Singer 500A "Rocketeer" before and after motor swap and lube

[@mnelson9057]

What a difference-well done. It sounds great! Found you through Andy Tube.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'm glad you posted this comparison. I was curious about the difference. From filming many running machines I know the recorder amplifies some sounds more than others, but I clearly hear the difference. Nicely done. 👍

[@thevmc]

Update: I took the first motor demonstrated in this video and lubricated the bottom bearing (that holds the end of the commutator shaft in the black plastic base) with graphite, and then ran the motor at full speed while tapping the bottom of the housing in various spots with a hammer to "reseat" the bottom bearing. It did not improve the "whiny" sound of the motor, so I think that's just this motor's personality, and not a result of unsettledness. Also as I mentioned, that was the motor I used for the past couple of years and it didn't "run itself in" to be quieter, so I think like an instrument, that's just its sound. But I prefer the newer motor to be sure. : )

[@1953childstar]

I have very signifiant experience with the Singer #500 sewing machines. I learned to sew on one in 1962 and have owned several. There are many issues here.. This machine is "running rough", this could be the result of an inexperienced repair-person loosening a gear and re-seating it causing binding and lack of smoothness ( back in the day, Singer stipulated that the machines be returned to the factory for re-seating and regrinding ). I hear a loose bobbin case due to the need for proper adjustment. The motor is straining to start, due to an improperly lubricated machine and the upper motor bearing ( ball ) is dry and growling. A well cleaned and polished motor commutator will result in a "smooth running motor"... All the "speculations in the world" will not remedy these issues..

[@thevmc]

I got it right eventually ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpCcfWeradipiKM

[@1953childstar]

@@thevmc It takes time and practice.. I know so much more than I did years ago.. I wanted to remind you that the "early production models from 1961-2" had a "hidden central horizontal bearing" that needs oiling.. All the best !!

[@thevmc]

@@1953childstar ooo, where is this bearing? I've worked on a few of different years and didn't notice anything different really...

[@1953childstar]

@@thevmc Hidden under the shaft that controls the pattern designs. The newer production models did not have it.. It was then an "empty space" ( it was a cost cutting move, "one less bearing= saves money" ). All the # 401 machines had it and all the early # 500 machines did. I really do not know if it made a difference. Perhaps it did stabilize the upper horizontal shaft. This is the only such revision in the # 500 machines. Now the # 600 machines had "revisions" every few months.. ( The very best #401 machines were made in 1956- overbuilt to the max . Bronze lower bearings, heavily chromed screws and more )..

[@thevmc]

To be fair and transparent, the difference isn’t attributable to the bearing, as I had overhauled the previous motor and its bearing as well. Just wanted to show the difference a motor can make, and hope to figure out how to improve the old one further. You can see that the reeeeally slow stitch is impressively slow and regular now. Also helps that I have a beautifully refurbished foot controller too!

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

I heard about a guy who makes his living rehabbing 201 potted motors that people send in. I would send my 300, 400, and 500 motors in for such a service. Just saying! :D

[@marcinilcovandercapellen1934]

Hello & thanks for the video. I have a recent Craig’s list purchase of a 500 A. I have completely cleaned, oiled and greased my machine following several KZbin videos. This is my 8th time doing this. I also removed, and cleaned a very dirty motor, then replaced the motor. The machine is not frozen. When I press the foot controller to give the machine power, the motor moans and groans, but does not turn anything. When I disengage the hand-wheel, the motor turns freely I can only turn things manually while rotating the hand wheel. So obviously something is not moving properly, but it all seems to be able to move. Do you have any possible ideas of what problem I may need to address here please? Thanks so much for your time, - - - Marci V