Cool 1960s ZigZag White 769 Selectronic Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Fully Tested. This is a cool 1960s heavy duty ZigZag machine. It is virtually awesome and a great sewing machine of its time, it sews an incredible zigzag stitch. The White model 769 also called “the Selectronic” is the updated and upgraded version of the model 764. The upgrade was basically the addition of an electronic controlled foot pedal to control the motor speed. The foot pedal still operates much like a normal resistive type controller with the exception that it doesn’t just rely on resistors to reduce power to the motor to control speed. It is also wired to a true electrical phase control which is controlled by a knob on the bed of the machine beside the feed-dog dial. This makes it possible to slow the motor speed, or the speed of the needle, without the heat build up associated with slow speed and benefit from the full power of the motor at a slow speed. A revolutionary concept in the 60’s when all other machines could only achieve full power when sewing at full speed and any extended sewing at slow speeds would create a very hot foot pedal! This model uses a typical class 15 bobbin case with the finger pointed in the 1 o’clock position, It also uses the standard 15X1 needle. This makes it easy to find an endless supply of needle for all types of sewing applications! This machine is in remarkably good vintage condition. The front bobbin cover plate is showing wear, with some minor wear around the machine. One of the spool pins has been broken off. There is some typical wear from a machine of this era, but it’s sewing capability makes up for that! All seen in the photos! The White 769 came with all the latest features of its era, and we threaded it up and tested all the functions! It was very fun to sew with! The smoothness and gracefulness that this machine performs its operations while being powerful and sewing a great zigzag stitch is simply amazing! It ran pretty much flawlessly. It is a left needle homing machine. It has forward and reverse, Zig Zag and a four position button-hole function. It also has a blind hem stitch and a utility ZZ setting on the selector dial. Embroidery stitches can be accomplished by manually changing the size of the bight of the ZZ and the length of the stitch while the machine is running. It takes a lot of practice to master this technique but it is possible. The width is controlled by a lever on the pillar with adjustable left and right locks or stops. Stitch length is controlled by a dial on the pillar of the machine marked from 0-6 with 6 being the longest stitch. Needle speed is controlled by the foot pedal, but the foot pedal is controlled by an electronic speed control dial on the bed of the machine at the base of the pillar as we mentioned the upgrade before! It is marked with the word “electronic” on top of the dial. It reduces speed allowed from the foot pedal to the needle when fully counterclockwise and increases when fully clockwise. Also mounted on the bed is a larger Knob just to the left of the speed control, is the 3 position feed-dog adjustment. It is marked “High” “Low” and “Down”. When “Down” is selected the feed-dogs do not extend above the needle plate so they have no effect on the fabric when the presser foot is down allowing for “Darning” and “Free-motion” sewing. The presser foot lift is a two position lever with the first position being the normal lift and lock so the fabric can be moved. When the lever is lifted farther than the lock position it raises the presser foot higher, making it easier deal with bulky seams. It is an awesome machine and it takes full advantage of it 1.3 amp motor. Although it does have a cool carry handle, It definitely is not the first choice for a portable machine. It is a very heavy beast of a machine but it is one of the best choices for an all-purpose residential based domestic machine capable of sewing fine fabric with beautiful top stitches. See our other listings for stock and Bentwood Cases. All of our items are of the antique and vintage nature. This item may have typical minor wear as expected of an item from this time period. We look over all our items carefully to photograph and mention in our description any specific damage. We conduct research to accurately represent our items to the best of our abilities. We will pack carefully to ensure a safe arrival! Thank you for looking!
