New Featherweight Superbelt Motorbelt broke on the First Day

[@andytubesewing1953]

I contacted The Featherweight Shop by email to request a replacement belt due to the first one I bought breaking. They quickly replied that TWO new belts were being shipped to me at their cost. They apologized for the bad belt and thanked me for explaining how it broke and sending them a picture of the broken belt. Isn't this what we all expected from The Featherweight Shop? Yes, yes it is and they lived up to our expectation. Nicely done FWS, and thank you for the quick response to my request.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I have no concerns regarding the quality, service, or reputation of The Featherweight Shop. They are a wonderful company with great products. My concern is if something went wrong due to my reassembly of the machine or if there is a part defect that I may have missed. Once I feel comfortable that it was not my work or machine that caused the belt to break I will contact the shop.

[@candydeister]

I’ll be watching for your success in finding a vintage style belt for LaLa. My super belt was riding up out of the groove and the cornstarch did the trick, but after much maneuvering. I was frustrated that I had tossed out the old belt. Thanks for sharing all your processes on sewing machine rehab!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for that info. I've ordered the belt from a trusted seller and will try it out when it arrives. I have not used this v-belt before, but have bought many, many parts from this store. www.ebay.com/itm/291993088212 I think the Superbelt is a good belt, but I know each vintage machine is a little different. I think the old-style belt is more forgiving and adaptable than the newer style rubber one. I'll know soon. Thanks for watching my channel, Candy, and sharing in the comments.

[@leighcathy]

I’ll be keeping an eye 👁 on the Superbelt I installed a couple of weeks ago. As I commented on the video where you installed your Superbelt, “I have concern that the Superbelt appears less substantial than the original style v-belt.” Thanks for sharing your experience! 😊

[@andytubesewing1953]

I remember! I thought of your comment, and others like it, when I was holding the broken belt, haha! I think it's a fluke that mine broke or maybe something on my machine. I'll be dismantling the handwheel again to see better into the V-groove. I looked at and tested the motor last night and it just seems perfect to me. I ordered a V-belt from a trusted seller so we'll see how I like that.

[@pihakamera]

Luckily you have video evidence how you installed it, no fault there😉 This was like a lottery win, you have found that one faulty belt out of 100 000

[@andytubesewing1953]

I did go buy a lottery ticket for tonite 😀 I'm just double-checking it is not me or my machine that caused it b/c it is such a clean break. When I picked it up off the floor I was expecting a jagged edge at the breaking point, not such a smooth edge. I'll send the shop some good pictures and see what they think. Thanks for your support and for watching my channel.

[@meganmills6545]

Hi Andy - what a shame that happened! I agree with Debra, all the service I've had from the The Featherweight Shop has been awesome. I'd definitely tell them about it. I'd be surprised if they don't have a replacement out to you right quick, but they may also want to check and make sure something didn't go wrong with that batch of belts (e.g. maybe the manufacturers of the material itself got their specs wrong). I'm pretty sure there's no way they'd want to ship a dud batch!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hi, Megan. I'm sure they will take care of the situation and I will contact them after proving to myself it is not the machine (or me) that caused it. All the items I've bought from them have been perfect with quick service and shipping. I wish I could have seen my face when the belt went flying off 🤣 Totally unexpected and surprising. Thanks for commenting.

[@helenannejudisch7880]

Contact the Featherweight Shop. I saw a message from them that there was a big batch of those belts that had issues, so they are aware of the problem. Based on my past experiences with them, they will stand behind their products and should be able to provide you with the information you need. I suspect you received a bad belt rather than that there is something wrong with Lala. I do have one of the Featherweight Shop older replacement belts for a 221 if you want it. It came as part of a tune up kit and I haven't used it because my belt is in fine condition.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for sharing this info.

[@helenannejudisch7880]

@@andytubesewing1953 You're welcome Andy. Wanted you to know that it probably wasn't anything you did or didn't do as far as caring for Lola or installing the superbelt. Saw your October post about needing some time to attend to necessary things. Praying for you and sending well wishes your way. I am very appreciative of the work and detail you put into your restorations and videos. You have helped me learn and given me courage to work on my machines and to help my friends service and maintain their machines as well. Blessings, Helenanne

[@ronalddevine9587]

I would definitely contact the featherweight shop. That should not have happened. I'm sure they will correct the situation.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks, Ronald. I'm sure they will and Megan made a good point that the would want to know so they can check the batch of belts it is from to be sure it's a "one-off" and not a bigger problem. Thanks for watching and take care.

[@JesusCliment]

My superbelt keeps moving side to side not staying properly seated inside the groove. I ended up purchasing the orange belt from the featherweight shop and I am happy with it.

[@andytubesewing1953]

They mentioned in their video about the belt could climb the groove, especially on re-painted machines, and to put a little cor starch on the belt. I know the machines were mass-produced but we have all seen slight variances in parts if we've worked on a few machines. The main thing is you found a good belt you like and works well for you. Thanks for sharing the info, Jesus. I know people read the comments and others may have your experience and be relieved that "it's not just me!". Take care.

[@farkroy]

Mine did that too. The alignment of the hand wheel and motor needs to be spot on.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@farkroy Thanks, Joshua.

[@JebbAdams]

G'mornin' Andy Tube! I would try another new Superbelt and see what happens. If it doesn't happen again I wonder what that would indicate. Or, if it broke again what would that mean? I am sure you will find out what occurred. Have a great weekend, keep safe while having fun!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks, Jebb. I ordered a standard V-belt for now from a trusted seller. I'll explore this Superbelt a little more before contacting the Featherweight Shop about it just to be sure it was not a defect on my machine or handwheel or pulley, etc. that broke it. If offered I would take a new Superbelt from them. Up until the moment it broke it was working great.

[@JebbAdams]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks Andy Tube. I know you'll get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. Indeed it is strange for a new belt to behave that way, lol!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@JebbAdams Hope to. I'll be applying rule #1 of troubleshooting; “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this... you haven't.” ~ Thomas Edison. The belt, the machine, or me? Hmmm...

[@pattylevasseur2645]

andy i would say the old belt has canvas threads in it which would give it strenght as for the new belt.. is all rubber . think of you r car tires...they have canvas all though the rubber and they last forever...they dont break down .if your car tires were nothing but rubber.. you wouldnt get far do to the heat and friction from the pavement and it wouldnt have the strenght without the canvas in it. id personally would go back and get your $$ back..and take that.. and buy a V canvas belt. if the old 1 has lasted probabaly since the day it was made.. that should tell you alot...the old material stuff from way back when was meant to last..not like this stuff we have now.which is plastic and chip board and sawdust etc.....jmo good luck....

[@andytubesewing1953]

Honestly, when I received the belt I thought there would be some fiberglass threads or something running thru it for strength. I know the Shop will take good care of me. I imagine they tested many belts and ideas before putting their name on the product. I just figure I got the 1 in 100,000 belts that had a defect, as pihakamera commented. Thanks for your support, Patty, and for commenting on my channel.

[@tnone7873]

The good thing about the new belts is the motor runs cooler

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@tnone7873 Good to know. Thank you.

[@ayfr.]

i hope you wrote to the featherweight shop and told them what happened, They Should refund or replace. This is unacceptable.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I know they'll take care of it. I'm just checking to be sure it was not something on the handwheel or other that broke the belt. I'll send pictures and links to my belt videos to them. They might get a kick out of the free advertising I've given them. No worries and thanks for watching.

[@afroninjadeluxe]

It looks like there are no reinforcement threads inside the superbelt. A generic V-belt for a lawn mower has much sturdier design with cotton threads/rope inside the rubber.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Correct, and I was a little surprised about the lack of threads, but new technology marches on. I liked the belt after installing it. In fact. I was admiring the performance right up to the time it broke, haha. I know the shop will be good to me, no worries. Thanks for commenting and watching my channel.

[@keithrosenberg5486]

That broken belt does not seem to have any of the cords that add strength. Car tires have belts to prevent the rubber from breaking.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Agreed. I noticed that when it arrived. New technology, I guess.

[@tnone7873]

Manufacturer flaw. Featherweight shop will replace it

[@andytubesewing1953]

Waiting for their reply to my replacement request.