Posted 3 years ago
FreeNumber5
(4 items)
I continue to run into roadblocks with this machine. I think I solved the presser foot issue. Next is the handwheel, I think something is wrong here. In this picture it looks like the stop motion knob is gone. Then there is the bobbin winder, and I can't figure out how in the world I am supposed to wind a bobbin when the belt doesn't reach. I had to buy a new belt as the other one (a stretchy one) that was on it was cracked. I thought, does the bobbin winder and the motor fit in the same belt? or am I supposed to remove the belt from the handwheel and put it on the bobbin winder ? This next picture shows that the bobbin winder sits low on the machine. It does move back and forth as it should and swivel away from the machine when needed. I have yet to clean the metal as I am not sure what is the best product to use.
Apparently this machine is turning out to be more of a "problem child" and it may end up doing time out in the corner, Is it possible to buy another handwheel that would fit and be complete, or should I buy just a stop motion knob? Any help at all is appreciated!
Still an unsolved mystery...
FreeNumber5, It sure does look like you need a replacement stop-motion knob.
A quick look at the Intertubes didn't reveal anybody with a spare one, so your best best is to appeal to serious vintage sewing machine enthusiasts who actually have a Free No. 5, such as the ones at the victoriansweatshop forum:
https://www.victoriansweatshop.com/
With all of their hands-on experience, they'd be better positioned to help you. There may well be another make/model of vintage sewing machine that has a compatible part that you could use as a replacement.
As to the belt, the manual does seem to suggest that it's the same one (I touched up the OCR conversion here and there, but no guarantees that it's perfect):
*snip*
Winding the Bobbin
Hold the hand wheel with the left hand, and with the right hand release the clutch, turning it half-way around. This will permit the loose pulley to run free. Pull the bobbin winder towards you, UNTIL THE SMALL PULLEY WHEEL (1) COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE BELT. TURN THE MACHINE UNTIL THE DISTRIBUTING LEVER (2) IS AS FAR TO THE RIGHT AS IT WILL GO. Place one end of the bobbin in the socket (3) on the right side and the other end of the bobbin in the pivot point (4) in the plunger, on the left side. To do so, pull the plunger nut (8) towards the left to admit the bobbin, letting it spring back in place, which will hold the bobbin in the winder. Catch the end of the thread between the brass end of the bobbin and the socket (3) of the shaft on the right side. Place thread over the top of lever (5), then down through notch (6) in bottom of lever.
NOTE--Place the spool on spool pin and hold the thread, letting it run straight towards you from the spool over your finger and down to No. 6 guide on the bobbin winder, or the same results may be had by letting the thread run from the spool over the thread guide at top of face plate and then to No. 6. The illustration shows the thread being held in the hand above the bobbin winder.
BE SURE TO STOP WINDING BEFORE THE THREAD IS WOUND HIGHER THAN THE BRASS END OP THE BOBBIN. A drop of oil should be placed at friction point (4) at left end of bobbin (see illustration) ; also at (7). When through winding the bobbin, push the winder back against the arm of the Machine. Hold the hand wheel with the left hand and turn the release nut around until it locks the loose pulley to the wheel.
WINDING THE BOBBIN CORRECTLY [illegible] AS A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN FORMING A PERFECT STITCH. PRACTICE THIS AND LEARN TO DO IT WELL.
CAUTION—NEVER BEGIN WINDING A BOBBIN OVER ONE THAT IS PARTLY FILLED WITH DIFFERENT KIND OF THREAD.
*snip*
https://ismacs.net/free/manuals/freevs-c-e-ce-manual.pdf
It could also be that your replaced belt needs adjusting. Here's some advice from expert Mel:
https://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/2017/03/replacing-treadle-sewing-machine-belts.html
Good luck, and Merry Christmas. :-)
D'oh! I should have known better than to try to comment on complicated CW S&T posts when I'm busy with other things.
Your Free No. 5 is electric, so disregard what I wrote earlier about the belt.
You need expert help with this machine, and that would not be me. :-(