This is the first machine with an oscillating "bullet-shape" shuttle and long bobbin that we have actually tried to use. Since the machine is in such good condition and also attractive for the era, we wanted to keep it on display but also get some use out of it.
There were problems at first which we fiddled with for several weeks after bringing the machine home. A small burr on the shuttle caused skipped stitches, bird-nests of thread in spots on the bottom of the fabric, puckering, etc. Knowing very little about its operation, Jim slowly rotated the balance hand wheel until the lower thread hung up. He then carefully isolated the source. With both slide plates open, it was just a matter of continually rotating the wheel toward oneself and watching the thread being pulled over and around the shuttle. The burr, which was on the bobbin rear-end, was sanded off and the area polished resulting in perfect stitches. In fact, the burr, by preventing consistent stitching, may be why the machine appears to have had little use.
A new electrical chord was made by cutting a new 15-foot extension chord into two pieces. After cutting off the multiple outlet, a 5-ft. section was used for the foot control. The remaining 10-ft. was used for the power supply line. The male end of the chord was retained for the power input.
The spring that holds the bobbin winder follower against the heart-shaped cam is either broken or not connected properly and is on our to-do list.
The machine is 3/4 size and uses 15 X 1 needle. The downside of this 128 is that it sews only forward. The feed dogs can't be lowered but they can be covered by accessory plates. The stitch length is adjusted by turning a knob above the logo; however, there is no indication other than physically inspecting your work to determine your stitch length.
Jim waxed the 128 with automotive wax which removed paint oxidation. Care was exercise to ensure that the decals were not damaged.
The image below shows the slotted hand- or balance-wheel. The wheel is quite large but the added inertia causes the machine to run smoothly. The slotting certainly adds a nostalgic touch
