I plugged it in to make sure it worked. It worked! Of course it would. It was made in Rockford Illinois in the 40s.
I guess my new friend somehow knew I was the one to take good care of her. Yes, I changed to calling my new machine, her. She is so special. I don't know why this machine is not held to more acclaim by people. I guess I can appreciate her so much because I appreciate Model A Fords, Wringer Washers, Vintage Sewing Machines, and most vintage mechanics. This machine is for a tinker like me. Because there aren't needles and bobbins readily available, so you have to make what is available fit.
I am going to call her Alice.
Alice has some eccentricities that attract me to her:
An interesting name-brand.
Friction drive.(I was afraid it would slip. Not a chance! I kept doubling denim and sewing. She Purred.)
Straight-Stitch with reverse.
Feed-dog adjustment. (really just a disconnect, but manual calls it an adjustment)
A hand-wheel that goes clockwise instead of counterclockwise like modern machines.
A shorter needle than modern machines. (Grind the shank down on a 15x1 needle to the correct length.)
Uses the same bobbin as a Singer Featherweight. (A little filing on the bobbin lock-lever to fit bobbin winder)
A front mounted light switch.
A very well-lit sewing area.
A smooth and quiet purr.
A super-straight stitch.
A single plug-in in the back to keep wires out of the way.
Only weighs 20 pounds.
Wow! I didn't know I could get so worked up about a $4.25 sewing machine.
She is a Free-Westinghouse model ALB, Type E. She was made by The Free sewing machine company. But called Free-Westinghouse because all these machines exclusively used westinghouse motors.
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| Alice, better known as Free-Westinghouse Model ALB |
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| Rear, notice "turtle motor" with friction drive |
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| Nifty plug-in |
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| Bobbin Case |
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| Feed Dog Adjustment under Sewing Machine |
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| Tension Mechanism |
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| Name Badge One |
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| Name Badge Two |
Thanks for stopping.
Congratulations on another great find! You are the perfect new owner for a machine with such eccentricities - the special needle system alone is what makes most potential owners run from this one, but glad to know you discovered the work-around.
ReplyDeleteI think the rubber drive "pulley" is still available as a new part. They have a tendency to go "flat" if the machine sits too long, and then it will sound and vibrate like a Mack truck on a logging road!
Are the cords in good shape?
Have fun with your new find!
The cords are like brand new and has the original plug.
DeleteWhat a great machine! So did you have to grind down the needle or were you able to use it at the regular length?
ReplyDeleteI ground the needle to match the graphic on the machine showing the length of needle to use. It came with an original needle. I have that one put away for safe keeping. I didn't want to try a full length one in fear of damaging something.
DeleteI got a rubber pulley thing for my rotary made by White company-probably would work if you ever needed to replace that-may even be the same part. The clockwise turn of the handwheel and the rubber drum thing remind me of my rotary kenmore made by white company. The bobbin case and the peculiar looking thread path remind me of it as well. My rotary has a weird looking bobbin that is similar in size to a featherweight but has solid sides. Lots of similar features on your machine though my white made rotary has a 3 prong larger fan shaped plug. These old machines are very interesting to investigate. Fortunately mine had its manual or I would never have even gotten it threaded. I had planned to rehome mine but as you say it takes someone who appreciates a vintage machine to understand one that looks and is a little different than most.
ReplyDeleteIf your friction wheel goes a little flat simply take a rough emery board and "dress" the wheel, file it while running. I have an old.majestic that I put a small cork between the motor and machine head so to keep the friction wheel round.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter brought this home to me. I have a few vintage machine; however, this one has me stumped! Does it suppose to come with a foot petal? Also the hand wheel is very hard to turn. I am turning it in the right direction. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about a foot pedal too! I don't see a pedal in your video. I inherited this model built into a table. There seems to be a pedal mounted on the inside. I don't know if it's meant to be pressed by a knee? Also, just the main cord seems to be decayed!
DeleteI just bought one for $40 and it has the knee "pedal but it sits back at an angle. I tried to pull it forward but it won't budge, however, it works with my knee.
DeleteI have my mother's same model. I got a big wad of thread tangled in the part that rotates around the bobbin. It made it really hard to turn. You could try seeing if anything is stuck underneath. In fact it stripped a small gear inside the top of the housing. Does anyone know where to get repair parts for this model?
DeleteI need help also.have dark green ,crinkle finish New Home light running made in Rockford.kinda ugly,square looking. says type J.need model and presser foot.has no reverse and bobbin winder thing in back.also no release knob,bobbin thing moves pulley away from wheel instead.anyone know anything about this machine?
ReplyDeleteI need help also.have dark green ,crinkle finish New Home light running made in Rockford.kinda ugly,square looking. says type J.need model and presser foot.has no reverse and bobbin winder thing in back.also no release knob,bobbin thing moves pulley away from wheel instead.anyone know anything about this machine?
ReplyDeleteI just bought this machine today. It came with the original manual and accessories box and foot pedal. Haven't even plugged it in yet. Decided to do some research on it. Surprised to read about the needle size. I have my eye on a Singer 319w and it also uses a special needle size. I wonder if they are the same.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my research the Singer 319 takes a 206x13. This needle will not work in the Westinghouse according to some. I am not sure.
ReplyDeleteI was just gifted this machine in a cabinet today.. It sat in a garage for 30 years. I don't know where to start to clean her up. I did clean and put grease in the bottom pot. Any help would be appreciated. I am currently letting her sit with SMO overnight.
ReplyDeleteHello, just found your thread, after google searching "thin bobbin cases", because I too love to find sentimental sewing machines at divinely aligned times when i see they have been waiting for me. Upon a recent trip II found a Greist Rotary attachment box, filled with magical low shank pieces that will fit my Kenmore perfectly. But also in the box was this thin bobbin case, with 9 bobbins. The same as the one pictured above! Please let me send them to you, I know you will use them.
ReplyDeleteI picked up one of these at a local auction. Cleaned and lubricated it, got a manual on-line and it works great! Don't underestimate these old machines. Yes, they don't do all the fancy stuff but for pure basic sewing that's reliable and built like a tank (not all plastic), its a very nice machine!
ReplyDeleteAny way you can post the manual so it's easier to access and also can you post the length of the needle? I'm almost there with mine but I keep getting a thread nest on the underside.
ReplyDeleteAnyone have a threading diagram for the Free Westinghouse vintage machine?
ReplyDeleteI used a small grinding wheel on a mini-drill to remove about 3/32" of metal from the bottom right edge of the extended needlebar guide. Then I removed the faceplate and loosened the set screw on the needlebar and raised the needle until the thread guide screw above the needle clamping screw just cleared hitting the newly rounded out section. The allows you to use modern HAx1 needles and maintain perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteThe shuttle can be adjusted slightly if the hook isn't at the perfect distance above the eye, for the loop.
If anyone is willing to share a manual with me, I would appreciate it. I inherited the machine from my mother-in-law, and now that I am retired, I have time to try to learn to sew again. Haven't attempted in over 40 years but I need the manual to help me. Thanks so much. 65stang.hecht@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI have a manual if you still need one. I can copy it.
DeleteI would love to get a manual too!
Deletehttp://ismacs.net/newhome/new-home-sewing-machine-manuals.html
DeleteThis manual will work for you.
I too have this machine and no manual. Will it be posted somewhere?
ReplyDeleteThis is the manual. New Home NLB is the same as Free Westinghouse ALB.
ReplyDeletehttp://ismacs.net/newhome/new-home-sewing-machine-manuals.html
Just bought a NLB for $40 in the cabinet. It works, it came with a manual and several extra needles and other parts. I've oiled all the places I was supposed to but it runs loud and slow but it works.
ReplyDeleteThis sweet machine was my Mom's sewing machine. It sits lovingly in my sewing room. I have so many memories of looking over her shoulder watching her sew! I learned to sew on it. I am now a sewing addict. Do you know where to get needles for it. I seem to remember my mom always having trouble finding needles even when I was little.
ReplyDeleteI have the coolest buttonholer with mine. I loved watching my Mom use it. Pajamas for me and my brothers! Cowboy shirts for my brothers!
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ReplyDeleteI recently bought this beautiful brand new looking machine ALB type E model for $20 but it had no power cord and cant find one on the internet..if anyone could help me find one or rewire it with a universal power cord i would really appreciate it. Fm_high@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI just got one of these machines. The drive pulley doesn't seem to come up far enough to touch the hand wheel without holding it. Is there a way to adjust it up?
ReplyDeleteIf you take the drive "pulley" (I would characterize it more as a small rubber wheel) off and swing the motor clockwise about 90 degrees you should be able to remove it. There should be a spring inside that slips over a lug on the motor which, when the motor is back in place keeps tension on it. Perhaps the spring is broken or missing or has fallen down inside the housing.
DeleteThe motor should swing up and down by hand with spring action towards the motor. If it does, my guess would be the rubber drive wheel is worn down.
ReplyDeleteI have the same model. It was my mother's. Does anyone know where to get repair parts? I need the small gear that goes inside the housing on the vertical shaft that is behind the horizontal gear behind the motor.
ReplyDelete