Benchside Chat - Featuring a Singer 237
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- Опубліковано 21 гру 2021
- I haven't done much video with more "modern" classic machines, and I totally missed the boat having had not one, but two Singer 247's on my bench this week, but I'm going to try to make up for that with a benchside chat as I work on a Singer 237M-A. It's just a clean, lube, and adjust type service, not major tear down, but I'll share with you my impressions of this classic zig-zagger.
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Two things I learned: bobbin case gauge and less tension for zigzag!! I learn something new!!
The 237 is a beautifully made, extra complicated, very heavy machine. Last of the all metal gear machines. The gear driven zigzag needle bar swing mechanism is much more robust and precise, much more like an industrial, than a simple cam bump domestic. This is probably why the zigzag stitches are so nice. Straight stitches are extra fine and straight. I was a little disappointed that you didn't show oiling the bottom end in zigzag mode, the way the hook case and bobbin shifts from left to right, sliding on the wide bushing. Their only weak point is the plastic latch door holding the bobbin. I have 2 of these machines and one is cracked, but still fully functional. That part is still available.
Hey Mike, I just saw your comment about the singer 237. You wrote that the plastic latch door piece is still available, I am in need of one. Where could I find one? Hope you can see my comment, thanks .
237's are known for their beautiful zig zag stitch. They have that Italian Necchi style zig zag configuration. On the minus side, the spline in the upper tension is often cracked and can't keep tension. The spline is plastic! Aarggggh! I had to JB weld mine, and once I did that, it was fine and made the legendary beautiful zig zag stitches.
I wound up replacing the upper thread tension unit with a new (aftermarket) replacement part for just that very reason!
Yesterday I purchased a sewing machine cabinet with sewing machine at a local thrift shop for $40. I only wanted the cabinet and didn't really care about the sewing machine. It happened to be a singer 237M-A in very good condition and not too dirty. This sewing machine and cabinet will probably go to a friend who wants an older zig zag sewing machine. Now I still have to find a nice cabinet for my 1927 66.
This was my first machine when I returned to sewing as an adult 6 or so years ago... picked it up for $5 at a garage sale! And let me tell you, she's a workhorse! She gets cleaned and serviced regularly, and I'm sure she'll still be stitching for someone when I'm dead and gone, unlike the Juki "heavy duty" machine I bought a couple years later, which has already gone to the sewing machine graveyard :/ Thanks for your videos, Bob - very informative and entertaining. I appreciate your time and talent.
❤. Wonderful videos you have. Thank you.
I got this exact (237M-A) machine last year, complete with cabinet and chair. I ended up replacing the shuttle gate because the original was split up top and interfered with stitch formation. Replaced the bobbin case, too. I will say, the 237 does a very nice satin stitch, once the tensions are balanced. That's what they're known for. Anyhoo, ended up giving it to my caregiver. She wanted a machine and I got it with her in mind. Heavy as all get out! Thanks for the great videos, Bob. Best to you and Liz. ✌🇺🇸
Oh yes, she does have an abundant supply of gravity! She's a heavy beast for sure. If I didn't already have a 403 that I love, I would keep this one. I honestly don't use zig-zag often, but the 403 meets all my needs.
Definitely worthy of a place on a sewing room. Specially because after being serviced, it will work smoothly.
She does make a nice stitch!
These work great in a treadle table. Mine is very smooth and quiet. My favourite sewing machine.
Hey, Bob, thanks for this run-through on the 237! I really appreciate your comments while you have the video speed up! That is such a nicer way to make a video rather than just putting on music, which so many UA-camr's do. I have a 237, and I'm using it for basic work clothes repair, blue jeans and insulated coveralls. It's also my machine for learning how these things work, and how to adjust, clean and oil them.
That is a beautiful sewing machine. Sews very good stitches. Your on point with this one. You didn't have to work too much on this one. Win win situation!
Thanks Ron, she is a nice little stitcher.
My wife has this machine and I am getting ready to do a servicing on it. I was amused at your comparison of the quality of this machine compared to later ones. I also have a Singer treadle machine from the 1890s or early 1900s that is a work of industrial art in comparison. It has a nickel plated flywheel and gold leaf and pin striping on the machine.
I kinda liked that 237 (it's gone to a new home now), but liking one and needing one are two different things. I had to cull the flock and make some room!
She is very definitely worthy of someone's sewing room! For people that want zig-zag built into the machine she'll be a workhorse that looks pretty nice in the sewing room too - not antique but very definitely an attractive "retro, vintage" that suits a certain decor aesthetic. And that aesthetic has a lot of devotees. If she's lasted, what, 50-odd years?, already and still stitching like that the person who has her in their sewing room won't need another one for the rest of their lives.
I certainly hope so. I haven't listed her for sale yet, but I suspect she won't last too long.
i just bought one today im so excited. my two machines i bought early 2000s are already gone. so mine will have a stronger motor
Very cool stuff here . Thanks ❤
Nice little machine; I’d buy it ((if I needed one). Appreciate your explanation of the mechanism design and comparison to earlier machines.
Thanks Sharon, this series is about the end of the line for machines that I really like to work on. Once we start getting into too much plastic... well, you know...
Love it, watched video again two more time to get a full understanding of this machine.
You can do this one easily Jorge, you've got skills!
I’m about to buy one the day after tomorrow. I’m sure I will watch this many times in trying to clean up and oil it. I think it’s worth adding to my classics , my 66 and 201s. I want a zigzag and I’m nostalgic for this era. I’m glad you made this video. I wish I could slow it down to regular speed in parts. This is VERY HELPFUL! Thank you. I may have questions when I start.
Kathleen, you can slow the video down where it's speeded up. Just click on the settings, then the playback speed, and make your speed selection!
I’ve always wanted a 237, but never see them. Great video.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
I’ve always wanted to try a 237, haven’t come across any. This was fun, thanks.
Great Video! Looking forward to walking through mine cleaning and oiling it just as you did to get started
OK, Bob. When I bought my new Kenny in '90, I was excited that he had a drop in bobbin like my original T&S with that "wind in place" plastic bobbin. However the Kenny only came with 3 metal bobbins, which was counter intuitive to use with a plastic see-thru throat plate, so I promptly ran out and bought some plastic bobbins. I bought 66's not knowing there was a difference. *** 28 years later *** After studying and obtaining a few vintage machines *** I'm cleaning out the Kenny's accessory bin and wondering how 3 #15 metal bobbins wound up in it. Then that little light bulb over my head came on! Made a special trip to buy #15 plastic bobbins.
#15 Bobbins hold a lot more thread than 66's and my Kenny runs just a touch quieter.
We all have our moments........some of mine bewilder me......
Definitely would be my second choice and have it in my collection - my daily runner is a 201 - Merry Christmas!!
Wouldn't be tops on my list either...
This is a nice machine for what it is and could be used in a treadle table. Personally, it has too much plastic on it, but i might be forgiving if I found one readily available at a good price.
I have one...and I really like it...
Awesome machine, I have one like her and love it.
Hi Bob! Thanks for this, I am looking at getting one of these, fixing her up and donating it to a friend who sews for Operation Christmas Child. I think it would be the perfect machine that had zig-zag. And still pretty much all metal. Not too fussy and still a work horse.
The 237 is indeed a workhorse that is capable of doing beautiful work. They are all metal, which is a big plus...
I have the same sewing machine. I did some work on it and I love it.
Wow, it must have sold already. You do terrific work.
Thanks, but I haven't listed it yet.
I Love her. Have one just like her from Goodwill.
Dependable machine. Found one of these that it was essentially too brand new and so dry to the bone that it took 3 to 4 days of lubricating to get back running at full speed. Oldest and cleanest machine I ever came across. It must have been bought to take up closet space. Did some sail repair with it and also used it to make kites out of rip stop nylon. Ended up selling it after I got Pfaff 332 that handled rip stop much better especially in zigzag. I liked the Pfaff's upper tension adjustments more and of coarse the variety of stitch patterns, over the Siner 237 and so out the door it went; numerous offers very quickly.
I have a Pfaff 230 that I need to put on the bench and tear into one of these days...
@@BobFowlerWorkshop that would be a good one!
Mine is attached to a table, and is supposed to fold down inside with a hinge, but it's much too heavy to bother with that. I just cover it when not in use. I still have the instruction book. I never knew the bottom needed oiling.
Where does you buy oil wicks and bobbin tension gauges and such things?
Please sir , I have a 237 that is missing the flat metal piece in the zig zag box so the zig zag dosent go wide(lemme say its stuck in two) wondering if I could somehow get a replacement piece, thank you
I just purchased one and didn't ask if it worked until I arrived to pick it up. She mentioned the needle did not move up or down but I was hoping it was an issue of having the bobbin winder engaged. No such luck. The crank isn't moving. I'm hoping with the help of your videos I can get it up and running.
Thanks , very interesting and pragmatic. How did you know whether or not the brushes were ok ? Was it lack of smell or sound etc.. ?
I have a fashionmate 237 & I cant loosen the wheel to run the bobben winder can you tell me what I need to do please? Joni
Exelente video. Muy interesante. Saludos desde Lima Perú.
I’ve noticed on several videos that the 237 when winding the bobbin, it skips a lot. I just experienced that myself on my machine. Do you know what the problem is there?
Any video on how to change the wheel belt?
I like it
If I didn't own a 403, I'd hold onto her for her nice zig-zag.
I have the same machine. Can you please help me to figure out which presser feet work on this machine? I am a beginner.
I found a year of manufacture on the side of the motor that faces the machine when I was cleaning mine. I know that that will be the motor year of manufacture but I don't it will be too different from the machine age.
I would buy one if I didn't already have enough zigzag machines! Even though they were starting to cost cut, it's still all metal mechanical parts and better than a lot made today. Merry Christmas to you Bob, and family!
Merry Christmas Jane!
Any idea where I can get a few parts for the 237m ? For example a new motor, light cover?
I hate to say it, but I would start with a search on eBay
Any idea how to attach a replacement Race Gate on a 237? That plastic piece you didn’t love broke on my mother-in-law’s machine. I got a replacement but when removing the old one a small spring and an L-shaped arm fell out. I can’t figure out how they hold the new piece in place. Thanks for any insight!
Give me a few days to get my hands on a loaner 237 and I'll do a video...
Gorgeous stitches!! Definitely would make a great addition to someone’s sewing room, and not a lot of excess mechanics to get clogged up. I’ve heard that some of the early-ish zigzag machines can also be set up to treadle, because the bed doesn’t extend to underneath the handwheel (so there’s room to run a treadle belt). Do you think this one could do that? Very cool to have a treadle machine with built-in zigzag! :-)
AS a matter of fact, the manual for the 237 shows it hooked up as a treadle as well as an electric!
I'll go you one better. I've treadled a Singer 288. Not only do you have zig zag but the flat fashion disks as well.
If you intend to treadle one of these machines, place a wide rubber band in the belt grove of the hand wheel . It gives the treadle belt extra traction otherwise the belt would just slip on the painted surface.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FASHION MATE 237 AND 237M? I OWN A 237 THOUGHT THAT IS WHAT THIS MACHINE WAS AND 237 HAD THE STITCH LENGTH AND AN ADDITIONAL OVERHEAD LEVEL PERHAPS FOR BOBBING WINDING? THANKS, VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO. CAROL IN NI
My 237 worked great yesterday. Today,all I did was removed the hand-wheel, motor, belt and light and when I put it all back together, the Crank connecting rod is totally not moving, at all. Needle bar won’t budge! I found that so strange, I’ve tried everything, reassembling the washer in the hand wheel a hundred times and can’t figure it out for the life of me. I have a couple of folks I’ve reached out to but I thought I’d check here as well. Any idea what may have happened?
The small metal piece between the wheel and the smaller, "clutch release" wheel might be on backwards. It has a slight convex shape to it, and it looks like it fits better when it's installed backwards, but it's supposed to go the other way.
I have this machine. The pin that holds the shuttle in place slips out. Would you please tell me how it's held in place? Thanks!
Hi Kimberly, sorry for the delay... Can you email me a picture of the problem part to argosybob@gmail.com?
Thanks! I figured it out!
The set screw was loose.
Hey do you have an alternative for oil wick that you use that's cheaper? Thanks
You can get some wool felt and cut a small piece and insert it into the connecting rod cap.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop thank you
I think this is one of the last models Singer put out that had that "retro cuteness". Funny enough, I have this exact machine sitting in storage. It'll give me about an inch of play before it freezes up. Found in the clearance isle of a local thrift shop, it fell within my parameters of rescuing an otherwise awesome machine from the scrap pile. Currently, there's a White model 565 at our local Goodwill, that's tempting me with it's $20 price tag. But it seems to be up and running well enough. And also, she's a little chonky & not very "cute". Question: she does seem a little loud. Is that to be expected from this model? On mine, I removed the belt to check motor performance & it was pretty quiet- sounding much like a hand mixer, which to my ears is normal. My vote is: On Point!
At least it's an "all metal" machine. She's a bit less "elegant" than say, a 403...
Hello
I have a problem with my 237. It does not grab the thread any more. Is it easy to fix? Something with the hook shuttle?
Timing adjustments are quite easy on these machines, but I suspect maybe your needle may be bent or in backwards, so check that first!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop thank you very much for your feedback. But I already changed the needle several times. I don't think it s the problem. But I ll do it one more time. And then if you say it s easy I will try to understand how to do it. Do you have a video that explain it?
@@BobFowlerWorkshop I forgot to tell you. It also cut the thread each time I try to sew
@@kaylaimage3385 If I don't, I can certainly make one for you.
Great thank you very much!
And singer went off the cliff with the 247
Can you share a source for that 3/16" felt oil wick?
I use the F1 hardness stuff from McMaster-Carr here:
www.mcmaster.com/products/cords/material~wool-felt-1/hardness-rating~hard/
@@BobFowlerWorkshop THANKS! I have a 237 and at least one other machine that needs a wick. I love McMaster-Carr, but hadn't thought to look there.
And now I see that one order will give me a LIFETIME supply! Will have to find some other things to order to justify the shipping cost for a $3 item (shouldn't be a problem given my VSM disease, and my husband's similar malady based on vintage motorcycles).😊
My singer machine is model 267
I wish mine had the abilty to drop the feed dogs :(
I need to time this machine.....how?????
The hook timing is preset and fixed at the factory. What IS adjuistable is needle bar height, which if incorrect, can present as if timing is off. I am currently (late October 2023) working on a series of videos on the Model 237, and your question will be answered in more detail in the first video in the series.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop thank you.
M
Bonjour désolée je ne comprends pas l'anglais
Car j'en ai une et pas de notice