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Page 22 of the 111w155 manual says "to re-engage the safety clutch, push the lock stud (button) on the bed to engage the hook driving shaft lock ratchet, which prevents the hook driving shaft from turning backward.
Turn the machine pulley away from you until the locking lever snaps into the notch in the shaft collar."
I'd scan the page, but it's too hard to see the pic, as I think I have a 20th generation copy.
Anyway, I did push the button, but couldn't budge the handwheel. So I tried to make that lever go into the notch by fiddling with the screws.

No, there is no thread in there at all. I ended up messing with some screws around that lever that is supposed to go into the notch, and now the when I turn the handwheel nothing in the bobbin area moves; just the needle. :(

How did you fix it manually, Big John? I'm assuming you have to loosen a screw on one of the cams, but there's a lot going on down there. Is it the cam that has the two screws protruding from it? I'd hate to loosen the wrong one.

This whole thing started because I was trying to change the stitch length (the stitch length indicator is off, so I had no idea what I was going to get each time I turned the wheel). Must've chosen a too-small stitch, and thread was balling underneath the fabric, which triggered the safety clutch.

So, why won't the wheel move when I have the button pushed? Is it frozen from not being oiled? Should I squirt everything with liquid wrench?

MacGyver lives!

Hi guys,
I tripped the safety clutch thing, and to get it right you're supposed to push the button on the bed (the one on the right) and turn the handwheel away from you until the lever goes back into the notch. Except when I try to turn the handwheel with the button pushed it won't budge. How can I do this manually?
I can see what's supposed to happen, I just don't know what screw (or screws) to loosen to get it done.
Can anyone help? Much appreciation for your time and effort,
Jo

Hilarious! Is this guy serious? In the story, he says he was quoted a new bimini for $385. He should've went with that one.
At least he notes that it has to be folded down at high speeds. Oy.

Thanks doc. Looks like i'm only 5 posts away from jr. member!

I think lots of people are trying to go into business for themselves, and I kind of worry about competition and price undercutting.
But then again, when most of these endeavors fail next year, there will be lots of slightly used sewing machines at bargain prices for sale on ebay  ;D

On this board, I mean. I've been registered here since 2005. Does it go by the number of posts?

Thanks guys.  Big John, you nailed it. That was exactly what I was looking for; I never even considered that it wouldn't be a compound feed, which I absolutely need. I will call Greg at Keystone about the Highlead, since he is only two hours away from me.

Thanks Bobbin. Yes, they are in LA.
Unfortunately, I am no where near a dealer (nearest is 2 hours away), otherwise I would buy from one. And I do agree that price shouldn't be the only factor, and am a believer in the "you get what you pay for" philosophy, but why pay more if it is possible to get something of reasonable quality for a decent price?
I'm wondering why it is so cheap...difference in stitch quality? Sturdiness?

Does anybody have any experience with this brand of machine? I currently have an ancient singer 111w155, which is good, but it doesn't have reverse, and has repair issues from time to time.

This seems like a pretty good deal; it includes the table and servo motor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300474905305&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Would you guys advise buying this? Thanks,
Joanne

Thanks for the marina suggestion, and I will get a sign for my car, too.

Yeah, paying an employee $10 an hour for pulling staples and cleaning up is fair, but not someone with skill and experience. Luckily, I have little overhead, as I'm working out of my basement.

Thanks, Loren. That is a good idea!

These are all good ideas. I actually do have a domain name and hosting, I just don't know how to make an actual website. I used their (the hosting company's)template to put up a temporary page, but am not at all happy with it, and just have to learn html, and basic SEO techniques. I really do believe a website is the key.