We are missing a cover for the hole on the faceplate of this White Rotary 659-X. When we bought the machine we didn't know if it had all the pieces or not. With some help from ISMACS members we were able to see what the missing part resembles. We were unsure if the missing part would effect sewing ability.
When we buy a vintage or antique machine, we like to get only ones that are complete, look good, and have a fair chance that they can be made to sew quilt patches. This machine was obviously missing a piece, but it was so 'odd-looking' that we had to have it anyway.
Last report on my White. The casting is magnesium, per teh Internet. The MG in the serial number tends to confirm this. According to the White customer service, it was made in 1948, plus or minus six (!) years. Found the adjustment for the tension release mechanism, and it was way misadjusted, so that's fixed. Sewing Machine Singer 8500 Series List Of Parts Singer sewing co. 8500/8600 series sewing machine product manual (41 pages) Sewing Machine Singer Style-O-Matic 328 Manual. Nov 19, 2014 - Vintage 'White' Rotary sewing machine. Early 1930's model, has model and serial numbers on it. In really great condition, and it still works! #antiques #vintage. White Sewing Machines I have a White 'rotary' sewing machine, with serial number 43-215003 A long time ago I found the following information somewhere on the internet and have preserved it here to allow you to share my confusion. The White Sewing Machine Company was founded by Thomas White in 1876. This sewing machine is called Family Rotary. I'm not sure of the date of manufacturing, but would guess 1900. The only number I could find is 99064. It has the early fancier white FR cabinet.
A complex disc assembly is in the area which required disassembly to lubricate the needlebar.
We were lacking manuals for this machine so we were unable to determine a proper way to thread it until Scott came to our rescue and sent us a photo of his machine with a line drawing showing proper threading. (see image below). During October 2011, a friend in Colorado sent us a copy of a manual. Thanks for that. Now we need to take the machine down from the shelf and again try to sew with it.
It sews only a straight stitch forward and reverse (not a zig-zag), The feeddog can be raised and lowered and the throat plate is etched for 1/2, 3/4 and 1-inch guide. It is made in Japan.
The drive belt was replaced with a Singer belt but insufficient tension can be obtained with the motor lowered to its maximum travel. We are looking for a shorter belt.
We like the way in which the light is replaced. The light is accessible through the louvered door seen on top of the arm.
White Rotary Sewing Machine Serial Number Location
The base underside is stamped JUKI 205 and the serial number is 659-8977. The numbers 659 are preprinted on the serial number data plate and we gather this is the model number. We assume the machine was either made by Juki for White, or Juki used a poplar White name. We e-mailed Juki trying to get a manual or any other information.
White Family Rotary History
This machine was purchased for $15.00 at an antique mall in Sweetwater, Tennessee during December 2006.