Ever since I started working
at a quilt shop, I have been dying to get my sewing machines out and put one of
them to use. I own two machines but I also have my mother-in-law’s machine
because I am in the process of reupholstering a chair but neither of my
machines are working. As it turns out, my MIL’s machine is not working either.
Today I decided to see if I
could take my MIL’s machine apart to see what the problem may be. Big risk, I
know! Between watching my husband take things apart and seeing machines waiting
repair in the shop, I figured I could at least take it apart enough to have a
look around. The problem with this machine is that it seems stuck; the motor
makes noise but nothing visible is moving. After looking around inside and
putting some oil any where metal is touching metal, I can’t tell what is stuck
or why. I did go online to see if I could get some help but so far no luck.
One thing I did learn about
this machine is that it is called the Singer Slant-O-Matic 500A, aka “The
Rocketeer.” This machine was top of the line in its day. The slogan on the
cover of the owner’s manual says, “The Slant-O-Matic – the greatest sewing
machine ever built!” The machine was purchased by my in-laws back in the ‘60s
and was used to make clothes for Bruce’s sisters and Halloween costumes.
According to Bruce she did not use it much after they moved into the house his
parents have owned since he was five and where she still resides.
What is different about my
MIL’s machine, other than its sleek design, is the fact that it is gear driven
where most sewing machines, my two included, are belt driven. As a matter of
fact, when I opened up the first of my machines, it was clearly a belt that was
the issue. It had deteriorated and gummed up part of the gear which is why I
sometimes had to turn to wheel when it would stop randomly.
So right now in two rooms of
my house, lie three sewing machines that I’ve taken apart and await either a
part, a cleaning or a revelation. Two
are sitting on the dining table and the other is in my office because it has its
own cabinet. The one in my office was my grandmothers and I believe, was also
made and purchased in the ‘60s. The only thing wrong with it is that it needs a
tune up or actually just a good cleaning. My other machine was also my
grandmother’s but it was purchased in the ‘80s, and is a Montgomery
Ward brand. This is the one that needs a belt.
No fancy names for my two
models. Simply, a Singer 237 Fashion Mate and a
If anyone knows anything
about any of these machines, I’d love to learn more about them, either the
history or how they work.
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