PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 8/29/06
Posts: 5755
Body Type:
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 8/12/20 11:00 PM ET
I've been wondering how critical is it that the oil wick is not near the surface of the oil wick hole like it use to be. When I tilt the machine so I can look down into the hole, I can see the wick down in there. I've never poked at it to make it go down.
This happened after only 2 drops of Tri-Flow was used on the oil wick. Just a few days after doing that, I read on PR to not use Tri-Flow on oil wicks.
Unlucky (stupid) me! Maybe using Tri-Flow there and the wick dropping down was a coincidence. Besides the Tri-Flow use, is it not good that the wick has receded or what?

Anyone have any advice or thoughts about this? There's only one sm tech in my semi-rural area and he is booked up. Plus, a service fee starts at $99.

  
Member since 5/2/09
Posts: 11280
Send Message
1 Replies
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 8/12/20 11:18 PM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
I don't think it's critical at all. But, I don't know what machine it is either. But some machines have kind of a loose oil wick stuck down in the middle of the bobbin basket, and people pull them out all the time, just since they might think they are thread fuzz instead even. If those are not there, I don't think it will hurt anything. As if you stick a drop or two of oil down there, it's still going to go to the the the same place. Just direct and not have extra sitting there for longer on some short oil wick. Plus you could most times unless it was some clam shell type put together kind of machine, just take the bottom hook compartment off the machine, and even oil it direct there, if you wanted to. So, I would not worry about it at all really. Not a comment on tri flow at all though, as I never use that stuff.
  
Member since 8/29/06
Posts: 5755
Body Type:
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 8/12/20 11:28 PM ET
In reply to beauturbo
Thanks! The sm is a Singer 4411.
  
Member since 11/13/04
Posts: 15931
Send Message
1 Replies
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 8/12/20 11:45 PM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
Quote: bestgrammy
Thanks! The sm is a Singer 4411.

bestgrammy, I'm not familiar with your Singer model.

I had other, probably older, Singer models with dirty oil wicks I replaced with new oil wicks.

Please look online if someone sells oil wicks for your Singer model, if you don't have a good dealer within driving distance who sells them.
  
Member since 8/29/06
Posts: 5755
Body Type:
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 8/13/20 0:15 AM ET
In reply to TeeGee
Quote:
Please look online if someone sells oil wicks for your Singer model, if you don't have a good dealer within driving distance who sells them.


I've done that previously, but nothing came up for that make/model.

Are you saying the wick should be replaced?
  
Member since 11/13/04
Posts: 15931
Send Message
Posted on: 8/13/20 0:57 AM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
Quote: bestgrammy
I've done that previously, but nothing came up for that make/model.

Are you saying the wick should be replaced?

bestgrammy, I don't know your Singer model. When I'm on my PC again I can look for a pdf manual. Does the felt wick have to be oiled ?

The felt wicks in old(er) Singers, ( I don't remember the model numbers), I tinkered with were easy to remove and replace with felt wicks I bought at a dealer.
  
Member since 11/13/04
Posts: 15931
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 8/13/20 1:11 AM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
Bestgrammy, I read Singer 4411 oiling comments on Amazon. People wrote no oiling instructions in the manual.

One person said there are two small holes in the "feed plate" on either side of the presser foot. A drop there will help.

I would remove the needle plate and look below the two holes. Not all holes in needle plates are oiling holes.
  
Member since 8/29/06
Posts: 5755
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 8/13/20 11:34 AM ET
In reply to TeeGee
Quote:
I read Singer 4411 oiling comments on Amazon. People wrote no oiling instructions in the manual. One person said there are two small holes in the "feed plate" on either side of the presser foot. A drop there will help.


I agree there are not oiling instructions in the manual. I have the manual and have read it. I appreciate your time and trouble looking up information for me.
Although I'm not exactly sure what the Amazon person is referring to as the two small "feed plate" holes, I'm thinking it's not correct to oil there if what is mentioned is actually the needle plate. I've read that same thing elsewhere and it doesn't seem correct.

As for oiling the oil wick, it's very odd that Singer left out even cleaning instructions from the manual itself, but did send me an addendum through email about 2 years ago.
Quote:
Your machine has been pre-lubricated at the factory; as a result oiling the bobbin case area is not necessary. You can occasionally place 2-3 drops of Singer Machine Oil on the wick as shown below:

There is a picture of the oil wick in the center oil wick hole, but it won't let me copy the picture. So, the second picture of these two pictures is similar to the one Singer sent.

So, my issue is not where to oil but concerns the oil wick itself which has receded from the upper edge of the oil wick hole.

I really do appreciate you taking time and effort to help with this.
There just isn't information about it that can easily be found. Probably I should call Singer customer service to hear what they say. Thank you so much.
Edited a typo for grammar
-- Edited on 8/13/20 at 2:59 PM --
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
Send Message
1 Replies
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 8/13/20 1:42 PM ET
Well, I notice that my Brothers don't even have a hole - so no wick. So I guess no oil?! You are told not to oil them in the manuals.

Janomes I do put a drop of oil in, and on my vintage Pfaff there is a small round hole at the very back of the bobbin case area and I was told by my tech to add a drop there now and then - makes sense - metal on metal back there, and thats in addition to the bobbin race drop of oil.

I think beauturbo had it correct - don't worry about it - and put a drop of oil in there.
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 5/2/09
Posts: 11280
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 8/13/20 2:01 PM ET
In reply to bestgrammy
If you are really all that worried about it, when you call Singer maybe ask them to send you a new one even. They would call it a part # 416155801 bobbin shaft oil cloth. I don't know if they would send that to you free or not, but you could I guess, ask and try, I think for sure, not worth paying $90 for it, as that would be half the cost of the whole machine, and you don't even really need it for anything.
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!