Manual for a 1950 Atlas Sewing Machine

The 1950 Atlas Sewing Machine is a classic mechanical sewing machine featuring all-metal construction, straight stitch capability, built-in bobbin winder, adjustable stitch length, reverse stitching function, manual tension control, built-in light, knee-operated lift, and drop feed mechanism. Powered by foot pedal with 110V AC motor. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Threading the Machine 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Maintenance & Oil Points 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: All-metal body, stitch length dial, tension dial, bobbin winder, reverse lever, presser foot lifter, hand wheel, foot pedal control.

Feature	Description
Stitch length dial	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Tension dial	Controls upper thread tension
Bobbin winder	Built-in bobbin winding mechanism
Reverse lever	Engages reverse stitching
Presser foot lifter	Raises and lowers presser foot
Hand wheel	Manual control of needle position
Foot pedal	Controls sewing speed
Built-in light	Illuminates sewing area
Drop feed	Lowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing
Knee lift	Lifts presser foot using knee control

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable table or cabinet.

Position machine: Ensure stable surface at comfortable height.
Connect power: Plug motor into 110V AC outlet.
Attach foot pedal: Connect pedal cable to motor.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side to back.
Oil machine: Apply sewing machine oil to designated points.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure stable mounting surface.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

Thread machine: Follow threading diagram for upper and lower threading.
Wind bobbin: Use built-in bobbin winder with thread guide.
Test stitch: Use scrap fabric to test stitch quality.
Adjust tension: Fine-tune for balanced stitches.
Practice controls: Familiarize with speed control and reverse.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always turn hand wheel toward you.

Specifications

Machine Type: Mechanical straight stitch
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Speed: Up to 1,000 stitches per minute
Presser Feet: Standard, zipper, buttonhole included
Bobbin: Class 15 metal bobbins
Needles: 15x1 sewing machine needles
Thread: All-purpose cotton and polyester
Power Source: 110V AC motor with foot pedal
Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Dimensions: 15" x 7" x 12"

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on machine body and face plate.

Front Panel: Stitch length dial, tension dial, reverse lever, presser foot pressure.

Side Controls: Hand wheel, bobbin winder disengage, light switch.

Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustment for different fabrics. Tension: Adjust for thread type and fabric. Reverse: Engage for back-tacking. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust for fabric thickness. Bobbin Winder: Automatic stop when full.

Threading the Machine

Follow numbered threading path on machine.

Upper threading: From spool pin through tension discs to needle.
Bobbin winding: Disengage clutch, wind bobbin evenly.
Bobbin insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread clockwise.
Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn hand wheel.
Test: Pull both threads under presser foot.

Tip: Always raise presser foot when threading to release tension discs.

Basic Sewing Operations

Straight stitch sewing for various fabrics.

Start sewing: Place fabric, lower presser foot, begin slowly.
Guide fabric: Let machine feed; don't pull fabric.
Reverse: Use reverse lever to secure stitches.
Adjust speed: Control with foot pedal pressure.
Finish: Raise needle, lift presser foot, remove fabric.
Cut threads: Use built-in thread cutter.
Change needles: Always use correct type and size.
Special techniques: Use drop feed for darning and quilting.

WARNING! Never sew over pins. Always disconnect power when changing needles.

Maintenance & Oil Points

Regular oiling required for smooth operation. Oil points: Hook race, bobbin case area, needle bar, presser bar, feed dogs, hand wheel shaft.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Remove lint with small brush. Wipe with soft cloth.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never use household oils. Keep machine covered when not in use.

Regulatory Information

Manufactured by Atlas Sewing Machine Co. circa 1950. All metal construction. For historical reference only. Replacement parts may require specialized suppliers. This machine complies with 1950s electrical safety standards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread machine; reduce tension; check for burrs.
Skip stitches	Bent needle/wrong needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type/size.
Bobbin issues	Improper winding/insertion	Rewind bobbin evenly; check bobbin case.
Machine jams	Thread buildup/lack of oil	Clean hook area; oil machine; remove tangled thread.
Uneven stitches	Tension imbalance	Adjust upper and lower tension; test on scrap fabric.

Maintenance: Oil monthly with regular use. Clean lint after each project.

Service: Contact vintage sewing machine specialist for repairs.