Introducing the 1959 Viking Husqvarna 21A - Part 1 of 2

[@shelleydurbak4334]

I just bought a Viking Husqvarna 21A a few days ago at a thrift store. Even though she’s missing the bobbin case, bobbins, presser foot, and 2 cams, I’m already in love with her! Can’t wait to get all the parts I need and start sewing with her.

[@DawnSChampion]

Congratulations!! Great find!!

[@zrebbesh]

First: This is a workhorse machine that can sew absolutely anything you throw at it and power through it. Mine is a joy to use and once tuned, runs as smooth as glass. It's worth the time you've spent and you'll not regret the work you've put in. Your "full speed" demo here reveals that you are using an 0.75 or 0.8 amp speed controller. I was too at first; someone had jerry-rigged a standard Singer pedal to my 21A. You may not have noticed this, but these are semi-industrial type machines and you have a 1.5 amp motor there. It's twice as strong as you've got it running, and takes 30 stitches a second at full speed. So get the actual matching pedal if you can, but otherwise use a speed controller that can handle 1.5amps instead of a "standard" sewing machine pedal, and the machine's performance will jump from 'good' to 'astonishing.' And also you can sew two layers of full-grain cowhide between two pieces of #4 canvas without slowing down. On the down side of that, don't get your thumb in the way. The 21A will not pause as it sews your thumb to the fabric or drives its needle through the bone. #NotAToy. You're lucky to have got all three of the original cams; most of these (like mine) get separated from at least one or two of them. The good news is there are actually six cams that fit these machines. The other three are an optional accessory set - people had to buy it separately. Sadly, it's no longer available, and cams A1, B1, and C1 have gotten very hard to find. But it's at least possible to get three more cams. Good luck finding them though; I've been looking (occasionally) for years and only found B1. If you want a copy of the owners' manual I can email you a scan of mine.

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you for all the information!!

[@bridgettemaharaj8322]

OMG! I LOOOOOOOOOVE Vintage machines and collect/use them, I have 13! You are my hero (as well as my cousin in AR who, like you can also fix them). I'm fortunate to have a couple of guys in my area that can repair these vintage beauties. The only thing I like about modern computerized machines is the auto threadcutter LOL! I'm a Quilter and piece my quilts on my vintage machines as no modern machine can compare with the stitch quality and durability coz I'll burn up a modern plastic machine w/a much as I can sew LOL! LOVE THIS! TFS! (HUUUGS) and Happy Sewing!

[@DawnSChampion]

Bridgette Maharaj - so glad you enjoyed this. I have a bunch other videos and photos on my Facebook. I only post big videos here. If you want to see them, look up Dawn Champion, Norco CA

[@bridgettemaharaj8322]

AHHH! LOVE IT! Will do! OH! you live in such a cool place! I'd live in Cali but I don't do "earthshakes", fires and drought, WHOA! Some beautiful country though LOL!

[@sidilicious11]

I have a 60 20 made in the late 1960’s and LOVE it.

[@aaronjohn6586]

Love the DIY fix it spirit!

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you! I've actually been fixing up a bunch of these vintage sewing machines. I have about 14 of my own and I've been repairing machines for other people too. These old ones are great and outperforming new, more expensive machines because the new ones are designed with planned obsolesce in mind.

[@ulfg1409]

The thumb screw behind the presser bar belongs there (even if it might be in the way when not needed). It's supposed to hold the seam guide that goes in the right-left hole through the bar.

[@DawnSChampion]

Thank you!!

[@bobwestinicky8447]

I just picked up a Viking 21 last week. I am thinking it's an early model 21, as it has a different gearbox set-up, the thread tensioner only goes up to 4, it has lever for reverse and stitch length instead of a knob and it doesn't have the horizontal ribs cast into the front door. A Viking brochure dated 1956 was in the carrying case, so I am guessing it is 1956-57 model. I've seen still photos and Ebay auctions for mine, but nothing on KZbin. I am going to post a video explaining the differences when I get time. Thanks.

[@cherrygingham]

Did you ever do that video?

[@bobwestinicky8447]

@@cherrygingham Yes. Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpXZfKafgtCEatk

[@kathenna26]

Thank for the video! I just purchased my first Husqvarna Automatic. I'm in the process of cleaning it and getting it tuned up. Do you know what size belts the machine uses. Mine will need the belts replaced and I'm not sure the size.

[@DawnSChampion]

What model did you get?

[@LeahLelashLELASH]

What kind of wax do you use to polish please ? Also have you used the eyelet foot, I’m not sure how to put it in and don’t want to damage it.

[@DawnSChampion]

I just use the Turtle Wax Super Hard, but Zymol is highly recommended. I'm not sure what the eyelet foot is, sorry.

[@frankjanvari8650]

hello I love the sewing machine it's beautiful. please kindly film show how to operate the sewing machine electric foot controller being used please kindly film thank you very much.

[@DawnSChampion]

frank janvari - I'm sorry but I don't know what you mean. The foot pedal works like any other; step on it and it runs. The more you step, the faster it goes.