Singer 281-30 User manual

SINGER
281-30

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
Form
21315
(1064)
~
Il
!NI
G
IE
IRt
Sewv~[(e
MIDJ~ijj(O]~
(TEMPORARY)
--
---
-2s1-30
Mach
a
n(E;~
·
---
--
-
281-5,
281-6,
281-20,
2=81
22,
==2=81-23
and
281-24=
Regulation
View
-
Machine
281-24
THE
SINGER
COMPANY
Copyright
f:
1964
by
The
Singer
Company
Copyright
Under
lnternotionol
Copyright
Union
All
Rights
Reserved
under
Inter.American
Copyright
Union
*A
Tradomark
af THE
SINGER
COMPANY
Printod
in
U.
S.
A.

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
DESCRIPTION
OF
MACHINES
Machines
of
Class
281-
ore
high
speed,
single
needle,
lockstitch
machines
designed
for
sewing
ma-
terials
ranging
from
light
weight
to
heavy
weight.
Among
the
varieties
covered
in
this
manual
are
puller-feed
and
needle-feed
machines,
top-gripper
machines
and
machines
that
perform
simultaneous
trimming
and
stitching.
Al I
of
these
machines
produce
outstanding
straight
line
stitching
in a
wide
range
of
wash-and-wear,
syn·
~thetic
and
natural
fabrics.
General
Features
Federal
stitch
type
301.
Balanced,
air
cooled,
rotating
hook.
Horizontal
OXI
S,
Lint
wiper
keeps
lint
and
abrasive
matter
from
ac-
cumulating
on
hook.
Drop
feed
consists
of
pendent
link
feed
with
feed
leveling
hinge
pin.
Pendant
link
feed
mechanism
maintains
longer
feed-
ing
cycle.
Three
plain
superfinished
bearings
support
the
arm
shaft.
Fully
automatic
lubricating
system
with
oil
flow
window
in
direct
view
of
operator.
Knee
lifter
mechanism
integral
with
machine
base
and
oil
reservoir.
Independent
light
fixture
mount.
Improved
needle
thread
guard
and
other
thread
hand-
ling
ports.
Disc
tension.
Machinepulley
147139
for
3/8
inch
V-belt.
Space
at
right
of
needle,
11
inches.
Machine
Varieties
Machine
281-5,
Vertical
Trimmer
Medium
weight
and
heavy
weight
fabrics.
Needle
bar
stroke,
l-13./64
inches
Presser
bar
lift,
5/16
inch.
Knife
bar
stroke,
5-
1
16
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings,
5-1/2
stitches
per
inch.
Needle,
Catalog
1515
(l6x95).
Bed-raising
plate
sets
flush
with
top
of
throat
plate.
Regularly
fitted
to
trim
1/8
inch
from
line
of
stitch-
ing.
Extra
cutting
bar
and
presser
foot
supplied
for
3/16
inch.
When
specified
on
order,
machines
can
be
fitted
for
1/16,
3/32,
5/32,
3
1
16
or
l/4
inch
trim
margin.
Extra
cutting
bar
and
presser
foot
furnished
in
each
instance
will
be
next
size
larger
than
that
ordered.
When
1/4
inch
(widest
trim
morg in)
is
requested,
two
sets
of
this
size
will
be
supplied
with
machine.
Speed,
5000
stitches
per
minute.
Machine
281-6,
Top
Gripper
Collar
and
cuff
operations
on
light
weight
to
medium
weight
fabrics.
Top
driven
gripper
feed.
Top
feed
intermittently
driven
by I
inkage
actuated
through
counter
shaft.
Countershaft
driven
by
eccentric
on
arm
shaft.
Eccentric
adjustable
to
obtain
optimum
relationship
between
top
and
bottom
feed.
Top
feed
designed
to
grip
fabric
at
some
moment
that
bottom
feed
rises
to
make
contact
and
to
travel
with
bottom
feed
during
its
entire
front
to
rear
feeding
motion.
Top
feed·
then
returns
(in
raised
position
above
ma-
terial)
to
beginning
of
next
grip-feeding
movement.
Needle
bar
stroke,
1-3/16
inches.
Presser
bar
lift,
3/16
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings,
5-1/2
stitches
per
inch.
Needle,
Catalog
1955
Sp.?ed,
5000
stitches
per
minute.
3

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
DESCRIPTION
(continued)
~St-3o
Mach irie
-BS'}'-7&,
Close-coupled
Puller
Feed
Machine
281-23,
Side-wheel
Puller
Feed
Light
weight
to
medium
weight
fabrics.
Needle
bar
stroke,
1-13.
1
64
inches.
Presser
bar
lift,
5/16
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings,
5-1/2
stitch
per
inch.
Needle,
Catalog
1955.
Close-coupled
puller
feed
1-9/16
inches
behind
needle.
Feed
rol I
intermittently
actuated
fr
om
.
,
m
eccentric
on
the
arm
shaft
through
a
countershaft
and
linkage
to
a
combination
one
way
clutch
and
double
bearing
unit
in
the
Feed
Roller.
Eccentric
is
independently
adjustable
to
bring
motion
of
the
feed
roller
in
unison
with
motion
of
feed
dog.
Lower
roller
is
an
Light
to
medium
weight
fabrics.
Needle
bar
stroke,
1-13./64
inches.
Presser
bar
lift,
5/16
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings,
5-1/2
stitches
per
inch.
Needle,Catalog
1955.
Side
wheel
feed
roll
independently
adjustable
to
br-ing
motion
of
feed
roll
in
unison
with
motion
of
feed
dog
.
Speed,
5000
stitches
per
minute.
idler
follower
with
a
self-lubricated
core.
Speed:
5000
stitches
per
inch.
Machine
281-22,
Needle
Feed
Light
weight
to
medium-heavy
weight
fabrics.
Needle
bar
stroke,
1-13/64
inches.
Presser
bar
lift,
5/16
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings,
10
stitches
per
inch.
Needle,
Catalog
1955.
Compound
feed
mechanism,
consisting
of
needle
feed
and
drop
feed,
insures
positive
feeding
of
two
or
more
plies
of
material.
Improved
stitch
regulating
mechanism.
Needle
feed
regulator
can
be
locked
to
permit
simultaneous
ad-
justment
of
needle
feed
and
drop
feed.
Speed,
5000
stitches
per
minute.
Machine
281-24
Needle
Feed
Light
to
medium
weight
fabrics.
Needle
bar
stroke,
1-9/64
inches.
Presser
bar
lift,
9/32
inch.
Maximum
stitch
length,
with
regular
fittings
10
stitches
per
inch.
Needle,
Catalog
1361
(88x9)
Compound
feed
mechanism,
consisting
of
needle
feed
and
drop
feed,
insures
positive
feeding
of
two
or
more
plies
of
material.
Improved
stitch
regulating
mechanism.
Needle
feed
regulator
can
be
locked
to
permit
simultaneous
adjustment
of
needle
feed
and
drop
feed.
Speed,
5500
stitches
per
minute.
D

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
INSTALLATION
GASKET
-
HIGH
MARK
OIL
RESERVOIR
PLUNGER
,1/1_--;
7~~~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;::~~~;:::=;;;;::;:::::;:;;k~,d
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I:.
.,
,
;..,
]'
•i
.J
7•
1;
~
-
••.
,,:~·xe·~;.;_,
.
i
•OOO!l-
-
---
LOW
MARK
Fig.
2.
Machine
Base
and
Oil
Reservoir
See
that
plunger
is
in
place,
a!>
shown
in
Fig.
2,
before
placing
machine
on
base.
Mochi
ne
base
and
oi I
reservoir
fits
in to
standard
table
cut-out
and
rests
on
four
corners
without
bolting.
Rasp
edges
of
cut-out,
shown
in
Fig.
2, if
necessary,
so
that
machine
does
not
touch
tab
Ie
when
pI
cc
ed
on
base.
THE
KN
EE
LIFTER
Knee
lifter
is
shipped
assembled
to
the
base
ex-
cept
for
the
knee
plate
end
lifter
lever.
Loosen
the
two
clomp
screws
shown
in
Fig.
3
and
slide
the
rock
shaft
forward
to
position
shown.
Attach,
lifter
lever.
Set
the
stop
screw,
Fig.
3,
so
that
there
is
only
a
little
ploy
in
the
lever
before
it
starts
to
lift
the
presser
bar.
Then
tighten
lock
nut
on
stop
screw.
Set
the
rear
stop
dog
to
allow
the
presser
bar
to
be
raised
to
its
limit
and
tighten
the
two
clomp
screws.
CAUTION: Do
not
operate
machine
until
it
hos
been
thoroughly
lubricated
in
accordance
with
the
following
instructions.
Use
shims
on
corners,
when
required
to
insure
that
base
is
level,
so
that
oil
level
will
be
accurately
in-
dicated
by
marks
on
base.
Machine
head
is
not
fastened
but
should
rest
on
cork
gasket
in
base.
Machine
hinge
pins
must
not
support
the
head
except
when
machine
is
tilted
bock.
k~.-
---.
i;:~?--
-_-:_,:;:
-~--
;
__
·_.
~~~
--.
-".\·.--
r!i?/'-~>'
-.~:
·-
ff1'.~-
-
-> ·-.
--
REAR
STOP DOG
b:;,.,,
LOCK
NUT
Fig. 3.
Kn~e
Lifter
ROCK
SHAFT
,:.
~>~.:':.:I
5

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
LUBRICATION
Before
starting
machine,
the
oil
reservoir
must
be
filled
to HIGH
MARK
shown
in
Fig.
2
Use
SINGER
OIL
"TYPE
A"
or
"TYPE
C".
Use
"TYPE
C"
OIL
when
an
oil
is
desired
which
will
produce
a
minimum
of
stain
on
fabrics
even
after
o
long
period
of
storage.
Do
not
use
additives
in
sewing
machine
oil,
as
they
may
cause
a
reduction
in
normal
oil
flow
that
can
result
in
damage
to
machine.
Should
the
oi I
flow,
passing
through
the
oi I
flow
window
as
shown
in
Fig.
4,
stop
or
become
erratic,
STOP
MACHINE
AND
DO
NOT
RUN AGAIN
until
the
cause
has
been
eliminated.
Check
oil
level
often
to
keep
it
from
going
below
low
mark.
The
Oil
Flow
Regulator
Lubrication
of
the
sewing
hook
is
automatically
controlled
by
the
oil
flow
regulator
shown
in
Fig.
5.
Regulator
is
set
at
the
factory
for
lubrication
under
average
sewing
conditions.
To
determine
whether
oil
is
properly
flowing
to
the
hook,
run
machine
for
approximately
one
minute
to
es-
tobli
sh
a
uniform
rote
of
flow.
Then
open
"the
bed
slide,
hold
a
.piece
of
paper
under
the
hook
and
run
the
ma-
chine
for
about
ten
seconds.
There
should
be
a
distinct
line
of
oil
on
paper,
beneath
the
hook
bearing,
with
a
fine
spray
on
each
side
of
this
I
ine.
If
there
is
no
trace
of
oil
or
an
excess
of
oil
on
the
paper,
turn
oil
flow
regulator
to
right
or
left
to
increase
or
decrease
the
flow
of
oi
I,
as
shown
in
Fig.
5.
Machine
must
run
at
least·
one
minute
between
ad-
justments
to
insure
uniform
oil
flow.
If
the
proper
rate
of
flow
cannot
be
obtained
by
turning
the
regulator,
inspect
the
oil
flow
mechanism
as
follows:
6
Remove
needle,
bobbin
and
bobbin
case
from
ma-
chine.
Remove
bracket
screw
and
position
finger
shown
in
Fig.
5.
Loosen
two
hook
body
screws
and
turn
machine
pulley
until
feed
bar
reaches
its
highest
point.
Fig.
4.
Oi
I
Flow
Window
~
-~
THREAD
GUARD
HOOK
BODY
SCREWS--~
BRACKET
SCREW
OIL
FLOW
RE
GULA
TOR
'•
Fig.
5.
Oil
Flow
Regulator
SEWING
HOOK
FILTER
Fig.
6.
Sewing
Hook
Filter
Screw
and
Wick
Turn
the
sewing
hook
until
thread
guard
is
at
the
bottom
as
shown
in
Fig.
5
and
slide
hook
from
shaft.
Loosen
filter
screw
shown
in
Fig.
6
and
check
to
see
if
wick
hos
become
detached
or
clogged.
Inspect
all
passages
for
dirt
and
I
int
accumulation.
Replace
wick
if
necessary.
Assemble
sewing
hook
and
position
finger
to
ma-
chine.
Re-check
oil
flow
as
previously
instructed.

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
CLEANING
Using
a
short
bristle
brush
(not
point
of
scissors
or
other
sharp
instrument),
remove
I
int
and
other
waste
from
around
sewing
hook,
from
between
feed
rows
and
underside
of
throat
plate
and
from
all
other
operating
points.
Tilt
machine
back
on
hinges.
Wrap
clean
rag
around
magnet,
shown
in
Fig.
7,
on
oil
pump
body
and
pull
accumulated
foreign
particles
from
magnet.
Wipe
exterior
of
machine
dry
with
a
soft
cloth.
Fig. 7.
Magnet
on
Oil
Pump
Body
SPEED
Z
Gl-30
Maximum
speed
for
Machines
281-5,
281-6,
.r~
281-22
and
281-23
is
5000
stitches
per
minute.
Maximum
speed
for
Machine
281-24
is
5500
stitches
per
minute.
Left
twist
thread
should
be
used
in
needle.
Either
right
or
left
twist
thread
may
be
used
in
bobbin.
Thread
twist
is
determined
by
holding
thread
as
shown
in
Fig.
8
and
twirling
thread
over
toward
you.
If
left
twist,
strands
will
wind
tighter.
If
right
twist,
strands
will
unwind
or
separate.
Rough
or
uneven
thread,
or
thread
which
posses
through
needle
eye
with
difficulty,
wi
II
interfere
with
successful
operation
of
the
machine.
It
is
advisable
to
operate
new
machines
at
a
speed
500
stitches
less
than
maximum
for
the
first
100
hours
of
operation.
7

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
8
MOVE TO
HIGHEST POINT
,.,,LOOSEN
SCREW
~
INSERT
NEEDLE
UP
FAR
AS
POSSIBLE
ND TIGHTEN SCREW
1 LONG
GROOVE
Fig.
9.
Machine
281-5
MOVE TO
HIGHEST POINT
LOOSEN SCREW
INSERT
NEEDLE
UP
AS FAR AS POSSIBLE
ND TIGHTEN SCREW
LONG.
~
I
GROOVE
2s,~so
Fig.
10.
Machines
281-6
and
,z&mt,o
7d
MOVE
TO
~HIGHEST
POINT
.
'LOOSEN
SCREW
~INSERT
NEEDLE
UP
FAR AS POSSIBLE
ND TIGHTEN SCREW
1 LONG
GROOVE
Fig.
11.
Machines
281-22
and
281-24
MOVE
TO
HIGHEST
POINT
AS
FAR
AS POSSIBLE
AND
TIGHTEN
SCREW
Fig. 12. Machine 281-23
NEEDLES
Machine
281-5
Use
SINGER*
Needle,
Catalog
1515
(16x95),
in
sizes
ranging
from
11
to
22.
2e,-so
Machines
281-6,
.'.,,1-20,
281-22
and
281-23
Use
SINGER*
Needle,
Catalog
1955,
in
sizes
rang-
ing from 8
to
22.
Machine
281-24
Use
SINGER*
Needle,
Catalog
1361,
1n
sizes
rang-
ing from 8
to
22.
Size
of
needle
to
be
used
should
be
determined
by
weight
of
thread
and
type
of
material
being
sewn.
Orders
for
needles
should
specify
quantity
required,
size
number
and
catalog
number.
For
example:
100
No. 16,
Catalog
1361
Needles
~.~-,-,,""'"7'!!1"'1'P;-~~------._..,..,...
~.-·
,•~~---~-="'
~
•.
--.,-._"-~'-'-,-"
-:'II
i -
SETTING THE
NEEDLE
L,
..
~ ~
--~---...-
. --
--·~
-
....
Turn·
machine
pulley
over
toward
operator
until
needle
bar
reaches
highest
point
as
shown
in
Figs.
9
to
12.
Loosen
needle
clomping
screw.
Insert
needle
into
needle
bar
as
for
as
it
will
go,
with
long
groove
of
need
le
to
the
I
eft
and
eye
of
need
le
directly
in
Ii
ne
with
arm
of
machine.
Then
tighten
the
clomping
screw.
Turn
machine
.pulley
over
toward
operator
until
needle
bar
is
at
highest
point.
Poss
thread
through
threading
points
indicated
in
Figs.
13
to
18,
page
9.
Drow
approximately
two
inches
of
thread
through
needle
eyewith
which
to
start
sewing.
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
-
,.;,
<~·,.·.
f }
I
f;,j
;.
j
.j
.
-
Ii
I .
Fig. 13.
MOVE
NEEDLE
BAR
TO
HIGHEST
POINT
Fig. 15. Machine 281-5
I -.-
;·
UPPER
THREADING
Fig.
14.
MOVE
NEEDLE
BAR
TO
MOVE
NEEDLE
BAR
TO
HIGHEST
POINT
Fig. 16. Machines 281-6 Fig. 17. Machines 281-22
and
:l81
20-
and 281-24
28/-30
OVE
NEEDLE
BAR
TO
HIGHEST
POINT
Fig. 18. Machine 281-23
9

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;
;
.
I.
OPEN
LATCH--~
2.
HOLD
LATCH
1;
~
AND
PULL
'l
CASE
FROM__.-:
..__
HOOK
LOWER
THREADING
Bobbin
Removal
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
operator
until
needle
bar
is
at
highest
point.
Reach
beneath
bed
of
machine
with
left
hand
and
remove
bobbin
case
from
machine
as
shown
in
Fig.
19.
Release
latch
and
bobbin
will
drop
out
of
case,
as
shown
in
Fig.
20.
Threading
Bobbin
Case
Fig.
19~
Removing
Bobbin
Case
Hold
bobbin
so
that
thread
will
unwind
in
the
direc-
tion
shown
in
Fig.
21.
Hold
bobbin
case
as
shown
and
place
bobbin
into
it.
3.
RELEASE
LATC~
Pull
thread
into
slot
and
under
tension
spring,
shown
in
Fig.
22,
so
that
thread
enters
delivery
eye
at
end
of
spring.
Bobbin
Case
Replacement
@'•
BOBBIN
CROPS
OUT
Fig.
20.
Removing
Bobbin
Place
bobbin
case
on
center
stud
of
bobbin
case
holder
and
release
latch.
Place
bobbin
case
back
unti
I
latch
catches
near
end
of
stud
as
shown
in
Fig.
23.
Draw
about
two
inches
of
thread
from
bobbin
to
start
_the
sewing.
Fig.
2L
Replacin9
Wound
Bobbin
1.
HOLDING
LATCH,
REPLACE
BOBBIN
CASE
ON
STUD.
d
I---'
/
I.
PULL
THREAD
~
INTO
SLOT
_J
2. DRAW
THREAD
DOWN
AND
UNDER
SPRING
l
DELIVE~Y
EYE
/;
~~
':t:l[D
I'
..
3.
TURN
BOBBIN
CASE
OVER.
DRAW
THREAD
UP
AND
INTO
DELIVERY
EYE
j'•
Fig.
22.
Threading
Bobbin
Case
2.
RELEASE
LATCH.
3. PRESS
BACK,
UNTIL
LATCH
CATCHES
GROOVE
IN
STUD.
¥"f,.::
tl?}~~I
~-
......
~-
_
10
·_Fig.
23.
Replacing
Bobbin
Cose
'
...
,.._,:;
____
..._.,.,
:.-·•·'·~
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
ADJUSTING THE TENSION
Tension on thread should be as light as possible
while still sufficient to set stitches correctly in mate-
rio I.
Regulate needle thread tension, as instructed in
Fig. 24. Make certain presser foot Is DOWN during
tension adjustment.
Tighten lock nut to maintain tension adjustment.
Regulate bobbin thread tension as instructed 1n
Fig. 25.
Correct presser foot pressure helps insure proper
feeding of material.
Pressure should be as light as possible while still
sufficient to insure correct feeding of material.
Regulate as instructed in Fig. 26, with presser
foot down.
On all Machines, except Machine 281-5: Pressure
regulating thumb screw is fitted with lock nut. Loosen
this lock nut before adjusting pressure.
When correct pressure is obtained, tighten lock nut
to maintain adjustment.
Machine 281-5: To adjust pressure, turn regulating
screw (with screwdriver) upward for less pressure, or
downward for more pressure, as required.
r~ .. _-;:·-..-, .. -.•-·- ..... ~-~~ -_-_· ,-- ........ ·--~---....-~"-~-.- -~~---.- ~.~-~-,-...., __ --a ---.,
~. ADJUSTING THE PRESSURE
f OF THE ROLLER PRESSERS
F:J ,,.·c~ (MACHINES ~NO 281-23)
· ·~-,.->- . ..:. ~·""" 2 Bl-30
Pressure of the roller pressers on these machines
should be as light as possible, while still sufficient
to insure correct feeding.
Regulate as instructed in Figs. 27 and 28.
Fig. 24. Needle Thread Tension
TURN
REGULATING
SCREW---...
. ---~-~
~OR~-TENSION ~ ~ESS TENSION
Fig. 25 Bobbin Thread Tension
MORE ?> 'B. ~ LESS
PRESSUR~J~ PRESSURE
0/)~
LOOSEN I
LOCK NUT
Fig. 26. Presser Foot Pres.sure
LESS
Fig. 27. Regulating Pressure of 2D J, 30
Roller Presser on Machine -:.:.:,1.~
Fig. 28. Regulating Pressure of
Roller Presser on Machine 281-23
11

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
r
12
REGULAT!t~G THE STITCH LEt~GTH
4.
UMTIL
BUTTON
DROPS
INTO
NOTCH
Fig.
29.
Machine
281-5
Fig.
30.
Machine
281-6
FEED
DOG
STITCH
LENGTH
BUTTON
FEED
ROLL
STITCH
LENGTH
BUTTON
2,81·30
Fig.
31. Machines
i~
and
281-23
-,
-
::,
Changes
in
stitch
length
should
never
be
attempted
while
the
machine
is
running.
See
pages
3
and
4
for
information
on maximum
stitch
length
for
your
machine.
CAUTION:
Stitch
length
setting
shou
Id
never
ex-
ceed
capacity
of
fittings
in
use.
Machine
281-5
Regulate
the
stitch
length,
as
instructed
1n
Fig.
29.
Button
mentioned
in
Step
4,
Fig.
29,
drops
into
notch
with
an
audible
click.
Machine
281-6
1.
Remove
needle
from
machine.
2.
Depress
feed
dog
stitch
length
button,
shown
in
Fig.
30.
3.
Turn
machine
pu
II
ey
over
toward-you
unti
I
button
drops
(audible
click).
4.
Turn
machine
pulley
to
desired
stitch
length
and
release
button.
5.
Depress
top-gripper
stitch
length
button.
6.
Turn
machine
pulley
toward
you
slowly-until
button
drops.
7.
Turn
machine
pulley
to
some
stitch
length
as
feed
dog
is
set.
Never
depress
either
button
while
machine
is
r_unning.
Make
certain
both
buttons
ore
disengaged
before
start-
ing
machine.
te.S(---30
Machines~
and
281-23
1.
Stop
machine.
2.
Depress
feed
dog
stitch
length
button,
shown
in
Fig.
31.
3.
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
you
slowly-until
button
drops
(audible
click).
4.
Turn
machine
pulley
to
desired
stitch
length
and
release
button.
5.
Depress
feed
roll
stitch
length
button.
6.
Turn
machine
pulley
toward
you·
slowly-until
button
drops.
7.
Turn
machine
pulley
to
desired
stitch
length
and
release
button.
Never
depress
either
button
while
machine
is
running.
Make
certain
both
buttons
ore
disengaged
before
start-
ing
machine.
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
REGULATING
THE
STITCH
LENGTH
(continued)
Machines
281-22
and
281-24
1.
Remove
needle
from
machine.
2.
Depress
plunger,
shown
in
Fig.
32,
on
top
of
arm.
Continue
to
hold
plunger
down
- - -
3.
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
you
---
until
plunger
drops
(entering
notch
in arm
shaft
eccen-
tri
C
).
4.
Turn
plunger,
toward
right
or
left,
1/4
turn,
to
lock
position.
5.
Depress
stitch
length
button,
shown
in
Fig.
32.
6.
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
you - - -
until
but-
ton
drops.
7.
Turn
machine
pulley
to
desired
stitch
length
and
release
button.
8.
Turn
plunger
toward
right
or
left
until
it
releases,
.seringing
upward.
___
__
TO
PREVENT
JAMMING
OF
MACHINE:
PLUNGER
MUST
ALWAYS
BE
DISENGAGED
BEFORE
STARTING
MACHINE.
Never
depress
either
button
or
plunger
while
machine
is
running.
Never
turn
machine
pulley
with
plunger
in
locked
posi-
tion
unless
stitch
length
button
is
depressed
also.
rr:-c-
-.
;;~·~E-NTING
UNAUTH~-R~~~~
fa:~:
.
CHANGES
IN
STITCH
LENGTH
.,,::...:-
,·.
·-
".
Stitch
regulator
button
may
be
removed
by
loosening
the
arm
top
cover
screws
and
removing
arm
top
cover,
as
shown
in
Fig.
33.
Remove
retaining
ring
near
tip
of
button
allowing
button
to
be
withdrawn.
Hole
in
top
cover
should
then
be
filled
by
inserting
plug
screw
140607
which
may
be
obtained
a't
additional
charge.
Replace
arm
top
cover.
~-...--..-
...
------
-•-
--
-
•~~,
•--•~-,._
•-
~--
~>•-
---,
-~-
-
---a
-
~••
••£•~-----,
---~--
•,~~•
Jill/<·
_TO
OPERATE
THE
TRIMMER
L.
·,,.. ·.
..
(MACHINE
281-5)
~~:.::~~/<•r:_,..,.
_,4,--,•.:
~
•----•'"'-
---~-,...,..._-
:--
~"C,-
-.z••
~~-~-
To
engage
the
vertical
trimmer,
push
DOWN
on
lever,
shown
in
Fig.
34.
To
raise
the
knife
out
of
the
way,
push
lli
button
on
face,
as
shown.
FROM
THIS
POINT
ON,
INSPECT
AND
ADJUST
THE
MACHINE,
WHEN IT
IS
REQUIRED,
IN
THE
ORDER
GIVEN.
Fig.
32.
Regulating
the
Needle
Feed
and
Drop
Feed,
t
Machines
281-22
and
281-24
f
Fig.
33.
Removing
Stitch
Length
Regulator
Button
L
r.~
~-,
-\;~~
',
~
'11~·
!r--
'1),~-.
tr
\•~
~
'!
f¾
/ PUSH DOWN
,,,
,,
·
TO
ENGAGE
-·
.
~~
/i,
1c
PUSH IN
TO
RELEASE
i .
..
-:-j
~/'.
• l\.11·
-~
l
Fig,
34.
Operoting'the
_Trimmer on
Machine
281-5
L
..
13

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
THE
FACE
PLATE
(MACHINE 281-5)
TRIMMER
RELEASE
LEVER
Fig.
35.
Removing
the
Face
Plate
(Machine
281-5)
KNIFE
BAR
CRANK
POSITIOl~ING
t~EEDLE
CORRECTLY
~--
~-
IN
NEEDLE
HOLE
OF
THROAT
PLATE
r_.-~.
CUTTING
BAR (MACHINE 281-5)
b_
•¼-_
-•--
----"'
.-
~
,..__r,-
-----.
,.._._,._
~-•
-,
~-
·,.
----
·•<-"--'
_
_.._.._¼-~
Turn
machine
pulley
until
needle
point
rises
just
above
needle
hole
in
throat
plate
cutting
bar.
Loosen
the
two
screws
B,
Fig.
36
and
locate
throat
plate
so
that
needle
will
rise
and
fall
in
center
of
needle
hole
in
throat
plate
cutting
bar.
14
Tighten
the
two
screws
B.
A
BAR B
'=::;;;:;;;~-;:f,~~V"'
_,-
' •
~~
\
UPPER
~
KNIFE
TH:OAT
~~
SLIDE
PLATE~SCREW
A
Fig.
36.
Need(
e
Loc~tion
in
Throat
Plate
Cutting
Ber
(Machine
281-5)
The
specialized
face
plate
on
machine
281-5
re-
quires
a
small
amount
of
manipulation
to
be
safely
removed
and
replaced.
When
correctly
placed
the
trim-
mer
release
lever
is
hooked
under
the
knife
bar
crank
shown
in
Fig.
35.
Face
plate
may
be
removed
by
loosening
its
four
screws
and
gently
pulling
face
plate
outward
to
sepa-
rate
gasket
from
casting.
Then
draw
face
plate
down-
ward
to
disengage
release
lever
from
knife
bar
crank
shown
in
Fig.
35.
Replace
face
plate
with
an
upward
motion
so
that
release
lever
is
engaged
beneath
knife
bar
crank.
Make
certain
that
screw
holes
in
gasket
align
with
their
respective
screw
holes
in
face
plate.
Securely
tighten
the
four
face
plate
screws.
.
.
SETTING
THE
TRIMMING MARGIN
(MACHINE 281-5)
a.;.=..,.q
• •
..-1..-.--.........
.-
--
~-
•--~-•-••..._-.
....
-.
&L
• - C
•••
¼
-•~·--•-
..
T.
•,-•-••-••---•
The
distance
from
the
trimmed
edge
to
the
line
of
stitching
is
determined
by
the
throat
plate
cutting
bar
used.
Each
throat
plate
cutting
bar
is
designed
for
but
one
trimming
margin.
(See
"DESCRIPTION"
on
page
3.)
The
trimming
margin
is
measured
from
the
center
of
the
needle
hole
to
the
cutting
edge
of
the
throat
plate
cutting
bar.
To
change
trimming
margin:
Loosen
slide
screw
and
move
throat
plate
slide,
shown
in
Fig.
36,
toward
the
right.
Remove
two
screws
A,
Fig.
36
and
presser
foot
screw.
Change
throat
plate
cutting
bar
and
presser
foot
as
required,
fastening
cutting
bar
with
two
screws
A.
Return
throat
plate
slide
to
its
normal
position
(toward
the
left
against
cutting
bar)
and
tighten
slide
screw.
After
changing
trimmer
parts,
always
check
knife
adjustment,
as
instructed
on
page
15.
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
SETTING
UPPER
KNIFE
IN
RELATION
TO THE
THROAT
PLATE
CUTTING
BAR
(MACHINE
231-5)
Press
down
on
lever
shown
1n
Fig.
37,
lowering
knife.
Turn
machine
pulley
until
upper
knife
is
at
its
lowest
position.
Loosen
the
two
lock
nuts
behind
screws
shown
in
Fig.
37,
above
upper
knife.
Move
knife
holder
to
bring
upper
knife
as
close
as
possible
to
cutting
bar,
as
shown.
Securely
tighten
two
screws
and
lock
nuts,
previously
loosened.
Loosen
two
screws
B,
Fig.
37.
Using
a
screwdriver
os
shown,
press
throat
plate
cutting
bar
firmly
against
upper
knife,
setting
cutting
bar
para
I
lel
to
blade-of
knife,
as
shown
in
Fig.
37.
Securely
tighten
two
screws
B.
Check
to
make
certain
upper
knife
releases
readily
when
button
on
face
plate
is
pushed
IN.
Recheck
needle
location
in
cutting
bar
needle
hole
end
re-set,
if
necessary
as
instructed
at
bottom
of
page
14.
Then
check
and
re-set
upper
knife
as
instructed
above.
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
you
until
upper
knife
is
at
its
lowest
position.
Loosen
two
screws
C,
Fig.
37.
Raise
or
lower
the
upper
knife
as
required
to
bring
highest
point
of
cutting
edge
approximately
1/64
inch
below
top
surface
of
throat
plate
cutting
bar.
Securely
tighten
two
screws
C.
CAUTION:
Make
certain
that
upper
knife
does
not
strike
throat
plate
slide.
Loosen
slide
screw
and
move
slide,
os
required.
Slide
should
be
closed
without
coming
in
contact
with
knife.
Core
must
be
taken
to
keep
both
knives
sharp.
When
sharpening
the
upper
knife,
make
certain
that
10°
bevel
shown
in
Fig.
38
is
maintained,
to
insure
correct
engagement
of
upper
and
lower
knives.
l
'
LOOSEN
LOCK NUTS
BEHIND
THESE
TWO
SCREWS
B
KNIFE
HOLDER
PUSH
DOWN
UPPER
KNIFE
SLIDE
SCREW
THROAT
PLATE
SLIDE
Fig.
37.
Setti~g
Knife
in
Relation
to
Cutting
Bar
on
Machine
281-5
KEEP
10°
BEVEL
1/16":::
KEEP
10°
BEVEL
Fig.
38.
Sharpening
Knife
on
Machine
281-5
. I
15

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
POSITIONING
NEEDLE
IN
RELATION
TO
THROAT
PLATE
AND FEED
DOG
(MACHINES 281-22
AND
281-24)
NEEDLE
HOLE
NEEDLE
BAR
FRAME
Fig.
39.
Positioning
the
Needle
(front
to
rear)
on Mochi
ne
s 281-22
and
281-24
Fig.
40.
Correct
Setting:
Needle
Bar
Bushing
t1,i
I
ii
a
l
~,
..
..:;.
/,:,
~'--"'--
CLAMPING
NEEDLE
STOP
·-
SCREW
Needle
should
not
contact
surfaces
of
throat
plate
or
feed
dog.
Needle,
needle
bar
and
needle
bar
frame
may
be
positioned
forward
or
backward,
after
loosening
pinch
screw,
shown
in
Fig.
39.
To
adjust,
set
feed
eccentrics
for
longest
stitch,
as
instructed
on
page·
13.
Insert
needle
correctly
in
needle
bar.
Remove
face
plate
and
slide
plate.
Loosen
pinch
screw
and
move
needle
bar
frame,
as
required.
Securely
tighten
pinch
screw
and
replace
all
ports
previously
removed.
SETTING
THE
LOWER
NEEDLE
BAR BUSHING
ON
COMPOUND
FEED
MACHINES 281-22 AND 281-24:
The
lower
needle
bar
bushing
is
integral
with
the
needle
bar
frame
and
does
not
require
separate
setting.
ON
ALL
OTHER
MACHINES:
Gouge
distance
from
throat
plate
seat
to
bottom
of
lower
needle
bar
bushing
is
2.599
inches.
Raise
or
lower
needle
bar
bushing,
as
required
to
obtain
correct
hejght
setting,
ofter
loosening
bushing
set
screw
shown
in
Fig.
40.
SETTING
THE
NEEDLE
BAR
HEIGHT
(without
using
timing
mark)
Machine
281-5:
Remove
bed
raising
plate.
All
Machines:
Remove
face
plate,
slide
plate
and
throat
plate.
When
need
le
bar
is
at
its
Iow
est
po
int
(during
rota-
tion
of
machine
pulley),
the
gouge
distance
from
throat
plate
seat
to
needle
stop
in
needle
bar,
as
shown
in
Fig.
41,
is
- - -
0.866
inch
for
Machine
281-24
1.031
inches
for
all
other
Machines.
!
THROATPLATE
~-
__
.
________
J
__
_
To
set
needle
bar
height,
loosen
the
needle
bar
c I
amping
screw
shown
in
Fig.
41.
Roi
se
or
lower
needle
bar
as
may,
be
required.
Securely
tighten
clomp-
ing
screw.
Replace
oil
ports
previously
removed.
16
SEAT
,
~
0.866"
(281-24)
~------..----
--
~:·:~~:•f
::RS
Fig.
41.
Setting
Needle
Bar
at
Correct
Height
{Using
Gouge
Distance)
When
replacing
face
plate,
make
certain
that
screw
holes
in
gasket
align
with
screw
holes
in
face
plate,
to
ovoid
injury
to
gasket
and
subsequent
oil
leakage.
---......
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
SETTING
THE
TIMING-INDICATOR
PIN
(MACHINES
281-22
AND
281-24)
'Set
needle
bar
at
correct
height,
as
instructed
on
page
16.
When
needle
bar
is
at
its
lowest
point
(during
ro-
tation
of
machine
pulley)
the
point
of
timing
indicator
pin
should
be
level
with
UPPER
TIMING MARK
on
needle
bar,
as
shown
in
Fig.
42.
To
adjust
indicator
pin,
loosen
set
screw,
shown
1n
Fig.
42,
in
needle
bar
frame
and
raise
or
lower
pin,
as
required.
Securely
tighten
set
screw.
l:"
_
SETTING
THE
NEEDLE
BAR
HEIGHT
L .
(Using
Upper
Timing
Mark)
When
lower
needle
bar
bushing
(or
timing-indicator
pin
on
Machines
281-22
and
281-24)
is
correctly
set
as
previously
instructed,
the
timing
marks
on
the
needle
bar
may
be
used
for
setting
and
timing
the
machine.
If
needle
bar
height
is
subsequently
dis-
turbed,
needle
bar
may
be
quickly
restored
to
its
cor-
rect
height
as
follows
- - -
MACHINES
281°22
AND
281-24:
Turn
machine
pulley
slowly
until
needle
bar
is
at
its
lowest
point.
Loosen
needle
bar
clamping
screw
shown
in
Fig.
42,
and
raise
or
tower
needle
bar,
as
required,
to
bring
UPPER
TIMING MARK
level
with
pointer
on
timing-indicator
pin,
as
shown
in
Fig.
42.
Securely
tighten
clamping
screw.
NEEDLE
FRAME
Fig.
42.
Setting
Needle
at
Correct
:ieight
on
Machines
281-22
and
281-24
UPPER
TIMING
MARK
AT
LOWEST
POINT
Fig.
43.
Setting
Need
Ic
Bar
at
Correct
Height
ALL
OTHER
MACHINES:
Turn
machine
pulley
slowly
until
needle
bar
is
at
its
lowest
point.
Loosen
needle
bar
clomping
screw,
shown
in
Fig.
43,
and
raise
or
lower
needle
bar,
as
required,
to
bring
UPPER
TIMING
MARK
level
with
bottom
of
lower
needle
bar
bushing,
as
shown
in
Fig.
43.
Securely
tighten
clomping
screw.
on
all
Machines,
except
281-22
and
281-24
17

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
18
CLEARANCE
ABOVE EYE
EYE )
I n
I
j,J.,:
z:,-~
· t
z,,·
!
1-~-"
1,
l
i
I
I
!
/'
HOOK
'/
\,P'
POINT
...-1,
,.,
....
I
l""''V
MARK
LEVEL
WITH
BOTTOM
OF LOWER
NEEDLE
BAR
BUSHING
Fig.
44.
Hook
Point
at
Center
of
Needle
Fig.
45.
Hook
Body
Screws
Fig. 46. Clearance
Be"tween
Needle
and
Hook
TIMING
THE
MACHINE
Timing
the
machine
consists
of
first
adjusting
the
radial
position
of
sewing
hook
with
relation
to
move-
ment
of
needle
bar
and
needle
thread
toke-up
lever,
to
make
certain
that
loop
of
thread
formed by
needle
will
be
correctly
taken
by
point
of
hook
at
proper
time.
The
check
spring
and
feed
ore
then
timed
to
syn·
chronize
their
motions
with
needle
and
hook
movement.
TIMING
THE
SEWING
HOOK
MACHINE
231.5:
Remove
bed-raising
plate.
MACHINES 281-22 AND 281-24:
Make
certain
that
timing-indicator
pin
is
correctly
set
in
needle
bar
frame,
as
instructed
on
page
17.
ALL
MACHINES:
Remove·
s
fide
plate,
throat-
plot~~
presser
foot
and
feed
dog.
Turn
machine
pulley
over
toward
operator
until
needle
bar
reaches
its
lowest
point
and
rises
to
posi-
tion
where
LOWER
TIMING
MARK
on
needle
bar
is
level
with
bottom
of
lower
needle
bar
bushing,
as
shown
in
Fig.
44.
(On
Machines
281-22
and
281-24,
LOWER TIMING MARK
should
be
level
with
timing-
indicator
pin
shown
in
Fig.
42,
page
17).
At
this
position,
point
of
sewing
hook
should
be
at
center
of
needle,
as
shown
in
inset,
Fig.
44.
Loosen
two
hook
body
screws
shown
and
turn
hook
on
shaft
as
required
to
bring
point
of
hook
to
center
of
needle.
See
Fig.
45.
Make
certain
that
hub
of
hook
is
against
oil
re-
taining
collar
and
tighten
hook
body
screws.
Check
clearance
between
needle
and
hook
point,
in
accordance
with
the
fol
lowing
instructions.
SETTING
THE
CLEARANCE
BETWEEN
NEEDLE
ANO HOOK
POINT
MACHINE28l-5:
Remove
bed-raising
plate.
ALL
MACHINES:
Remove
slide
plate,
throat
plate
and
bobbin
case.
Check
to
see
that
needle
is
properly
seated
in
needle
bar
and
time
sewing
hook
as
previously
in-
structed.
Point
of
sewing
hook
should
poss
needle
as
closely
as
possible
without
striking
or
deflecting
needle.
A
clearance
of
about
the
thickness
of
o
piece
of
note
paper
(approximately
.005
inch),
as
shown
in
Fig.
46,
is
sufficient.
0

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
SETTING THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN
NEEDLE
AND
HOOK
POINT (Continued)
To
move
hook
point
toward
or
away
from
needle,
loosen
the
two
bevel
gear
screws
shown
in
Fig.
47
and
loosen
bushing
set
screw
shown
in
Fig.
48.
MAKE CERTAIN THAT BEVEL
GEARS
ARE
KEPT
IN
MESH
CONSTANTLY
UNTIL
THEIR
SCREWS
ARE
SECURELY
RETIGHTENED.
Using
a
light
mallet
and
a
1/4
inch
brass
drift
pin,
move
hook
assembly
toward
or
away
from
needle
as
required.
Figs.
48
and
49
show
correct
placement
of
drift
pin.
TAP VERY
LIGHTLY
to
avoid
damaging
hook
assembly.
Securely
tighten
_bushing
set
screw.
Remove
al
I
end
play
from
hook
shaft
by
moving
hook
assembly
firmly
against
front
hook
shaft
bushing
and,
at
the
same
time,
moving
hook
shaft
·bevel
gear
toward
sewing
hook
end
of
shaft.
Fig.
48.
Position
of
Drift
Pin
when
Moving
t-:Ook
T
award
Nee
die
SETTING
THE POSITION FINGER
Clearance
between
position
finger
and
bobbin
case
holder
should
be
just
sufficient
to
allow
thread
to
pass
through
easily.
Normally
an
.018
to
.022
inch
clear-
ance,
as
shown
in
Fig.
50,
is
required.
If
necessary,
"bend
position
finger
CAREFULLY
to
achieve
this
setting.
Top
surface
of
the
pas
it
ion
finger
mu
st
be
kept
level
with
the
top
surface
of
the
bobbin
case
holder.
Fig. 47. Bevel
Gear
Screws
Tighten
screw
l,
Fig.
47
on
bevel
gear.
Securely
tighten
bevel
gear
screw
2,
Fig.
47.
--
Rep
I
ace
al
I
parts
previously
removed.
Check
thread
c I
earance
between
position
finger
and
bobbin
case,
as
inst~ucted
next.
Fig.
49.
Position
-of
Drift
Pin
when
Moving
Hook
Away
from
Needle
BOBBIN
C
CASE
.018"
TO
.022"
CLEARANCE
t·
HOLDER-----~
L·
POSITION..........-1f
FINGER
POSITION
FINGER
~SCREW
Fig.
50.
Position
Finger
19

From the library of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC - www.supsew.com
STRINGING
THE
NEEDLE
GUARD
Fig.
51.
Needle
Guard
at
Loop-Taking
Time
GUARD
Incorrect
Too
Much
Metal
The
needle
guard
on
the
bobbin
case
holder,
shown
in
Figs.
51
and
54,
should
prevent
needle
from
con•
tacting
hook
or
bobbin
case
at
any
time.
See
Fig.
51
(A)
for
correct
relationship.
When
large
needles
(size
20
or
larger)
are
used,
needle
guard
may
deflect
needle
too
for
toward
left
resulting
in
damage
'to
needle.
See
Fig.
51
(B).
To
ovoid
this,
it may
be
necessary
to
string
the
needle
guard
in
accordance
with
the
follow-
ing
instructions.
,,.
MACHINE 281-5:
Remove
bed-raising
plate.
t'
;
HOOK
POINT
HOOK
SECTION
Fig.
52.
Hook
Section
ALL
MACHINES:
Remove
needle,
slide
plate,
throat
plate
and
bobbin
case
from
machine
'
'
HOOK
POSITION
FINGER
~~~
SLOT
ON
THREAD
r:,,_,
GUARD
~~>
~,
BODY
I
-I
I
\\,';){
,,
\- \
~:
I
• I
BOBBIN
CASE
\
~
HOLDER
~
\
.
Fig. 53. Bobbin
Case
Holder
,.-
Fig. 54. Stringing
Needle
Guard
20
Turn
machine
pulley
until
feed
bar,
Fig.
52,
is
at
its
highest
point.
Remove
position
finger
shown
in
Fig.
52.
Turn
hook
body
to
position
shown
in
Fig.
52
and
remove
three
small
screws
and
hook
section
shown
.
Turn
bobbin
case
holder
until
position
finger
slot
on
thread
guard
is
at
location
shown
in
Fig.
53.
Slip
bobbin
case
holder
out
ofhook
body.
Remove
a
slight
amount
of
metal
from
needle
guard
by
rubbing
needle
guard
along
a
1/8
inch
strip
of
very
fine
emery
cloth,
as
shown
in
Fig.
54.
EXTREME
CARE
should
be
token
to
ovoid
removal
of
too
much
metal
as
this
may
permit
needle
to
strike
hook.
See
Fig.
51
(C).
Bobbin
case
holder
will
then
need
replacement.
Cleon
bobbin
case
holder
thoroughly
before
re•
placing
it
in
hook
body.
Rep
lace
al I
ports
in
reverse
order
instructed
for
removal.
0
0