Vigorelli Robot revisited

After sewing on the Vigorelli for a full month I've come to really appreciate it's style. This machine found an expected place in my heart with it's unique approach to creating the same old lock stitch.

[@RickE1poker]

I am a sewing machine tech/collector and a few of these have passed through my hands. Yours (to me) is unusual in the fact that the zigzag cam is not worn out. I guess thats why people bring them to me, I researched this and made a friend in Italy who is pretyy much an expert and has a Vigorelli group in Yahoo groups and this is discussed as the most common issue with these machines, the cams wear out. You lucked out on finding one that hasn't seen much use. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@violetyoung8746]

Hi Brian, Thanks so much for making this video! I bought one of these in the full cabinet with the original sewing chair from someone that inherited it from the Grandma, but they didn't sew. I love retro stuff so I bought it even though I haven't sewn anything for decades. I figured for $20 I couldn't go wrong. I also got all the different feet, attachments etc and the original handwritten bill of sale. I listed it for sale just this weekend but I watched yours and another video on this machine and it's so Cool I may have to keep it and teach myself how to sew again. On the other video it showed all the different stitches and she sewed 5 layers of denim with it! it didn't even bog down. I like that it goes slow also, again since I was never really great at sewing in the first place. As you pointed out it is very tolerant and no bunching up . Thank you again.

[@dbrel]

I paid a lot more than $20 for mine recently, and no cabinet! Now I have to search for the cabinet and carrying case.

[@berniepokorski6608]

I own a Vigorelli Robot machine that is similar to yours, with some exceptions... its cam selector is a horizontal steel lever (with a very small round knob... it has detents numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and "N' rather than the round, brown knob that yours has. My machine also has a large, chrome "Vigorelli" name in script just above the bed where yours has a the colorful "Vigorelli" emblem. I addition to that, the feed control knob on my machine is chrome, rather than the brown one that your machine has. The plastic cams and the cam cover on my machine is made of "Bakelite", which is a hard man-made material, which is also very brittle. The can cover on my machine is okay, but its thumbscrew is cracked in two, yet remains in place and is useable as it is. One of my cams has a chipped tooth on it, yet it is also still useable. These are Great machines!

[@BRemlinger]

@sarahktm Hey there! I'll totally post the manual, why not! I'm in the process of unpacking so it might take me a while to find it. Glad to hear the light isn't any good, now I really don't miss it! Oh the Bobbin... I lift the front left corner of the machine up until it's balanced up at an angle. It's the only way I can get at it to change bobbins.

[@jgoodguyjv]

FWIW replacing the bobbin wheel is real easy when you know the secret. My bobbin wheel crumbled to reveal a small set screw in the hub. Unscrew it and the shaft slides out and the hub is free. install new bobbin tire and reassemble. Pull the new tire a bit to the side and the set screw can be tightened Flip the tire straight and there is a new install tire.

[@whiteskyful]

Fantastic Vigorelli Machine ZZ/A Robot. I like Vigorelli sewing.

[@dbrel]

Cool- I recently bought an original version of this machine from 1953, and there are a few differences, including the front badge. Mine is identical to what you have on the back, and one of the knobs on yours is a sliding lever. Now that know the empty holes up top are for oil, that helps. One knob on mine is frozen in place due to years of it sitting. Do you know of a way to loosen the knob? It’s the one with the arrow attached to it. The others are tight, but I think will loosen up with use. The first time using it, we had the same issue with the thread being pulled under, but after going through the manual, noticed a sliding washer on the feeder “knob” that the thread goes in between. It has a little pressure that keeps the thread in line and doesn’t allow it to fly out. I bought this machine because it looks cool - I’ve never sewed anything! Oh/ I do have the light, the manual, and a large assortment of different feet and accessories.

[@peterdarling6237]

Hello Brian. I really enjoy watching your vids. They are sew inspiring and you have a wicked sense of humour. I , like you, like mucking around with old machines and guess what?..I have just gotten myself a Vigorelli Robot ZZA. Paid a lot more than you did but I actually love the machine. Was wondering if you would consider selling me all the attachments you have? They will go to good use as I will keep this little treasure. They called the old Singers back breakers ...this thing is capable of hospitalising me. Changing bobbins is a PITA and I cannot get it to sew button holes very well. Okay I CANNOT SEW BUTTON HOLES. But I think the machine needs tweeking somewhere. It has had one lady owner from new. It looks like it was made yesterday. Being Italian I have named her SOPHIA .. SEW FEE AH !! I think trying to get the cams will be very difficult. Hi 5 from Pete in England.

[@waterNJ]

Thanks for the video, any idea where to get parts for this machine. I'm missing the cam knob.

[@mg19703]

did you ever figure out how to replace the bobbin tire. i acquired one of these heavy machines recently and the tire was engaged when testing and it broke and flew off!

[@chrisborder4746]

Hello!! I just came across your video. I am look for what type or style the light bulb is for this machine. I have a customer with one that needs the bulb and I am not near it to tell. Can you please help?

[@rufusleers]

What would cause the hand wheel to not spin freely?

[@whiteskyful]

Is Vigorelli Robot Zz / A a strong and durable sewing machine? even being an old sewing machine? Is It Worth Buying One For Home Use?

[@1videoshow]

I repaired a figurelli e27 and this machine works very well. Very smooth. You can see it on my channel.

[@SuperPoelover]

We just found a vintage Vigorelli at Good Will for $5. Great video BUT I can't get the thing threaded exactly right. Biggest mystery is the upside down J piece by the tension regulator. Hope you can help--can't wait to get this thing crankin'!

[@sarahktm]

Thank you so much for posting this. I just got one of these. Your comments have been extremely helpful. Any chance you might want to post the manual? Just so you know, you are better off without the light it came with. It's too big for the space and you have to be very careful to not burn your fingers when lifting the presser foot lever! Curious to know how you work with the bobbin case placement/orientation without lifting the whole machine. Maybe the manual explains it?

[@whiteskyful]

Excellent explain.

[@ivanapoggere3685]

Vocês não tem essas instruções em português?

[@BRemlinger]

@RickE1poker Wow, yes I would say that is a downside of using a plastic cam for the zigzag stitch. I wonder why Vigorelli did this? Thanks for the info on the yahoo group my membership is pending approval! It'll be interesting to see if anyone has been able to overcome a worn out cam....

[@divyajnana]

Does this machine have only one cam cluster, or several? Great video with nice commentary regarding how it sews in relation to other machines. Thank you

[@johnpaulsmith1971]

Brian right there on the bobbin when bracket i believe there is an allen screw loosin that and hopefully the shaft will slide completely out. question do you think this machine will sew leather or upholstery?

[@mariaferreiraferreira1198]

Muito bom entendi tudo: era exatamente a ajuda que eu precisava!!! Affff!!

[@vandaantonia6032]

Linda máquina de costura 😘

[@whiteskyful]

Brian Remlinger I'd like to know what year or decade these Vigorelli ZZ / A Robot models are designed for. I have a Vigorelli similar to yours, but mine only makes straight stitching. Bought it used. I think my Vigorelli is from the same year as yours, even being a simpler model.

[@dbrel]

I bought one recently from 1953, the first year sold in the US. There are some slight differences, so you may have one like mine. It does sew multiple stitches, and mine came with many different feet. I also have the original manual if you need a copy. I know your comment was 3 yrs ago, but figured I’d respond anyway.

[@eldersandim3008]

@@dbrel Hello my friend, Please, if you can get me a PDF copy of your manual, I would be very grateful to you.

[@lourdeslovato2957]

Tenho uma dessa q foi da minha mãe, agora está c problema não pesca o fio,preciso de algue6 q entenda o pq.Esse vídeo poderia ser traduzido p o português. Que pena,nem legenda tem.Fica difícil!

[@TSRob96]

How much it cost now?

[@lucianapatriciacastro6528]

Ai tem desta maquina nos dias de hoje?

[@cleusaaparecidadesouza2226]

tem no Mercado livre

[@veronicialima]

Tenho uma dessa tá quebrando a linha da bobina e não sei quem concerta, alguém pode mim ajudar

[@alisson9121]

tem um parafuso na caixa da bobina tenta folgar um pouco. mas apos folgar vc tem que regular o tensor e etc. se isso nao funcionar pode ser a laçadeira. ao menos com a minha maquina singer funcionou

[@maricelmasantos7248]

Oi essa maquina costura tecido pesado

[@abigailhumphrey1566]

Hello! I inherited this machine from my grandma, but I can't find the manual for it anywhere. Did you by chance get one with your machine?

[@dbrel]

I have an original manual from 1953. There are slight differences between the model and the one shown, such as a sliding lever instead of a knob. The sliding lever is sort of a pain, so the knob is an improvement. I can make a copy of the manual and send it to you if you need.

[@vitoriaconceicao4796]

A minha e dessa mais não da pra entender nada inglês

[@marthaHernandez-uk5yb]

Esta preciosa me gustaria tener una asi

[@magdaaparecida4238]

Deus Abençoe tua vida e toda a sua Família

[@danisilva5191]

meu Deus como eu qero uma maquina dessa ,pena q ñ entedi nadinha q q ele fala mais esa maquina e linda 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@maricelmasantos7248]

Dani silva. Tem no mercado livre

[@franciscopaulo7143]

Não gostei porquê coloque esses Visio em eglis

[@carinacaetano1034]

help me!!!

[@ginalvaalmeida2150]

Eue português

[@ivanapoggere3685]

Vocês não tem essas instruções em português??