What is a Singer Potted Motor? Singer Potted Motor vs. Belt

Perhaps most sewers don’t give a second thought to the type of motor that powers their sewing machine. They’re fine as long as it works. However, there is a difference between sewing machine motors, and that variation alters the way you maintain them.

The belted motor may be the most straightforward to maintain. A potted motor requires a different type of oil. Because Singer changed the recipe of the grease needed for potted motors, it’s not always easy to get your hands on it.

For further information on this topic, please continue reading our article. To keep your vintage Singer sewing machine in top shape, this guide provides all the information you need to know.

What is a Singer Potted Motor?

The sewing machine is powered by a direct drive engine that uses a worm gear. That does not necessitate the use of a belt. As opposed to a belt-driven motor, a potted motor requires a specific grease recipe because to the machine’s unique lubrication needs.

According to our earlier discussion, Singer changed its original formula, which is not compatible with its antique potted motor sewing machines. Sew Retro grease, which is a close match to the original formula, may be necessary.

The melting point of the lubricant you use is critical to its ability to keep your potted motor lubricated. You require an exact formulation with no dip in viscosity; low melting point; and the ability to be drenched in and out of certain components.

Most current lubricants do not meet all three of these requirements. ” There is no need to use this oil to maintain your potted motor sewing machine. Using any lubricant on an older sewing machine will not suffice.

It was critical that the metal parts of these machines be lubricated with the correct amount of oil in order for them to function properly.

Singer Potted Motor vs Belt

The potted motor’s worm gear is one of its advantages. When the potted motor was utilizing a belt, it would slip, and this part replaced it, making the motor run more smoothly.

The potted motor, on the other hand, is more powerful than belt-driven ones. Sewing through thicker, heavier fabric with a belted motor’s increased power should be as easy as sewing through chiffon.

Despite the fact that there will be many who disagree with that assertion. In order to determine whether or not the belted motors have the same amount of power as the potted motors, sewers will need to experiment with both.

When it comes to inserting the bobbin, a belted motor may be preferable. This option is said to be tough to insert because of the machine design and the bobbin type you need.

The Class 15 bobbins for the Singer sewing machines are significantly easier to use and insert into the machine. Just be aware of the cost. A 201 potted motor sewing machine that costs more than $75 is overpriced.

Singer 201 Oiling Points

 

201 oiling may take longer than some of your sewing endeavors. We found at least 11 places where this model could use a little extra lubrication. For those of us who don’t use our 201 every day or for lengthy periods of time, occasional oiling is OK.

9 oil drops and a few drops on 2 are all you’ll need to get the job done. In order to avoid confusion, we’re not going to give you the specific address, but you can find it here. In addition, we’ll supply you with detailed instructions on how to properly maintain your equipment.

To find the page marked “to oil the machine,” simply scroll down beyond the page number and look for the title right below it (27). To properly lubricate this sewing machine, there are four pages of instructions.

Since the firm has changed its formula, the warning that you can only use Singer motor lubricant is outdated because the new formula does not have the correct combination of ingredients for these older sewing machine models.

Each of the four pages includes pictures and images that explain what the company is saying and where to put your oil.

Singer Sewing Machine Grease Wicks

Singer’s potted sewing machines depend on these components. These wicks, which were typically composed of cotton, were used to carry grease between the machine parts and the grease itself.

As the sewing machine heated up, the oil was melted, and after it reached the proper texture, it traveled up these wicks to the portion that needed lubrication. The melting point of the component had to be just right for this to work.

To lubricate this machine, you had to go through some trouble finding the appropriate kind of oil. When it comes to lubricating a potted engine, any oil will not do. At the very least, this is true for the ancient potted motors that came standard on a plethora of vintage sewing machines.

Modern potted motors may have undergone certain modifications as a result of the numerous technology advancements that have been included into them. It’s important to note that older machines will still require the original grease recipe in order to function properly.

Singer Potted Motor Grease

 

For potted motor sewing machines, Singer’s original grease has been replaced with a newer formulation. When working with vintage machines, this formula is no longer appropriate.

Even the antique Singer featherweight sewing machines are affected by this problem. Because grease doesn’t flow as easily as conventional oil, the initial formula was made of grease. After melting, it must be transferred to the lubricating locations.

To put it another way, it doesn’t need any help from us and flows exactly as it should. With a much higher melting point than the previous recipe, the new Singer potted motor grease cannot be used in vintage sewing machines.

If your sewing machine’s oil won’t melt unless it becomes really hot, you run the risk of damaging the metal parts, which could lead to the sewing machine breaking. Grease will not be able to reach the sections that need lubrication if it does not melt into a liquid form and move up the wick in that form.

The original Singer grease supplied with the 201 and Featherweight machines is no longer available, so you’ll need to find an alternative product that has the same formula as the original.

How to Rewire a Singer Potted Motor

In sewing machines with entirely metal elements, the wiring is not built to last, which is one of the main drawbacks. Potted motor sewing machine wires can become brittle, the insulation can crumble and wires can be exposed, producing many problems for you.

It’s not too difficult to learn how to use a sewing machine if you’re an experienced handyman. If you can’t afford a handyman or the services of a legitimate sewing machine repairman, the following tips will help you.

Wires that need to be replaced must be removed from the motor first. Keep in mind that you’ll need screwdrivers, wire strippers, connectors, and possibly a small soldering iron when you’re putting together your project.

Also, allot adequate time to complete this task, as it is not a short-term solution. To make sure the wiring is done correctly, you may also have to clean up all of the pieces you remove. After finding the wires that need to be replaced, you can cut the defective wire off and braid the new wire to the good old wire, if possible. Solder the wires together and then use heat shrink tubing to protect them after they’ve been braided.

The motor can be reassembled when the defective wires have been replaced. Be sure to check the grease wicks first, as they can become ineffective over time. New grease wicks are easy to come by.

Additionally, the old grease wicks might become hard and brittle over time, preventing the grease from reaching its intended destination. All this may be done with the help of photos if you need them. To access them, click on this and this link, respectively.

If you’re just getting started with soldering and connecting wires, you may find this website more helpful than the one at the link above. In general, rewiring anything on an older machine is quite simple, even non-sewing machine motors.

If you put in some time and effort, you’ll be able to do this with ease. Soldering requires a steady hand and a fair amount of practice to get the job done correctly.

The Difference Between Oil and Grease

 

Some people believe that oil and grease are interchangeable terminology because they are both lubricants. Despite the fact that both lubricants are generated from the same source, they are two distinct substances.

It’s important to note that oil is a free-flowing liquid that will only solidify when subjected to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time.

Different parts can only be reached by heating up the grease to the point where it becomes liquid. Furthermore, unlike oil, grease stays placed where it’s supposed to, such as on bearings.

Oil, on the other hand, is far easier to drain, remove, and clean up than water. If you want to get rid of grease, you’ll need to use heat, which isn’t always an option. Usually, it takes longer to clean grease from a part than it takes to remove oil.

Oil, on the other hand, is far easier to drain, remove, and clean up than water. If you want to get rid of grease, you’ll need to use heat, which isn’t always an option. Usually, it takes longer to clean grease from a part than it takes to remove oil.

One of the advantages of oil over water is that it is much easier to dispose of, remove, and clean up than water. Even if you use heat to try to remove grease, it will be difficult to do so. Cleaning grease from a part typically takes longer than cleaning an oil-covered part.

When it comes to lubricating metal parts, both oil and grease have the same goal in mind: to ensure that those parts aren’t damaged by the high temperatures that motors generate.

Some Final Words

Belt drive motors are easier to lubricate, easier to work with, and easier to repair than potted motors. Repairing a potted motor is more difficult and time-consuming when simply the belt needs to be replaced.

However, if you’re looking for a powerful motor, a potted motor might be the best choice. Each of your motors are excellent, and you’ll be pleased with both of them.