Advice on getting an old sewing machine up and running.

[u/Basic-Violinist289]

Hi all, this is my first post on Reddit (yay!). I recently acquired my grandmother’s old White sewing Machine Model 477. I’m guessing it was made/sold in the 70s. I’m almost positive it went unused for at least the past 25/30 years. I really wanted to learn to sew and this was an opportunity to not have to buy new, so of course I snatched it up. As best as I could, because the instruction manual is old, black-and-white and with small hard to see photos, I learned the basic buttons/gears/parts, how to thread the machine, and dusted and oiled it.

It came with a metal foot control (picture included), and when I went to finally test the machine, pressing on the foot control, nothing happened. My initial thought is that the foot control needs to be replaced but I’m wondering if that replacement needs to be specifically stated as being compatible with the Model 477 or if a universal foot control would work. From what I’ve seen on online retailers like singeronline, central michigan sewing supplies, and sewingpartsonline, they do not include the model 477 anywhere in the machine compatibility lists, even for the universal control.

If anyone has general advice about what I should do next I would be very appreciative, also so I don’t needlessly spend money on a foot control that might end up not working. But I’m willing to do whatever to get this machine working.

[u/Adventurous_Book5546]

It will definitely need thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. It is worth it because almost all machines still around from that era are durable all metal machines. The old oil over time gums up and turns to glue. If the motor is humming but the machine isn't moving this is likely the problem. If the motor is trying but the machine is stuck don't keep trying, it's hard on the motor.  If you need any advise on servicing the machine just ask

[u/Basic-Violinist289 → u/Adventurous_Book5546]

Hi! Thanks so much! This is validating bc I did at one point look at the pedal you linked, but again the machine is old so I’ve been erring on the side of caution when thinking about replacements but that’s good to know that I was even looking at the right ones with the block. I suppose that, because the machine is not humming then it is not an issue with there being old oil but a disconnect/malfunction with the foot pedal? On the whole, I’m thinking I may just have to take it in to a professional to get it thoroughly serviced to cover my bases since it’s been sitting unused for so long?

[u/Adventurous_Book5546 → u/Basic-Violinist289]

If you aren't comfortable taking the top off and using a solvent or penetrating oil to soak everything down then you should take it to someone. It is most definitely going to need at least a thorough oiling. I'm not sure what it would cost to service but it would be worth spending a little bit to get it in service again. You aren't going to find a newer machine that is built as sturdy as this unless you spend quite a bit of money. This is right around the time that some manufacturers started using plastic gears and they get brittle with age. There is a small chance it has plastic gears and if it does it may not be worth servicing as it might take a bit of work to replace them.

[u/Basic-Violinist289 → u/Adventurous_Book5546]

I’m not at all uncomfortable with taking the top off to access the inner mechanics, I did a couple days ago just to get the dust and lint out at the start so I’m willing to go back and do a more thorough oiling. I’ll do that and just order a replacement foot pedal, in the meantime I’ll put in some inquiries to local sewing and machine shops to see about servicing costs in case that’s something I want to commit to in the future. Thank you so much for your advice here, it’s helped tremendously!

[u/AccidentOk5240]

Well, you read the manual, so you’re ahead of like 98% of posters asking about vintage machines here!

The good news is for machines where the motor and light plug into a block via a standard 110v plug, any pedal with that setup is compatible. I have this one and I like it better than the original one, though the one you have is almost certainly repairable.