Singer 201 rare treadle edition. 99 years worth of awesomeness with new electric motor. (Video 149)

Here’s one I’ve been hanging on to for about 30 years because it’s rare and awesome. I’m probably going to sell it along with many others because although my Grandkids think I’m “totally cool”, they’re not so convinced about old Singer sewing machines. LOL
It’s in a nice case and has a book and accessories. If you’re in the North Texas area, and can pass a basic background check, I’ll let you adopt this one. (I’m kidding). Sheesh.

[@ronalddevine9587]

NOW YOU'RE TALKING!!! That machine is in incredible condition. Paint and decals excellent. I've messaged you many times that the 201-2 is my favorite. One tip, (I'm sure you already know this, ) the presser foot adjuster from Kenmore fits perfectly in the 201-2. I find it easier to use than the screw type Singer used. HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS. GOD BLESS

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Ditto to you. And yes, that presser foot pressure adjusting mechanism fits perfectly because the Japanese engineers and designers of later model machines already had the thread pattern, and retrofitted the spring loaded mechanism to screw right in. The machine tools and processes for almost every non-European sewing machine was basically Singer interchangeable parts. It sure made it easier to be a repair person with that kind of parts interchangeability.

[@amysbees6686]

Sweet machine!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Indeed. Sews smooth, quiet, and makes perfect stitches. These old round bobbin Singer machines are works of art as well as mechanical perfection. Thanks for watching.

[@DJ-rx5lz]

I learned on a Singer treadle and I just love the sound of these machines--would love to find a really clean Singer 201 or the featherweight portable

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Two good choices. They’re out there so happy hunting. It will be worth the effort when you get one. 👍🏼

[@artillerybuff2000]

Very nice machine! I have three of these 201's, a 1939 with an external motor, a 1947 that came with a potted 240 volt UK motor that I converted to run on an external motor by changing the belt guard/winder and balance wheel, then later put into a nice treadle, and a 1951 Centennial model with a potted motor. I used the treadle model the most, it is so smooth and quiet. BTW, I don't think they started making these until 1935? I'm selling the 1951 potted motor model on ebay as I just never use it and don't need three of these lol...

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I imagine someone will pounce on your‘51 potted motor. They’re not making any more of those, so they’re kind of rare. 😎👍

[@amyq5615]

Great video. I just bought a 201-2 made in 1956. Nice machine but in trying to get it cleaned up, I discovered that the bobbin winder does not touch the wheel and so it won't spin. ( too bad I didn't watch your video first!) I've seen videos and did the adjustment with the screw on the winder to get it to touch the wheel but it just doesn't make it by a hair. Do you think I need to buy a whole new bobbin winder? I can't see any other way to repair this. Thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You might have a bobbin winder wheel that’s too small and not the correct size. There are many different sizes of bobbin winder rings. Try one that’s a little larger.

[@amyq5615]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 You are a genius! Just the ticket. Bought a new tire in that was slightly larger ( who knew there was a different size) and it winds like a charm. Thank you for your help! Keep the good videos coming!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@amyq5615 you’re welcome. There’s several sizes of bobbin winder rings but one is real common (the one you found that works) and the others are different and obscure sizes for special applications.

[@szelop]

Any tips on a hand crank? I couldn’t find a video from you on one but I may have just missed it!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Any of the old original hand cranked machines that have a round bobbin are very useful and state of the art functionally. That is, they will get the job done and make a good stitch if the power is down. The ones that I’ve sold over the years, usually end up as a curiosity or a display item rather than a daily used sewing machine.I have checked out some of the new hand crank bolt- on units that are currently available and sourced from China. It seems tirelessly redundant, but I have to add, their quality and reliability is less than ideal. That is, in the current vernacular, really shoddy. Of course that’s just my humble opinion based on 50 years of experience. Thanks

[@szelop]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thanks! I just bought the Singer hand crank from one of your longarm machine clients! I don’t know which model it is yet because I can’t find info yet. It has a serial number starting with Y. I’m looking to find a manual. It does have a drop in round bobbin.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@szelop excellent. Thanks

[@austinjones8595]

hey randy, just finished watching your video. I am trying to get this same machine up and running. could you send your contact info.i have a few questions .

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Go to my business website ABCSEW.COM. I’ll try to help you out.

[@ninjananagardner7672]

Sorry but the first 201 hit the market in 1935 !

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Was that the first electric 201, or the first treadle 201?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Ninjanana Gardener: it seems as though your correct date info on the 201 has sparked a mystery for me. When I set out to establish the Born On Date for my 201, I looked up the serial number that’s inscribed on mine and I was not noticing that the earlier “Y” numbers had six digits, then started over and went to seven digits. The machines that were serialized in that range was January 12, 1923. My serial number is Y9852657. Oops, mine has seven digits. Using the “Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number Database” I find that although the first 201K was serialized on January 29, 1934. Mine was in fact serialized on March 20, 1935. I offer my “mea culpa” and thank you for providing the correct dating data. Correction of my earlier statement: Eighty seven years of awesomeness..LOL Next time I’ll pay better attention and not be in a hurry and get it correct. Thanks again Ninjanana Gardner.

[@joannwienikes9186]

Mines not running

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I don’t know what to say except oil the bobbin case/shuttle hook area and all your oil journals. Tighten your clutch release and work the hand wheel back and forth until it frees up. Once it’s freed up, loosen your hand wheel clutch an run the motor until it teaches top speed. Be patient and keep your foot on the pedal until it finally takes off. Sometimes they are sluggish at first. Good luck.