Singer 457 Lubrication, Maintenance, Needle Timing

[@selador11]

Keep it up, kid! With the way that most people are willingly dumbing down, it is refreshing to see someone young, willing to rub a few brain cells together. Think for themselves. Look for WHY something is built the way it is, and not just how... Etc.

[@LynnBB101]

Wow. Just WOW. I tackled my wife's 50 year-old Singer 457 machine two weeks ago to replace a broken gear. She loves this machine. Put it back together, and the timing was off. Spent a WEEK messing with videos posted by others, and NOBODY mentioned the TIMING MARKS on the shaft! After watching your video, I had it timed in 15 minutes. You are a great mechanic with very good communication skills. Who cares about knowing all the proper terms for parts! You NAILED it. Thanks so much. Now all I need to do is fix the tensions that I screwed up!!! Keep it up!!!

[@OldSoulMillennial]

Very please to see this video helped! I really wasn't sure if there was a point to posting this video but now I am glad I did! When taken care of properly, this type of machine can potentially last generations! Nice to see some one else who can appreciate a machine like this! cheers

[@melbah5678]

@@OldSoulMillennial I grew up sewing with this machine. It’s now in my possession. When I try to sew the machine runs BUT the hook mechanism (the thing that spins around under the needle) does not move. When I lay the machine on it’s side to look under the machine, the belt is attached, but when I turn the wheel the belt will not move. What do you think I need to do? Do you think I need to play with the timing as you demonstrated in this video? Please, I would so love your input to this baby running and sewing again! Thanks in advance! MH

[@jackzalewski2550]

​@@OldSoulMillennialI Normally Use Scissors to Trim The Thread Off.

[@FearTalamh]

I have 4 sewing machines. The 457 is the youngest and I love it. My oldest is a 1902 White treadle. Its a beast. I use the 457 all the time for canvas and Cordura. It just keeps on going. Have fun sewing.

[@brianwelch5230]

Hi I have a question

[@sarahmangone7785]

My Mom used this machine and I think she still has it sewing away still. The older machines are the best for lasting quality.

[@duroxkilo]

great work, especially on showing the timing adjustment. i'm writing a few points for ppl who need a bit of help in the future. @2:55 the knob is the feed dog regulator. it moves the feed dog up and down r= regular sewing (all the way up) f= fine (a little lower) d=darning (all the way down) @10:33 the plastic gears are sensitive to petroleum lubricants, especially considering their age. use a lubricant that's compatible w/ plastic. (spare gears are available online, i replaced one of them after it disintegrated w/ the help of improper lubricant). about the speed of the sewing machine. that's still not the full speed of the machine. i can think of two possible issue: weak motor (worn brushes or loose belt) or improper speed control adjustment in the foot pedal. loosen the hand wheel knob as for bobbin winding (this disengages the needle and all the gears/mechanism) and see if the rpm of the motor drop substantially when you apply a little pressure on the hand wheel. if the rpm remain high, the friction is still in the gears/axles/etc. (tri-flow that was mentioned is a 'dry lubricant' that contains ptfe. any ptfe or dry silicone lubricant would work a little better on the metal parts than regular machine oil. it is noisier but it doesn't attract dust) if the rpm drop, the motor is weak. check the motor brushes and belt. if the brushes make proper contact on the commutator, check the foot speed controller. this controller works by electrical resistance in the form of graphite pucks that get pressed together. quite archaic but fascinating. it is adjustable (some pucks may be cracked) but electronic/modern speed controllers are also available for less than $20 if i recall correctly.. in fact check the speed controller first before the motor brushes. it is normal for the original speed controller to get quite warm during operation.

[@melbah5678]

Perhaps you can help me, this was the machine I grew up with that my Mom had. I went to sew on it and noticed the machine runs, BUT the belt at the bottom of the machine (and the round hook area that the bobbin hook sits in does not spin….it starts to spin then it stops). I took the plate off the bottom of the machine and layed it down to look at bottom of machine and when I turned the hand wheel the belt is not moving. My question, could this be the timing? Should we play with that firs to try to get it working and moving? If not, what suggestions do you have? Thanks in advance!

[@roryobrien948]

Hi there, you seem to be very knowledgable with these machines, is there any chance I could send you a video with the problem explained? I guess I could upload one & share the link?

[@duroxkilo]

@@roryobrien948 yes, i think that would work..

[@kevinhenderson]

I bought a 347 from local classifieds for $10. Has easily saved me hundreds by repairing my clothes!! Don't ever let anyone tell you sewing is only for girls

[@beccajones8134]

I just picked up the Stylist zig zag 457 this weekend...I paid $35 for it and a beautiful stand . This video is just what I needed..will pick up some oil tomorrow...

[@Dirtlifer]

If ever I saw a modern day renaissance man it's you! I watch your content as you post it, and the range of talents you possess never ceases to astound me! Keep up the great work my man! Variety is the spice of life, and clearly you've managed to cut yourself a heaping portion in a short period of time! My compliments to you and your determined attention to such thorough detail and content diversity!

[@OldSoulMillennial]

Its very satisfying knowing that good people such as yourself appreciate my videos. Its very rewarding! Thank you for the kind words

[@newjerseybill3521]

I can definitely see SPL at The New York Renaissance Faire!!

[@janicehamilton9212]

Thank you so much ...I have a 534 but your information worked well with my timing problem, and I oiled everything while I had it exposed! Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video and troubleshoot... you've saved me a repair bill.

[@grumpy1311]

Far better quality than majority of new equipment. Not used a machine , though have done many hours of hand stitching with curved needle mending my fishing nets. Very satisfying to know that your own threads are holding things together and doing it well. My buddy has a 5 thread surger , that sews the 5 threads into one as it goes along. Makes for industrial strength seems. Though he often has to clean, service, and adjust things to keep things going .

[@OldSoulMillennial]

It took some time to learn, but I love that I have accrued the ability to mend my own clothes. It keeps me up at night when I cannot fix something haha!

[@jackzalewski2550]

​@@OldSoulMillennialGet Fabric.

[@gessew]

I have one of those 457s. I have several other machines too. You did a great job removing all that fluff. I use a little sewing machine brush to get out all the teeny stuff, some of which could be sandy and score the moving parts - bad. I don't use things like q-tips because they can leave strands too. Now to tackle the foot control that came with it - only has one speed - speed demon. I found a video on tackling that too. Thanks for your attention to detail. I love that you use a headlamp.

[@bethanyhazard2407]

I have read that you are not supposed to oil the plastic gears. I also read somewhere that you are supposed to use gear grease on the worm gear. this was one of the best videos for these machines. I have the 1970s one 513 and the one you are working on. I so glad you showed how to do the timing. My sewing machine repair man passed away

[@amysbees6686]

Oil eats plastic.

[@arlenesmith7883]

This is an awesome video, great job! You need a better light before your next video. A sewing lamp that has a weighted bottom and a flexible and adjustable arm. We want to see everything you’re doing !!!😊

[@dwight.bennett]

Yes, a man's tool. I still remember the surprised look of a friend and his gf, about 8 years ago when I showed up with a machine one day to help hem new store-bought curtains for the living room, instead of using the fold-and-iron strips that melt, but don't look anywhere near as good as a proper hem. "Where did you learn how to sew?" "When I was little." Same here, I know just enough to fix a pair of pants, etc., the essentials.

[@femargolis]

Thank you so much. Had a timing issue on mine. Fixed it and was still having an issue but then fixed the presser foot knob and that did the trick. Ugh. Finally! Thanks!!!

[@RCAVDH]

Great video, Thanks for sharing!

[@amysbees6686]

Bravo!!! Well done!!! Impressive!!!

[@soniaeridannelavat2433]

Hi. At the end when you were testing, it was very noisy. My machine doesn't sound like yours... And there were some lint yet... Check it out!! Clean it with a little painting brush... ;)

[@selador11]

@ about 10:30 and further on when you are working at something with some channel locks... Use acetone and a q-tip, to clean those places. It should cut right through all the old dried up grease and oil. Blow out with air, after you have cleaned it as well as you can. Then re-grease and/or oil.

[@tompeters4234]

Love the variety. When I saw this title, I just smiled and thought, is there no limits LOL. I love the detailed knowledge you share. I may tackle lubing a Singer from the 70s. Those old machines are tanks and back when things were build to last and handle a channel locks wrenching on it. It may have helped to 'wipe' the gunky sticky stuff off in between penetrating sprays. Good videos.

[@newjerseybill3521]

bah, wheel bearings, or sewing machine bearings, all good. :) Wonder how many young guys watching this have never seen a sewing machine and cabinet. My sister is a hoarder of older Singer machines, she even has a couple of treadle machines.

[@barbkenney5843]

The dial you are fixing at 13 48 lowers the feed dogs. It seized in the most common position - feed dogs up. For free motion quilting and darning ( not common activities) the feed dogs can be locked down. The D on the dial refers to darn I believe. I have an older version of this machine and thats how it works for mine any how. Mine is done without a dial by tipping the machine and turning a large screw/knob underneath. ( MIne is a 15-91)

[@harrrytoool1391]

That was really helpful thanks.

[@eyeonart6865]

The reason you hear the noise, is the bobbin casing needs oil. Remove bobbin and you will see a small hole, put a drop of oil in it and noise will stop.

[@newjerseybill3521]

BTW, brakleen works good for removing the old gummy oil.

[@somedavechannel]

Thanks Man! Got me back up & runnin!

[@reeceslew7518]

Big up yuself yuut. You saved me over 100 dollars

[@bethanyhazard2407]

thank you for the wonderful video!

[@jf8461]

Why did you do it in the dark??

[@dihanasalas1019]

Ojalá todos tus vídeos estuvieran traducidos al Español. Tengo una máquina idéntica a la tuya. Yo aprendería mucho.

[@irenebland718]

Thanks, this helped me do all this maintenance on my 457- and it is running better, But the issue I had before I started - is still an issue. The shaft below the bobbin stopped rotating. I had been sewing and then the top needle was punching holes in fabric, but no stitch was being formed. My husband and I completed the all maintenance, including the stuck R/F/D knob & we did have to remove the pulley and followed replacement & all the needle timing. But it didn't help my original issue. When we manually move the pulley on the bottom it rotates the shaft and the piece below the bobbin. But when we try to run the machine, the needle goes up and down, but that shaft doesn't. Do you have any ideas?

[@OldSoulMillennial]

If you'd like, email me a video of the problem. [e-mail]

[@bobmannix5430]

The pinion at the top of the vertical shaft has probably stripped- a very common fault - they are replaceable and there are videos available. I replaced ours today (just got to do the timing). Search for "replace singer 457 vertical shaft pinion".

[@joellablount3055]

Thank you for this video. I have a question for you. I purchase this sewing machine from a thrift store about a year or so and I just powered it on and messing with it today. The issue is the bobbin hook part is not spinning rather I use the wheel to manully turn it or use the foot pedal. I oiled it and I check the bottom and the bobbin part is pushed it where it connected to the pulley but it does not move unless I manually turn it. Is there anything else that I can check or could it be the motor?

[@lizjessiman5135]

HI MY SINGER ZIG ZAG 457 MACHINE HAS BEEN LYING IDLE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS MY GRANDAUGHTER IS TRYING TO USE IT BUT THE BOBBIN PLATE DOESNT TURN I HAVE TRIED OILINY IY BUT TO NO AVAIL CAN ANY ONE HELP THANK YOU

[@hector7607]

I have the same problem. Any response ??

[@lisa1234765]

@@hector7607 ive got this issue too. Did you find a solution

[@ATAKER66]

This problem is very common, you have to replace the broken top vertical gear thats broken. If you’re a handy person or know some handyman, it’s is fairly easy to replace. I did it myself not knowing almost anything about sewing machines, don’t forget to retime your machine.

[@annwarren4171]

Thank you for a very informative video. Did you alter the screw on the needle bar when you set your mark? Thanks

[@OldSoulMillennial]

If memory serves me correctly, that screw is just to hold the needle in place. you can loosen that screw and use different thickness needles for different jobs. Just make sure the needle is bottomed out in that slot.

[@roryobrien948]

Hi there, I’ve a problem with my 457, I’m hoping that you could help? Would it be possible to send you a video as it’s a hard one to explain!

[@ottomora4485]

I have the same machine but when is in reverse and zigzag has a strong sound like two pieces of metal hitting each other do you have any idea about what is wrong with it ? Thanks great video

[@OldSoulMillennial]

Not sure Otto. Sounds like you will have to do some exploring to try and pinpoint where the noise is coming from.

[@mandkbrooks]

Can you help me with re-assembly of Singer 457 tension knob? Thanks in advance.

[@jf8461]

Why so dark?? Was this recorded during a power outage?

[@rhondacromer1474]

Thank you!

[@josephlevantino1479]

Great video. I have a 457 that was my Grandmother's. It's running well but I DON"T HAVE A MANUAL for it. Can you tell me where you got the manual (or would you be willing to make a copy? paper or scan). Thanks, very nice job on the video (and great camera work on the close ups).

[@josephlevantino1479]

Well ignore that request for the manual. It was very easy to find a free PDF online to download. Thanks again for the video, really good

[@OldSoulMillennial]

@@josephlevantino1479 was just about to message you a link to an online pdf, I'll send it anyway so anyone else that is looking can easily find it. Cheers www.manualslib.com/manual/713541/Singer-Stylist-457.html?page=2#manual

[@blancacoronado9945]

Cómo puedo conseguir el manual de maquina singer 457

[@blancacoronado9945]

Espero su respuesta muchas gracias

[@selador11]

When doing the timing marks... Does the other end of the belt not matter? In other words, the belt can be at any position, in regard to the other pulley, and tensioner, etc. The only thing you are really concerned about is the bobbin carrier barb and the timing mark...

[@OldSoulMillennial]

If I understand your question correctly, no. The opposite end of the bobbin side pulley can be at any position. All that matter is that you loosen the set screw on the bobbin side pulley, get everything lined up and set properly on the timing marks like I instructed, and tighten the pulley.

[@asfh321]

I'm working on a singer 437 which is identical to the 457. Does anyone know how the shaft under the hook gets oiled?

[@Cameron_J]

Where did you find the service manual?

[@OldSoulMillennial]

Mine thankfully came included with the machine, but I believe you can find manuals online.

[@patriciamariamedeirosdasil4699]

Poderíamos ter as legendas em português do Brasil por favor eu tenho uma máquina Singer stylist 457 Zig Zag model

[@ayayoya8039]

Please what is the needle number of this machine😊

[@atesini]

I know this has nothing todo with your video but have you made any new plow videos.??

[@OldSoulMillennial]

I have one video coming up, unfortunately there hasn't been enough snow to really plow yet =/

[@eyeonart6865]

Switch to plastic #66 bobbins works better for machine

[@eyeonart6865]

D is darn

[@ludovinaestevez6774]

Porque está máquina es tan lenta pues yo tengo una y me rompe mucho el hilo

[@bigdondattabigdondatta2310]

You just needed to loosen up the tensioner belt to get the most speed.

[@frododavis9082]

pay the light bill, your video is filmed in the dark.

[@jdchatham47]

Jesus kid, buy a lamp.

[@WACKO1123]

Hunter, your narrative was great but attempting a video using just a headlamp was totally screwed up. Please invest in proper lighting if you want to continue doing these types of instructional videos. I actually gave up viewing before the end as it was too frustrating. Thanks for trying.

[@OldSoulMillennial]

I will take action on this in the future. Thanks