Singer 263-1 User manual

Form 21289
(964)
SINGER
Service Manua
MACHINE 263-1
THE SINGER COMPANY
Copyright ® 1964 by The Singer Company
Copyright Under international Copyright Union
All Rights Reserved under Inler-Americon Copyright Union
*A Tredemerlc o( THE SINGER COMPANY
/
Printed In U. S. A.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

COHTENTS
DESCRIPTION 3
INSTALLATION 3
LUBRICATION 4
OPERATOR INFORMATION 4-6
ADJUSTMENTS 7-15
PARTS CHART Rear of Book
INDEX
AuxilioryThreod Toke-Up 12
Bight 9
Couses of Troubles, Check List 15
Centrolizing Feed Dog 14
Centrolizing Needle Bor 8
Cleoronce under Presser Foot 3
Description of Mochine 3
Dimensions of Mochine Bed 3
Federol Stitch Types 401 ond 404 3
Feed Timing 13
Feed Dog Adjustments 14
Feed Eccentric 13
Feeding Movement 13
Feed Lifting Eccentric 13
Instollotion 3
Knee Lifter 3
Length of Stitch 3, 7
Leveling Feed Dog. 14
Looper Gouge Distonce .9
Looper, Needle-Avoiding Motion 10
Looper Positioning (Front ond Reor)
from Needle 11
Looper-Threod Retoiners 12
Looper-Threod Toke-up (Double) 3, 11
Looper-Threod Tension 6, 12
Looper-Threod Tension Releoser 3, 12
Looper Threoding .6
Looper Timing 9
Lubricotion 3, 4
Mochine Bose ond Oil Reservoir .3, 4
Mochine Pulley 3
Needle-Avoiding Motion 10
Needle, Cotolog 2796 3, 4
Needle Setting 5
Needle Threoding 5
Needle Bor, Centrolizing 8
Needle Bor Height 10
Needle Bor Stroke 3
Needle Bor Throw 3, 8, 9
Oil Recommended 4
Ports Reor of Book
Presser Bor Height 7
Pressure on Moteriol 6
Puckered Seoms, Causes 15
Skipped Stitches, Couses 15
Speed 4
Stitch Length 3, 7
Stitch
Types 401 ond 404 3
Toke-up, Auxiliory 12
Toke-up, Double 3, 11
Tensions 6
Tension Releoser 3, 12
Threod Breoking, Couses 15
Threod Recommended 5
Threod Retoiners 12
Threoding 5, 6
Tilting the Feed Dog 14
Trouble Check List 15
Zigzog Movement .8, 9
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The improper placing or renewal of the Trademark SINGER* or any other of the Trademarks of The Singer Company
(all of which are duly Registered Trademarks) an any machine that has been repaired, rebuilt, reconditioned, or altered
in any way whatsoever outside a SINGER factory or an authorized SINGER agency is forbidden.
n
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

DESCRIPTION
Machine 263-1 Is o high speed, two thread, chain
stitch, zig-zag machine for attaching lace to night
gowns, slips, panties, etc.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Federal Stitch Types 401 and 404.
One needle, one looper.
Needle, Catalog 2796.
Double iooper-threod take-up.
Tension releaserfor looper thread and needle thread.
Needle bar has a throw of up to
1/8 inch. Vibrates
both sides of centerline.
Length of stitch, 9 to 16 stitches per inch.
Drop Feed.
Needle bar stroke, 1-3/16 inches..
Clearance under presser foot, 3/16 inch.
Dimensions of bed: Length, 15-3/4 inches; width, 7
inches; space at right of needle, 8 inches.
Automatic lubricating system delivers oil to all
principal bearings.
Oil flow window in direct view of operation.
Head-end lubrication and oil-return system. Needle
bar bushings lubricated through wicks from arm
shaft bushings.
Three plain super finished bearings position and
Support the arm shaft.
Rotary bed shaft is gear driven.
Knee lifter integral with machine
base and oil reser
voir.
Machine provided with seat for independent light
fixture mounting.
MACHINE PULLEY
Machine pulley 146512, for 3/8 inch V-belt, has an
outside diameter belt groove of 2.9 inches. Effective
diameter for 5/16 inch round leather belt is 2-3/8
inches.
When in operation, the top of the machine pulley
must
always turn over toward the operator.
INSTALLATION
Machine base and oil reservoir shown in Fig. 2,
fits into standard table cut-out and rests on four cor
ners without bolting.
Rasp edges of cut-out if necessary, as base must be
located so that machine does not touch table. Use
shims on corners if necessary, to prevent base from
rocking.
IF NECESSARY;
USE SHIMS ON
CORNERS
PREVENT \
ROCKING
L=
Base must be level in both directions so that oil
level will be accurately indicated by marks on base.
Machine bed rests on felt gasket in base. Fig. 2,
and is not bolted down. Machine hinge pins must not
support machine head except when it is tilted back.
CAUTION: Do not run machine until it has been
thoroughly lubricated as instructed next.
IF NECESSARY:
USE SHIMS ON
CORNERS TO
PREVENT
ROCKING
BASE MUST BE LEVEL.
NO BOLTING
KEEP FELT PAD
IN PLACE
GASKET
Fig. 2. Machine Base and Oil Reservoir
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

liii-
IT-fSrftafl
LUBRICATION
BEFORE STARTING MACHINE:
FILL TO HIGH MARK
CHECK
OFTEN
J
NEVER ALLOW OIL TO
FALL BELOW LOW MARK
OIL RESERVOIR
HOLDS 1-3/4 PINTS
Fig. 3. Lubrication
SATURATE
WICK
SATURATE
WICK
Fig. 4. Priming Needle Bar Bushing Wtclcs
SHOULD SHOW
STEADY FLOW
OF OIL
Fig. 5. Oil Flow Window
Machine has on automatic lubricating system in
which oil is
circulated from the reservoir by means of
a centrifugal pump below the bed.
Before starting machine, the oil reservoir, which
holds approximately 1-3/4 pints, must be filled to
high mark, as shown in Fig. 3.
Use SINGER* OIL "TYPE A" or "TYPE C".
Use "TYPE C" OIL when on oil is desired which will
produce aminimum of stain on fabrics.
Do not use additives in sewing machine oil, as they
may cause a reduction in normal oil flow that can re
sult in damage to machine.
PRIMING: When machine is new or has been idle
for sometime, remove face plate and oil upper and
lower needle bor bushing wicks, shown in Fig. 4, by
hand. The automatic oiling system will function effi
ciently after the first few minutes of operation.
Check oil level often to keep it from going below
mark.
CAUTION: If the flow of oil passing the oil flow
window shown in Fig. 5, should stop or become erratic,
stop machine immediately and do not run machine until
the trouble has been eliminated.
SPEED
The maximum speed for this machine is 5000 stitches
per minute, according to the material being sewn and
the type of work being performed.
It is
advisable to operate a new machine at a speed
not exceeding 4500 stitches per minute for the first
100 hours of operation.
NEEDLES
For best results use SINGER* needle, Catalog
2796, available in Sizes 14 and 16.
Size of needle for a specific operation is determined
by size of thread end type of material to be sewn.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

HfBlfrf •
SETTING THE NEEDLE
Turn machine pulley over toward operator until
needle bar is at highest point as shown in Fig. 6.
Loosen needle set screw and remove old needle.
Insert new needle into needle bar as far as it will
go, making certain that the long groove on the needle
faces toward the operator, as shown in Fig. 6. Then
tighten needle set screw.
THREAD
Use left twist thread in the needle and left or right
twist thread in the looper.
To determine twist of thread, hold thread as shown
in Fig. 7. Twirl thread over toward you between thumb
and forefinger of right hand. If left twist, strands will
wind tighter. If right twist, strands will unwind or
separate.
MOVE TO
HIGHEST
POINT
LONG
GROOVE
LOOSEN
SCREW
INSERT NEEDLE
UP AS FAR AS
POSSIBLE
AND TIGHTEN
SCREW
Fig, 6. Setting the Needle
HOLD THIS END
TWIRL OVER
TOWARD YOU
Fig. 7. Determining the Twist of Thread
- UPPER THREADING
Turn machine pulley over toward operator until as indicated in Fig. 8.
needle bor is at the highest point. Draw
about two inches of thread through needle eye,
Pass thread from unwinder through threading points to start the sewing.
Fig. 8. Upper Threading
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

|\i LOWER THREADING lEf
Pass thread from unwinder through threading points Draw about two inches of thread from front to rear
as indicated In Fig. 9. through eye of looper, to start the sewing.
Rear View
Fig. 9. Threading the Looper Thread
Fig. 10. Needle Thread Tension
Fig. 11. Looper Thread Tension
REGULATING TENSION ON THREADS
Tension on thread should be as light as possible
while still sufficient to set the stitch in material.
Regulate needle thread tension only when presser
foot is down.
To adjust, turn thumb nut at front of tension discs,
shown in Figs. 10 and 11 as required.
REGULATING PRESSURE ON THE MATERIAL
Presser foot pressure on material should be as
light as possible while still sufficient to insure cor
rect feeding.
To adjust, loosen lock nut shown in Fig. 12 and
turn thumb screw toward right to increase pressure or
toward left to
decrease pressure.
Tighten lock nut to maintain desired pressure.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

MORE
PRESSURE
LOOSEN
LOCK NUT
LESS
PRESSURE
Fig. 12. Adjustment for Pressure on Material
STITCH LENGTH
To regulate stitch length, unscrew large cap from
top of machine arm and loosen the two clamping
washer
screws shown in Fig. 13.
Rotate machine pulley away from operator approxi
mately 90 (1/4 turn) until regulating screw, shown in
Fig. 14 is accessible.
Turn regulating screw for longer or shorter stitch
as instructed in Fig. 14.
Tighten clamping washer screws and replace cap.
PRESSER BAR HEIGHT
1. When presser foot rests firmly on throat plate
with feed dog below throat plate-, guide bracket
should just clear lifting bracket, as shown in
Fig. 15.
2. When presser foot is at its highest point and
needle bar at its lowest point, top of presser
foot must not contact needle bar or needle clamp.
ADJUSTMENT: Loosen guide bracket clamp screw and
presser bar stop screw shown in Fig. 15.
1. Position guide bracket so that it just clears
lifting bracket, as shown in Fig. 15. Align presser
foot with feed dog. Tighten guide bracket clamp
screw.
2. Raise or lower presser bar stop so that it pre
vents presser foot from striking needle bar when
presser foot is raised. Then tighten stop screw.
CLAMPING
WASHER SCREWS
II
Fig. 13. Clamping Washer Screws
LONGERi
REGULATING
SCREW
J-SHORTER
'-STITCH ^
Fig. 14. Stitch Length Regulation
CLEARANCE
LIFTING
BRACKET
STOP
SCREW
CLAMP
SCREW
GUIDE
BRACKET
PRESSER
BAR
STOP
Fig. 15. Presser Bar Height Setting
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

ZIG-ZAG MOVEMENT
REMOVE SCREWS
REMOVE
PLATE
//
CENTERLINE
OF NEEDLE
BAR FRAME
VERTICAL POSITION OF
NEEDLE BAR AT HIGHEST POINT
LOOSEN BEVEL
GEAR SCREWS
TO TIME:
ROTATE
THIS GEAR
Fig. 16. Removing Oil Guide Plate
Needle should begin its zig-zag movement at the
moment
that needle point begins to rise from material.
Needle should complete
its zig-zag movement just be
fore needle point re-enters material.
During its zig-zag movement, needle should cross
over the vertical centerline of needle bar frame at the
same moment that needle bar is at its highest point
{see inset in Fig. 16).
To adjust, remove arm top cover from machine and
remove two screws and plate shown in Fig. 16. Loosen
REMOVE
SCREW
AND
PLATE
LOOSEN
SET SCREW
ROTATE ECCENTRIC
TO CENTRALIZE THE
NEEDLE AT ZERO BIGHT
Fig. 18. Centralizing the Needle
Fig, 17. Timing the Zig-Zag Movement
the two bevel gear screws, Fig. 17. Turn machine pul
ley over toward operator until
needle bar reaches its
highest point.
Rotate bevel gear as required to time the zig-zag
movement of needle bar (see Fig. 17).
Securely tighten
the two bevel gear screws and
check for binding or excessive play.
Replace oil guide plate and arm top cover.
CENTRALIZING THE NEEDLE
At zero bight, needle should penetrate center of
needle hole in throat plate. Needle must not contact
surface of throat plate at anytime.
To
correctly position needle, remove screw and
small
plate in top of machine head above needle bar
and loosen set screw, shown in Fig. 18.
Rotate eccentric on side of machine head, Fig. 18,
as required to centralize needle.
Securely tighten set screw and cover it with the
small platens shown in Fig. 18.
n
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

BIGHT
Width of zig-zag movement of the needle, while
stitching, is termed the "BIGHT".
To adjust the width of bight, remove one cover
screw and loosen the other, allowing cover to drop, as
shown in Fig. 19. Loosen hex-nut and move lever with
nut toward left for more bight or toward right for less
bight, as instructed in Fig. 19.
Tighten hex-nut and
replace cover.
NOTE: Whenever bight adjustment is changed, looper
gauge must be checked and adjusted
as instructed
below.
LOOPER GAUGE
When needle is at extreme right position, and looper
is at end of backward stroke, distance from centerline
of needle to point of looper should be 5/32 inch, as
shown in Fig. 20.
To adjust, loosen clamp screw on ball crank arm,
shown in
Fig. 21. Rotate ball crank arm toward right or
left, as required, to obtain correct distance.
Tighten ball crank clamp screw.
TIMING THE LOOPER
When needle bar is at its lowest position, looper
should be at the end of its backward stroke (just ready
to begin its forward stroke).
To set the timing, remove bed slides, presser foot,
throat plate and feed dog. Loosen the two bevel gear
screws located at machine pulley end of rotary bed
shaft (see Fig. 19). Turn machine pulley over toward
operator until needle bar is at lowest point.
Turn rotary bed shaft (now free of gear action) for
ward or backward by hand to set looper at extreme
right position.
Tighten the two bevel gear screws just enough to
hold above
setting. Obtain correct looper and needle
eye positions, as instructed next, before finally tighten
ing the two bevel gear screws securely.
HEX-NUT
MORE BIGHT LESS BIGHT
Fig. 19. Adjusting Width of Bight
5/32*
NEEDLE AT
EXTREME RIGHT
POSITION
LOOPER AT END OF
BACKWARD STROKE
Fig, 20. Looper at Gauge Distance from Needle
BALL
CRANK
CLAMP
SCREW
TWO BEVEL
GEAR SCREWS
ROTARY BED SHAFT
Fig. 21. Adjusting and Timing the Looper
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC

NEEDLE BAR HEIGHT
Set looper at gauge distance from needle and time
looper, as instructed on page 9.
l.Turn machine pulley over toward operator until
eye of looper (on its forward stroke) reaches
center of needle (at its left position). At this
position, eye of looper should be exactly in line
with eye of needle, as shown in Fig. 22.
To adjust, loosen needle bar clamp screw shown in
Fig. 23. Raise or lower needle bar as required. Tighten
AT LEFT POSITION
CLAMP
SCREW
needle bar clamp screw.
2. Upon return (backward) stroke of looper, eye of
needle (at its left position) must be just above
the looper, as shown in Fig. 24, when looper eye
passes centerline of needle. To adjust, loosen
the two bevel gear screws, shown in Fig. 21,
page 9) and advance or retard the bed rotary
shaft,
as required. Securely tighten the two bevel
gear screws.
AT LEFT POSITION
Fig. 22. Needle and Looper
Eyes Aligned
Fig. 23. Setting Needle Bar Height
Fig. 24. Needle Eye just
Above Looper
NEEDLE-AVOIDING MOTION OF LOOPER
When looper starts its forward stroke, needle bar
begins to rise from its lowest position. During its
forward stroke, looper should pass behind needle (just
clearing back of needle). When needle bar reaches its
highest position, looper completes its forward stroke
ECCENTRIC
SET
SCREWS
ECCENTRIC-EDGE
OF CRANK
Fig. 25. Timing Needle-Avoiding Motion
10
and moves from rear to front. As needle bar descend^
looper moves backward and passes in front of needle,
(just clearing front of needle). At end of downward
stroke of needle bar, looper completes its backward
stroke and moves from front to rear ready to start its
forward stroke again.
These correctly timed movements of looper, from
front to
rear and rear to front, are called the needle-
avoiding motion of the looper.
To check the setting, turn machine pulley over
toward operator until eccentric-edge of crank is down,
as shown in Fig. 25. When centerline between the two
set screws on eccentric coincides with centerline on
eccentric-edge of crank, as shown by dosh-line in Fig.
25, looper is set for maximum amount of needle-avoid
ing motion.
To adjust, loosen the two eccentric set screws
shown in Fig. 25. Rotate eccentric as indicoted by
arrow. Fig. 25, until needle-ovoidinq motion (as de
scribed above) is obtained. Then tighten the two ec
centric set screws.
From the library of: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC