Western Auto Model 62-8847-6
The Western Auto Model 62-8847-6 is a good looking machine, at least to me, your mileage may vary.
I didn’t find a lot of information about it, but from what I can tell, it’s a Western Auto badged machine manufactured by the Brother sewing machine company in Japan. The motor is actually a Brother branded part.
Externally, except for the knobs, buttons and such, it’s an all metal machine. It was designed for a cabinet or carry case and provides two male power plugs, one for the motor controller and the other for the light. The light has an on off switch on the rear of the machine, and it does not need to be turned on, or even plugged in for you to sew.
Controls
The controls are pretty basic, and that isn’t a bad thing. The 4 step button hole dial sticks out the top cover of the machine. The reverse control is the button center of the stitch width knob. The stitch pattern selector for blind stitch, zig zag, and stretch stitch, is to the left if the stitch width selector.
Bobbins and needles
The Western Auto Model 62-8847-6 uses the Singer style oscillating hook, class 15 bobbins, and bobbin case. Needles for the machine are regular consumer sewing needles and are inserted with the flat of the needle facing right. This of course means the machine is threaded from left to right.
This machine uses a left home needle position. This means that when you have the machine set to straight stitch the needle will always be on the far left side of a zig zag style foot. This also means that if you want to use a straight stitch needle plate or presser foot, it would require one that allowed for that needle position. The left home needle position is not common today, it wasn’t uncommon on earlier Japanese and European machines.
Brochure, Warranty Card and Quick Start Guide
The machine included light documentation that goes to pains to not say who manufactured the machine. I have to admit that I really like the art style though.
Glass Cannon
When you pop the top cover off of this machine is looks bulletproof. Unfortunately just below the layer of cast iron and steel are two important gears that are made of plastic.
As much as I like the Western Auto Model 62-8847-6, it does have some plastic gears and they’re used to drive the stitch width mechanism and the stitch pattern cam. Both gears seem to be in good shape and the machine sews well.
The stitch pattern cam follower puts a lot of stress on it’s drive gear. It’s not a setting that most people would use a lot, but the stretch stitch that is created using that cam would be a shame to lose.
This is one of those situations were cost cutting really failed a product. Other than the plastic gears this machine is a tank, and if those gears would have been made of metal this would have been a must have vintage machine.
Under the Deck
The bottom end of this machine is well designed and easy to maintain.
Western Auto Model 62-8847-6 Specs
| Brand | Western Auto |
| Model | Citation |
| Model Number | 62-8847-6 |
| Machine Body | Cast Iron |
| Drivetrain & Gears | Plastic and Metal |
| Color | Eggshell with Purple Accents |
| Feed Dog Drop | Yes |
| Motor | 140w |
| Motor Mount | External, Covered Belt |
| Foot Type | Low Shank, Zig Zag |
| Weight | 31 pounds |
| Hook Type | Oscillating |
| Bobbin Type | Class 15 |
| Light Bulb | Bayonet Style |