This is the machine I have just cleaned up for a friend, a Seidel and Naumann Vibrating Shuttle. Not only did I have to use paraffin to work its magic in unsticking the foot, but also the stitch length adjustment mechanism was jammed. I had to take off the handcrank and the wheel to get to the lever, which is to the right of the pillar above the bobbin winder. It was well and truly stuck, but eventually I freed it up and re-set it so that the stitch length can be adjusted and set to forwards or reverse.
This smart little tin is for holding the bobbins.
They slot neatly inside. Unfortunately there were only three with the machine rather than the full complement of five to fill the tin. I shall have to see if I can get two more.
The machine makes a perfect stitch. I'm sure that when I return it it will soon be put to good use.
This morning I nipped in to Cordial and Grace and oiled the shuttle race on Maria's Jones CS machine - the one thing I had forgotten when I cleaned it up. Too much tea and cake must have been distracting me.
To the left of the shuttle there is a little round well stuffed with old felt.
On some machines the felt has disappeared, on others it is so grimy and mucky it needs replacing, in which case you can stuff a tiny wad of cotton wool or fluffy cotton knitting yarn in there in its place. This picture shows one of my Singers where I have used cotton yarn.
At the base of the oil well is a tiny hole through which the oil gradually seeps, keeping the shuttle race lightly lubricated. This prevents friction and wear on the side of the shuttle and eases movement. On this photograph of Maria's machine I have used a long pin to show where the hole is.
The wad of felt needs to be kept soaked with oil. Just let a couple of drops fall onto it, wipe away the excess, and the job is done.
This machine has no tab or lever to eject the shuttle...
... so use your finger at the tip of the shuttle to make it pop up. Couldn't be simpler. The original digital technology.
This is a Serata treadle, which is shown in the "How to Treadle" video. It has a very handy little lever.
The shuttle doesn't just pop up, it practically comes flying out. It is a very nifty little mechanism.
Some machines have a little tab or button to press to make the shuttle pop up out of the shuttle carriage. Make sure the shuttle is as far forward as possible...
...press the tab, and up it pops, just enough to enable you to take it out of the machine without putting any pressure on the tension spring.
These photographs are of a Singer.
