowledge. Stay well.
Thank you for watching, Mary. You too!
Hey Andy, I’m just starting to read up on and watch videos on sewing machine cabinets. What had me curious were the numbers that are stamped on the cabinets themselves. I understand there’s really no tracking of the numbers or what their actual purpose is. Anyway, thanks for sharing this video. I found it very interesting.
I've never really found a positive true answer for what the numbers mean. There are many people who believe that they are parts numbers just this. Every part on the sewing machines has a number that singer use for ordering an inventory and that's about the best possibility that I've heard of just part numbers
Andy, I just found it. Missed it earlier at ISMACS.
Okay good. Many of the later models will fit it also. It's a pretty versatile table over the years. Some of the much later touching souls were a little too long. Good luck with your 401s
My cabinet doesn’t have any hardware for mounting a sewing machine. There is a shelf that folds that looks like it might sit on. There isn’t anything to hold the shelf up though. The table is from the 1970’s I believe. Thank you
Excellent! Very informative! Thank you!
Thanks very much 😊
Hey Andy this is Tracy with the 401a I'm the guy that you helped out tremendously how do I find out about my singer cabinets like the age it's not it's a desk more like I can't find anything I'll post a short video on my channel if if you like to help I would appreciate it you're awesome by the way
Hey Tracy. Nice cabinet, and very rare. Up until about 1960 models you can find decent info about the cabinets here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html
Personally, I think your desk came after 1960. You can find pictures of it online with 401A, 500A, and some 600s slant needle Touch & Sew models. I have a couple other viewers who have this cabinet, and a handful more that have it with different hardware, ie; handles and pull knobs. There are similar ones with fold-open tops vs your removable insert and that is the case with Singer going back decades. Your cabinet would have been the most expensive in the SInger Store, IMO and you just do not see many of them.
www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpixl.varagesale.com%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fhopshop-image-store-production%2F9740070%2F3243f6e9f298469d489b11440bc44756%3F_ver%3Dlarge_uploader_thumbnail%26w%3D640%26h%3D640%26fit%3Dcrop%26s%3Ddf4dcc861916972f63f6786eac8482ca&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.varagesale.com%2Fi%2Fwdfdnsdb9wafqxyfvzdvewcc-1958-singer-401a-sewing-machine-with-rare-mahogany-sewing-desk-343&tbnid=jm6sulZ_svXHXM&vet=12ahUKEwjE76PVhYP6AhVKHDQIHVYNAT4QMyg2egUIARCHAg..i&docid=flpHGJRznmcyVM&w=640&h=640&q=singer%20sewing%20machine%20desk&ved=2ahUKEwjE76PVhYP6AhVKHDQIHVYNAT4QMyg2egUIARCHAg
www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fproductimages.goantiques.gemr%2F96844%2F992970240_fullsize.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bculinarylab.com%2Ftag%2Fuvilla%2F%3Fss%3D5_55_3_27_55%26pp%3Dsinger%2Bsewing%2Bdesk%26ii%3D4680097&tbnid=HT93Ek0-hzShJM&vet=12ahUKEwik88zqhYP6AhURBDQIHXwUAFkQxiAoBHoECAAQIQ..i&docid=7DgOxtrSTz52EM&w=600&h=800&itg=1&q=singer%20sewing%20machine%20desk&ved=2ahUKEwik88zqhYP6AhURBDQIHXwUAFkQxiAoBHoECAAQIQ
Notice that your handle pulls, etc. are fancier than in the above photos? You have a real beauty there, congratulations.
Great content thank you Andy
Very welcome. Thanks for commenting.
Finally made it first! Cheers Andy!
THANKS 🥇
Excellent !
Thank you 🙏
Great video, thanks! Can I put my 403 into a treadle cabinet? AND do you have a video on removing the black hinge panel thing to create a bigger hole to put machine?
I'm not familiar with treadle cabinets, sorry. I know that some of the4 German-made 4xx models, like 404G, can convert to a treadle machine, so I assume the 404 could go into a treadle cabinet. It's like in the video where you measure the space of the hinge holes on the machine to the space of the hinge pins on the cabinet.
"black hinge panel thing"... ?
Where can I get the set screws? I have a 500a that we want to set in a cabinet but need the little set screws
The machine left the factory with the screws installed on the machine so be sure they are not in the mounting holes. If you do need replacements, most of us buy original vintage screws like this: www.ebay.com/itm/174844627658?hash=item28b58d4aca:g:jmQAAOSwsMZdH030
Some people want newly made screws like this: www.sewingpartsonline.com/head-hinge-screw-sewing-machine-50380.aspx Thanks for watching my channel.
Do you know where you can find replacement pins(horse head things)?
horse head things??? if you're asking about the hinge pins to use for hanging the machine there are plenty on eBay:
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+cabinet+hinge+for+hanging+machine&_sacat=0
Hi Andy, I've enjoy all of your videos, I have a Singer 301a, gifted to me. I'm looking for a cabinet to keep it in. Can you offer any information? Thanks
Congratulations; an incredible machine. Regardless of the cabinet you choose you will need a "cradle" to mount the machine into it.
While most vintage Singer models can hang from hinges in the cabinet, model 301/301A sits in a cradle and the cradle hangs from the hinges. Here is a video about it: ua-cam.com/video/jLSCL7PoqqU/v-deo.html You can find cradles for sale on eBay and other online marketplaces: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=singer+301a+cradle&_sacat=0
My favorite cabinet for model 301A is the one Singer made specifically for it, the Model 74 "Spinet" Cabinet. Here is a page with info about this cabinet: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/74_cab.html and here is a very nice blog post about it:
www.core77.com/posts/20002/Sewing-Furniture-Part-6-The-Brilliant-Unsung-Design-of-Singers-No-74-Spinet-Cabinet
The Cradle will fit in many of the Singer cabinets made before and after No. 74. Here is a page at ISMACS you can scroll down thru many of the cabinet styles and which models of the sewing machines will fit in them: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html
If you are interested in the 301A I have a couple of Playlists with a total of 36 videos about cleaning, adjusting, repairing, and replacing any worn or defective parts. Here is my Coco series: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html
and here is a technical series with some deeper details: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html Very happy for you to have a 301A. Thanks for watching my channel.
Wow that knee gadget!!
Wow like "that's cool"? You can find used ones on eBay for about $15 if interested. Most of them will work on either the button or clamshell foot controllers. Just search for Singer Knee Controller. Thanks for watching my channel.
Love that set pin screw driver!! Where did you get it? I'm hoping to get a cab #42 that will either keep the model 15-91 in it, or swap with another beautiful machine made in Japan for Montgomery Wards (if dimensions allow).
Those screw starter screwdrivers are vintage. They were made by the HJJ CO LOS GATOS CA. They come up for sale sometimes on the online auction and selling sites, but they go quickly. fhelm.com/ makes a new version of these drivers now with the spring steel inside but hard plastic handles instead of brass. Thanks for watching my channel.
Anytime, you are the best! I’ve been rescuing old machines. Can I put a 603E into an older cabinet. I’m almost sure the HP holes are 9 3/4 inches apart. Will check now for the set screws.
Thanks for saving those machines, Linda. Normally you can put most Singer vintage models into vintage cabinets. The holes are uniform. Where I have run into snags is if the body of a "newer" vintage machine is slightly longer on the needle bar end. Both times I was able to remove 1/8 to 1/4" of the left side opening so the machine could fit flush and also be able to be lowered down inside. Just measure the machine end-to-end, the space between the holes, AND from the left side hole to the left edge of the body or bed of the machine. Thanks for watching my channel.
I have a table with a hinge pin spacing of 9" only. It is a singer table. do you by any chance know which model would have that spacing? Woudl love to put that table to use. thanks
@@janiiyer5754 Sorry, I am not familiar with that spacing. My first thought was maybe it was for a Model 221 Featherweight. SInger made a special table for it: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/featherweight_sewing_machine_cabinet_number_68.html
I've never seen a Cabinet No. 68 in person. I thought the Featherweight just sat on a tray or shelf in the cabinet.
There are several other cabinets shown on ISMACS. I don't know if you would find your cabinet among them.
ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html
There are later model cabinets not shown on ISMACS, and there are hundreds of SInger models I've never seen or worked on. Another thing you might try is a "picture search" of your cabinet. I've used that on my cellphone and Google Search to identify models and other items. That's about it. hanks for watching my channel, and good luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 THank you. I was a bit surprised, as I was told that most singers will fit in the singer treadle cabinet.
What is the size of the set screw? Can I go to a hardware store and get it or are they a special size? Shipping from the US to Canada is super high
Wow, shipping is high! The best price I found for 2 screws & shipping was $21.
I can't tell you the screw size info, sorry. I have about a dozen pages of Singer screw sizes but this screw is not on any of them. I think Singer considered it incidental. I have hundreds of parts lists by model number. Singer used the same screw on almost every machine (domestic, for the home) they made. They called it the "Machine Hinge Connection Set Screw" and gave it
Part No. 51045AL. The "AL" stands for "Heat Treated for Toughness". Those two set screws were installed at the factory and if they are missing on a machine you have someone removed them on purpose. Most folks do not even know they are up in the holes for the hinges on the backside of the bed.
In your case, it may be cheaper to find a vintage machine at a thrift shop or yard sale. A nice old rusty one no one wants, and get the screws from it. Many, many Singer screws are non-standard size and proprietary to Singer so you had to go to them for replacement parts and/or repair. Some screws were standard size.
As to a hardware store, you'd have to lug the machine there and use their size tester to see if a standard screw would fit. There are a handful of models that use that screw in other places, like the needle clamp, but I can't remember specific model numbers.
I guess you could tap out a bigger hole in a standard size. The black machines were usually cast iron and post-WWll models changed mostly to cast aluminum.
@@andytubesewing1953 thank you for your advice. It’s much appreciated. I will try your suggestions!
@@bluemonkeyfiedGood luck!
Thanks Andy!
Thanks for watching.
Hi Andy! I used your technique on holding the hinge pins up so I was able to set the machine into the cabinet. It was great! Do you know anything about treadle machines? I'm looking for 20x1 needles for my Singer model 27. Any advice would be appreciated.
Glad the rubber band helped. I don't know treadle machines or stands, but here are some 20x1 needles: vatican.com/Needles-Cases-20X1-Sewing-Machine-Needle/
@@andytubesewing1953 thank you!
Most treadle machines are the same. Since treadles have to be in a cabinet. Bc of the treadle..
Great video. I wonder about moving these cabinets. Is it safer to leave them on the hinges and in the cabinet or move separately. The cabinet is top heavy. How would you pack/load for transport?
Hi Jo. Local or shipping? I've driven 50 miles and brought home machines still in the cabinet in the back of a mid-sized SUV. I lay an old blanket down and push the cabinet in top first and facing down. Then the machine hangs on the hinges. Upon arrival home I pull the whole cabinet and blanket out together and let the feet touch down first. I've shipped many cabinet to S.E. Asia by "flat packing" them. Most of the vintage cabinets can be dismantles by removing the leg, sides and top by taking out screws/brackets. Then all the wood lays flat for shipping and I wrap the machine in bubble wrap and pack in a HD box from home depot and stuff the spaces with rigid foam pieces, like cheap foam insulation. If I ship a machine in the USA I take it to UPS and pay them about $30 to pack it then I get a S400 guarantee on it. If you are nervous to transport a machine home, then please take it off the hinges. It's only a couple of screws. Lay the cabinet down for transporting and put the machine, standing normal, on the floor behind the driver seat. Hope that answers your questions and thanks for watching my channel.
@@andytubesewing1953 very helpful
@@josetliff4289 👍
Hi Andy! I was able to remove my right-side controller wiggling downwards, thanks for your help!! The rubber circles on its bottom are full of brown grease. Since I wanted to put it on my carpet, I have to clean it. The controller works but why was it greased? Should I open it to clean inside?
Nicely done! ⭐ I've seen some gooey feet on cabinet mounted pedal controllers. I always figured it was from oil, but who knows? Before I used it on carpet I would at least take the feet off and clean them. The controller has stacks (2) of small carbon discs inside to control speed. The discs break down into carbon powder, black and very hard to remove from soft items. With the back cover off to remove the feet you can at least blow out the interior with canned air or such. If you are interested I have a whole playlist of videos showing step-by-step how to dismantle, clean, assemble, and adjust the controller: ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71.html Carbon stack controllers get quite warm when in use, especially when sewing slowly. As the carbon discs break down they get coated with the dust and cause more resistance to the electricity flowing through them and resistance makes heat. I've had controllers where the discs were crumbled, cracked, and powdered to pieces, and barely working. I have replaced worn/hot pedals for people with new style electronic pedals bought online that barely get warm and have superior speed control. You can take a look at yours and see what you think. Learn to use the button control on it. I'd put down a piece of carboard, old towel, or something at first to protect your carpet. Your last question was "Should I open it to clean inside?" I always do; every time. Congrats again and take care.
@@andytubesewing1953 Gooey feet! You have a way with words as well as with 404’s! Thank you so much again. Your videos are amazing, your knowledge astonishing, and your generosity is heartwarming.
What is the model of Singer machine you're using to show this? This is exactly the model my mom removed from her cabinet. I still have the cabinet, and I wish I could put my modern machine in, but it doesn't seem like it will work.
Hi Barbie. It's a Singer Model 404. My favorite Straight Stich Machine. I bet your mom loved it. ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKIB4kvIHCfHYuyLMUp5A4UI.html Modern machines are not made to hang in cabinets like this any longer. Too sad, really. Vintage Singers can be found on Craigslist, offer up, Facebook marketplace, and eBay. Not that expensive for what you get and how well they sew. Thanks for watching my channel.
Andy, I have cabinet #65 and it had either a 15-91 or a 201 in it. I'm going to put my 301 inside. I have the cradle and clips needed but I need to move the black piece on the right of the opening, where the electrical cords went through. I wish I could show you a picture but I need to ask you if you know what's the best way to remove that piece?
I'm familiar with the cabinet/desk. I have also seen the "black piece" you mention but never attempted to remove it. That piece is often attached to a coiled spring that also attaches to the cabinet. I have heard it called a "Lift Assist" b/c the iron machines are difficult to just raise up from inside the cabinet and that spring lift made it somewhat easier. A retired Singer man told me the cabinets were shipped to the Singer Stores "Flat-Packed" meaning not assembled and all parts and wood pieces laying flat for easier shipping. The guys would assemble the cabinets at the stores and mount the machines into them. I personally have disassembles a few cabinets though none with the lift assist or black piece. I believe that those pieces are just attached to the inside of the cabinet with wood screws that can all be removed. I have 100s of Singer manuals but never found any for the cabinets. I looked at an old model 15-91 Service Manual and it has pictures and descriptions for removing the controller and knee lever device, and I can see the coil and wiring in the pics although it does specifically say how to remove the coil or black piece. You can view this manual here: www.manualslib.com/manual/364405/Singer-15-91.html Pages 4/5. Sorry, I can't give you specific instructions. Good Luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks much!
@@sherriscreativemind Good Luck.
Hi Andy, l just got a cabinet that seems like it will fit my 401. However it has a metal piece down the right side of the opening taking up space. If l press down on it the rear edge goes down. If l let up it springs back level with the cabinet surface. What is it? What is it's purpose?
Hi, Christine. Thanks for watching my channel. It's called a "Lift-Assist Hinge" and it was used to help you lift up the old 40+ pound iron sewing machines. There is often a knee bracket to operate a screwed-in foot regulator. You must have one of the older-style cabinets, like for a model 66. They were used in the old treadle cabinets also. You should be able to unscrew it and unmount it and hang your 401A from the hinge pins. You may be able to keep it and attach your 401A to it, but I'm not sure. If you want to learn more about SInger Cabinets, and maybe find the model number of yours, you can look here: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer_sewing_machine_cabinets.html
You can search google for the hinge/spring and there are many pictures like this one if you want to see it out of the cabinet: www.vintagesingerparts.com/products/vintage-original-singer-cabinet-assist-hinge?variant=20431872786530 That pix is just the hinge without the spring that does the assisting. I've seen a couple different styles of spring, a long one and a roundish coil one. That's about all I know about them. Good luck.
This video on choosing a cabinet was a treasure trove for me. I have my grandmother's Singer model 28 treadle machine in a cabinet that I am now excited to clean up! I have a problem, though. Opened the top and when I swung the machine up the left hinge on the back seems to be set in crooked so the machine doesn't clear the wood trim on the front. I cannot pull the machine up to rest it on the top of the cabinet.. Problem is how to get to the hinge pin hole when there is a nice bentwood dust cover underneath and I can't reach it. Is it okay to remove the whole rounded sunk in hinge from the top or is that a mistake? Help! ( Do you live in Pittsburgh, by chance?)
I've seen this before. The set screw on the hinge post may be loose and sliding on the flat spot. Sometimes you can lift the machine a little and pull or yank it to you (front of the cabinet) and it will straighten enough to continue lifting the machine. YES, yes!! you can absolutely remove the hinge screws and lift the machine with hinges attached right up off the cabinet if you like. I did this with the very first cabinet/machine I bought b/c I did not know how to use the hinges. I have restored a couple of cabinets and always remove the hinges anyway for sanding and staining, etc. no harm done. Thanks for asking, and for watching my channel. Stop by anytime.
@@andytubesewing1953 you’re the best! Thanks for the quick reply and for all the helpful videos!
@@amyq5615 Hey, thank you! Good luck, Amy
It worked! I removed the large hinges and used your rubber band method to reinstall the machine! Like butter. Thanks!
@@amyq5615 Mmm... smooth, creamy butter. Can't beat that! Thanks for making my afternoon.
Andy do you still receive sewing machines for repair? I believe I'm in the same state and near your city location, is there a way to contact you regarding a sewing machine cleaning and servicing, talking about a Singer 301. Thanks!
Sorry, not able to do that work right now. You know I have 36 videos for model 301A showing how to restore it yourself, right?
ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI.html
ua-cam.com/play/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO.html
The only person in the US I refer restoration work to is Scott at CowCountryVintageSewing MachinesAndRestoration
ua-cam.com/users/CowCountryEnterpriseabout You can see on his channel the beautiful work he does on machines sent to him from around the world. I recently contacted him about accepting referrals and he agreed.
I don't know his cost, including shipping both ways, but his work is fabulous.
Thanks for watching my channel and good luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 Not a problem, thank you for the referral information, I have used your videos to get my machine back to where it is and watching them realized we were in the same state. I'll jump at the chance if you start accepting machines in the future and go back through it with the updated cleaning method if Scott doesn't work out for me. Thank you sir!
@@wlgt3257 Thanks for understanding my situation. Good luck.
My controller is on the right side. I feel the prongs on the top of the foot pedal! Pushing down, one side wiggles but the cord side won’t budge. Any suggestion?
I've been told you can try to insert a flat tipped screwdriver up behind the back of the pedal and try to pry back the spring part of the metal bracket to push it away from the indentation on the backside of the pedal. I've never tried that b/c I worried about cracking the Bakelite back of the pedal. I usually just keep pushing harder to force out the pedal from the bracket. The pedal had probably been in the bracket for 60+ years and the metal bracket spring is stiff.
Thanks! The cabinet is badly peeling so I want to remove the pedal first before trying to clean the paint and veneer.
The felt that is on the floor of the cradle, is that replaceable? Mine is in ok shape but like the felt on the oil drip pan it is old and dry with oil
Sure is, and several ways to do it. You can buy felt at the fabric store and use craft fabric glue to hold it in place. www.walmart.com/ip/Aleene-s-Super-Fabric-Adhesive-1-5-fl-oz-Fast-Drying-Permanent-Fabric-Adhesive/53748191?wl13=2515&selectedSellerId=0 Removing the old felt and degreasing the cradle first, of course. You can buy custom cut peel & stick felt replacement pads: singer-featherweight.com/products/felt-drip-pad-for-singer-301 I have used these and they are convenient and "OK"; a little thin IMO.
A couple customers wanted better felt and I bought this and used the craft glue: www.mcmaster.com/felt/firm-felt-sheets-and-strips/ These pads are wool and very absorbent, although pricey. Quality always is. I also have a long-time customer who buys felt at the store and uses stick-on velcro to hold it in place near the corners and the circle cutout. She buys a black felt pad for $1.00 (12" X 12") They are probably polyester, but she just replaces the cheap pad every couple of years. Personally, I have pretty good luck degreasing them with Krud Kutter ua-cam.com/video/4Rk8z_oOESQ/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching my channel. Good luck.
@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much!!!
@@shannonmuzinich7389 👍
I have a Singer Featherweight 221. Since the hinge pin holes are not part of my machine, what would be the best way to hang a shelf below to hold the machine?
Sorry, Julie, I'm not a carpenter so I can't advise you about building a shelf. I can give you some alternatives though. Singer made a special cabinet (No. 68) for the featherweight. It is very hard to find (I've never seen one in person) but they are out there if you are patient. ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/featherweight_sewing_machine_cabinet_number_68.html
Singer also made two folding Card Tables that hold a featherweight. Table No. 308 ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/308_table.html and Table No. 312 ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/312_table.html These are somewhat more available if you watch for them online like eBay, FaceBook, Esty, etc. I used a different approach than building a shelf and bought a Cradle for Singer Model 301. This is a metal "shelf" that uses the hinges in the cabinet and holds a 301 in the cabinet. It fits many cabinets and some cabinets need minor modification and then can hold the cradle. With the cradle in the cabinet, you just open the cabinet and set your featherweight on the cradle to sew. Here is a video I made about the cradle and a 301 machine: ua-cam.com/video/jLSCL7PoqqU/v-deo.html
I liked this solution b/c it did not require building anything or over-modifying the cabinet. The cradles are usually available for sale online at various outlets although the prices are higher now due to the big increase in demand from the pandemic lockdown of 2020. A casual search of eBay just now came up with a few for sale including this one: www.ebay.com/itm/265281489508?hash=item3dc4024a64:g:5dYAAOSwQp1hI7ld The one I bought had a fairly clean felt oil pad, but I still cut a thin piece of plywood to cover the pad and set the machine on. Good Luck.
Great information!! Thank you!!
@@juliehorner889 surely, and good luck with this project.
@@andytubesewing1953 I did buy this cradle for my cabinet. I was hopeful, but it does not work. It’s too narrow to hold the Singer featherweight . Since I’m not able to return to the eBay seller, I would love to give to someone who could use this cradle. It’s in nice condition and came with all the screws. Let me know if you know anyone who could use this. I hate to just throw out. I think I will build in a shelf to hold the machine. Thank you.
@@juliehorner889 I'm sorry to hear this. We did not have this problem. If you will send your PayPal or other info to my UA-cam Channel email andytube53@gmail.com I'll reimburse you for the cradle. I feel bad you bought it on my suggestion and it failed to serve your needs. I have a couple of them and do not need more, so you can give it to a local charity if you like.
At long last, I understand why I could not find a cabinet for my 301A.
I had the same problem for a year when I bought my wife. Her first 301 finally learned about the cradle from a retired singer. Man, I'm glad you found the video and thanks for watching
thanks!!!!!!!!!!
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