I own an old Kenmore model 33 sewing machine that I have used for many years. When stitching, the hand wheel will rotate 3 or 4 times when pressing on the foot pedal and then it gets stuck. I can forcefully rotate the hand wheel and get it to sew again, but must repeat the forceful turning of the hand wheel after a few rotations. Can anyone suggest repairs or recommend a repair service in Maine?
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First off, has the machine been cleaned and oiled regularly over the years? Your owner's manual should tell how to do that. Second, check the condition of the belt that connects between the motor and the hand wheel. If it is getting brittle, frayed, cracked, etc, it needs replacing. If there is a mess of lint or threads either on the motor shaft or the hand wheel, you'll need to remove them from under the belt. Also, make SURE the smaller inner wheel is tightened for sewing. If it's loose at all (as for bobbin winding), it will make the big wheel slip or not turn when sewing. Go over the whole machine to check for loose screws, dust/lint/threads, and give it a good cleaning and oiling. Doing all these things just might solve your problem. If not, it may be time for a repairman. If needed, do an online search for repair shops near you. I did a search for Maine, and the first few listings were for Portland, Sanford, and Brunswick. Not knowing were you're located, I can't really narrow it down for you.
Good luck. I know I would be lost without my Kenmore.
I also have an old Kenmore in a wood cabinet, that I was gifted in 1976....it was a used machine then. I keep it cleaned and oiled as per my booklet, and I have replaced the light bulb and belt a couple times each. It is all metal and sews like a champ. I've never had the desire to get one of the newer, computerized machines that have all the different stitches and such, as they are mostly plastic, and have too many electronic parts that can break down. I LOVE my old NON - ELECTRONIC, ALL METAL, HEAVY DUTY Kenmore with the cams that drop into the top for different stitches, and knobs and levers for stitch width and length adjustments. I've done a ton of sewing on my machine for over 40 years, and never had anything break down on it. You just can't beat the old work horse machines !!!!
It sounds more like belt replacement. Often when they get worn, and stretched the wheel tends to spin without function. Also check for build up debris (like strings, fabric and dust) caught in and around the area , this can hinder the machine.
When the handwheel is hard to turn or sticking this normally indicates that the machine could be dirty and needs a good cleaning and oiling. If this is not the issue then you are having a problem with the belt on the machine and it needs to be replaced because it could be breaking in certain spots and sticking.
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