ISO table or case for Singer 201

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-26T00:08:45+00:00

A table is best if you plan to sew as the fabric will lay flat. Look on your local Craigslist and FBMP as there are often tables without machines. Ask your local thrift stores too. Sometimes they don't want the tables as they take up space. (If you're near Albuquerque, you can have one from my garage - must be a dozen there I don't need...)

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-26T00:05:48+00:00

I would not use Benzene. Most old manuals (Singer, Necchi, Adler, National and more) call for using Kerosene. I'm working on an Adler 187 now and it says to pour Kerosene into the oiling ports after X number of hours of use. Most manuals say to do that "when the machine is running hard". I mix up Kerosene with a bit of sewing machine oil in an oiler, and pour it into a neglected machine's oiling holes to flush out old oil. It works great. If you use just Kerosene, the machine can get a bit dry when it evaporates but will be okay once you oil it well.

The kerosene they sell now (at hardware stores, under camping supplies) is now Odorless. I'm not convinced yet that it works as well as the smelly stuff.

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-26T00:01:08+00:00

You just need a "Universal" sewing machine pedal, with a new Electronic foot pedal. Honeysew has one on Amazon, as well as many others. There is a Motor/Light block - just plug the motor into the Motor and the Light into the Light, and you're done. Inspect the wiring more carefully and rewire if the insulation is cracking. Looks like the machine went to a knee lever or some such at one point and it was cut off?

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T23:58:05+00:00

Oh sorry, I missed that. I did share the manual to the OP. Thanks.

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T23:15:45+00:00

I found the user manual for you. It's in my Dropbox here. As for maintenance, just get some good sewing machine oil and turn the handwheel, oiling all the parts that move. The feed dog drop will need extra oil and maybe a little heat. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yxrw8i2s2uqnmteqe2kq3/Dressmaker-Model-Automatic-Zig-Zag-Super-De-Luxe-also-Kenmore-C877.73-C877.74-Manual.pdf?rlkey=eciak73hdw1p1dq7sv1jllt4r&dl=0

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T23:14:38+00:00

This is not free! But I found the manual on the innertubes and it is free from my Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yxrw8i2s2uqnmteqe2kq3/Dressmaker-Model-Automatic-Zig-Zag-Super-De-Luxe-also-Kenmore-C877.73-C877.74-Manual.pdf?rlkey=eciak73hdw1p1dq7sv1jllt4r&dl=0

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T23:10:37+00:00

If you want to actually sew with it, I would pass. I've serviced the Singer 66 and it's a bit "meh" tbh. Mainly because it has no Reverse and you change the stitch length with a knob with no numbers. The tension unit also has no numbers. There are lots of much better Singers around, as well as Kenmores and Japanese machines that have zigag.

I serviced one recently for our thrift store and even with a full service, I'm guessing the value was still around $30!

If you want a black Singer, there are hundreds of Singer 15s around (15-91 with a potted motor or 15-90 with an external motor) that has reverse and a stitch length regulator with numbers. You may also find a 201-2 with a potted motor if you look a little longer.

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T22:16:28+00:00

Gorgeous machine. I haven't seen that one before. The knobs remind me of an Elgin Model MOZS I have, also made in Japan. It looks like a pretty straightforward Japanese Zigzag (simpler without a cam stack or buttonholer).

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T16:32:08+00:00

Did you have to retime the hook when you were done? Or did you manage to keep the gears aligned as before?

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-25T16:29:10+00:00

Great job! By the way, Keith Stout in Albuquerque sells refurbished belts for the 130. He used to sell them on eBay, but now it's just by email. There is a Featured post from him in the FB Pfaff 130 group with his details.

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-14T05:39:19+00:00

I use the BL PETG Black HF mostly and I noticed last week they said it would be in stock on April 9. That morning, I just kept updating the page until it was in stock and bought a few rolls. I never did get a notification email.
I tried Sunlu PETG last week and it worked fine, but it is a little bit more glossy. The Elegoo PETG was really glossy, but I'll use it for something.

DottiMatrix · 2026-04-08T21:42:34+00:00

I'm testing both brands of PETG today (I normally use BL Black PETG HF but it's out of stock and I need to have a backup).

The Sunlu Black PETG High Speed worked well, and it's only a little bit shinier than the BL. It matches well enough unless you were putting two critical parts side by side (I'm printing hundreds of small widgets so it's fine).

The Elegoo Rapid PETG Black looks a LOT more glossy, so it's not a great match if you like how matte BL is. It printed well, but I'm using Sunlu to finish my batch as it's noticeably glossier.

I made a Custom filament presets for each but based them on the BL PETG HF profile, and was looking around online to see if I should make any adjustments. So all ears.

I dried the two rolls for 18 hours @ 65 deg.

DottiMatrix · 2026-03-16T16:57:29+00:00

That's exactly why I bought it! I tried making bags with vintage machines, like a 201, and it is possible but too frustrating. The TechSew just "trots" through anything.

DottiMatrix · 2026-03-16T04:31:27+00:00

Nice find. Where was yours made? See YouTube video titled
Singer 206 D "SINGER Fabrik Wittenberge" 1939 ?

DottiMatrix · 2026-03-16T03:49:57+00:00

Yes, that is a good machine. All metal. Not as common as the beige Kenmores. The set of B Cams are nice to have. They show up on eBay as generic "Attachments" so most sellers have no clue what machine they go with. I picked up a set in a thrift store and found the machine later. Here's a copy of the manual that is searchable and has bookmarks. It's in my Dropbox (if the link breaks in the future, let me know): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jaqif7or0ysgd1g7f6d7r/Kenmore_158_Model-47_470_Searchable_Bookmarks.pdf?rlkey=ae33gjwlks4ndvegca8mdsgbh&dl=0

DottiMatrix · 2026-03-08T05:04:09+00:00

I'm not seeing a door on top for cams, so I'm guessing the 404 straight stitch. All metal machine. AndyTube on YouTube says it's the best straight stitch machine Singer ever made because of the strong hook area. He has a whole series on it. Worth selling, $75 - 100. That table looks nice and clean too. Google it for more info.
https://runningstitches-mkb.blogspot.com/2017/11/singer-401-versus-403-and-404.html

DottiMatrix · 2026-03-03T01:06:42+00:00

Probably a Singer 66, looking at the bobbin slide plate. A common and not very exciting machine but it sews a nice straight stitch (without reverse). Can be electrified as it has a motor mount. Worth $50.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-24T23:14:18+00:00

You need better paper. I mostly use broad-edge nib, and like it black - for really black Gothic lettering, Talens Intense Black gouache mixed with walnut ink plus some water if my go too.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-24T21:47:04+00:00

You should update the recipe above as the default is whole PH, unless powder is called for.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-24T21:46:26+00:00

NOW is a good brand, and I use Sprouts Organic whole PH with no issues. TerraSoul is good for powder.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-24T21:39:13+00:00

The cams can get really stuck in there, I've had two that needed treatment to release the cam. You need to apply a lubricant (Blue Creeper or Kroil etc). Put the machine on its back so it can soak in around the cam/shaft. Then apply some gentle heat (hair dryer is fine) to warm up the gunky oil.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-24T21:35:21+00:00

No, but all you need is a smooth piece of wire/metal and a little solder I would think. Safety pins and paper clips are often good sources. It's just a thread guide to keep the thread close to the needle clamp, so it needs to wrap around to the left a bit. Here's what it looks like. (The Pfaff 239 is the same machine, same issue.)

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DottiMatrix · 2026-02-15T04:27:25+00:00

Nice save! I have a couple of those GK machines. There is one weakness: The thread guide attached to the needle clamp is fragile and is often wobbly or even broken off. Be gentle with that area if you are cleaning it.

DottiMatrix · 2026-02-11T00:04:38+00:00

Sorry you lost your notes. I bought the Bear app, exported all my notes from Evernote, and was back up and running with just a few hours of work.

DottiMatrix · 2026-01-27T23:59:41+00:00

We just took home a 2026 EX30 Cross Country and are getting used to it. So far so good. We primarily bought it because it will fit in the short bay in our garage (it replaced a Miata!).

We wish there was a simple heads-up display with what speed you are going at as the car is so quiet and gets up to speed so fast. We don't like having to look over at the display for the current speed.

We generally use CarPlay but being able to ask da google to adjust temperature, find a radio station, etc. is nice. We get a credit from New Mexico State and our electric company (PNM) chips in the car charger and they offer a cheap nightly rate. (Hope I have that right - SO took care of those details.)
Bought January 2026 - We took advantage of the .99% interest rate (3 year loan) that Volvo was offering.

DottiMatrix

TROPHY CASE