I have a Singer Fashion Mate model 237 purchased new in 1969. Never had any problem..reg oil etc...
Sewing project that has to be finished TODAY! Had thread snag. Fixed that and then machine runs fine, but just won't pick up the thread to make a stitch. Called local fix-it and was told it needs the timing set. Is there ANY (I'm desperate) way to do that myself? PLEASE!! I'm fairly mechanical..any help appreciated greatly. Thanks, Sue

Sue, July 2009

Ken,

Thank you for your reply to Sue. I used your info to time my singer 630, and now it works just fine. The singer manual wasn't written in plain english, and was confusing. I was timing it, when the hook was in line with the needle, when the needle starts its upstroke. The manual didn't exactly say that, but that is what I got out of it. They left out the part that the hook should be "just below the eye of the needle" on the needle upstroke, like you said. That was perhaps a difference of 3/4 of an inch hook movement away from the needle. Its a wonder I didn't break a needle.

Thanks again

Charlie

Charlie, November 2009

Hello Sue,
Very unusual that a 237 goes out of time, check to make sure the needle is new and in the correct way round first, if you are sewing on any other fabric that cotton make sure you have the right type of needle.
If you need to retime it take off the needle plate and open the slide plate, tilt the machine back and take out the bobbin case, lower the gate down so you can see the half moon shape called the hook, turn the balance wheel towards you so the needle goes all the way down and then starts to go back up, the point on the hgook should be just above the eye of the needle, if it is not then you will need to slacken the screws on the right hand side of the long bar that goes from the hook to the right, you can now move the point of the hook to where it should be, tighten the screws back up and test sew, you may need to do this several times.
Ken

drivewithken, July 2009