Question on a Home machine

[tryon520]

Hello!
I'm new to this forum. Have had a couple of Edisons for a few years and love them immensely.
My question is on my latest addition, its a Home with serial number 330333. It doesn't have any letter designation(A,B,C....)behind the number, so wondering if this is a first year production of this model or ?

A quick note on this machine. I found it at a St Vincent/Depaul outlet store(similar to a Goodwill store) here in southeastern Wisconsin a few years ago. Was in the store on an errand for my wife when I noticed it on the floor in their "Furniture Dept."(basically all the used furniture piled in a designated area of the store). The red label on the handle of the lid said- "Antique sewing machine with wood carrying case", and the price? $55.88!

I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Other than the crank and horn were missing, it was in perfect condition(including the Model C reproducer!). I was grease lightning taking it from the floor to the cashiers counter and paying for it! And then, all the way home I kept looking in the rear view mirror for the police, cause I knew I had "stolen" this once in a lifetime find! Used to make fun of my wife going to St Vincent/DePaul, no more!

Anyway, someone please educate me on the serial number.

Thanks

Rick 

[phonogfp]

Rick,

The serial number of your Home indicates that it was built in late 1908 or 1909. During that time, the Model B, C, and D Homes were being sold, so in order to identify it, a photo would be helpful. Or you can check these features:

1) The presence of an end gate will indicate a Model B

2) No end gate and a solid upper pulley will indicate a Model C.

3) No end gate and a 2-piece pulley with a small gear visible on the left-hand side will indicate a Model D.

Best,
George P.

[tryon520]

Thanks for getting back.

Yes, I believe its a model B from your descriptions AND looking at past threads on the same subject(should have looked there first!).

I've learned a ton today looking at past threads on general cleaning and maintenance!

But since I have your attention, a couple of related questions-

1. This same machine works great, but without a horn. When I put a small (about 12" long) witch's hat horn on, it slows down to a stop. I thought the weight of any horn had no effect on the mandrel turning?

2. I just spent the last two nights replacing the pot metal bearing with a brass bearing on a Home model D I also have. First time I've ever done this! And me, who knows nothing about nothing!

Anyway, the small problem when rebuilding/installing the whole mandrel setup and pulleys(this is a 2/4 min. machine), I ended up with "spare parts"- 2 tiny screws and a small curved, 3/8" clip with a hole in it. Now today, again, going thru past threads I saw something pertaining to a "feed screw clip", could that be what I have leftover? All I know is it was right around the area of the two pulleys when I dissembled them.

And, no, I don't have the ability right now to submit photos(temporarily out of order due to still setting up new electronic equipment)

[phonogfp]

Rick,

1) The weight of a horn can certainly have an effect on the machine's ability to play. Be sure the back rod and the top of the straight edge are lightly lubricated. Most importantly, be sure the half nut bar is properly adjusted. Again, without a photo I can't be sure which type of half nut bar you have, but place an ordinary business card on top of the straight edge and place the carriage on top of it. Now adjust the half nut bar so that it firmly rests in the feedscrew, without raising the carriage. Now remove the business card and you should be good to go. If necessary, loosen the two screws that hold the half nut in the bar and play the machine. Now stop the machine with the brake lever, but DON'T LIFT THE CARRIAGE. Fully tighten the screws that secure the half nut in the bar. Everything should be well aligned now.

2) You have not installed the detent pin and pin spring on your Home D. See the instructions here:

www.wyattsmusical.com/2-4mech.html

Good luck -

George P.