Husqvarna Combina and Elna Supermatic - any tips?
I just got my first vintage machines, after my "brand new" Singer made me want to throw it out the window with how often I had to tinker with it to make it work. I figured I'd just get a vintage machine - for some reason I'm much more willing to tinker with an older machine than a new one.
What tips do y'all have for taking care of these gorgeous machines?
I got these beauties from a costume maker in Leiden, Netherlands. His mother bought them when he was about 15, and they became his over the years.
The Husqvarna sews like a dream. She powers through curtains that my newer Singer couldn't manage, and when she's in a low gear she literally purrs. The only problem right now is the reverse button doesn't engage - the outer housing depresses, but it doesn't engage the actual reverse function. I'm going to let some oil percolate for a couple days, and hope that works. The top thread guide got a little smushed somewhere along the way, and other than that and a couple of tiny paint chips that you only see if you're looking for them, she looks straight from the factory. The only other bummer is I only have one bobbin, though it seems I can just use modern bobbins? I will have to investigate this further. I have the original sales receipt - Jan 15, 1966 - along with coupons for €2.50 servicing! Sadly the expiration on those coupons was 25 years, but the store that originally sold the machine still exists.
The Elna looks to be functioning properly, but after a few stitches the top thread starts pooling quite a bit. The bobbin timing looks right, and we tried a couple of different threads, but it keeps happening. I'm hoping some oil and a good cleaning will sort her out quickly. She comes with about 15 cams, most of which look to be barely used.
I paid €90 each - I figure if the Elna doesn't end up sewing well, the cams alone should cover the price I paid for her. I literally can't wait to get them up and running - I have so many projects on hold until I have a machine that doesn't make me want to throw it out a window.