Industrial sewing machines
Singer 400W21, 400W22, 400W25, 400W26, 400W30, 400W33 — User manual
User manual for Singer 400W21, 400W22, 400W25, 400W26, 400W30, 400W33. 44 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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- Brand
- Singer
- Model / document
- Singer 400W21, 400W22, 400W25, 400W26, 400W30, 400W33
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 44
- File size
- 36.5 MB
- Category
- Industrial sewing machines
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
Form 2966w
(148)
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING AND ADJUSTING
SINGER
SEWING MACHINES
400w21, 400w22, 400w25, 400w26,
400w30 AND. 400w33.
HIGH SPEED LOCK STITCH
Double Rotary Thread Take-up
SINGER
SEWING
MACHINES
Special attention is called to the lubricating instructions on page 4
THE SINGER MANUFACTURING CO.View original page 1Page 2 · Read text
USE ONLY "SINGER" OILS
and LUBRICANTS
They insure freedom from lubricating trouble and give
longer life to sewing equipment
The following are the correct lubricants for the
241, 400w and 4/0w Machines:
TYPE A - MANUFACTURING MACHINE OIL, LIGHT
GRADE
When a stainless oil is desired, use:
TYPE C - MANUFACTURING MACHINE OIL, STAIN-
LESS, LIGHT GRADE
OTHER "SINGER" LUBRICANTS
• TYPE E - STAINLESS THREAD LUBRICANT
For lubricating the needle thread of sewing machines for
stitching fabrics or leather where a stainless thread lubricant
is required.
TYPEF - MOTOR OIL
For oil lubricated motors and plain bearings in power
tables and transmitters.
NOTE: All of the above oils are available in 1 quart,
1 gallon and 5 gallon cans or in 55 gallon drums.
BALL BEARING LUBRICANT
This pure grease is specially designed for the lubrication
of ball bearings and ball thrust bearings of motors and
electric transmitters, ball bearing hangers of power tables,
etc. Furnished in 1 lb. and 4 lb. tins.
Copyright, U. S. A., 1914, 1915, 1922, 1926, 1935, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1946, 1947 and 1948,
by The Singer Manufacturing Company
All Rights Reserved for all CountriesView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USING AND ADJUSTING
SINGER
SEWING MACHINES
400w21, 400w22, 400w25, 400w26,
400w30 AND 400w33
SINGER
SINGLE NEEDLE
LOCK STITCH
THE SINGER MANUFACTURING CO.View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The improper placing or renewal of the Trade-Mark "SINGER" or
any other of the Trade-Marks of The Singer Manufacturing Company
(all of which are duly Registered Trade-Marks) on any machine that
has been repaired, rebuilt, reconditioned, or altered in any way whatsoever
outside a Singer factory or an authorized Singer agency is forbidden.
THE IMPORTANCE OF USING
GENUINE "SINGER" PARTS AND NEEDLES
IN "SINGER" MACHINES
The successful operation of "SINGER" machines can only be assured
if genuine "SINGER" parts and needles are used. Supplies are avail-
able at all Singer Shops for the Manufacturing Trade, and mail orders
will receive prompt attention.
Genuine "SINGER" Needles should be
used in "SINGER" Machines.
These Needles and their Containers
are marked with the
Company's Trade Mark "SIMANCO."
Needles in Containers marked
"FOR SINGER MACHINES"
are NOT "SINGER" made needles.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
DESCRIPTION
Machine 400w21 is a high speed, single needle, lock stitch machine
equipped with a double rotary thread take-up. It has a belt-driven, auto-
matically lubricated rotary sewing hook on a horizontal axis. The drop
feed is adjustable for stitches from 5½ to 30 per inch. The needle bar stroke
is l& inches and the maximum presser bar lift is i inch. The machine is used
for stitching light and medium weight fabrics.
Machine 400w22 is the same as Machine 400w21 except that it has fe inch
presser bar lift and is adapted for stitching medium heavy weight fabrics.
Machine 400w25 is designed for shoulder joining on shirts, otherwise
it is similar to Machine 400w21.
Machine 400w26 is the same as Machine 400w21 except that it is espe-
cially designed for ruffling shirt yokes, being fitted with an intermittent ruffler
which is thrown into or out of action at the will of the operator by means of
a treadle.
Machine 400w30 is the same as Machine 400w21 except that it has a
differential feed which especially adapts it for stitching knit goods and other
elastic materials, also for shirring or gathering.
The differential feed consists of two feed dogs arranged in tandem and
separately adjusted by independent stitch regulators. Thus, the feeding
movement of the feed dogs can be varied in relation to each other to pro-
duce a wide variety of seam conditions. With this type of feed, it is possible
to stitch knitted skirts and other articles made of more or less elastic mate-
rials, and have the work lie perfectly flat when stitched. It also enables the
operator to produce uniform gathering or shirring effects on house dresses,
bed spreads, etc.
Machine 400w33 is the same as Machine 400w21 except that it is regu-
larly equipped with a 3z" hemmer and has a mechanical hem deflector which
is operated from the bed shaft to produce a scallop at every sixth stitch,
forming a neat and attractive shell edge stitching effect on ladies' lingerie,
children's underwear, dresses, etc.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
SPEED
oil
The speed recommended for these machines is 5000 R.P.M., except the
400w26 which has a speed of 4500 R.P.M. It is advisable to run a new machine
slower than the maximum speed for the first few minutes to allow time for the
oil to reach the moving parts. The balance wheel turns over from the
operator.
SETTING UP
The drip pan should be attached with its right end even with the right
end of the cut-out and low enough in the cut-out to avoid interference
FRONT EDGE OF TABLE with the knee lifter rod A, Fig. 2.
= 34 Fig. 2 shows the correct location of
the knee lifter. The knee lifter bracket
should be assembled so that the lifter
rod A does not strike the drip pan.
The screw slots in the bracket pro-
vide the necessary adjustment. The
stop stud B, Fig. 2 should be set to
stop the action of the knee lifter as
soon as the presser foot is raised th
enough to trip the hand lifter.
CAUTION: Do not start a ma-
chine, not even to test the speed,
oi
until it has been thoroughly oiled as
instructed on page 4.
Fig. 2. Position of Knee Lifter Under Table
NOTE: For setting up Machine 400w26, see page 34.
OILING THE MACHINE
Use TYPE A or TYPE C OIL, sold only by Singer Sewing Machine Com-
pany for 241-, 400w and 410w Machines. For description of oils, see inside of
front cover.
A reservoir in the bed of the machine supplies oil to the sewing hook
race and to the bearings and eccentrics on the hook driving shaft (except
the rear ball bearing). The other lubrication points are reached by seven
oil holes, marked with red. See "X-Ray" view of machine on pages 20 and 21.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
BEFORE STARTING THE MACHINE, fill the oil reservoir (through the
oil gauge hole to the top mark on the oil gauge E, Fig. 3.
he
ine
the
the
SINGER
ight
nce
2.
1 of
cket
ifter
dan.
bro-
The
+ to Fig. 3. Showing the Eight Oiling Points on the Machine
as While it may not be necessary to add oil to the reservoir every day,
sed the oil level must be checked DAILY and filled to the high mark. Never
allow the oil level to drop below the lower mark on the oil gauge.
AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH WORKING DAY, turn thebalance10-
wheel until the needle is ALL THE WAY UP, and place A FEW DROPS of
ed, oil in each of the seven oil holes indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3.
as On Machine 400w26, in addition to the above oiling points, oil must be
applied to the oil cup B, and oil hole R, Fig. 39, twice a day.
NEEDLES
Needles for these machines are as follows:
Machine Class and Variety Sizes
400w21
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17,
- m- 400w30 88X1 18, 19 and 21
of 400w33
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19,
400w22 135X5 and 21
400w25 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 135X7
n 400w26 and 21
The above needles regularly have nickel finish but can be supplied with
chromium finish if ordered.View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
The size of the needle to be used should be determined by the size of
the thread, which must pass freely through the eye of the needle.Rough
or uneven thread, or thread which passes with difficulty through the eye of
the needle, will interfere with the successful use of the machine.
Orders for needles must specify the Quantity required, the Size number,
also the Class and Variety numbers separated by an x.
The following is an example of an intelligible order:
"50 No. 16, 88xl Needles."
The best stitching results will be obtained by using the needles furnished
by Singer Sewing Machine Company.
THREAD
Left twist thread should be used in the needle. Either right or left twist
thread can be used in the bobbin.
E1739
Fig. 4. How to Determine the Twist
Hold the thread as shown above. Turn the thread over toward you
between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand; if left twist, the strands
will wind tighter; if right twist, the strands will unwind.
TO REMOVE THE BOBBIN
Turn the balance wheel over from you until the needle moves up to
its highest position. Draw back the slide in the bed of the machine.Reach
under the table and
openthe bobbin case
latch D, Fig. 5 and, by
means of this laich, re-
move the bobbin case
from the sewing hook.
While the latch re-
mains open, the bobbin
will be retained in the
bobbin case. Release
the latch, turn the open
end of the bobbin case
D downward and the bob-
bin will drop out.
Fig. 5. Removing the BobbinView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
TO WIND THE BOBBIN
(See Fig. 6)
Fasten the bobbin winder to the table with its driving pulley in front
of the machine belt, so that the pulley will drop away from the belt when
sufficient thread has been wound upon the bobbin.
st
B E18152
ds Fig. 6. Winding the Bobbin
Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder spindle and push it on as far
as it will go.
Pass the thread down through the thread guide I in the tension bracket,
around the back of, and between, the tension discs 2. Then wind the end of
the thread around the bobbin a few times in the direction shown in Fig. 6,
push the bobbin winder pulley over against the machine belt and start the
machine.
When sufficient thread has been wound upon the bobbin, the bobbin
winder will stop automatically.
If the thread does not wind evenly on the bobbin, loosen the screw A
in the tension bracket and move the bracket to the right or left as may be
required, then tighten the screw.
The amount of thread wound on the bobbin is regulated by the screw B.
To wind more thread on the bobbin, turn the screw B inwardly. To wind
less thread on the bobbin, turn this screw outwardly.
Bobbins can be wound while the machine is stitching.
When winding a bobbin with fine thread, a light tension should be used.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
TO THREAD THE BOBBIN CASE
FF
Hold the bobbin between the thumb
and forefinger of the right hand, as
shown in Fig. 7, the thread drawing on
the top from the left toward the right.
EITSIS
Fig. 7
With the left hand hold the bobbin case
as shown in Fig. 7, the slot in the edge being
near the top, and place the bobbin into it.
Fig. 8
Then pull the thread into the slot in the
edge of the bobbin case as shown in Fig. 8;
draw the thread under the tension spring and
C4000 into the delivery eye at the end of the ten-
sion spring. See Fig. 9.
Fig. 9View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
TO REPLACE THE BOBBIN CASE
After threading, take the bobbin case by the latch and place the bob-
bin case on the center stud C, Fig. 5 of the bobbin case holder; release
Fig. 10. Bobbin Case Threaded and Replaced
the latch and press the bobbin case back until the latch catches the groove
near the end of the stud. See Fig. 10. Allow about two inches of thread
to hang free, and replace the slide in the bed of the machine.
TO SET THE NEEDLE
Turn the balance wheel over from you until the needle bar moves up
to its highest point; loosen the screw at the lower end of the needle bar
and put the needle up into the bar or clamp as far as it will go, with the
long groove of the needle toward the left and the eye of the needle
directly in line with the arm of the machine, then tighten the screw.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
10
UPPER THREADING
(See Fig. 11) th
be
As soon as an operator has become accustomed to threading the ma-
chine, the thread can be passed from the thread retainer at the top, down
to the needle with a single continuous motion.
Turn the balance wheel over from you until the two pins P in the rotary fr
take-up are directly toward the front, as
shown in Fig. 11 inset.
Pass the thread from the unwinder through
the top hole I in the pin on top of the ma-
chine, then around and through the lower hole
2 in the pin, thence through the three holes
3, 4 and 5 in the thread
retainer. Hold the thread
with the right hand near
the thread retainer while 2
passing the thread, with
the left hand, downward 5 4 3
into the inner slot 6
(guiding it into the hole
7) and on down in front of
the tension discs 8, around
between the tension discs ER
into the take-up spring 9 th
th and under the thread pull-
off 10 then over through the 7 bc slot 11, allowing the thread 6 11 12to fall in placeover the
take-up discs. Now release
the thread with the right
hand, and pass it down 10 -13
through the guides (12, 13
and 14*), then from left to -14
right through the eye of the
-15needle 15. Leave about
three inches of thread with
which to commence sewing.
Fig. 11. Threading the NeedleView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
*NOTE: The thread guide 14 should be turned on the needle bar bushing so that the
thread leads in a straight line from the guide 13 to the needle eye. The thread retainer 5 should
be turned so that the thread leads through the center of hole 7.
TO PREPARE FOR SEWING
With the left hand hold the end of the needle thread, leaving it slack
from the hand to the needle, turn the balance wheel over from you until
6/8/22
Fig. 12. Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread
the needle moves down and up again to its highest point, thus catching
the bobbin thread; draw up the needle thread and the bobbin thread will
come up with it through the hole in the throat plate. See Fig. 12. Lay
both threads back under the presser foot.
TO COMMENCE SEWING
Place the material beneath the presser foot, lower the presser and
commence to sew, turning the balance wheel over from you.
TO REMOVE THE WORK
Stop the machine when the needle bar has just started to descend or
with the two pins P, Fig. 11 in the rotary take-up directly toward the front.
In this position the upper thread will be free of the sewing hook and the
take-up will not unthread the needle when the machine is started. Raise the
presser foot, draw the work back and cut the threads close to the work.View original page 13Page 15 · Read text
TENSIONS
For ordinary stitching, the needle and bobbin threads should be locked
in the center of the thickness of the material, thus:
Fig. 16. Perfect Stitch
If the tension on the needle thread is too tight, or if that on the bob-
bin thread is too loose, the needle thread will lie straight along the upper
surface of the material, thus:
BE
Fig. 17. Tight Needle Thread Tension
If the tension on the bobbin thread is too tight,or if that on the needle
thread is too loose, the bobbin thread will lie straight along the under side
of the material, thus:
Fig. 18. Loose Needle Thread Tension
TO REGULATE THE TENSIONS
THE TENSION ON THE NEEDLE THREAD SHOULD BE REGULATED
ONLY WHEN THE PRESSER FOOT IS DOWN. Having lowered the presser
foot, turn the small thumb nut at the front of the tension discs over to the
right to increase the tension. To decrease the tension, turn this thumb nut
over to the left.
The tension on the bobbin thread is regulated by the large screw
FF, Fig. 7 in the tension spring on the outside of the bobbin case.
increase the tension, turn this screw over to the right. To decrease the
tension, turn this screw over to the left.
When the tension on the bobbin thread has been once properly
adjusted, it is seldom necessary to change it, as a correct stitch can usually
be obtained by varying the tension on the needle thread.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
14
TO REGULATE THE PRESSURE ON THE MATERIAL
The pressure of the presser foot on the material is regulated by the
screw F, Fig. 19 in the top of the arm. Turn this screw to the right to increase
the pressure or to the left to decrease the pressure. The pressure should
be set only sufficiently strong to satisfactorily feed the work.
SINGER
Fig. 19. Stitch Regulator and Indicator
TO REGULATE THE LENGTH OF STITCH
(Except on Machine 400w30)
To change the length of stitch, press down the stud H, Fig. 19 in the
bed of the machine and at the same time turn the balance wheel slowly
until the stud enters a notch in the adjustable feed eccentric cam.Still
holding the stud, turn the balance wheel a part of a revolution until the
number indicating approximately the number of stitches per inch desired
appears in the hole G over the large take-up disc, then release the stud.
DO NOT TOUCH THE STUD H WHILE THE MACHINE IS RUNNING.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
15
TO REGULATE THE LENGTH OF STITCH
(On Machine 400w30)
To change the length of stitch, press down the two studs L and R, Fig. 20
in the bed of the machine and at the same time turn the balance wheel
slowly until each stud enters a notch in its adjustable feed eccentric cam.
Still holding the studs, turn the balance wheel a part of a revolution until the
desired number appears in the hole G over the large take-up disc, then
release the studs. Both feed dogs are now set to produce the same length
of stitch.
SINGER
R
L
Fig. 20
When the machine is to be used for shirring or gathering or for stitching
knit goods or other elastic materials, the feed dogs should be separately
adjusted to vary the feeding movement of each according to the require-
ments of the work. The front feed dog For the one nearest to the operator
is adjusted by means of the left stud L. The rear feed dog B or the one
farthest from the operator is adjusted by means of the right hand stud R.
NEVER TOUCH THE STUDS L and R WHILE THE MACHINE IS RUNNING.
To Shirr or Gather the Material
Press the left stud. L, Fig. 20 and set the front feed dog, or the one
nearest you, to make a longer stitch than that for which the rear feed dog
is set.
To Stretch the Material
Set the rear feed dog for a longer stitch than that for which the front
feed dog is set.View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
16
HINTS FOR PERFECT OPERATION
Follow instructions and oil machine regularly.
The balance wheel must always turn away from the operator.
Do not run machine with bobbin case only partly inserted.
Do not run the machine with the presser foot resting on the feed
without cloth under the presser foot.
Do not run the machine when both bobbin case and needle are threaded
unless there is material under the presser.
Do not try to help the machine by pulling the fabric lest you bend the
needle. The machine feeds the work without assistance.
The slide over the bobbin case should be kept closed when the machine
is in operation.
Do not press on the knee lifter lever while the machine is in operation,
as this might prevent the work from feeding properly.
Occasionally remove the accumulation of lint from around the hook
and from between the feed rows beneath the throat plate.
NEVER TOUCH THE STITCH REGULATOR STUD WHEN THE MACHINE
IS RUNNING.View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
18
TIMING THE MACHINE
The parts are in their proper timing on the various shafts when the
locating screws are in the shaft splines provided for them. These locating
screws are the first screws appearing when the shafts are revolved in
their normal direction of rotation.
XX E2 GG
G
000
C2
V
D2
Fig. 21. Showing Timing Marks on Take-Up Discs and Face Plate
The arm shaft, auxiliary take-up shaft and hook driving shaft with their
component parts are in time with each other when the arrow G, Fig 21
on the large take-up disc is in line with mark GG, Fig. 21 on the face plate,
the arrow X, Fig. 21 on the small take-up disc is in line with mark XX on the
face plate, and the arrow on the collar V1, Fig. 30 is in line with the
timing mark W1, Fig. 30 on the feed lifting connection. The needle bar
and hook are timed as described on page 23.View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
TO ADJUST THE THREAD TAKE-UP SPRING
AND PULL-OFF
The horizontal portion of the thread pull-off, L, Fig. 22, should be set
about 32 inch below the bottom of the set screw, K, Fig. 22, when the
presser foot is raised by the presser bar lifter. The pull-off can be raised
or lowered after loosening the set screw J.
JJ
L
Fig. 22. Take-Up Spring Adjustments
The take-up spring should have just enough movement so that it will
be through acting and will rest against the upper end of spring regulator
M when the eye of the needle is about it inch above the goods on the
downward stroke of the needle. After loosening the set screw K, the
tension will turn with the stud N and the spring regulator may be turned
to the required position.
The tension on the thread take-up spring O is regulated by turning
the tension stud N to the right to increase the tension, or to the left to
decrease the tension. The tension on the thread take-up spring should be
just sufficient to take up the slack of the needle thread until the eye of
the needle reaches the goods in its descent.
The above instructions apply to average operation. Adjustments in
both setting and tension may have to be made to suit special conditions.View original page 21Page 24 · Read text
22
PRESSER BAR ADJUSTMENTS
The presser bar bushing T, Fig. 24 should be set so that its top is about
i inch below the top of the lifting bracketS when the bracket is all the
way down.
The presser bar position guide U should be set about i inch above B1
the top of the lifting bracket S when the presser foot is down on the throat
the
plate. The spring between the guide U and bracket S cushions the action
of the lifting bracket. the
To align the presser foot with the needle, have the presser down on ba
the throat plate, hold the presser bar position guide JJ, Fig. 22 from slip-
ping either up or down, loosen screw U2, Fig. 24, move the presser foot
to the desired position and re-tighten the screw.
With the feed dog and presser foot down, there should be a slight.
free motion in the hand lifter lever so that the presser foot will rest on the
work during operation of the machine.
.P2
U2
U
V
C18194
Fig. 24. Face Plate Removed
ADJUSTMENT OF THE TENSION RELEASER
The tension releaser R, Fig. 24 automatically releases the spring pres- Re
sure on the tension discs when the presser bar is raised. The releaser may
be moved up or down to release the tension earlier or later, by loosening in
the screw Q.
When stitching on heavy material, the releaser should be set lower up
than when on light work to prevent stitching with a released tension while
sewing heavy material.View original page 24Related documents and language editions
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From the ISMACS International. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-11.