Watch me service a Singer 201
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2017
- This Singer 201 is serial number AH635142
This a basic clean, oil, lube and adjustment of an old antique sewing machine that was found in great condition.
I replaced the bobbin winder tire. The cord is what was on the machine when I found it. All exposed wiring on this machine look very good and the motor runs so good that I just let it be.
Thank you so much for your support and please consider sharing my video, liking my video and subscribing to my channel.
Filmed and Produced by Jason Potts - Навчання та стиль
Man you are direct to the point and such a relaxed good professional , you explain things well without gas bagging for ever. Love your work. I will also buy one of these old machines. Thank you.
I bought a Singer 201 .1947. EE64595
Hand cranked. So much fun.
Works like it was made yesterday.
Will look after it the way you do .
With thanks.😃
Yes, there are a few posters who certainly do gas-bag on! 😅
This is a great machine I have one can't live without it great for quilting
I got lucky and found this same machine in a thrift store for $50. Tested it out and fell in love with it. It came with all the attachments, manual, etc. Only thing I had to replace was that bobbin wheel rubber. The manual says that the machine is to be oiled after every use and the main gears are to be greased once a year. Whoever owned this machine before me took really good care of it. Wouldn't trade my machine for anything. 😀
That is a very good find. Congratulations!
Very thorough! Thank you! Beautiful machine!
Great video, I must have serviced and sold hundreds of the Singer 201K machines in my time. They are one of the best engineered domestic machines ever, my friend said that they ticked over like a Swiss watch...
instaBlaster.
Is this available in the phillippines thank you
This is one of my Pride and Joy Singers. When I started my collection. Every one of them and their attachments brought a new dimension to Singer for me.
I've had a Singer 201 for over 30 years and haven't used the attachments -- any suggestions for videos?
Great simple explanations with clear demonstration. My 201-3 thanks you for instructing me on how to clean + oil it properly!
One year later, I’m watching you again rejuvenate this vintage Singer 201-2 (I believe). Your videos will be helping people take care of these beautiful machines for many years to come... the more I watch your videos, the more I appreciate your knowledge and patience in the way you work and explain. Thank you very much. 🙏
That is cool, Thank you.
Thanks for this. I couldn't get the rubber tire on my bobbin winder until I saw you turning the hand wheel. I'm new to sewing and to my Singer 201-2.
Glad I could help!
Awesome, thanks! Going to do this on mine! Found it in a garbage heap and couldnt resist bringing it home.. Works fine but has probably not seen any oil for decades.
How sad that someone can just dump one of these treasures! Never has there been another sewing machine like them, can’t compare to todays. Glad you rescued it!
Thank you for posting this. My grandmother gave me her sewing machine since she moved into a smaller place (and couldn't see well enough to sew anymore). I have new electric sewing machines that I've been using for years, but I don't have any experience with the old machines like these. I think her machine needs some maintenance so this video was super helpful!
✨
What a gorgeous machine! I just got one of these for free and it needs a lot of TLC. I have no idea about these machines so I'm hoping that I can learn enough to give my beauty what it needs to run like new.
Thank you for making this video. Just what I needed to get my 201 back in shape.
Excellent, excellent video. I just discovered you and just subscribed. Now I am running to that 201 that I have unused in my collection . Thanks to your guidance, she'll be up and running by tomorrow afternoon. Thanks!
What a gorgeous machine, I just picked up a mint centennial model and im loving it. Good video
Hello, love how you show any sewing machine with details, thank you 🙏
Heartfelt thanks for your gentle and beneficial help, Alexander.
Kristine 4Give365 , hello. I agree with you. Alexander’s gentle, approachable style and manner makes you feel like he’s a friend you can trust and ask for help. He’s a kind soul and very knowledgeable. The best on UA-cam when it comes to working on vintage machines. He’s my go to mentor and I watch his videos over again to absorb everything. He’s a wonderful teacher. Kindness and gentleness with people is his key to success and helping us all.
Thank you very much, I just bought one that was in a closet for 30 years!!!!It needs some TLC and you just showed me how to give it some...I thought I saw somewhere to never grease anything and to lubricate with sewing machine oil only.
According to the manual for the 201, the cups under the machine should be filled with "singer motor lubricant". I have a vintage tube of it and it is a clear grease. The rest of the machine should be oiled. You can get a similar product from various online selling sites. If you don't have a 201 manual, you can get a free download one.
Great learning experience to watch you work in detail--and explaining in easy to understand terms. I am interesting to know more about he gear lubricant you use. I am a new subscriber, and am fascinated watching you present information that will help me conserve and maintain my much loved herd of vintage and antique sewing machines. Thank you. You are a great teacher.
Thanks for posting this. I've got the younger 201K Aluminium version (brown and fawn in colour) and while not as nice looking, it is a great machine. I reset the timing and replaced the tension spring and oiled it thoroughly but am having difficulties with it skipping the odd stitch in thicker materials...vinyl and canvas. I'm sure I'll work things out eventually but seeing your video helped me work around the rest of the machine.
Hi alexander thanks for your quick reply i did exvatly whatyou said checked the needle was inserted properly and it wasnt
Now works a dream
Thank you saved me paying someone £60 to fix it lol
That is good news.
Hands down my favorite domestic machine!
shes beautiful. for a tank she sings remarkably like a bird
This is a great review for me maintaining my Singer 201-2. I can’t believe I missed this video from a year ago. Although I like all your videos, I would encourage you and request that you make more maintenance videos like this one for vintage domestic and industrial sewing machines. I know you’ve done quite a few, but perhaps you could show work on a vintage Bernina, Pfaff, or other well made German, Swiss, etc. Sewing machines.
I’m just making a suggestion here. I’m not complaining, at all. I enjoy all your videos.
Thank you! Nice work.!! Such a beautiful machine
Beautiful machine.
Thank you.
What a beautiful sewing machine. After you finished cleaning and lubricating it, this 201 was better than new. I love your videos. I am a professional tailor for Jos A Bank Clothiers in Morgantown West Virginia.
Hello and Thank you.
I got one of these from an opshop for $15 AUD, it was only missing the foot pedal, but even without that, hand cranking the thing, it seemed to work just fine.
I see it as a fun project to work on, once I am set up.
💪👊⚡💥🔥
Thank you for this vid, I was just gifted this same model today by my neighbor.
That is a great neighbor.
Thank you for the useful info!
I’m going to look at and hopefully buy a 201 today.
روعة الحسن وحسن الروعتي
الماني الصنع اروع غأيتي
Nothing makes a better stitch than a true straight stitch machine... I have a Juki and my Singer 201-2 makes a better straight stitch and my Juki was $1,000...
The 201-2 is quite possibly the best machine I have ever used/owned. They feed very well for as small as the feed dog area is. Can be used to sew about anything you can get under the foot... continued mis-use will destroy any household sewing machine.
Added - A small brush and a can of oil is all you will ever need to take care of a classic Singer. You should NEVER EVER need to bring one of these to a shop...
Good Post!
Thank you I really enjoyed that video. I picked up a little singer featherweight and it's so beautifully but I think I need to take it in and have it serviced as I don't want to try and do it myself. I would love to find a cabinet for mine as it came in side a large wooden box that they originally came in.
Very nice!👍👌😎
She is a beauty.
I have this machine and seeed a ton on it. I absolutely love it. I also have a treadle version.
🔥
I have a Viking just like that. Still in great shape...
“Listen” to how smooth!!!!
Belle machine
According the the adjusters manual no grease, only oil, is to be used on the gears of a 201.
Nice job on tutorial
Una linda maquina,aqui no hay,saludos
So many of today's Sewing Machine offer dozens of different "Stitches"!
Just how on Earth did we get along, for well over a Century, with nothing but these simple, strong and sturdy Work Horse like Machines?
I'd rather sew on one of these then today's latest $6,000. Marvel!
There is value all around us.
I learned to sew on a maching just like that, including the same cabinet. My family discarded it nearly forty years ago. I had no idea that these machines were still available and operating. I think I will try to find one.
Thanks so much.
Watch craigslist and other ads in your area and I am sure you will find one in no time at all.
I'm from Phil.my mother buy her singer sewing machine year 1966.15 years nobody use.Now i want to use but some parts can not work.Thank you for sharing your vedio.i've got some idea.
I got on the hunt for a straight stitch machine after learning to sew outdoor gear on a Modern brother unit for the past year - a neighbor had a 201 in her garage that still is functioning - and included a table - for free - likely early 50’s model - need to pick it up this week - likely needs lube, grease, and new wiring although it looked “ok” - it is a bit beat up in appearances but it bad - not sure how much it will end up costing me to get it back to top functionality. Neighbor is a competent tinkerer I’m told so she is gonna help me for starters.
These are great machines, I bet you will get it going without much trouble.
👍
Alexander Dyer thanks! I’m psyched - where can I pick up parts like the bobbin rubber thingie - etc?
I get that kind of stuff on eBay.
Осы тiгiн машина ұнап қалды !
That machine is in beautiful shape...They just dont make them like that anymore
G'day Alexander, thank-you for the clear, comprehensive and interesting videos.
During the introduction when the machine model number etc. is given could the stitch types offered be included please? I would prefer to have the option of a multiple stitch zig zag for sail repairs etc. and, if I cannot see a stitch type selector on the machine at the intro' and am not familiar with the machine, then a mention of the stitch capability would help at this point. Your explanation of the feed systems and manufacturer names given to their respective models feed methods is very helpful. Thanks again, Gary
If John Malkovich repaired sewing machines... 😊
😆
هشتاق نرجع ايام زمان
Good video except the 201 manual recommends oil on the gears rather than grease.
Good
The manual says to use only oil on the gears on the 201
This sews better than my $700.00 Janome.
It is hard to beat the engineering in these.
I have this exact machine and would love to restore it, I don’t think it’s been used for a decades. I thought it had been converted to be electric but clearly not!
Hey Alexander, a couple of questions, what needle number and what kind of thread do you use for sewing canvas and denim? I have a singer 191r and I guess it's a little like this machine.
Wow
I followed your recommendations for servicing. It runs full speed if I were to set it up for a bobbin as soon as I put it to run the needle it acts as if it is in slow motion. Could it be worn brushes on the motor or something else? The foot pedal as some gnarley connections. Maybe a new foot pedal.
Lithium grease goes hard over time. Most people recommend Triflow or SuperLube synthetic
Your 201-2 is in great condition. Don’t feel like I’m asking you to divulge your secret spots, but where (in general) do you find a beautiful machine like this one, and your other vintage machines? Yard sales? Estate sales? I have difficulty finding them here, so believe it or not, I have a “scout” in Europe who sometimes finds a nice old machine, and then sends them to me. There must be an easier way here in the US...
Mostly craigslist but all the other places you mention as well and facebook market place. Just keep searching and they will eventually turn up.
Alexander Dyer, thank you. Mine did turn up eventually, as you predicted.
I’m curious to know if you think the potted motor on this model is better than the exterior motors that most domestic and later 201’s have?
These machines can be picked up for hardly anything and the were like a Rolls Royce in their day. No comparison to any gutless plastic machines. Thanks for the videos, I really enjoy them and love to learn.
I live in the Jackson MS area Madison County...our longtime Singer service store closed couple of years ago...I inherited my aunt's 201-2 several years ago and have used to repair rips and such successfully...suddenly the tension became very loose and I cannot adjust..if anyone knows of a service business within 50 miles, I will greatly appreciate the info..I so want to get it up and running and I don't trust my limited knowledge..thank you : )
Great video thank you. We just got a 201-2 model and your video helped us. What type of oil did you use?
clear sewing machine oil available anywhere they sell sewing machines.
Thanks, I appreciate it and I am glad you found value in my video, those are great machines.
thank you for the quick reply. keep up the good work. Now the issue I have is finding bobbins that fit. I know is part number 172222 or type 66 but even the singer brand some times don't fit, they are too big.
Looks like the are some used options on eBay. Try to find original vintage. Those will be right.
What kind of oil you use for the motor? For the 201 , do I need to use grease? In the motor wheel and under only ? . ?
Thanks for sharing this Alex! I own the same machine and have been using it for about 30 years. I lube and oil it regularly and have re-wired the power supply and the foot pedal but unfortunately it runs so slow now it's less than joyful to sew. Any suggestions? I;ve thought maybe it needed a new foot pedal...
There are several things that can slow a machine down. Old, Dirty, Gunky, Sticky Lube. No Lube. Threads wound around moving parts. Old Tired Motor.
@@AlexanderDyer It very well could be his controller for the motor doing that too, especially from the dist=cription he gave.
Just got 1 that the chromed wheel is stuck to pull off the drive wheel and check inside. Will have to find my sewing machine oil as can only find the car engine oil in cupboard now. It runs great but is old oil/dust on outside and visible parts. Will figure how to replaced the wire from motor to foot later. How do your get your machine so shiny looking? Do you use alcohol or other solvent? Still have my Mothers old Phaff (another tank ) and my treadle white rotary (sews so nicely) and Dad gave me his Kenmore.
I FOUND A 1954 201K IN A DUMPSTER / SKIP YESTERDAY , WORKS FINE
Cool.
This was very helpful. What about the motor? I have been looking for motor lubricant and have been unsuccessful. Any suggestions?
I would refer you to Nova Montgomery, looks like she works on these all the time. ua-cam.com/channels/dc0nZGvkVJ3M5YgmjnbAog.html
Can I ask why you use grease on the gears? As the Singer manual says oil. How do you lube your downward power shaft and your bobbin spindle? The gears are fine mesh gears and are designed for oil tolerance not grease. You will find that your machine will run a lot better with just oil.
Sure. I have worked on many sewing machines and it is very common to find the old "pecan pie" colored grease in these covers that I believe to be original. I also believe that there is more than one way of doing things.
@@AlexanderDyer The "pecan pie" grease is a build up of old oil and lint. No 201's ever left the Singer factory with grease on the gears it was always oil and the quickest way to screw them up was to grease them and that's from the people who built them in Scotland.
what size thread and needle for the heavy canvas. Nylon or polyester thread?
As heavy as you think the machine can handle which will probably be limited by needle size. Nylon and polyester are both valid options. The military uses a lot of nylon. Polyester has the added advantage of Sun resistance.
Wow that a nice sewing machine, what u clean your machine with, it so shining
Usually just a damp cloth, dry, and coat with a small amount of sewing machine oil.
I love the old Songers. And the 201 is my favorite. I have6 or 7 of them an a few are the 201K's. The one machine that baffles me is the 306 or any of the older machines with that "war belt". I have 2 different ones. Can that belt be replaced? Help please.
That's Singers not Songers. Sorry.
Hi Alexander..I just picked up a 201 for 60.00..so excited to give her a spin with a new lube job. Where do you get the titanium lube?
Ren Bren In case you haven't found it, what you are actually looking for is a "white lithium" lube / grease. It can be found in most auto supplies and hardware stores as engine assembly lube.
If you read the manual you will see that the gears are to be oiled, not greased.
I have seen different manuals say different ways. I have seen the same manufacturers change their recommendations too. I have cleaned a good number of these and by memory they all had the same original grease in them. I can stand by my process and oiling will work too. Different does not equal wrong.
The reason for the oil rather than grease is that the tolerance in those gears under the cap is very tight.
What was on the cloth you used to clean the body/decals? Was it just dry?
For these antiques I use mild soap and water for dirt, kerosene for varnished oil in rare cases and then i put a light coat of sewing machine oil for a nice shine.
My 201 is stuck and won’t work. Thought thread was stuck in bobbin area but can’t figure out why it won’t work
I've got 2 old Singers about like this. I can't get either one of them to sew with thick thread like you're using. And my big one runs fairly slow. I don't like the foot pedal at all. It's either on or it's off
Try one of these. ua-cam.com/video/lbhWnIwu8rk/v-deo.html
Do you own all these machines or you just service the,. Just lucky and wonderful. I got myself a Pfaff 332 but can’t seem to find the tensioner assembly as it’s impacting my stitching. Plus the power cord is broken. Any suggestions where to get parts from will be helpful. Thank you much.
I buy them, then service them, then sell most of them but I have a few that I keep. Watch ebay, people part these out with some regularity.
Great video, Alexander. I have a 201 I was cleaning up but the pressor foot is stuck in the down position and I can't get it to budge. Any advice? Thanks
Probably just old dried up, varnished up oil. Try some clear kerosene to penetrate and remove the gunk.
Thank you! I took the faceplate off and tried to move that long thing that has the coil - hard to describe, but nothing moved. I'll try what you said. Greatly appreciate your help :)
My presser foot bar was stuck in up position, and it moved after releasing the screw slightly on the bottom joint that moves/should move when presser lever is pushed. I managed to get it to move again, as at first the lever was only affecting the stitch tension knob.
Only it has not moved down far enough to be where it needs to be to work. I think it's still funked up with old oil, but any advice sure is welcome.
Andrew, could you please do a video on how to remove the feed dogs and the cap spring and the bobbin case. I removed the feed dogs and the cap spring to clean out some of the dust that was in the new to me 201-2 which is in mint condition. It ran perfectly until I decided to clean out some of the dust build up. Now when I put back the cap spring the bobbin will not rotate around. it stops at the cap spring and it will not move. If I take out the cap spring the machine runs beautifully.. But when I put it back in the machine will not run. Please help! Thank You !
I found an old Singer in a wood cabinet at a 4H yard sale last summer for $10 and only started “playing” with it a few days ago. I didn’t know what model I had until doing some research and found out it is a 201-2. I cleaned it off and since the tension knob seemed strange I took that off to clean and found the piece that would act as the number part of the dial is missing. The machine seems to date from 1937 and has a tension that didn’t yet use numbers so I got everything back together and decided to try using it without that one piece. Since I haven’t yet serviced the machine I only did a few stitches and they were perfect! I just found your videos and am so glad I did. I was wondering if I would find some help with oiling the machine and your video is perfect.
I have a question. The power cord is the old style that is cloth covered. It has no thin or worn spots that I can find. Is it ok to use or should that be replaced? I hoping this 201 is something I can use on a regular basis. Thanks for your help and videos!
Electrical question are funny in that if you feel the need to ask, you should probably get a professional since the stakes are rather high. I mean you have physical evidence in you hands to make a judgement while all I have is a single sentence ruling out thinness and wear. I have used good old cords with no problems but I have had to replace some too. There are replacement cords available on eBay if you are so inclined. Hope that helps. Thanks and have fun with your 201, "Rolls-Royce".
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I still haven’t had a chance to work on my 201 but I’m looking forward to having lots of fun with it. Over the past few months I’ve acquired several machines that need a bit of restoration and I’m finding I really enjoy working on them. I’ve already done a featherweight and have a 15-91 and a 128 in my immediate future. All of them are centennials so that makes it even more enjoyable. I will definitely proceed with caution with the 201 and thanks again for your advice. Did I mention your videos are the best I’ve found for taking care of the older machines? Please keep making them.
what should i do if my presser arm is not moving up and down?
Great video! I just purchased a Singer 201-2 that seems to have been with the original owner’s family. It works, but it is a bit dull. Do you have any suggestions for what product to use to clean the black and silver parts to make it shiny like yours? Thank you very much!
Unpainted parts that can come off go into an ultrasonic cleaner and the painted parts get wiped with a soft cloth and mild dishwater followed with compressed air and a light coat of sewing machine oil.
@@AlexanderDyer Thank you very much!
Thanks for the great video. Where may I get the oil bottle with the extra-long tip?
amzn.to/36DJlJZ
@@AlexanderDyer Thank you for the quick response. How can I clean if the face plate and all the needle area below the face place is all rusted and corroded? What is a safe solution to use? I whole machine has lost the glossy finish, looks like all matted color and rusted. What can I use to put back the gloss and remove the rust? Thank you.
I am not sure your expectations are realistic based on your description.
I have one with a bent cotton spool. Can I straighten it by using a hammer. Or will it break? Thanks in advance
would you recommend this machine for sewing leather?
No, I wouldn't recommend it exactly. It is a great machine and it will sew the thinnest of leathers but it is at its heart a home garment machine. Try this video for my recommendation. ua-cam.com/video/lbhWnIwu8rk/v-deo.html
Great video what needle was used during this example please?
15X1 Multiple sizes available dependent upon your project and thread size.
Anyone know anything about the 215g model? Looks like the 201.
Hello, I have been watching your channel for a while now and really enjoy all of the information you give. I am in the market for an older machine that will sew heavier fabrics. The ability to zig zag would be wonderful. What would you suggest? As far as price is concerned what would be reasonable to pay for such a machine?
Thanks Octavia Ivy. The 201 has been described as the Rolls Royce of sewing machines. I have sewed on several of them and they are very nice, straight, precise, well balanced, on and on you can't go wrong. If you want zig zag and decorative stitches then I like the Singer 319W. I have two videos of the 319 you should check out. Price, that depends. If you can find one locally I'd expect to pay 50 - 100. Ebay is over $200; Collectors like these machines. In the big picture you could buy a new plastic machine for 200 and it won't sew as well or last as long. I will have a 201 and a 319W for auction on Ebay within a couple of weeks. Follow me on Ebay if you want, www.ebay.com/usr/alexanderdyer
I just rescued a 201-2 from 1948 from a Goodwill parking lot in it's cabinet. They told me someone returned it because it didn't work. I got it for $19.99, brought it home and it works like a dream! Started doing my wedding dress alterations same day with it. Just needed a new light bulb, cabinet needs to be refinished but the machine is in great condition! Check craigslist or keep an eye out at thrift stores, never know what you will find!
Octavia Ivy I
I’m looking for a machine like this one with the table. I like the drop in bobbin. Please let me know if you have one for sale.
I just saw this year-old comment. I got this machine with a cabinet and stool for $250 through my town's page on Facebook. I got it from the son a the woman who it originally belonged to. He use to sit under it and pretend he was driving a car (cute). I absolutely love it. It has such a smooth feel to it. Anyway, if you haven't found one, try there. BTW, I have two Poms. Yours is adorable.
I have a 201 that has the thread spool on top of the machine sheared off. I have tried to pound it out and drill it out but to no avail. Any idea on how to fix this? If I can't get it out to replace it, what can be done?
😳
I just picked up a new Singer 201 last night. I may have overpaid, not sure, I paid 200, it has a beautiful almost perfect wood cabinet. The serial number seems to date to 1940 but the cabinet seems to be more from 1950. Also, it has a rectangular foot pedal and not the one with a bump on it like my featherweight. Maybe that was just replaced?
I am looking forward to cleaning her this weekend. Thanks for the great video Alexander. Question, when you went through denim, what size needle were you using?
I just used what ever was in there. They are usually like a 14 or 16 I think.
I am having problems with my machine (201k) creating the chain stitch. Any reason you know why?
This is a lock stitch machine. A chain stitch is another kind of stitch made by another kind of machine.
hello I am impressed with you video, do you sell the machines?
not much anymore
Alexander, at 1:42 you took off the other round thing. I can't get mine off. It doesn't appear to have any screws. Any advice?
It is held on with screws, you can catch me putting one of the screws back and 2:08 ua-cam.com/video/_h9wAGCIIrc/v-deo.htmlm8s
Thank you so much for all your help. Off to watch it now :)
Hi Alexander- got them off. I also got my presser foot lever unstuck but it is hitting the plate. Do you know why? I can't get the foot on and sew that way.
I'm not sure exactly what you mean but you may need to seek professional help to get everything back on track. Some people can play the piano, I can not.
My husband got it off for me. The screws were just tight, that's all. You've been so helpful, thank you!
(Translated from Google, du français à l'anglais) Hello, I just subscribed to your channel, I was wondering if giving advice on some issues. I got my hands on a "Singer 155" CYLINDER FOOT WALKER. It works well except that when I sew on 2 layers of leather (2.5 ounces) and I meet a seam, which gives 4 layers, it does not advance and it sews on the spot, it's normal? Thank you for your reply ....
Quiero una singer machine old black donde la puedo consequir
The lithium grease is only in the gear parts? Can we use both? If they mix ...it doesn’t matter?
Oh can we put lithium grease in the hand wheel? Oh dear, sorry ...so many questions! But thank you so much!
Do you have to mess with the motor when servicing the machine e? I have a 66 that needs live once in a while.
I don't do much as a rule. You can check the brushes, clean and lube the gears. That is about the extent of my experience.