During the pandemic my wife spent too much time online and determined that she needed a Singer Featherweight sewing machine. So, after the pandemic we visited estate sales looking for one. Most of the ones we saw were pricey and in good shape. We never found one damaged or that wouldn’t cycle the needle. Then she found a sale that listed a Featherweight at a good price, and it was almost nearby. We got there early. As we were standing in line to get to the door, there was a lady and her daughter talking about this Featherweight machine. Apparently, this search would be a race. We found the machine and made the purchase. The lady was still looking for the machine as we left.
When we got the machine home and examined it, we determined it would need a cord, a light bulb and a drive belt. No surprises. Then we tried to cycle the needle. The thing jammed up almost immediately.
It is very unhandy to balance these machines upside down so that all the mechanicals can be seen at the same time. A variety of blocks and shims and other random hardware allowed the machine to be examined and lubricated while operating it by hand power. As it turned out, there was a piece of cotton thread rusted into the spring on the bobbin case. Anyway, we got it working again.
Midway through the cleanup, my wife took a couple of pictures and posted them on Facebook. There were a few inquiries about the contraption holding the machine. It seemed like it would be good to formalize the blocks and shims.
If the drive motor and thread capstan are removed the machine will balance on a flat wooden block if there are no grand kids or cats around. But if you are going to lubricate the thing without taking the motor off, it needs a clamp or support. A little support leg was most cost effective. It seems best to keep it loose so that it can be positioned anywhere under the heavy side to give maximum access.
Built a couple of work stands using materials that are easy on the machine’s surfaces. I considered getting one 3D printed but never got around to making a 3D model.
General Arrangement
Front
Back
Needle End
Motor End
Bottom
This Singer Featherweight Work Stand was built based on:
Singer 221 Serial Number AH125886.
Production Release/Commission Date: June 26, 1947
Location: Elizabethport, New Jersey
Since we do not have the dimensions of any of the Singer Featherweight machines, we cannot determine whether this work stand would hold any other Singer Featherweight machine. Featherweights were made from 1933 to 1968.
You can check when yours was made by finding the serial number on the bottom of the machine. It has 2 letters and 6 numbers. Then look it up on NovaMontgomery.com or Singer-Featherweight.com.
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