I bought this machine from the 1960s (cost: ~5 Big Macs). I did not clean it or oil it as I wanted to just see if it works.
It made a straight line without issue. Then for the 2nd straight line I spun the wheel manually (no motor) to see things work in slow motion. The top thread got bundled below the plate. I cleared that & started over. Then went to the narrowest zig-zag setting and the needle broke. I think I used the motor for the zig-zag.
I’m just starting to learn. I know from videos that pushing the fabric while the needle is down can bend the needle and put it in harms way. I don’t think I was pushing or pulling the fabric when the needle broke. So I wonder what would cause this-- does this mean the timing is off and needs adjustment?
I’m not enthusiastic about doing much experimentation at this point because needles seem pricey enough that I don’t want to break many (1¼ the cost of a Big Mac in my area buys 5 needles). But I just removed the top thread and bobbin and installed the empty bobbin case. When I manually spin the wheel with no thread at various zig-zig widths, there is no apparent contact with the needle. So perhaps the thread occasionally bundling up under the plate is part of the issue.
update: if I load thread and manually crank for the zig-zag patterns, most stitches are missed. The thread is plunged in from the top but does not get grabbed from the bottom most of the time.
at the risk of necro-ing this ancient thread, but just to give my 2ct anyways:
if you buy a second hand machine cleaning and oiling is definitely needed and usually a first step you should take. After regular use, you will need to do this as well. This doesn´t usually mean take the whole cover of etc, but for sure the bobbin area and bobbin holder. If you do not clean this regularly then you cannot expect good results, since even a tiny piece of lint can cause missed stitches.
Needles need to be replaced regularly, since they get dull after a few hours of active stitching. But of course they shouldn´t break from stitching by itself. To test if the machine is stitching and feeding well, let a piece of cloth (ideally 2 layers of simple woven cotton, no stretch or other material) straight-stitch through and let the machine feed the fabric by itself.
When actually sewing you should try to only guide the fabric left/right. the machine will handle the front/back direction by feeding.
I did not realise that timing could be impacted by lack of lubrication. I will oil it and see if that fixes the the problem of stitches being missed. Thanks for the tip!
I would advise to clean it first, I normally use a clean paintbrush and the hose of the vaccuum cleaner. Lint+oil will create a sticky sludge, and canned air will blow crap further into the mechanics instead.
what make and model is your machine? (edit: nvm I missed the link in the OP, what a neat machine!)
after cleaning and oiling (just drops, wipe of excess), does it turns smoothly if you crank it by hand, or are there any noises?