Sunday, September 4, 2011

Green Machine, the Elna Supermatic

The Elna Supermatic's design is one of those you love or hate.  It has a very confident look about it, for sure.  That color, that greeeeeeeen!  Myself, I love it.  It has very sleek modern styling, especially considering the year it was introduced: 1952.  Later years had slightly different colors, so if this is too much, consider the other which was light green   Later models were beige and not so flashy.

The Supermatic was the next sewing machine made by Tavaro of Switzerland.  The first being the Number 1, of the The Grasshopper.  It has all of the feature of that little one, notably the free arm, and more.  From what I can tell, this model introduced the cam to the home sewing machine market.  They were called "discs" and fit onto the Elnagraph inside the sewing machine itself.  That was how designs were made.  It can do many stitches this way, but what I use most are the stretch and zig zag.  Because it can use those discs, it's hard to imagine this machine being as old as it is.  The advertisements do place it in time, though.
This was a time for buying a sewing machine, no doubt. Lot s of advertisements to introduce Americans to this Swiss company.  The competition must have been fierce.  In my house alone I have several sewing machines made at this time.  So many new families just starting out after the WWII.  The pressure for innovation made for some great results, the Elna Supermatic was a good example of this.

Technical details

*Low shank.  That means it will take all those fun things like 1/4" foot and walking foot.
*Uses 15x1 Needles
*Uses "Elna" bobbins, available at fabric stores.
* Works best when oiled properly.  Will be noisy of you don't.
*The Supermatic comes with a knee control.
 I do not like those, but it does save floor space.  Many people love the knee control, however.  As far as I know, it was not offered with a foot control. Not a big deal.
Bobbin is inserted behind the presser foot.
 The only part that was a bit of a mystery to me when I first brought it home was this: How do the discs work?  Do you need them to do zig zag?  There were no discs with my machine when I got it so this was not a problem but lo and behold I found a whole box of them later.  They are a mix, some from a later Elna and some from a Supermatic. To answer the main question in my mind back then: Yes, you do need a disc for zig zag.
Single and Double Discs.  Lots of them.

That brings me to a similar topic.  You can use presser feet from later Elnas and Cams as well.  They do fit and work fine.

How to use the Discs
I write this as it did cause me some trouble at first.  Maybe this will help someone. 
Set the stitch length and width to "0".  The manual says to do this, and that is to make room to set the disc in correctly.  I can't tell you how many tries I made before actually breaking down and reading that very thing, and then it worked perfectly (sigh).
Set to "0"

Unscrew the plastic/ bakelite nut on the shaft or Elnagraph.
This knob is removable.
Place the new disc onto the shaft, matching up the little pin on the vase to your disc's hole.  It will snap into place.  Replace the bakelite nut, it must be on tightly.
What the stitches look like
Now you can sew as normal.  Like any cam, it takes a little experimentation as to how long a stitch or width you like.  Here is an example.
To remove, bring it back to "0" on both settings. Unscrew the nut and remove the discs.  I use a screwdriver head very gently as my machine does not have it's disc lifter accessory.  You will need something to help.  When it is loose, I use my hands to get it out.
Be very careful, set to "0" again and lift.
Done!

The Case
The case is so cool, I have to show it.  It is almost as heavy as the machine is, and become a table by folding it origami style.
Sturdy table from the case.

Very nice travel case.

 Problem
The Supermatic has a pretty good reputation but also a flaw many people come up against.  I was one of those people.  If left for a long time, the friction pulley can become flat on the side.  That doesn't stop the machine but will make it very ....and I mean VERY loud.  Like a helicopter.  Thankfully there is a fix for this.  I got a rental tool and a part from White Sewing Center:
  If you are in this predicament, do not give up, try this.  There are many other things for older Elna's there too.

In Summary
There are many sewing machine that are more smooth and quiet.  That said, this beauty is more versatile than most vintage sewing machines.  With the stretch stitch discs it is comparable to most sewing machines made into the 1980's.  It can handle all sorts of modern threads with no problem.  It is not terribly strong, but does very well with garment fabrics from denim to batiste.  Fun to use, simple and not fussy....... and it's green.  What's not to love?


88 comments:

  1. I'm still hoping one of these will come my way someday. Does the grasshopper take cams? I love my decorative stitch machines!

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    1. i have one i am selling. chryseliz@earthlink.net

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  2. No, the Grasshopper is a strait stitch only. I do not use deco stitches much but wish I could use an embroidery machine for a few hours. One may yet come your way, I see them often and inexpensively. The are a good value.

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    1. If you go to shopgoodwill.com they have cams available for this machine with the Instruction Book. Go to search and at the bottom of that page is Lookup by Number; type in 11381876
      I have no use for these, but was trying to find someone who owns this machine and might be interested in extra cams.
      It's a cool machine, but I already have 5: Kenmore 19233, Singer 833 Stylist, Singer 328k, Necchi BUU, & a Singer old treadle machine in the Tiffany Cabinet. As you can see, I don't need another machine or these attachments. I hope someone can get these, the auction ends in 2 days. :)
      I'll post the link to the actual auction. I am NOT affiliated with anyone, just trying to do a good deed. lol
      http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?itemID=11381876

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  3. Pretty machine. I've never seen one in the wild. I might have to look harder, now that I've seen the case.

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    1. I have one, with the case and instructions! Call me
      520 906-4488

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  4. Look at all those cool discs that you have to play with! Fun!!! I also love the look of the desk.

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  5. I have a Systematic machine that hasn't had a lot of use. I can't get the bobbin tension to regulate and hence I can't us it. Does anyone know how I can get it regulated or a good technician in Stdney?

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    1. I just saw that the part I typed about the bobbin isn't there from my post below. You can adjust bobbin tension by turning a tiny screw on the bobbin case. Have you tried this? I mention it because I sewed for years before realizing you could do that. The thread should pull out freely with a slight pull but not get stuck. If you have loops on the top of your fabric that is usually a good fix. If the problem involves the underside, the top tension is your culprit

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  6. Opps - Supermatic
    And Stdney - should be SYDNEY

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  7. I don't know a tech in Sydney but know where you can get help with your machine's tension issue. Join this group and ask. They are very freindsly and helpful. If you can describe exactly what is wrong with tension (ie too tight on top, loops on the bottom of fabric ect ect) a diagnosis and solution can probably be made without going to the shop.

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elnaheirloomsewing

    First of all I'd clean those discs with some string soaked in alcohol. Lift the presser bar to elease the discs, then pull the string close to the center and clean the dirt away. Oil all the areas noted in your manual too. If you get all that covered and have the right needle, in the right way, then it's easier to uncover what the problem is. Keep me posted about your Supermatic.

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  8. Hi - I grew up with an Elna Supermatic from 1962 and got possession of it again in 2009. After many skirts and a couple of jackets with snaps and zippers I am trying to do buttonholes today. I am following the instructions with the stitch width at the "2" setting and I have the length at 1.5, but I'm not getting the solid stitching created by closely spaced zigzag stitches shown in the picture. What am I forgetting to do? My Supermatic is the more restrained beige with beige metal carrying case. I have 15 cams but never have used anything other than straight stitch, overcast and zigzag.

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  9. I'll try out making buttonholes with the instructions and see what happens. That will have to wait until this weekend. Usually I use a Singer buttonholer on another machine so I've not tried this out. I too have lots of cams but still use mostly strait stitch! I have seen the beige ones, they are very elegant in design.

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  10. I had a chance to try this process out and found out a few things. The cam is #3, the one that does regular zig zag. I set the stitch length to the mark before #1. Try that, it should make the stitches more dense. It also helps to make sure your tension is right - the bottom and top need to be equal for the stitches to be uniform. If you aren't sure test this by using a different color in the top for a sample.

    I still had a heck of time with those buttonholes but after a few got the idea. Still, a Singer buttonholer would be easier and may try to figure out how to use one on the machine when I have a little more time.

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  11. Thanks for your input. I ended up with the stitch length at the .5 (the one you recommended)
    and got pretty good density, especially on the gingham lining side.

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  12. I just bought this sewing machine for 7,5 EUR! Hope it works! But the owner claimed it does. So thanks for the post, it will be usefull :)

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    1. I'd love to hear how it works. If it needs anything I may be able to help or find someone who can. Enjoy

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  13. Do you know where I can get instructions to attach a newer sewing machine ( 1983 ) to an older cabinet. I purchased an old arrow machine ( which still works) and would like to attach my kenmore to the cabinet. The old machine is a brute but doesn't have a free arm which I use all of the time.

    Thanks
    Kelly

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    1. Changing out mahines and cabinets can be done as long as they are a match where the hinges are. Kenmore made their own cabinets to fit their machines. I am not sure about Arrow as a brand but guess it is a Singer clone of some type. If so, it may not be a match. Measure the back hinge pins to see.

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    2. Thanks. I think my hubby will have to modify the cabinet.

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    3. I just got a Supermatic at a garage sale, it has no discs....I only want to straight stitch with it can I do that with out a disc?

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    4. Yes you can strait stitch with no discs. That is what I did for a long time until I found the discs for my own machine. Even now I mainly use the zig zag cam. Enjoy your Supermatic!

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  14. I have an Elna Supermatic for sale. Can someone give me an idea of what to expect to get for it.It's in great condition and has all the disks and accessories. Grateful for any responses.
    helenobrien.63@gmail.com

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  15. I would check eBay completed listings to see what people have paid for one. Selling there is my best suggestion but you will have to invest time and money into packing your machine for mailing. I send mine off as of they were heading to Antartica.

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  16. Warning - man entering secret women's land...
    I have just been given a 1955 version of the Supermatic - it is a beautiful stylish piece of design. I have found a manual online but can't locate the 'chart' for setting up for different fabrics. Does anyone have a spare or a digital copy or able to scan one they have ? supermatic(at)lookaround.com.au
    Many thanks
    Phil

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  17. Welcome to secret lady land, a magical place. You would be surprised how many guys stop by as they seem to like old machines. Glad you like the design of the Supermatic, so do I. It is very cool looking and also sews so well. About the chart-I am not sure what one you are looking for. Is it the needle/thread chart by chance? I only have the manual, but if you need help in getting it ready for sewing with a particular fabric let me know.

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  18. Hi! Thanks so much for this informative post. I'm considering buying a Supermatic, but I am concerned that it won't be strong enough. I don't need an industrial strength machine, but I do need to be able to sew through a double rolled jean hem. Do you think the Supermatic is strong enough to do that?

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  19. I have used my Supermatic for mending of denim jeans but she was slow and needed some help. This is pretty common, my Bernina, as good as it is also has some trouble where the seams come together. A stronger machine is a Singer 201, easy to find and not expensive but it will lack the zig zag and deco stitches that Supermatic has.
    With a denim needle and help from a "hump jumper" or similar, you can do it. It may take a pull on the hand wheel. If you plan on a lot of heavy fabric projects, try the Singer or an older Pfaff. The flat bed strait stitch seems to lend it self to better stitches with more power.

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  20. I recently got an Elna Supermatic and am excited about using it but even though I've been sewing for 60 years and used all kinds of sewing machines, for the life of me I can't get the bobbin seated properly.

    I read the instructions where it says to make sure the thread is caught under the spring, but it doesn't work for me. Please help!

    I just realized that this machine is as old as I am. :)

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  21. My Super is older than me, but so many are older than all of us. I have mine out of state ready for my move so cannot take a photo but maybe can help. There is a small slit opening in the bobbin case. The thread goes through that en under the tension leaf and out. Make sure you have the right bobbin type, the bobbin is counter clockwise and needle position is up. You probably did all that but check the bobbin size especially. I have tried to use the wrong kind lots of times. The bobbin sets flat, no snap but fits precise. For mote help until I can get a photo, try Elnaheirloomsewing machines on Yahoo Groups. Someone there may be able to help right away.

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  22. I inherited my grandmother's machine. It is easily twice as old as me, and it works perfectly. I recently sewed my entire wedding party a wool coat as well as myself with it. I only have ever had one problem with it: it would skip stitches. I phoned around, and a repair man told me that if the needle is the slightest bit bent, it could cause it to miss a stitch. He recommended using the more expensive brands of needles, as they are better made and more resistant to bends. As soon as I put in the new needle I have had no problems since! Just thought I'd share that in case someone was looking for an similar answer.

    I hope this machine continues to serve me and my future children as smoothly as it did my grandmother and my mother. Cheers to older machines that were built for quality!

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  23. Great to hear of your Elna. I am not at all surprised that your Elna has served you well despite age. They work so well, and in my opinion do it with style too.

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  24. You mention you have a manual for your Supermatic. Any chance you could post or email a pdf?

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Because manuals for Supermatics are easily found and there may be copyright issues I do not plan on posting a manual. Ebay has sellers who have inexpensive downloads but I prefer a company called Relics which sells a hard copy spiral bound. Not cheap,but easy to read and use.

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  26. My Supermatic is two years younger than myself. Was looking for a machine with my now departed mom in 1986 and when she saw it said buy that one. It is now 2014 and it has been trouble free, curtains repairing the clothing of four kids, been to the Middle East and back. I am certain it will continue with my daughter after I am gone. Tony [M]

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    1. Love this story. Your mom had a good eye for machines!

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  27. I looked for the elnaheirloomsewing group on Yahooo groups and can't find it.;Has it moved? I'd love to join it! Thanks!

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    1. It is still there, try is link:
      https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/elnaheirloomsewingmachines/conversations/messages

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  28. I have a Supermatic and several cams. You mentioned that you use the stretch stitch cam. Which cam number is it? And is it a single disc or double? I'm starting to sew with knits and am thinking this cam would be useful. Thanks so much!

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  29. I am still moving in to my place so can't find my cams now but from notes I recall it was cam 152 with stitch width set to "0". It sews strait knit seams but you can also sew a very narrow zig zag and get a decent stretchy seam. There is a lot of help out there for sewing with knits, all worth reading as I love wearing knits but made so many avoidable mistakes early on when making my clothes. Much better now, thankfully.

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    1. Thanks so much for your reply! I haven't been able to find the cam info on the net, so I appreciate it. And yes, I've been reading a lot about sewing with knits, both online and in books. Slowly but surely I'm making progress. Thanks again!

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  30. I bought my machine at a second hand store about 5 years ago. It work find for a month. but now it is noisy and slow. The inside of the machine looks very dirty. I have tried to fine a repair shop to clean and service it but there are none who know this machine.
    I am looking for the service manuel and users manuel. I would love to learn how to fix it myself if I have no other option.
    Honey

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    1. You can do most work yourself and there is help for difficult problems. I suggest you make sure and oil it completely and clean any lint from around the bobbin and feed area. That it worked before makes me think that lubrication may be the problem. Oil all moving parts top and bottom. Open the front near the needlebar and oil there too. Oil the hook area too. There is an excellent Yahoo group for more extensive help if you still have problems after you clean and oil it.

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    2. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/elnaheirloomsewingmachines/conversations/messages
      If the link does not work try to search GROUPS by name "elnaheirloomsewingmachines"

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  31. I enjoy your awesome Sew Old-Sew New. I am wondering where one can find light bulbs for the Elna Supermatic. Do you know of a source online? I inherited my dear Mother's machine.

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    1. I am so glad you have your mother's machine, it makes using it even better. I find bulbs for the Supermatic easy, at my local shop. You most likely can too. Get the "bayonet" style- no screw threads. I am sure there are many online sources but two of my favorites for older machines are Whitesewingcenter.com and Sew-Classic.com

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  32. Hi, my grandmother gave me her original Elna Supermatic and i really want to be able to use it. I took a beginner sewing class just to understand the functions of the machine, and I've read the manual. Alas, i am still to new to this that I cannot trouble shoot basic problems. Im wondering if you can help. I want to sew on a thick patch to an equally thick karate suit, but can't seem to fit all this thickness under the presser foot. What do i do? I also tried to hem some snow pants, which did fit, but then the needle wouldn't go through it. Do i just need a different needle? please help! i don't want to have to keep asking my mother in law to do these small jobs!

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    1. For the karate suit, you may have a problem. If the material does not fit under the presser foot, it cannot sew right. A heavier duty machine is needed. That is not to say your machine is terrible because any other home machine will also not work. That said, a patch on denim or canvas should be Ok so this must be a very very thick patch! I have sewn jeans hems with Elna and was OK but if your project is thicker, take it to be done by a seamtress with a heavy duty machine.
      Now, the snow pants should be Ok but yes a heavy needle like a 100 or if it is the canvas type maybe 110. Don't give up these are tough ones for even an experienced sewing person. Let me know how it goes or if you need more help I can seek out advice for you.

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  33. I am so excited - my Elna Supermatic arrived this morning, but I had to leave it and go to work. Hate that! I did have time to unbox it and it came with 2 cams of decorative stitches. My question is this, is there a straight stitch cam? Or can you sew straight stitches without a cam? I will clean and oil the machine, look to see if there is a cam in it already and such tomorrow, but I was wondering how this works. Thanks!!

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    1. Leaving fun things for work, yes I hate that too! The strait stitch is what it does when there is no cam engaged. If you want to do a zig zag or any other stitch you need to insert the cam for that stitch. I have managed to find many cams over the years so have lots but you might be missing the simple zig zag. White's Sewing Center should have one for you. A good investment if you are missing that.

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  34. I just received a 1952 Supermatic. It sounds ok - no loud growl. But I cannot loosen/disengage the coupling knob. I took out the set screw but the flywheel, and entire sewing mechanism, moves with the coupling knob which is quite difficult to even turn. I already posted on the Yahoo heirloom group but no replies yet. Anyone have any idea what could cause this issue?

    Thanks.

    Paul

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    1. Here is my guess, as this happened to me on another machine - a Necchi Supernova. I used a lubricating spray, in this case PB Blaster at the flywheel. Did that over the course if two days until it finally freed up. It was just stuck from ot being disengaged for many years. Another possibility is some thing holding up the turning from another area such as the bobbin case. Make sure everything is clear ( the difficulty turning is what makes me suspect a possible problem here). Let me know how it goes after checking these two areas.

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  35. Hey every one. I just got a big green ELNA "Supermatic". Thrilled! But it only came with disc 02 for a rounded zig zag for knit, and I do very few knit sewing in my life.
    I am horrified to read that one should oil it every time before one sews on it. I do not sew that much or everyday.
    The seller told me to remove the flywheel if not used more than a month. Anyone doing that?


    I am in Canada I need a ZIG ZAG cam for woven fabric only. Don't care for all the fancy embroidery stuff. NOT easy to find ONE disc alone!

    PS: By the way does anyone know what the name of this NECCHI model is? It was built in an L shape but no link to the real thing or name ..looks 70s or 80s never came across on the Net only one tiny pic via e-bay but nothing that is for sale like that. I uploaded it here https://visualsenses.smugmug.com/PRIVATE-GALLERIES/VINTAGE-SEWING-ELNA-SINGER/ I just find the look and construction very unusual and therefore interesting.

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    1. I do oil mine lightly each time, but that is mostly because I do not use it very frequently. A drop at major points is all that is necessary. Not difficult nor time consuming in my opinion. Most of my old timers work better this way.

      I do not remove the flywheel. I can see why if that affects the friction pulley. That rubber part will get a flat spot if left for a long time pressing against the motor wheel. This idea has not occurred to me but others may have more an opinion on this topic.

      A basic zig zag is very handy. Try White Sewing Center, Ray White. He may have your disc. He has an online store.

      I have no idea the Necchi model of this but have seen one before, Cool!

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  36. Sorry I forgot to ask my first intended question:
    My machine did not come with a Bakelite plate to put on top of the cams once they are placed. And it center seems to be smooth no screw thread at all. I took a pic and uploaded here
    https://visualsenses.smugmug.com/PRIVATE-GALLERIES/VINTAGE-SEWING-ELNA-SINGER/i-QjvSF3L
    Is that an "important" piece? The only stitch 02 does, it seem to be doing it without that Bakelite ring also
    The machine also smells slightly of burning or burnt oil I guess that should be normal if one oils it each time? A drop of oil seems to go a longer way than just a few hours of sewing even the manual says to do so. What is your experience? Thank you very much my machine is three years older than myself. But having had plastic body machines that quit on me sewing costumes etc I have started discovering the vintage in metal and they are so much more exciting!

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    1. There are variations to how the cams set in, mine is an older Supermatic. If your cam setup works than it may be the later model. The oil should not be in any place that burns, so perhaps your machine has been over done or is dirty.
      Best Wishes with your Elna. P

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  38. My husband just purchased one of these machines at an auction sale for C $12.50 ! It is in working order! I can'twait to actually use it! I love these older machines, they are so well made

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  39. hi!! i inherited one of these from my great grandmother, and i have a couple problems. the top thread tension seems to be too loose (on the bottom you can see loops of the top thread) but when i tighten it, the fabric bunches up a lot (and the bobbin tension is already at its lowest). also, the knee control is very very touchy and will go from doing nothing to going wayy too fast. it has just been reconditioned and had barely any use in the first place. any ideas what could be wrong?

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    1. I have recently acquired an Elna Automatic flatbed with foot pedal. It was seized and wires to foot and walk plug completely crumbled and bare wire showing. I got it freed up, cleaned, replaced wires. It works but I have problem with bottom tension. I'm still trying to figure out how to remove the shuttle to examine it to see why tension for bobbin is too tight.

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    2. Sorry I missed this question until now. I do not have a Elna Automatic so can't walk through this issue-removal of the hook. For most, the shuttle comes out with the bobbin and a small screw is on the side. The screw is turned slightly to loosen or tighten. If this is not the same with yours, find help with Yahoo Group For Elnas, the name is Elna Heirloom sewing machines or something similar.

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  40. When the tension is really off like that it usually is something big, such as being threaded wrong or the tension discs are bad/ damaged in my limited experience. Because it is not really common for the tension to be broken, try cleaning them and then re-thread the machine according to the manual and I mean exactly as it shows. Get the tension back to about number 4. Next, try to clean tension discs to make sure nothing is stuck in there ( old thread or dirt). To do this I take a piece of string and dip it into some rubbing alcohol and then pull the wet thread between the tensions discs a few times.
    About the speed, I have had this happen with anoter machine. It may need some more oil or have the oil you gave it sink in. Oil it again, and then just run the machine with no thread for a while. Time and use has helped with with my Pfaff


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  41. Do you have any idea how manyy amps the motors in these are ? I've heard they're pretty fast but haven't found much information to substantiate that.

    Thanks

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  42. I just found one of these at the local recyling center. need more info

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  43. Love this machine! My mom bought me one as my first machine when I was four years old. Weighed more than I did, but it's what I learned to sew on and it's a fantastic mechanical marvel. I've still got it somewhere- it's in need of repairs, but I found an Elna dealer willing to work on it in my area.

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    1. And OH MY GOSH! I just noticed the part about the case making a table... I never realized that before! How smart!!!

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    2. Enjoy your machine WW. They are quite practical as well as just cool looking.

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  44. Hi, I bought my Elna Supermatic (dated September 16, 1957) at an annual church estate sale leftovers clearance sale in Atwater, CA back in March of2003. I paid $40.00 for the machine and its wrinkle-paint portable case. The first thing that I noticed was the knee lever... now, I don't like knee levers because I have a tendency to accidentally bump them when siting in front of the machine, and that can cause the machine to make an unintended stitch or two or three....
    I converted my Supermatic over to an electronic foot control, and that wasn't easy. That conversion took me some time and experimentation, as I am not an 'electrical whiz-kid'. Now my Supermatic can be operated by either the knee lever or the foot control.
    Being a John Deere man, I Love "green machines"! I must admit that I haven't used my Supermatic much at all, but I did replace its friction drive wheel to get rid of the "Supermatic Rumble" as I refer to it. As a preventive
    measure, I keep the hand wheel off of the machine while it is not in use...that should prevent the flat spot from forming on the drive wheel, I hope. With a collection of other vintage and antique sewing machines, I know very well that I am not a fan of friction-drive sewing machines. I also have several White, National, Eldredge, Kenmore, national and White brands of sewing machines that utilize that doggone friction wheel drive.

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    1. Thanks for the post. I use this mainly because of the cams, which are really nice as a decorative touch. That friction wheel is a pain- I agree. Good idea to remove the hand wheel for long term storage.

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  45. I found one of these supermatics for $10 at a garage sale :-) I am limping along trying to learn. Can you tell me, what type of bobbins it takes? The #66 pack is similar with the curved top and bottom but I just don't want to use the wrong one

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    1. I guess I have always been lucky on this....I get bobbins at the fabric store for "Elna". Usually there is a package just for them and not expensive.

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  47. Do you know if there is a feed dog switch? My feed dog is not feeding, I thought perhaps it's disengaged. Thanks!

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    1. Sorry for the late reply, I have been away. No there is no switch for feed. I can't recall right now if there is a drop feed for darning but you should see the teeth moving below the plate. My machine is not with me now to check this. Sometimes there is a small feed dog cover with machines to do darning and sometimes it is a knob to lower them.
      If it is not moving it is either stuck or the problem is the handwheel. Have you removed it recently? Does the machine turn normally otherwise? I am on a Facebook Group for vintage Elna Machines. Many people there who may be able to help faster. Join and ask plus post some pictures and details so we will help!

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  48. I looked up heirloom site and found I have to sign up and join yahoo and I'm a little leery to do that. Was wondering if anyone can give info on the elna supermatic 722010 fly wheel. It fell apart when I guess I unscrewed the life out of it and 3 pieces lay on the floor. I immediately reassembled and now my bobbins won't wind! Grrr....something simple I assume but I can't figure it out. Help! Anyone!

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    1. I had a simliar problem when I replaced the friction pulley. I had a tough time with the handwheel when re-assembling it. The washer needs to go it just right. it is a lock washer. I seem to recall a post about this on a vintage Elna Facebook Page. Search that out and join. Ask the question. I am afraid to take mine apart to show you and we both may be in trouble then!

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  51. I got one of these for free through a facebook group - absolutely in love with it! A gear broke (hook drive pinion gear) and I managed to replace it. Or at least I thought so. I must have done something wrong because now I'm having problems with the thread getting stuck around the bobbin and the hook! The hook does catch the thread, but it doesn't even go all the way around before getting stuck and tangled. Any idea what could have gone wrong?

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    1. Two things come to mind: did you reset the hook timing? That could affect the placment of the needle as the hook passes. The other is to have aloomat the tread take up, make sure it is coming up high enough. Either problem is not a big deal to fix. There is a vibrage Elna FB page too, come on over for some help on this if needed. There are repair files.

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  52. I have one of these beauties, Elna Supermatic 1958. The last time I used it, she sewed perfectly. However, I've just gotten her back out. Cleaned and oiled. But I can't sew forward. It only sews a zigzag in reverse. When I adjust the stitch length and set it up for a basic straight stitch or zigzag, the fabric doesn't feed...it's like the feed dog is moving forward and back at the same time in teeny increments keeping the fabric in the same place.
    The instructions aren't that clear to me on setting the stitch length. Can you help me?

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  53. I think your problem is just as you also feel it is: the stitch length, I am not home presently to check my manual. Do you have yours? Elna has a odd set up and must be followed exactly. If needed right now find vintage Elna users group in Facebook they have many operators there!

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  54. I'm looking for a teflon foot and a walking foot for my 1955 Supermatic Elna to sew on vinyl. Can you recommend any that will fit my machine? Thanks!

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