I was lucky enough (after several months of trying) to get a nice Featherweight on ebay. She came yesterday and I am in love...she's beautiful and so quiet! I immediately began reading the instruction manual and one thing that it said was that if you used it continuously you should oil it every day isn't that a lot?...so my questions are How often do you oil and grease your featherweight what kind of oil ... and grease do you use? Where do you buy it and what do you use to do the job...they had an actual oil can with long drip spout back in the day....
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
I now have a machine that does not need oiling and I know I'd forget to oil my feather weight that is why I don't use it. I had her serviced about 2 years ago and I've not used it so I know it would need oiling. There is a manual that you can get that will tell you where to oil. Any sewing machine oil would work I think. Never heard of using grease though. However, it should tell you all about it in the manual. Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
The one I bought came with the grease and the oil - haven't actually "used" the machine though so I haven't figured out where to put what. There is a sewing and vac shop near my home with a guy that takes care of these machines regularly. There are some good sites with wonderful information on these beauties. Congratulations.
Posts: 5961 | Location: Great Midwest | Registered: Oct 29, 2006
Last year I bought two, but I don't know much about them. I have a featherweight book, but I haven't tried to oil it. I just found a guy that will service them while I wait. He is at the shop the third Saturday of every month. I'm going to bring mine up there and have him show me what to do. Hopefully you will get your answers before I get mine, but if I find anything out, I'll let you know!
ETA: I just read my comments and it looks like I said I was going to oil my book! It's been a long day!
I can't fathom a machine that does not require oil...some are under the impression the Janome does not need to be oiled..NOT they do.Anything with metal and moving parts seems to me requires a little lubrication....thats why I need coffee in the morning to lubricate my joints...
May "In Michigan"
Posts: 9273 | Location: Michigan,up North,the west side of Perfect | Registered: Sep 14, 2004
Congrats on the FW!! I have one and it was my only machine for about 10 years - they are wonderful and I will never part with mine.
I oil & lube probably every two or three hours of sewing and I do a total breakdown and cleaning between every large project. I use the oil and machine lubricant from Singer that I get at Joanns. Mine actually starts to rattle a bit if I wait too long - it lets me know if it needs attending to.
I knew about needing to care for it this way when I got it and I feel it's worth it. They are amazing machines and will last a lifetime and beyond.
Thank you everyone for your comments. There is a diagram of where to oil...seems that all those extra holes where it looks like something is "missing" is where you would stick in the spout of the oil can...that is what I am wondering... I found out there is a guy who deals and services the Featherweights here in Clare...'bout 25 miles from here so I'll go there & pick his brain. I'm thinking the grease would be needed for the gears underneath the bottom removable plate... & I would think you wouldn't have to grease as often as you would have to oil... Since all parts are metal on the Featherweight they definitely need more oil than our newer machines...& yeah even my Bernie needs oil, just a drop occasionally but still... Thanks again everyone.
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
The machine I have that does not need to be oiled is the Husqvarna Designer 1. The SE model does not have to be oiled either. The reason for this is because the whole thing is sitting in a bed of oil. It does need to be serviced every year or perhaps more often, I only have it done once a year and I've had it since 2000. So far I haven't had any problems. Yes, my Bernina needs a drop of oil too....as you said just one...but it does pop up and tell you. I do try to remember, but lets just say it is a good thing I have a reminder.
Just thought of something! I've been trying to decide what to buy me in memory of my DM. I've thought about a ring...or a pair of earrings, but neither seemed "right." NOW I've got it figured out!!! This is definitely something she would want me to buy for myself. HOT DOG! I'm already getting excited!!!
I was told not to oil my Brother PQ1500s by the dealer! I'm sure they oil it when they service it. I can't imagine it not needing oil either. My Brother PR600 embroidery machine says to oil it each day that it's in use.
I would highly recommend you get your hands on the book, The Featheweight and I, by David McCallum. It has easy to read instructions and illustrations for all kinds of questions you might have about your new baby. I use Singer oil for my "Little Georgia", and about twice a year I give her a good cleaning. She's a 1941 model, runs like a champ, and I love her! I'm sure when you get comfortable with yours, and get to know her, you will fall in love too. And by all means, give her a name! LOL!
Posts: 191 | Location: Great Lake State | Registered: Jan 08, 2003
You grease the motor - look at the motor - there are "ports" that look like minature "washers 'O" with heavy black" you put the tip of the grease tube there and grease the motor a couple of times per year. Follow oiling instructions per previous post. Good luck - I have 2 - sold others that I have acquired - you can only use and maintain so many machines. Happy stitching - in MT & AZ - Cindy
Just stay away from 3 in 1 oil! Over time it gets gummy. I've read that synthetic TriFlow lubricant with Teflon is recommended- available from bicycle stores. Was going to ask a tech but the shop was unexpectedly closed today. It's over an hour away but I was driving past- was going to get my "new" 1940 FW serviced. I figured it could use a full service to start with, then I'll learn to do it myself.
Thank you everyone for your continued comments I am learning a lot! Quiltydaze THANK YOU for that tidbit! I just visited his website David McCallum and found that he has a DVD that has step by step instructions for everything Featherweight...I watched the 8 min. video there and I'm definitely going to get one! If I can tune up a '68 Chevy... I can service my Featherweight (with a little help)...DH is very mechanical as well!
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
[QUOTE]Originally posted by luvthosequilts: I just visited his website featuring David McCallum. Thank you for posting this. I found other sights, too, for my treadle machine, and my Singer 201 and 99. I am going to return and check the other sights, too. Very interesting.
luvthosequilts, How exciting! I am pea green, here. Janice, I have an Inovis brother and a se280 also a brother and was told the same as you. Do not oil.
Erma
Craft Happens!
Posts: 2981 | Location: TX | Registered: Mar 09, 2007
isn't that a lot?...so my questions are
Craft Happens! 
