Computerized sewing machines are difficult to understand if you have only dealt with mechanical machines. They rely on optical sensors, timing belts and computer logic.
This one came to me with the dreaded E1 error message. This error is particularly frustrating because the machine is telling you that the presser foot is up when it's obviously down. It locks up the entire machine and you can't do anything with it at all.
The solution requires that you take the front cover off of unit (carefully) and apply about 3 drops of oil to the pivot pin that the pressure foot position indicator level is attached to. That's all it really requires, but how many people are willing to take the cover off and deal with the electronics? This machine got it's three drops of oil and now operates perfectly.
It's kind of fascinating though to see this view of the machine, running with the front cover removed....
Which one do you like more? Odds are it's the York because of the color, the chrome and the styling.
The Baycrest, on the other hand, is unappealing to look at. It is, in fact the least appealing sewing machine that I have ever come across. The more you look at it, the less you will like it.
Makes you wonder how one company can design such a pretty machine and the next can do so poorly at the task of making their machine appealing. I guess the Hudson's Bay Company, figured that bland was more more likely to be popular because it really doesn't clash with any decor.
Now, I just have to find someone to take the Baycrest off my hands...lol
It is a beast, because I have upgraded the motor, hand wheel and controller from a much newer and more powerful machine. It will sew pretty much anything you can shove under it's presser foot. But it's red and white colors, I think, make it a too cheerful and friendly machine, to really qualify for the title of Beast...... So it's the Wee Red Beastie!
I plugged it in and a whole bunch of lights came on and when I pushed the pedal down, things started to move like they should. This is good, I thought, now let's see how this baby works. Popped the top cover off and had a good look inside. What I see is standard mechanical sewing machine. In fact, I recognize some of those mechanical parts. I saw them the day before on a Kenmore sewing machine. Much like my befuddled Pfaff, This is a JC Penny branded Janome.
So what makes it an "Electronic" sewing machine? Well, they hooked the mechanical switch selector knob to a multi-position electrical switch. So for every stitch position you select, a different set of lights come on. Apparently, the addition of a switch and some LEDs on a circuit board, catapults this machine into the 21st century and a higher price range...
Grrrrrrr!
It is badged Beaumark, but it's a Pfaff. It's a Pfaff from the unique type L bobbins to the "Made in West Germany" label on it.
But it says Beaumark on it. How can it be a Pfaff? Well, that's an interesting story.
Beaumark, now defunct, was a Canadian appliance company that sold a whole range of large and small household appliances in places like the Hudson's Bay stores. I remember buying a Beaumark blender from one in the 1980's. Beaumark didn't make those appliances though. They bought them from other companies and had their names put on them. They bought their sewing machines from Pfaff, just like Sears had their Kenmore sewing machines made by Janome and other companies.
I think it would be much happier if it could just find a new home and do some sewing. It's confusing history could be forgotten and it's capabilities could shine forth!
