Singer Sewing machine

[Maker]

This isn't exactly a restoration thread as there's nothing really wrong with it (yet), I'm just dismantling it to clean out the dried up oil and fibres, thought I'd start a thread as I'll be taking pictures anyway, and I'm likely to need help/advice.


Here's the machine as I got it, it's a 96K41, made in 1935.



The motor isn't original but it's very nice, really smooth and quiet, pretty massive considering it's only 1/3Hp, but that's just more inertia to punch through thick material. I'd like to try my hand at leatherwork, mum's into sewing too and has been after an industrial machine for a while too, so hopefully that's permission to keep it indoors with all her stuff.


All these bits came out fairly easily:


And I'm left with this crank/counterweight, there's a flat head screw in the side but I can't budge it. I'm not sure I actually want to take it out, if the shaft isn't keyed I'll have to time it to the feed dogs when I put it back together, and I have no idea how to do that.


I'm not sure how far to dismantle it, there's a lot going on inside it and it feels pretty smooth and free-turning, so maybe I'll just put the head back together and call it good. The table to mount it in will be a bit of a project, the bed of the machine needs to be flush with the table, the motor has to hang underneath it and needs a foot pedal for the brake/clutch, and it needs a knee-operated lever to lift the foot. I've got a shelf from a stainless catering trolley that might make a nice table surface but I'm not sure about the rest of the structure, maybe small box section, depends what it'll cost.

Do manuals for these old machines exist? I'd love an exploded diagram...

 

[johnik]

I inherited two of them in black when i moved into my current house, the earliest as made in 1890 something and mint, the other 19 something with an electric motor, mint again, when i looked at fleabay, imagine my shock when i found there were hundreds for sale for pennies
they both went on a trip to Africa where no doubt they are making clothes as i speak
the moral of this ramble is, it has lasted the best part of 100 years and will probably still be working in another 100 so if it aint broke etc

 

[ajlelectronics]

User manual

 

[cardiffrob]

I use a Singer 1904 Treadle machine that is so old it doesn't have the cast-in lugs for electric motors. Hefty enough to sew carpet. I use it on Leather and Canvas but the leather drive belt is starting to slip. It is a 66(?) model but has an old version of the foot thst restricts the selection of feet and needles you can use.

It'll still be running after the Russians have cut off the gas and the power stations have run out of electricity. Zombie Apocalypse Proof!

 

[keithski122]

If you want to make life easier for yourself ditch the clutch motor or use it for a boat anchor and get a servo motor.So much easier to control than that old thing.

 

[Maker]

If you want to make life easier for yourself ditch the clutch motor or use it for a boat anchor and get a servo motor.So much easier to control than that old thing.

That had crossed my mind, no speed control with this motor, but I'd imagine a servo and associated drive costs an arm and a dick?

 

[pedrobedro]

I use a Singer 1904 Treadle machine that is so old it doesn't have the cast-in lugs for electric motors.

We have three treadle machines, Jones, Singer and Bradbury. I took the machine out of the Bradbury and fitted my wife's electric machine in it to make a handy sewing table. The Singer is fully working with all the original attachments and HP books all signed up at 1/7d a week. I put a new belt and thread winder on the Jones MediumCS (1924 vintage) and filled the rocket shuttle and it sews well and is a beautiful piece of artwork with ornate decals. Website fiddlebase.com has a good library of old machines.

 

[keithski122]

That had crossed my mind, no speed control with this motor, but I'd imagine a servo and associated drive costs an arm and a dick?

Not really, from £80 or so.
Just a quick example found.

https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/r9-550e-redsun-550w-servo-motor.html

 

[ajlelectronics]

That had crossed my mind, no speed control with this motor, but I'd imagine a servo and associated drive costs an arm and a dick?

It is worth it honestly! The difference is night and day and you can achieve far more. I prevaricated for ages but then wished I had converted sooner.

edit:

As per Keith's comment above, College Sewing are good to deal with and very helpful.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

DATING SINGER SEWING MACHINES. SINGER SERIAL NUMBERS, SEWALOT, ALEX ASKAROFF

www.sewalot.com - A site dedicated to sewing, sewing machines, collectors of sewing machines and other related topics.

sewalot.com

You may find this site of interest.

 

[pedrobedro]

if the shaft isn't keyed I'll have to time it to the feed dogs when I put it back together, and I have no idea how to do that.

You can get the needle and shuttle out of sync and that is bad. The speed control on older industrial machines was by a clutch on the one round at the shop used for repairing leathers.

 

[sardine]

Got this one here I found in a hedge, i never got round to restoring, the motor is internal.

 

[Parm]

Dads an expert on sewing machines.

All my cousins bring machines to dad for any maintenance

 

[bourbon]

I inherited two of them in black when i moved into my current house, the earliest as made in 1890 something and mint, the other 19 something with an electric motor, mint again, when i looked at fleabay, imagine my shock when i found there were hundreds for sale for pennies
they both went on a trip to Africa where no doubt they are making clothes as i speak
the moral of this ramble is, it has lasted the best part of 100 years and will probably still be working in another 100 so if it aint broke etc

Glasgow factory made upwards of 5 Million machines. That's why they are pennies. My Partner has a mew Brother machine. It's been back to the shop 5 times now, Won't tolerate cheap thread, Bobbin holder scratches and snarls the thread. Total crap

 

[keithski122]

I have this one.

 

[Maker]

As with all good projects, I left it on the healing bench for a year so I could forget how it works.

Mum wants to use it for making bags so I've got it all back together, but the shuttle (?) Isn't catching the thread. I've loosened the screws which hold the shuttle to its shaft to adjust the timing relative to the needle stroke (no idea if it was right, but its not now ), and I can also adjust the position (height) of the needle. Does anyone know how to get it going?

 

[Mavisrandal]

Why you didn't share the picture of cleaned machine? I would love to see it.

 

[Porkypine]

I love old sewing machines, I can't resist rescuing them when I come across one that's been thrown out..hence i've got about 20 dotted about the place, I make a point of getting them working, though there's a Wheeler Wilson one that really doesn't want to play at all, plus a weird hat making machine that has too many parts missing.

 

[Morris]

I bought this in a charity shop and restored it. Sews beautifully.

 

[MattF]

I love old sewing machines, I can't resist rescuing them when I come across one that's been thrown out...

I need to appropriate one from my parents abode, when I've chance & space. A treadle machine. Original stand & wooden cover/top.