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June 3, 2012

Necchi Nora (1958)

Found the Nora at  church sale in very nice condition. Nearest I can tell it was made in the 50's. Compared to the Nova it is much more modern looking but has the same controls. after sewing with it several times I discovered why it was at the sale; turns out the thread tension device is a little fussy to adjust correctly and someone had moved it just out of position. Because the position (in and out of the casting) is critical it took a while to get it right. Also the bobbin tension had been wound up very high so you had to run up the upper tension to compensate, I think I have it balanced out now.


I really like this machine because (like only some machines) when you turn the flywheel by hand it feels completely free as if there is no friction; this makes any machine much nicer to operate.


The "two Speed" motor is a mystery; there seems to be no difference between either setting so I'll have to contact the expert on that.

It goes merrily thru an 1/8th in of softer leather perfectly.
Remember: although domestic machines can sew leather, leathers vary so much due to tanning and finishing that no one rule applies for all. Very detailed and exact practice parts are required for good results on the final pieces.

A 1956 Fiat 600 (that girl is NOT getting in that car dude)

12.17.12
Damn this is a nice machine to use! Smooth, quiet, strong, Sometimes just find something to do with it.
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28 comments:

  1. TammyJune 10, 2012 at 6:16 AM

    Nice Necchi Nora Tom. A really good find, did you get the manual and accessories with it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hurricane PotteryMarch 17, 2015 at 6:50 AM

    I have my mother's Necchi Nora and I love it. Just like you say, the bobbin tension is touchy, but it is sweet when you get it right. Such a dependable machine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. peggymJanuary 3, 2017 at 8:39 PM

    I have my Mom's Necchi Nora, also, after many years of sitting unused. I made prom dresses with it, and when I started working, would make one dress a week, trying to build my wardrobe of "teaching" clothes. Now it is helping me to make doll clothes for my granddaughters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneJanuary 4, 2017 at 7:19 AM

      Congrats on all of the above, I have been trying to replace my Nora with one of my other machines and NOTHING is as reliable, consistent, or pleasurable to use.
      Oil Nora once a year and you will never need anything more!

      Delete
  4. jeffMarch 26, 2017 at 9:31 AM

    Hi folks, I'm trying to confirm that the Necchi "Nova" takes the top loading, internal "decorative stitch cams" rather than having the external "wonder wheel" feature that the Necchi Mira has. (Mira seems to be almost identical to the Nora) Can any of you Nora owners please confirm this? Also if any of you have the top loading cams that go into the Nora would you please send me a couple of pictures of both your Nora machine and the cams that it uses? Thanks in advance for the help jeff My email is socal2017hb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. jeffMarch 26, 2017 at 9:39 AM

    Once I figure out what's what with these Necchi machines I'll be in the market for my first one. If any of you Necchi owners are ready to sell your machine please let me know. I am looking at necchi Nova, Mira, Nora and Supernova Julia machines. It's difficult to wrap my head around all the different models and what the difference is between each model so whatever you have if you are thinking of selling it please let me know. Thanks jeff my email is: socal2017hb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom CarboneMarch 26, 2017 at 9:48 AM

      Yes the Nora takes cams on top.
      Like the machine they are rare, and so are hard to come by.
      It has everything you need for 99% of sewing; (my minimum requirements)F and R, ZZ, and L-R-C
      Possibly the most reliable machine ever made so enjoy

      Delete
    2. jeffMarch 26, 2017 at 8:00 PM

      Thanks Tom. I was just on the Elna Facebook page and one thread was/is discussing how a guy just made a hard to find replacement cam on a 3D printer. Brilliant idea if you ask me. You could not only remake old hard to find cams but dream up completely new patterns.
      I just wrote a guy who is selling a Nora but haven't heard back. If the machine is in reasonable shape and still available I'll buy it but there was no mention of cams. So I may be in the market for a set of cams. Can you show me a picture or two of what I'm looking for? Thanks. Would you be interested in making (printing) new Nora cams on on a 3D printer? I can do the CAD work if I had cams to measure. Then I'd have to find and affordable 3d printing source. I know a former Boeing Satellite System co worker that just started a new 3D printing business out in Anaheim Ca but I have no idea what his services would cost. Thanks in advance for you help.
      jeff

      Delete
    3. Tom CarboneMarch 27, 2017 at 6:53 AM

      Hi Jeff this ebay shows the cams, http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NECCHI-Nora-SEWING-MACHINE-in-excellent-working-condition-/162419928107?hash=item25d0fb6c2b:g:EuoAAOSw2gxYvHCi
      I might be able to get one printed but I think the design needs to be based on having at least one cam of which I do not have.
      This may be a good 3d printing application (they aren't good for much)once you have the cad any process is possible.

      Delete
    4. AnonymousJuly 22, 2018 at 6:46 PM

      What is the difference between a Nora NA and Nora BU?

      Delete
  6. UnknownJuly 27, 2018 at 7:42 PM

    Does anyone have any idea what a Necchi Nora is worth. I have my mom's machine. Still works just was wondering what it's worth?

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  7. UnknownJune 21, 2019 at 6:20 PM

    Where can I buy the tension knob for Nora BU? Or does anyone have the instructions on how to put the pieces together? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. bluelotusNovember 15, 2019 at 6:58 PM

    Hello from Philadelphia (Michigan transplant),
    I recently acquired a couple Necchis, one NA Nora and the other a BU Mira. What cleaner do you use to safely clean the painted finish of old yellowed machine oil?
    Thanks for the great posts and beautiful machines!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ChaussettdeguerrDecember 22, 2019 at 3:45 AM

    Hello everybody. I also have a Necchi Nora from my dead mother. But cannot find the user manual.
    anyone could tell me where i could find or buy a copy of it ?
    Best regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhillipJune 29, 2020 at 7:12 AM

      Are you still looking for a Nora manual? IVR got one and would be happy up scan it and email it to you.

      Delete
    2. cmwSeptember 14, 2020 at 3:42 PM

      hi there — i just acquired a BU nora and would love the manual!

      Delete
    3. cmwSeptember 14, 2020 at 3:42 PM

      hi there — i just acquired a BU nora and would love the manual!

      Delete
    4. UnknownFebruary 14, 2021 at 10:13 AM

      I would like a copy of the Nora manual if you still have a scan of it.

      Delete
    5. SaraMarch 18, 2023 at 11:53 AM

      I would like a copy of the manual too!! I inherited one from my grandmother, but we didn't find the manual and haven´t been able to use it :(

      Delete
  10. UnknownDecember 27, 2019 at 9:42 AM

    Hello from France I don't find the user manual and I search the slide plate please or reference?
    Best regards

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJuly 1, 2020 at 12:36 PM

    Hi, my mother-in-law (who's 83) has a Necchi Nora with manual plus the cams that came when she got in back in late 1959. The problem we have now is the belt broke and she doesn't remember the size it took. Can anyone help with how to measure for correct size. We've made about 100 face mask for local hospital & would like to continue the work.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 14, 2021 at 10:11 AM

      I have a Necchi Nora NA and found this lug belt on ebay. It looks like the size is 13-1/8"
      Here is the title of the post: BELT # 1318 Motor Lug 13 1/8" Necchi Nora, Riccar 555SU 666SU

      Delete
  12. UnknownFebruary 5, 2021 at 10:47 AM

    I have the same Nora and it was also my mother's machine. I would like to sew some leather goods with this machine. I have a .8amp motor. Do you know if this motor is strong enough. Could you suggest the correct needle and if possible I was told I should get a "roller" foot or a teflon foot. Everybody says discontinued is there a compatible foot?? I am new to the game but I have always sewn on this machine. I was a little younger then and this machine was more popular. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 5, 2021 at 4:43 AM

      To give some extra power I used a double pulley from a Kenmore 158. It has a larger pulley next to a small pulley. I attached it over the bracket that holds the motor. I replaced the original belt with the two that came with the pulley. This wasn't my idea but it sounded interesting so I did it.

      Delete
  13. Karina FloresMarch 8, 2021 at 8:22 PM

    Recientemente adquirí la Necchi Nora de mi bisabuela, alguien sabe dónde encontrar el manual?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Carmojardim532@gmail.comMay 20, 2021 at 8:57 AM

    Hi from south Africa,I have brought a Nechhi Nora in perfect condition but I need the needle clamp thread guide
    Is there anyone with contacts were I can buy and have it shipped to South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  15. BonBonJune 1, 2021 at 3:28 PM

    Does anyone have a service manual. There is a gear (plastic) inside the Nora that I just bought. The gear is green, and controls the Reverse button. Part of the piece has been sheared off. A manual or the part # would be very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. SaraMarch 18, 2023 at 11:55 AM

    looking for a digital copy of a Necchi Nora manual, if anyone can share it, please!

    ReplyDelete