August 28, 2011

White 765 (1965)

The 765 really surprised me when I finished the restoration and began trial sewing; it is a great performer.


Although the same time frame as the 764 (1965) the 765 is from an entirely different design influence.


Rectilinear streamlining! Now were' talking Grand Torino :-)


This is a great machine; heavy as a brick, smooth, quiet, and goes through leather very well.


Although simple the ZZ window is very nice; the bar slides back & forth behind the numbers.

I would like to get the story on the Industrial designers who were at White during the 60s & 70s... I would like to celebrate their contribution and ambition.


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16 comments:

  1. I can't get mine to work...I'm not sure but I think I have it threaded wrong, can you take a pic of this one threaded? If you still have it?

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    1. Amber, take a look at this diagram

      http://www.mastersewusa.com/Copy_of_threading_guides/s252fm_tg.jpg

      This machine is threads like 90% of all machines out there, do some WWW searches or find another sewer that you can look at it. More than likely it is a good machine but it may need service?

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  2. Hi Tom
    I have this one on my upholstery shop office wall. Love it

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  3. Just picked up this model at Good Will, no accessories or manual. Looks like a great machine but when I plugged it in it just started working right away without even using the pedal. I can speed it up by stepping on the pedal but it doesn't stop sewing when I release it. I'm assuming this is a foot pedal and not a motor problem.

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    1. I agree, if you are mechanically inclined open up the foot pedal (unplugged!) and you might find the problem. Better yet ALL of these Japanese machines used the same 2 plug foot controllers your local repair guy should have a pile of them, or ebay.

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  4. HI Tom,

    I am pretty new to sewing but excited to learn. I just bought this machine and can't wait to get started. Quick question: if you were to sew a few lighter weight leather projects, would you use a #16 or#18 needle with this machine and nylon thread? Thanks in advance,

    A

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    1. I'd say either will work... it is thread size (diameter) that will be the determinant; a larger needle has a larger hole and so your thread size choice (esthetic or structural) comes 1st then your needle size. . The nylon or polyester thread must glide thru the needle WITHOUT hanging up, if you find that the top thread is being stripped down while sewing then the needle is too small.

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  5. Fascinating! Thank you! :D I'm a little nervous, since I bought the machine off ebay, but I'm taking comfort in the be fact that even if it doesn't work now, it can be repaired or serviced and work well. Gotta love good design!

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  6. Hey I sewed on this as a kid! (I'm 55 now.) Unfortunately I remember when we got rid of it in favor of a newer [plastic piece of junk] Singer machine, I think, in the very late 70's/early 80's that never sewed very well. I guess we upgraded for the newer stitches. This thing was HEAVY!!! And had a beige heavy case that carried it, too. Thanks for the great pictures! I knew that was "it" when I found the pics on a web search....

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  8. I just got a mint condition with all accessories in a zig zag tin, with the original manual that a lady who gave me a dollhouse had down in a box on her curb. This thing weighs like 40 lbs and had both the original lightbulb and the extra - I already broke the original but the back up still works! This is a B E A U T Y omg and for free swoon

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    1. Congrats, it's a work horse too. I sold mine but it deserves a nice place to be seen

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  9. I am looking at one today, they said works perfectly, but the belt needs to be replaced. Is there a site I can go to , to learn how to clean, lube and replace the belt? Thank you for your help. Happy New Years!
    Sandy

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  10. Oh shoot, I just found the Links. Thank you for doing that. Never been on a site like this before. I am excited about getting either a vintage 765 White Stitcher that is Gold or Singer Rocketeer. Both are in super nice shape, both work, but neither have been serviced. The belt on the 765 will need to be replaced. If the machines are working fine, knowing they have not been serviced, do I need to pay to have them serviced? Thank you for your advice

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  11. Hi, i am desperately searching for the owners manual in PDF form. Is there a chance you could make me a copy in PDF format?

    George, sleeplessinmontreal@hotmail.com

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    1. Hola rescate la maquina, la dueña la quería tirar a la basura la limpie y funciona bien pero me gustaría ver el Manual si alguien lo tiene y me lo.pueee pasar se lo agradecería!!! Mi correo es ar8303633@gmail.com

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