Singer (Rocketeer) Model 503A - I Ignored This Machine For Almost A Year
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- I picked this 1961 Singer 503A up at a local thrift store for $32 USD.
In this video, I give an overview of the machine. As well as my first experience of using a twin / double needle.
A super quick and easy gift idea included too.
*Fashion discs = cams. I use those words interchangeably in this video. I try to call them fashion discs for those of you who are new to them, as they are called that on their packaging.
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I have the 500a as I my daily driver. It’s awesome! You should always clean and oil a machine before running it full steam. It’s been sitting probably decades and dry as a bone. These machines were designed to be oiled/serviced regularly by the owners. This is probably why it’s so noisy, too. You can download the manual to show you where.
I acquired a 503A in beautiful, almost-new condition Fram a lady today, she said she doesn't show, but it's in a nice sewing table, with a whole passel of accessories, including the cam pack, an automatic Zigzagger attachment pack, needles, bobbins, a buttonholer, and several other goodies. I've been looking for one for a while, but the $25 price brought me running.
Wow! That's such a great deal! Congratulations on that find! I wouldn't have been able to resist that either with all of those extras!
What a lovely machine - it even has the often missing removable thread pin to use with the hood closed (so jealous in a good way)! FYI, the Rocketeers don't require a twin needle - they're made to take two single needles, too. Thank you so much for this video and for sharing your 503A!
I did read that it could take two single needles as well. (So cool!) But I've been sitting on that twin needle for a while and was dying to use it. I'll probably show the use of the two single needles along with some decorative stitches in the future. I do really feel lucky about finding this one in the wild, in this condition with all that came with it. Thank you so much for your comment!
Mine had the thread pin, as well. Amazed at how complete it is.
So, IDK about the 503, but one reason I like my 403 is the needle bar can hold 2 needles using regular needles as designed. I bet the 503 will do that too.
It does! I just had a twin needle burning a whole in my stash. So, I gave it a go for this video.
I just got a 500a, on facebook marketplace! $30, with attachments, table and bench. Beautiful!
How awesome! Congratulations on such a great score!
I bought this exact machine about 12 years ago and ma just about to sew on it for the first time. Wow - I should've started sooner! It's stunningly beautiful. Thanks for your video!
Enjoy it! It is such a wonderful machine!
Love your video......had this machine from my mom for about 16 years and just now learning how to use it. Your video is wonderful to watch for beginners like me :)
Aww thanks! Enjoy learning all about your machine. (Thanks so much for your comment.)
Thea,
Just found this video, you are amazing at promoting vintage sewing machines. If you like this 503a, you will like the 400 series. Hint: Don't pass by a Singer 404 straight stitch only machine which was commonly loaned to Home Economics sewing classes for students to learn on. Everyone will know about the value of a zig zag 400 series machine, but if a quilter is looking for a straight stitch machine that is more affordable than a 221 or 301, then consider a 404.
With new machines being priced as they are for what they are, it is hard not to urge people who are looking to go vintage. I'm glad you mentioned this. I've wondered about the 404. I personally haven't heard much about it. I have a 401A. I heard a bit about that before I found one at a thrift store, so I knew what to expect from it. I have yet to see a 404 in the wild. I would've loved to have learned to sew on one (or any metal geared machine). My Home Ec class had plastic machines. (At least I had Home Ec.) Thanks again for mentioning this, I am adding the 404 to my wishlist. Thanks for your comment too!
This is the same machine my mother had. Her first machine, that I remember in from my early childhood, was a Singer Featherweight. In early 1962 we moved to California and into a house, whereas previously we had lived in a trailer. So I suppose that's why she upgraded to this fancy machine. When my mother died a few years ago, she still had it, complete with cabinet-table and all the cams. I would certainly have loved to have it, but I live in a different country and can't transport it. I understand my niece is going to give it a home.
What a beautiful machine. 1961 - so metal gears throughout I imagine. IMO that's what matters most.
I'm so glad you had a chance to experience that machine. I have the one I grew up and learned on. It works great also after all these years. I hope you continue to enjoy it. Just a quick note about your threading the machine. Do you know that there is a horizontal slot at the top of the needle?. You do put your thread through there before threading the needle. I love my machine and use it when I have slightly thicker fabric to work with. It is a work horse. If you have any questions I might be able to help. Enjoy.
It's a really great machine. I try to try all the most talked about machines so I can encourage new sewists to try learning on a better built machine for less. This one really checks off some good qualities for sure, plus it's pretty. Thank you so much for your comment!
A really neat machine.
She’s a beauty!
How much does something like this go for? I just bought a home and it came with a 503A and it’s built in to a sewing table that folds out. I almost honestly tossed this thing in the trash but I’m glad I came across your video. If someone would rather appreciate it more then I and get it for a deal from me I would rather do that then throw it out.
Beautiful machine !!
Yes as someone commented it is the social security number. Back in the late 60s the police depts were big on asking people to engrave an identifier on your possessions in the event of a theft. They even loaned out an engraving tool for this.
So, wild to think of that as a recommendation (now). Thanks for the insight.
Look up Andy Tube on UA-cam. He teaches you how to get that bobbin plate back on. You need a little screw driver. He teaches you how to clean it and oil it. You grease the gears first and then you oil the rest. Your machine is almost identical to the Singer 403 so watch his videos on that model. Before you stitch, put your top thread under the foot. Love your machine! I have the 401a and gave away my modern machines because I love these old Singers!
Nice machine, love the double needle, very cool. Love your dress also.
Beautiful machine!! I have one also!! (Hoping you oiled her) I hadn't tried the double needle; but since watching your success- I'm so gonna do it- love the simple beauty on the napkins you created!
That's awesome! It's such a quick and satisfying project. And of course, I did oil her up well before sewing.
The bobbin cover - remove the cover and the stitch plate, you’ll see a sort of spring clip at the front of the opening, and you’ll see a corresponding notch in the bobbin plate. The plate slides onto the spring from the back moving toward you. Then it will be locked in and allow you to slide it open and closed.
Thanks for the offer of help. When I was initially trying to get it to stay in place, I did all of what you mentioned. I have similar machines with the same mechanism. I unfortunately, just have a broken plate. Thank you though!
The foot plate is easily bent on these machines because it MUST be inserted from the back instead of the front like most machines. If people aren't aware of this, they might bend a little metal piece that holds it in place when struggling to insert it from the front.
Did you give it a good oiling with clean sewing machine oil? Great old vintage machines love fresh oiling. Other than that, it looks great and sounds normal.
I didn’t show it in this video, but I always do a cleaning and oiling to „new to me“ machines.
Please narrate along when you do light cleaning of things on these beautiful machines for us newbies!
I have my mom's. I don't have the jams. I haven't really started using it.
Social security number of previous owner?
I guess that would be one way of letting everyone know who it belonged to. :) I worked in my family's auto repair shop and we'd engrave inventory numbers on parts and sometimes machines. That's why I guessed inventory number. But now I'm imagining a person who really liked to keep track of their belongings. Thanks so much for your comment.
Como conseguir el manual busque en Amazon y no miré nada. Agradezco su ayuda
Check out the ISMACS website. You can search by machine manufacturer and they have lots of manuals to download.
Gears look and sound dry. Way too noisy. Use sewing machine grease on the gears. Oil frequently. The bobbin plate may have a broken spring. As for the dual needle, better to install two separate needles to get zigzag and patterns. Follow manual to minimize needle strikes.
I can't hear you.
The unique number you showed is someone’s social security number. Back in the day, people used to write or engrave their property with SSN’s in case they were stolen or damaged in a house fire, etc. Just a thought. You might want to edit that out off the video or pixelate it so no one can read it 😊
I've received a few comments suggesting this and have read up on it (that it was a thing to do). It's so wild to think of that now in today's world. I actually just received another machine with a SSN engraved right on it too. Thanks for your comment and I did blur the number out in the video.
@@TheaStarr Was only about 25 years ago when you had new blanks checks printed and sent to you, you'd be upset if your ssn was listed under your name incorrectly, or left off completely because wherever you went to a retailer you had to by hand add or correct it because most stores etc. wouldn't take the check without it. The good old days...In some respects.