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From: needlenthread
Date: 04-19-2003, 01:44 AM (1 of 9)
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I had recently picked up a sewing machine at a garage sale, and it's the Singer zigzag model 477. Only problem is, it doesn't come with a manual, and as I have NO experience with sewing machines whatsoever, I am getting nowhere. My problem is that I can't get the needle to pick up the bobbin thread. I put the bobbin in, but it is nowhere close to the needle, thus the needle can't pick up the thread. Actually, I don't even know if I put the bobbin in correctly. If some of you are a visual person, I'd be more than happy to provide you with pictures of how my machine is currently "threaded", maybe then you could tell me what's wrong with my threading; any help I would definitely appreciate. Thank you! |
User: needlenthread
Member since: 04-19-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: pennypins
Date: 04-19-2003, 05:39 AM (2 of 9)
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Hi - congrats on your find! If you can get it working, you'll like this machine. Makes a great stitch, and fairly simple once you get going. My kids use a StyleMate which is similar. Anyway - I hope I don't have bad news for you. It sounds to me like the timing is off. Timing is exactly what you described about the needle reaching the bobbin thread in time to make a stitch. First, here's a link http://www.sewusa.com/threading/singerthr476.htm that will show you how to thread the machine, and set the bobbin. Turn the handwheel towards you while holding the needle thread and then the bobbin thread should pull up in a loop - this is described also in the link above. If this doesn't work, and you're using regular needles, flat side to the back, then I'm fairly certain its the timing and you'll need a sewing machine mechanic to fix that. My husband has done this, but its very difficult to learn and not always successful! Let me know how it turns out, Penny http://community.webshots.com/user/pennypins
was "plcp" at SWN since Jan/01 |
User: pennypins
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 39 |
From: wghmch
Date: 04-19-2003, 03:28 PM (3 of 9)
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The 477 was one of the Stylists which all had a timing gear (part #155819) that eventually breaks. This gear is kind of hidden on the top of the shaft that runs vertically in the machine. You can tell if its broken by removing the bottom cover and watching the timing belt underneath while you turn the hand wheel. If the gear is broken, the belt won't turn. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: needlenthread
Date: 04-19-2003, 05:57 PM (4 of 9)
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Pennypins - Thanks for the link! I printed it out, and followed their instructions but once again, it still doesn't work :( It's the timing? I took some photos, and uploaded it to Yahoo! If you could be as kind as to take a look, I'd really appreciate it! http://photos.yahoo.com/needlesnthread314 and it's the folder marked "Singer 477". One thing you might notice is that the bobbin and the needle don't really come in contact with each other; I'm confused as to how the needle is supposed to pull the bobbin thread if they don't come in contact with each other (picture m03 shows what I mean). Perhaps I put it in the wrong way (picture m08 shows how I put the bobbin in)? If the photos doesn't work, please email me: <email address removed for privacy> I'd really love to get this sorted out so I can start sewing 
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User: needlenthread
Member since: 04-19-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: pennypins
Date: 04-19-2003, 07:02 PM (5 of 9)
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Hi, it does seem to be the timing; I'm also not sure why you've taken the bobbin case out of the machine. The bobbin case should stay in there, kind of locked in but not tight (it has to be placed in a particular way); and then you remove the bobbin only for winding and then drop it in to the bobbin case when ready to sew. Anyway, the response from Bill H. was great - he's a pro. I think I'm going to step aside on this one and suggest you go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagesingers/. This is a great bunch of people who collect and use vintage Singers (most of what I've learned I've learned from reading Bill's messages, and others). Bill H would be glad I'm sure to help you out some more on this. Penny http://community.webshots.com/user/pennypins
was "plcp" at SWN since Jan/01 |
User: pennypins
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 39 |
From: needlenthread
Date: 04-19-2003, 09:05 PM (6 of 9)
I took the bobbin out just to show what it looks like etc. I also wasn't sure how the bobbin was meant to be placed...thanks for the link, pennypins. 
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User: needlenthread
Member since: 04-19-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: needlenthread
Date: 04-19-2003, 09:28 PM (7 of 9)
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Originally posted by wghmch The 477 was one of the Stylists which all had a timing gear (part #155819) that eventually breaks. This gear is kind of hidden on the top of the shaft that runs vertically in the machine. You can tell if its broken by removing the bottom cover and watching the timing belt underneath while you turn the hand wheel. If the gear is broken, the belt won't turn. Bill Holman Thank you Bill, you were 100% correct. Is it possible to replace the broken gear without any help from professionals (I'm guessing impossible, but it never hurts to ask, right?)? If I were to get it fixed, how much would it cost approximately? Thank you for all your help! |
User: needlenthread
Member since: 04-19-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: wghmch
Date: 04-19-2003, 10:01 PM (8 of 9)
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There are a lot of "shade tree mechanics" (a common phrase used on the wefixit sewing machine group board on Yahoo) who have replaced this gear, but the installer must be mechanically inclined to do it. You must purchase the gear, remove the front cover, loosen the old gear, lower the shaft and change the gear, and retime the machine after you get it on. Personally, I don't think you have much of a machine when you're done, but you didn't ask me that. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: needlenthread
Date: 04-19-2003, 10:20 PM (9 of 9)
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Originally posted by wghmch Personally, I don't think you have much of a machine when you're done, but you didn't ask me that. Bill Holman  Thanks for letting me know
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User: needlenthread
Member since: 04-19-2003 Total posts: 5 |
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