Lint, and lots of it..... look at all those bent needles on the right of the photo. This machine's been well-used.
But yesterday I managed to score a sewing machine at the local Silverdale Goodwill during their weekly half-price red tag sale. It's a Necchi-Alco model A709-4 (or is it just an "Alco", distributed by Necchi? I dunno.) It's Japanese made, so is of the normal high quality. And heavy. Wow. Maybe I'm just getting old, but 30-some pounds of cast iron is not easy to cart around.
I didn't plug the sewing machine in at the store, figuring that it will run just like all the others I've purchased. And once I got it home, it did turn over, ever so slowly and loudly. Nothing a little oil and TLC can't cure.
Here are a few more photos of the beast:
And now for the zinger... I don't quite know what to make of this next photo. The sticker is on the flatbed of the sewing machine. Maybe I have a rare piece here. Ha ha.
24 comments:
The last time I cleaned out my barn was 1992 when I bought the place. People in NH hoard stuff and there are a lot of old barns full of, well everything. So I found this sewing machine table with an Alco model 490 machine in it. Everything is intact, and the table is an easy restore. My wife has been talking about getting back into sewing and I figured I could get this thing working. The problem I have is I can't find any info on this machine. I have diligently searched and searched to no avail and stumbled upon your blog. After searching through your pictures I noticed the exact same machine which you have labeled as a Glaco 490 select a stitch, posted in July 2013. I still can't find any info. This must have been a machine that was rebranded. Do you have any info or idea as to where I might look? The machine is in very good shape and intact. I am just missing the bobbins. I might be dreaming, but a manual would be nice. Thanks for any help, Toby
Sorry Toby, I haven't got any more info on my Glaco 490. Bobbins would be standard Class 15 and the needle would be a 15x1. Both items are available at any sewing supply store. As for oiling, pull the top cover (couple of screws typically) and open the left side cover. Sparingly oil any pivot point that moves. Same with underneath the machine.
Thanks! I appreciate it. I did find a Kenmore 51 on your site that was very similar. I was able to get a manual that might help.
Hi, I have a friend who has A709-4 model also. She has lost the screw that goes in the bobbin. Being elderly she is having trouble taking care of this. I told her i would go on line and see what i could find out. does she need a whole new bobbin? or just that tiny screw? She lives in Holbrook Az which a small town about 3 hours north of Phoenix and about hour and half east of Flagstaff. I would really like to help her as she loves to sew and loves her machine. Any suggestions? So far you are the only person i can find that even knows about this model of sewing machine.. thanks Sue
Hi! I have the same sewing machine! My grandmother gave it to me a few years ago. I would love to start sewing, but I can't find the back stitch. Do you know where it is?
Thank you!
The bobbin itself doesn't have any screws but the bobbin case or holder has a couple teensy screws. One of them are for the bobbin thread tension adjustment and there might be a second screw inside the case that keeps the locking handle from rotating too far. In my opinion, if the tension screw is missing, you'd be ahead to just buy a new bobbin case from any reputable parts dealer, online or locally. These bobbin cases are fairly generic.
Hi Taylor
The reverse button is in the middle of the stitch length knob, the black knob with the white arrow on it. The button should push in for reverse. Yours may be stuck possibly?
I'm having trouble with my Necchi-Alco A709-5 catching the bobbin thread. Help I have tried it seems like everything! I do not have owners manual.
I'm having trouble with my Necchi-Alco A709-5 catching the bobbin thread. Help I have tried it seems like everything! I do not have owners manual.
How do you thread this machine and what kind of needle to use
How do you thread this machine and what kind of needle to use
Hi. I have the same machine and trying to turn the knob to do zigzag and will not turn. I wonder if there are other steps to take before turning it. Please let me know if you happen to know anything about it. Thank you.
Hi! I have the same machine -- would you happen to have a copy (digital or otherwise) of the user's manual available? I can't seem to find one anywhere and I really want to restore/understand this awesome machine.
No, I'm sorry, I don't.
Where can I get the manual for the Necchi-Alco A709-A?
I need a manual to a Necchi-Alco A709-4, where can I find one?
I can be reached at selena95benitez@gmail.com
Hello there. I recently bought this very machine. Have used it some but sat down yesterday and she won't budge! The motor can't turn the hand wheel. Turning it by hand is very hard and slow, like something is binding. Taken the clutch knob on and off, oiled EVERYTHING...Any suggestions? Thanks!
You mentioned that you've oiled it and it is still difficult to turn. Maybe you've missed oiling it somewhere. Sure sounds like a bushing somewhere has old dried oil that you haven't found yet. That's about the only thing I can think of. Don't give up!
Same machine clean and working till I tried to use the reverse. Thinking it was stuck I pushed harder. Now won’t feed. I’ve got it apart looks like a little wire (same as the spring wire) Came off something. Attacked at one end off at the other. Wish I could attach a picture
Hello, I was just researching my Necchi-Alco Model A709-4 sewing machine and saw need for a copy of the manual. I have had my machine for 49 years and my manual is in pristine condition. I could make a photocopy and mail to you if you still need it. Let me know! Cathy
How do I lock the needle on an necchi-alco A709-1 A709-1 sewing machine
Post a Comment