Singer 603-E Golden Touch N Sew

[@sethskid2]

My Mom bought one of these back in the 60's. She gave it to me when I was 12 years old. I've had other machines, newer & older. None of them can outshine this one! I love this machine.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Indeed. They’re just about perfect. Lucky you.

[@pinkcat9200]

I have one but I don't know how to refill the spool of thread. Can someone help me please?

[@sethskid2]

@@pinkcat9200 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qojHmniLZZqKiJofeature=shared

[@lambgaming1347]

Hello. I am new to sewing and sewing machines, but this particular sewing machine model is interesting to me. Thank you for making this video, as it cleared up some confusion!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’re welcome. The 603-E is a solid classic.

[@lambgaming1347]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Hoping to buy one someday 🙂

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lambgaming1347 they made lots of them and they’re out there. I see them occasionally on shopgoodwill.com. Just encourage them to pack it properly for shipment. They’re not the best at that.

[@lambgaming1347]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I will keep my eye out. Thank you!

[@lambgaming1347]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I looked on goodwill and I ended up finding a sewing machine I liked very much, and bought it. I think I like this model better than the touch and sew. Thank you so much!

[@1975aptos]

I meant the slide plate…will not slip into its area so it sits loose on top?? What to do! Help!!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Raise the presser foot. Place the slide plate to the rear of the bobbin area and slide it towards the front of the machine. The slots on either side of the slide plate will accept the tabs on the end of the slide plate spring, which are on the sides of the bobbin case area at the front edge. Lift the tabs with a tiny screwdriver and guide them into the slots as you slide the plate towards you and the front of the machine. I made a video addressing this issue if you can find it.

[@pinkcat9200]

I have one but I don't know how to refill the spool of thread. Can someone help me please?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@pinkcat9200 I have a video showing how to wind a bobbin on a touch n sew on this KZbin channel. Just search for it. It’s there.

[@paulettecarpenito7408]

I have a model 630, original owner. The Tension Dial knob is not working. How can I adjust that?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Put it on four. Fixed it. If you have a bad stitch, it could be a multitude of reasons. But the “tension” is set from three to five on the top of the dial. Check your thread and threading. That’s likely where the issue is arising.

[@1975aptos]

Randy, how do I get my throat plate to slide back in and stay it’s just seems to just be sitting on top and loose. I can’t seem to find the connection.

[@Citizenvelo]

Just snagged one that is almost as mint as this with a table at goodwill for $35! I could tell it was quality but as a sewing novice I had no idea how nice it was!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I have a video on proper bobbin winding procedure. It’s critical that the bobbin is correctly wound.

[@ashleyleeah9962]

I got one of these at a thrift store for $10 now I need to learn how to sew!!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Great find. Watch my videos to get the bobbin wound properly, and you’ll be all set. 😎

[@ecay]

I picked one of these up yesterday for 20 bucks in a table. Don't know much about it. Haven't had a chance to really look at it. It is free. Don't have much in the way of attachments but see what I can do with it. Plan is right now just to clean it up. Get it serviced and working. Make sure the cords are all good. Power is all good. I do have some feet that are for slant shank that I have picked up here and there and I picked up a button holder for $25 for slant shank I don't know what I'm planning on doing with this for 20 bucks. I wasn't going to pass it up I have a Kenmore 158. 14301 that I use so I don't see this one replacing but it might be interesting mess around with and who knows, I might just sell it

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You’ve got options for sure. If you keep it and use it, that will be a good thing too. I bet one of your friends or family will be happy with it. 👍😎

[@ecay]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Don't have much in the way of friends or family that do any selling. I've got a cousin. She's got a machine that she uses so I don't know. I will worry about that when I get to the point of wondering what to do with it after I've got it all working

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@ecay 👍😎

[@robotbuster1487]

I bought one of these today and it came with a bunch of cams and the slant buttonholer. I really just wanted the cams for my 401A. I put some Kroil® the zigzag pivot point on the needle bar, the Left-Center-Right selector isnt very cooperative. .

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Lubricant in the key spots and it will come around eventually. 😎👍

[@robotbuster1487]

​@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 I bought another 603 yesterday. This one doesnt say "Touch & Sew",,, instead it says " Auto-Reel" and has the external push button off to the right, under the Stitch/Reverse lever.

[@robotbuster1487]

July 2024: I found a unicorn Singer today. A 680U with the black suitcase and extension table. The suitcase has JAL (Japanese Airlines) tags/decals on it. The machine is basically a Singer 600, but with a 66 bobbin system. It is direct drive, but it has (or needs) a cog belt that runs from the main shaft, down to the feeding system in the basement of the machine. The rest of the mechanism is metal arms/cams/linkages that are chromed and looks nice. That belt replacement looks like a chore. Motor runs. It is a drop in cam machine, and the integral cams in the stack are plastic, but in great shape. Was this machine made in Japan?

[@1953childstar]

Most people do not understand that to use the selector, you need to "push it in" and select. Many people bend the lever or break it..

[@lordsgirl1123]

@Randy, how do I remove the hand wheel for cleaning? Thank you in advance.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

There’s really no need to take off the hand wheel for cleaning a touch n sew. There is no clutch mechanism to service in that area. Just clean the external surface with windex and it’s good to go.😎

[@rhondamercado7527]

I found one of these exact models at a church sale this weekend for $10. It didn’t have the buttonhole maker but it had two boxes full of accessories, one with the cams. I thought I was finished with it today until I saw that it wasn’t completing the full zigzag. I think it’s the needle bar vibrating bracket is probably gummed up. I will get back on it tomorrow to see if I can get a full zigzag. Do you know if these machines are known to get stuck like that? What do you suggest? I know from personal experience the 400 and 500’s are known to have this issue.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Just to the lower left rear of the cam stack, you’ll notice a ball that is machined onto the end of the zig zag follower arm rod. Lubricate that and your problem is solved. They are prone to hang up if that’s not lubricated.

[@pollync92]

Hey Randy! I love your page. I’m new to sewing machines and found this model on fb marketplace for $25. Not as clean as yours in the video though! Is threading and everything very similar on this machine as your other touch and sew videos? Looking for any pointers as a total newbie. Thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The threading and bobbin winding will be almost identical across the touch n sew platforms. The difference will sometimes only be where the bobbin winder activation button is placed. All the slant presser feet are interchangeable and most bobbins.(white rings)

[@jjeyani]

Hello ! I just purchased a panoramic 650g from a yard sale but don’t know how all the settings work, do you think it’s rufly the same as yours ? I’m a total beginner so i’m really lost Love from France !

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@jjeyani it should be fundamentally the same. Love backatcha. 👍🏼😎

[@lindagieseler9566]

I just found you. I bought a 603E. Do you speak somewhere about the warped bases many of them seem to have?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Yes. That issue has come up a time or two. It’s a problem with the bottom covers being distorted over time. It’s basically a lint and oil catcher. If you remove it, that’s the only two things to watch out for. Oil dripping on the floor, or lint falling to the floor. I haven’t come across any remedy. Having the center bolt tightened seems to help.

[@lindagieseler9566]

Many thanks.@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lindagieseler9566 your welcome.

[@lindagieseler9566]

Not to wear out my welcome, but I'm not sure how to load the bobbin. It has been a LONG time since home ec in 1970. I downloaded a manual but it explains the 603 NOT the 603E, There's a difference. My winding button is white and inside the bobbin area, rather than on the base of the machine.@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@lindagieseler9566 I’m pretty sure I have a video on winding the bobbin on a touch n sew. Various models should be shown.

[@joaniemoosman2115]

Hey Randy, I got another one of the 603E. You helped me with the first one and she runs like a dream. I found this one at a thrift and it straight stitches well, but the zig zag doesn't work. The bar moves with the adjusting lever, but there must be something loos, as it doesn't shift the needle over. Any ideas? It's a tight area and hard to see what is happening in the back area where the bar comes into the needle area. I got this one for my daughter in law. I'm in love with this machine!

[@lordsgirl1123]

I just got one for $20 with the cams and extra feet.. I purchased a reproduction, 52 page book for $19.00 The outside is really clean. The inside is sticky oil and grease. I can’t wait to clean her up!!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If the gears have grease on them they are fine. There’s no need to clean the gears. Lightly oil everything that rotates, pivots, or slides.😎

[@denisesawyer6980]

Hi Randy. Do you have a fix for hard to remove throat plates? When I slide the throat plate lever to the unlock position, the throat plate posts don’t want to elevate high enough to slide the throat plate out all the way. The posts need to be coaxed up with a screw driver. The reverse is true when I need to slide the throat plate lever to the down position. The throat plate posts need to be “coaxed” down with a few taps of a screw driver. I’ve put a drop of oil in the hole above the throat plate lever. Helped a little but not enough to solve the issue. Thank you so much for your channel. I’ve learned so much already.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Add the drops of oil to the two locks on either side of the needle plate. When they are at their highest point, with the needle plate removed, oil the part of the locks that slide up and down into the recesses of the machine. Then, work them up and down gently until they start cooperating. Another helpful hint: when removing the needle plate, roll the hand wheel towards you and as the needle is descending and is almost at the needle plate opening, the plate slides out easier.

[@denisesawyer6980]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you 🙏. We did that and now the locks pop up much better. I can slide the throat plate out much easier than I have been able to since I got the machine. You’re a genius!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@denisesawyer6980 it’s just an accumulation of time and experience that helps me solve these little issues. I do so many things now that are almost automatic when I disassemble machines, that my customers ask me to show them what I just did. Everything I learned I either picked up by trial and error, or someone was kind enough to show me. ( There was no KZbin in 1973 when I started on this odyssey.) It’s amazing how many useful tips I’ve picked up from my customers as well. We are all members of the sewing community, so we might as well help each other.

[@Thewespacker519]

Just found this same machine (serial #ap202843) on the side of the road for trash today! And it's in really good condition!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Oil it up and get it sewing. Great find.

[@pamperedchanel]

Hi Randy! A friend of mine asked me to gussied her 603e up. The handwheel had a terrible crack inside so I replaced it. The light fixtures was also cracked and crumbled as I tried to take the bulb out. I got a replacement fixture and installed by soldering the wires into the existing cord and it blew a fuse when I turned switch on. Any idea of the problem? The rest of the wiring seems to be fine. Appreciate your help!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Either the switch is bad, there’s a bare wire somewhere, or the wrong wires were soldered together. Good luck.

[@shelbypriest124]

Can you do a bobbin relain video on this model?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I’ve already done a “how to wind a bobbin” on a touch n sew machine. It’s there amongst the others. I think it was with a 758 series.

[@dollywilfley8016]

Randy, I just bought, cleaned, oiled a 603 etc. The only thing that doesn't seem to be right is the reverse lever. It doesn't have a threaded knob. I'm thinking if it did, I could tighten the lever for my choice of stitch length. Then (in a perfect world), when I need to backstitch, the reverse will come back to my choice of stitch length, correct? Do you know of a way to solve this issue? Otherwise it looks like I will have to LOOK at that reverse lever every time I use it. Any suggestions?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Go to sewing parts online dot com and buy another reverse lever. There’s a set screw that holds it in place and it’s super easy to replace. Push the lever all the way up (reverse) and you will see the set screw (bolt) underneath the lever at the rear. Lose it and pull the lever out. Put the new one in and tighten it down. Bingo. Done.

[@dollywilfley8016]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Hm. I looked through their parts listed for the 603 twice and did not see a reverse lever. Any suggestions?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@dollywilfley8016 did you do a search at the site for a stitch length/reverse lever? That might yield a better result.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Never mind. I just looked. No luck. Try Brewer Sewing Supplies. I know I’ve bought some from them before.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I just did a search and found one pictured at vintage sewing parts.com. It’s also called Central Michigan sewing supplies.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Picked up one at an auction for $3.00. Every bit as clean, and includes the manual. The manual is dated 1963. I don't have the accessories, however, and missing the bobbin plate.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

That needle plate should be available online as well as the accessories. Try sewing parts plus. com.

[@sethskid2]

I just bought another of these machines. Inside it looks brand spanking new! I oiled & lubricated everything (except the motor). It runs like a dream! Only one problem, sometimes (often) when I press the pedal nothing happens. Sometimes I can hear it trying to get moving but sometimes there's no sound at all. I manually give the handwheel a turn & it starts working. Do you have any idea on how the fix this? I've tried other pedals but the same thing happens.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It’s usually not a pedal problem. If the machine has been unused for an extended period of time, airborne particles and oxidation can form on the motor armature and brushes. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS When a machine is put back in to service, unthread the machine and run it at top speed with the presser foot lever in the up position for at least five minutes without stopping. You will hear the RPM’s of the motor keep increasing until they reach maximum. Run it for FIVE MINUTES. FIVE MINUTES. WITHOUT STOPPING. On a non touch n sew, the instructions are to do that after disengagement if the hand wheel clutch. The touch n sew doesn’t have a hand wheel clutch release.

[@sethskid2]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thanks, I'll do that

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@sethskid2 👍🏼

[@sethskid2]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 oh darn, that didn't fix it. Any other ideas?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@sethskid2 there’s one bolt (bottom right of machine) that holds the motor bracket in place that secures the motor. If you can remove that bracket and pull the motor down from its housing, you can try running the motor at high speed without being under the load of driving the machine. Run it a long time, top speed, without stopping. If that process doesn’t recondition the brushes and armature combo, you might want to have a service tech check it out.

[@M.L.Reid9093]

Great video as always thanks for sharing. I'm from N.C. and I took your advice and went to a thrift store and found an Singer Cg-550 it stitches 1100 per. min it is mostly metal and appears to be in good condition it just didn't have a foot peddle cord so I ordered one. Do you know anything about this type of sewing machine? Your knowledge and opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

It’s like most recent, modern sewing machines. It has limits because of its high level of plastic components. If you’re careful and don’t try to challenge it with heavy threads or heavy fabrics, it will probably be serviceable. It’s similar to the Singer “Heavy Duty” machine in its structure. If you watch my videos on those machines you’ll see my opinion of them. When I say go to the thrift store to buy a machine, I’m recommending searching out a pre-plastic era sewing machine. I should be more specific.

[@M.L.Reid9093]

Randy Your Sewing Machine Man ....thanks for responding. You are very specific I just thought that since this sewing machine has a plastic on top and the bottom is all metal that I had gotten something of value. I just came across your channel not to long ago by mistake but really like the information that you put out and should of looked at more of your videos before being in a rush to look for a vintage sewing machine , but no worries I’ll make it work and keep watching your videos .

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

LaVern Reid 👍

[@kathystandeford6925]

Hey Randy I bought one of these from a little old lady that was selling everything to move in with her daughter. She said she hadn't used the machine a lot or used it in quite a while. I really can't imagine this woman ripped me off but the machine doesn't work. I can hear it hum when I plug it in but seems to be kind of locked up. I'm in Indianapolis IN. Can you recommend someone that won't charge mean arm and a leg to look at it ?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Disengage the hand wheel clutch and see if the motor runs freely. Most likely your machine is in a condition known as”thread locked” and it happens often to many different machines.. Clear the thread Jam in the hook assembly area and you’ll be all set.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If your machine is a Singer touch n sew, you’ll need to remove the bobbin case from its place in the shuttle to solve the jam.The touch n sew doesn’t have a clutch release knob.

[@denisesawyer6980]

I just picked up one of these gems. The manual I have says to set the “Stitch Pattern Selectors to AK “and stitch width to 3 to wind the bobbin. This is on page 10, step 6. I don’t have a stitch Pattern Selector, just a stitch width. My machine looks exactly like yours. What is meant by an AK? Also should I leave the stitch with at S or at 3? BTW I decided to buy the machine after watching this video. I love how it sews!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

The machines that have the A and K settings are similar to the 603 except they have built in stitches that are selected by combining the appropriate letter combinations. A and K are the letters that produce a straight stitch when selected. So, they’re telling you to put the machine on straight stitch when you wind the bobbin. When the width is set on three, it places the needle in the center position.

[@denisesawyer6980]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Ahh! Thank you for clearing up that mystery!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@denisesawyer6980 I’m guessing you might have a model 600 owners manual with the grey front panel instead of the gold one. That model has the selectors as well as a few others.

[@denisesawyer6980]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Actually the manual shows the same gold machine on the cover( with the words 603E printed in the snapshot.) The title says “Instructions for Using Touch & Sew Special Zig-Zag Swing Machine.” The copyright date says 1965. Maybe the manual page wasn’t updated when Singer went to the 603E model. Doesn’t matter you solved the mystery for me ! 💁‍♀️

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@denisesawyer6980 👍

[@jenniferrobinson2000]

I just purchased this machine with the table and chair all manuals and attachments for $50

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

You. Are. The. Genius. 👍🏼

[@heidijoweeks6136]

I need help I can figure out how to do the bobbin on me

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Thread it normally with the presser foot in the raised position. Thread the needle front to back and pull a long portion of thread under the raised foot and to the rear. Wrap several turns around the screw that holds your presser foot In place. Hold onto the thread that’s wrapped around the screw and with your other hand, engage the button for winding the bobbin. Run the machine at medium speed (preferably on straight stitch) and it will cut the thread and continue to wind onto the bobbin. It’s best to wind an empty bobbin and make sure it’s screwed together snugly. Make sure the presser foot is in the up position. Good luck.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I just made a quick video on how to wind the bobbin on a 603-e touch n sew. It’s loading now. Should be ready soon.

[@aleximos]

Hey Randy! Great job. What's your opinion about singer 6105?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I’m not a fan of the 6105. Fragile gears. Not precision at all.

[@johnmoosman387]

Randy, I just inherited this same machine with all the original books and accessories. It is in great shape, other than it has sat unused for more than 10 years. I just oiled it and need to get some lubricant for the gears. In general, I see rust inside from time. Any tips for it's rehab before I use it would be appreciated. I own a 638 touch n sew, blue that I have always loved, but it goes through gears. I have replaced them multi times. I am loving that the gold is all metal. Nice video on this gem! Joanie

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Thanks for your kind comments. The best gear lube is Vaseline petroleum jelly. It’s cheap, available, and effective. It’s what we used at the official Singer service center. Any oxidation will wipe off with mineral oil and 0000 steel wool. Any non-painted part will shine like new using that combo. Don’t get any oil on the motor, everything else is oilable. If it hinges, slides, or rotates in a bearing: oil it. Modern sewing machine oil is highly refined mineral oil. Very viscous and clear as water. A little goes a long way. Just don’t forget: DON’T OIL THE MOTOR.

[@johnmoosman387]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Thank you so much Randy. I hope to have this purring like a kitten!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@johnmoosman387 👍

[@krystleroy3068]

I just found one for free it was totally frozen and everything included everything u have.and more took me for ever to fix it

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Well done and you will be rewarded for the time you spent getting it operational. 👍🏼

[@vivianredic918]

Do you repair sewing machines for your subscribers ?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I certainly try to help them troubleshoot a solution to whatever problem they’re having. If they live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area I surely do service and repair machines for my subscribers. I have seven drop-off locations, and I do on-site service as well.

[@judithbravo5346]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 Would love to take you up on that, we are in Orlando Florida so i am planning on breaking it open this weekend to figure out its problem

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Judith Bravo what is the malfunction? What type and model of sewing machine is it?

[@judithbravo5346]

Randy Your Sewing Machine Man i have a touch&sew 603e. And the hook is stuck it does not go up/down

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Judith Bravo turn the machine over and work on turning the gears from the bottom. Be sure that all the lubrication points are sufficiently oiled. DO NOT OIL THE MOTOR !

[@DonhughJackson]

Why did he say it will last a couple days? Lol

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

That’s a colloquial expression that is used by old school salesmen that means, “Act now, supplies are limited”. Since I only had one, it sold in a few days and is now somewhere sewing away and making a sewist quite pleased. That’s why “He said that”. 😎👍