SINGER 774- HOW TO THREAD IT, WIND A BOBBIN, R & R BOBBIN CASE, REMOVE THE TOP & BOTTOM (video 430)

Just some quick pointers to help out a couple folks who requested them.

[@randyc8171]

Great video. I have a 717 ex-school machines in my collection. Just straight and zig zag stitches.

[@robotbuster1487]

I've seen many of the these Singer 75X machines around lately, especially the 750. The stitch widlth dials remind me of thread spools. Some are horizontal, and others are verticle in there presentation. I have had my trepidations on buying any of them. I did buy a Singer 478 on Monday, on clearence for $2.86. No pedal, broken top gear, came with the Singer case, motor runs. I noticed the motor is devoid of a housing, exposed stator/windings. I was hoping the tote would retrofit to a Singer 603E, but the base and the location of the knurled nut and stud screw location are different between the 478 vs the 603. The 478 top gear job will be a winter time repair. The gear on the main (handwheel)) shaft is looking a little grim. I noticed that gear has an eccentric hole, acts like a lobe on a cam shaft. Amazon has one listing for a main shaft gear, with a photo that shows that it has the offset-to-centerline shaft hole. The description doesnt state if it will work on a Singer 478. I'm wondering if Singer's 'lobed gear' for the main shaft is a one type, fits all ,, or is there several model-specific lobed gears ? (I passed on a Pfaff 1035 machine on Monday, but I bought the 478, and 2 Kenmores (148.13110, & 158.13050. ) 26 machines...still trying to reach 30 machines😊. I failed basic math.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If you enjoy tinkering and rehabbing old machines, then buy what looks interesting and have fun. Since I’m just looking for machines that are strictly steel, chrome, brass, and alloy frames, I buy fewer but sell all of them. I won’t sell anything that isn’t durable to the tenth power. That’s just been my business model for a long time. I’m totally familiar with everything that’s out there, and can tell at a glance what’s wrong with a machine and what will go wrong with a machine. It sounds like you’re getting to that point as well. If you start selling your collection, then your appraisal of what you want to buy will shift dramatically. It will be more about what sells, than what’s fun to work on with only completion and accomplishment as your reward. Time becomes money, then time becomes short. Then time exceeds money in value. Enjoy the time.😎👍

[@petersoares1516]

Thank you for the video. I'm helping my mom (84) try to resurrect a model 774 she inherited from my grandmother. Could you share some pointers. Issue #1: Same as Chris-ny3je. Needle is off center and won't move. I'll follow your advice to him. #2: The threaded needle will not pick up the bobbin thread. #3: The singer needle 2045 seems to be fully inserted (it stops when it hits the screw which is located just above the needle clamp), however, on the downstroke the tip of the needle hits the flywheel below the bobbin case suggesting that the needle is too long or not fully inserted. I opened up the needle slot to check for a broken shaft - it was clean. Many thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@petersoares1516 when the needle hits on a 774 it tells me first to check the timing. Then check for a broken gear. Then check for a worn out timing belt.

[@petersoares1516]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thanks. I'll open it up and take a look under the hood!

[@petersoares1516]

I was able to fix issue #2 and 3 by adjusting the timing and by moving the needle arm upward by a very small distance. thanks! If you, or Chris-ny3je...if he is listening....has another tip on how to center the needle- let me know. The micro adjustments that are possible by modifying the needle position dial, were not enough to recenter the needle. I've watched videos for other Singers which have an adjustment screw located on the needle arm - but the 774, does not appear to have this adjustment screw. Is there another way to push the needle arm?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@petersoares1516 take the top off and look at the backside of the needle bar assembly. Through the peephole you might see two screws that will help you center the needle.

[@Chris-ny3je]

Thanks for the advice, as a beginner I bought one of these used for my wife to assist her with her sewing. She pointed out that the needle was not central to the foot. As displayed by the red dot. The needle position dial is in the centre. The needle is not bent and is seated correctly. Just wanted to know if there was a fine needle adjustment or if there was a video showing the procedure. Thanks. She loves the singer 774

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

If it’s slightly off center, there’s a slotted screw attached to the needle position dial on top to make a slight adjustment. Remove the top cover and you’ll see the adjustment right at the needle position dial. Make sure that the settings are on straight stitch and out of the buttonhole mode.

[@Chris-ny3je]

Tried that but unfortunately the needle is too far to the right and the dial centering screw had little effect. Upon further reading would I try loosening the two hinge bracket clamping screws and then move the vibrating bracket till the needle centralizes, then tighten the 2 screws? Sounds like I know what I’m doing but if there is an easier method please let me know. I’ll be sleeping on the couch if I brake her new (old) machine. Lol thanks.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Chris-ny3je I’m concerned that something else is going on. I always encourage you to double check all your machines settings and ensure that all movements are sufficiently lubricated and worked back and forth. If your needle bar is just stuck over there, and needing lubrication to free it up, turning a bunch of screws would be a bad result. Look on the far right side of the zig zag control rod to be sure that the mechanism isn’t stuck. Those machines rarely are that far out of range. Like never.

[@Chris-ny3je]

Thanks I’ll try lubricants tomorrow to make sure nothing is stuck or sticking.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@Chris-ny3je 😎👍🏼

[@BeatriceGreenberg-pm2kh]

how do I get the free arm to work on the SInger 774? Thanks for the video.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@BeatriceGreenberg-pm2kh I believe that’s the one that just snaps down.

[@rhondamercado7527]

Hey Randy. A friend asked me to look at the singer heavy duty 5532 machine. I know this video isn’t related to my question but I came to the first singer video of yours that I saw. Hope that’s ok. The needle position button isn’t moving the needle far enough to the left or right. Is there an adjustment button somewhere that will fix that? Unfortunately I don’t have a repair manual on this machine. Any help will be appreciated.

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

I don’t know what is causing that, but there’s probably an adjustment that will be either on the needle bar at the end of the swing rod, or at the needle position lever. There’s usually a tiny set screw that’s hiding at the eccentric adjustment screw to loosen and rotate the slotted adjustment screw.

[@nicholapeaslee7187]

Hi there, I inherited my great grandmothers 774. I am working on it to see if it is in working order but am having trouble winding the bobbin. Is there a trick to disengaging the hand wheel? Thanks!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@nicholapeaslee7187 put a cloth around the inside release knob so you don’t damage it with the channel locks that you’ll use to release it. Hold the hand wheel still with your left hand, and release the inside knob with the channel locks by turning the knob towards you. Easy, peasy.

[@nicholapeaslee7187]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 thank you, now the bobbin will spin to load but should the presser foot be moving too?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@nicholapeaslee7187 no. The hand wheel needs to be disassembled and oiled. I have a video posted with that procedure. It’s one of my oldest and most watched videos.

[@nicholapeaslee7187]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 okay thank you for your help!

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@nicholapeaslee7187 you’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 😎👍🏼

[@ronalddevine9587]

Plastic? Rotary hook? Doorstop?

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

Not a lot of plastic, but enough for several people to have a plastic part. Has a real nice chrome plated rotary hook that’s probably identical to a Singer slantomatic, and it will eventually be a doorstop at the local landfill.(if the manager has a sense of humor)

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@randyyoursewingmachineman9954 LOL 😆 🤣 😂

[@shirley1413]

Another interesting explanation of later model singer , I would think that if you know the basics of sewing, it would be a good machine. And by the way Randy, I made the mistake a few years ago of taking the bobbin case apart on , [ the area you said don’t ever take these screws out,) it was a thrift shop special I think 5 bucks, and right after I took it apart, I knew I had messed it up, the machine had other issues as well, it was a good lesson for me!😿

[@randyyoursewingmachineman9954]

@@shirley1413 I get it. I’ve got receipts for most of my bad decisions over the years. That’s how we learn lessons. Like everything else in life, even most lessons aren’t “free”. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😎👍🏼