Singer 101 Sewing Machine Potted Motor Reassembly

Reassembly of the components of the "potted" motor of a Singer 101.
Details about how I disassembled and cleaned this motor are in my post on the Victorian Sweatshop Forum here: www.victoriansweatshop.com/post/show_single_post?pid=1325127234&postcount=32&forum=501752

[@TrishMeyer99]

Thanks, very useful. My 101 motor did not have any washers! I just put back in the worm gear and I also put the other screw in half way, then the screw that goes against the flat spot. Tip: To stop the worm gear from spinning, use blue painter's tape to attach it to the body. Then you can hold the motor stable with your left hand and use the screwdriver with your right hand, without the worm gear spinning.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I surely agree with your belief and method of not adjusting the bushing alignment, and returning screws to where you took them from. I've always done the same even if I have no proof it matters, I guess it matters to me and I swear it's the best for my peace of mind, haha. I know how tricky that soldering is and it looked good to me. I've never worked on a potted motor and enjoyed this immensely. Thank you for sharing. As were your other videos your lighting and videography are nicely done. I'm very late to your party as I have some life happening, but I had the opportunity today and glad I made it. Take care.

[@thevmc]

Thank you so much Andy! I owe all of my interest in this to you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@thevmc It's kind of you to say that, but I think I was just the "exposer" and sparked something in your nature that took you from there. You're far ahead of where I was for the time you've been involved. I do like your videos and style very much and hope you continue. Take care.

[@andveryginger]

Thank you for this! I just picked up a 101 that will likely need a bit of cleaning and possibly rewiring -- this will definitely give me a great reference when I'm ready for it!

[@stevene.874]

I liked your comments about what grease to use for wicking vs. gears. I work on vintage sewing machines as well and have used Tri-flow grease for gears, but NEVER for wicking or motors. The Tri-flow grease has NO melting point so it will not wick properly. I use Sew Retro grease from the Featherweight Shop for wicking or motor grease taps.

[@thevmc]

Myself and some others in the vintage sewing machine community have worried about how well tri-flow, with particles of teflon in it, will wick anywhere actually -- concern that it may clog things like wicks, whether as the grease or the oil. I think sticking with things like petroleum jelly with no particles in it is likely best for grease involving wicks, and basic sewing machine oil for oil that's wicked (like in the Singer 101). Thanks for bringing that up!

[@yeoldepirate783]

Hello I have a 1926 Model 101, I put power to it , and I get a Hum, turning the hand wheel, It seems plenty free,, any Idea what I should look for ?

[@thevmc]

Hummmmm, (haha) -- not sure. I would remove the motor from the machine and thread the wires out if you can, and try powering it free of its connection to the power train... sounds like it'll need maintenance in any case, and it's easier to do that with the motor removed so it's not dangling by its wires.

[@stevenarmstrong7575]

I just picked up a Singer 101 at a yard sale. Could you please make a video showing how to remove the bobbin case from the hook assembly? There a 4 tiny screws in the assembly. Not sure which to remove and which to leave alone.

[@thevmc]

I'm just getting to the machine mechanics, actually -- I figured I'd start with the part I knew the least about! There is a lot of help to be had over at the Victorian Sweatshop Forum - -whole threads of info dedicated to the 101, not just mine linked above. You could definitely find help faster there than waiting for my next video; I'm notoriously slow!

[@lisareed5669]

I have a 1924 that has been cannibalized.