The Sewing Place

Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty

Emerion

Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« on: August 08, 2021, 20:39:54 PM »
Hello,
I’m hoping someone point me in the direction of help for a problem with my Singer 99k’s feed regulator. If I set it to 10 stitches per inch, it’s doing 20 per inch, etc. So the very biggest stitch that I can do is still pretty small. Apart from this issue, it’s working fine.  My normal source of help with machine problems is YouTube, but not this time, no one seems to cover this problem. I would take it into a Singer specialist that I know, but I’m not able to get out and about at the moment. Any suggestions please?
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

BrendaP

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2021, 21:52:46 PM »
Are the feed dogs working as they should?
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Emerion

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2021, 10:40:45 AM »
Well, they are working to the extent that the machine is stitching a normal, but shorter, stitch. I have kept the underneath parts of the machine oiled, so they should have a full range of movement. But they haven’t, which is where I’m stuck. I’m going to have another look and see if any parts have missed being cleaned properly, and got gummed-up, although it didn’t  look messy from a quick look the other day.
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

b15erk

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2021, 12:30:56 PM »
@Emerion , this happened to me with a few of my old Singers, and I removed the feed-dogs where possible, and used a toothbrush to give them a good cleaning.  Sometimes there is lint mixed with old oil, and then I took a stitch ripper (or similar) and gently poked between the feed-dog teeth.

The stitch length improved afterwards.

Jessie
Jessie, who is very happy to be here!!  :),  but who has far too many sewing machines to be healthy, and a fabric stash which is becoming embarrassing.

Helen M

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2021, 20:06:36 PM »
I did the same on my overlocker @b15erk and I'm sure it helped solve the problem I had at the time. I now do it more frequently!
Stash Busting 2024 - Goal: 25 metres
So far:  1.5 metres  ------ Donated : 0 metres
Items decluttered: 55

Emerion

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2021, 20:50:32 PM »
Thanks for that, @b15erk. I’ve done it, and it hasn’t made any difference. I’ll keep looking.
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

Silverlake

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2021, 03:37:56 AM »
I had this problem on a vintage Singer Featherweight 221.
Although the Stitch-length Lever travelled fully up and down (short stitches through to long stitches) the effect on the stitches actually sewn was minimal, and the stitches remained at around 22 stitches per inch.

The problem was the Y-shaped yoke & linkages inside - behind the Stitch-length-lever.

I removed the Drive-belt and Handwheel.
There's a large access hole behind the Handwheel.
I cleaned inside by flooding with Lighter Fluid, catching run-off with paper towels, then oiled everything well.
This part is normally oiled from above but can sometimes be missed or become gummed up over time. Especially if its unused for quite a while.

Might be worth a try?

Emerion

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2021, 09:46:34 AM »
Hello @Silverlake. I’ve just come back and seen your reply. Thank you for  that clear explanation. I’m going to have a go at this later on.
Machine: Singer 99K 1954
Ability: Plenty of room for improvement

SimOneNL

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2021, 13:07:42 PM »
@Emerion, check out StagecoachRoad Sewing on youtube. They have a 5-part series taking a Singer 221 apart, covering every bit in detail. I think your problem is addressed in part 1 or 2.
Another good resource is Andy Tube, also on Youtube. Just look through his videos on straight stitch machines. He is very detailed in his approach.
Sorry for not being more helpful, but I’m not allowed to post links.

jesster

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2021, 21:03:53 PM »
Quote
I had this problem on a vintage Singer Featherweight 221.[/size]Although the Stitch-length Lever travelled fully up and down (short stitches through to long stitches) the effect on the stitches actually sewn was minimal, and the stitches remained at around 22 stitches per inch. 
The problem was the Y-shaped yoke & linkages inside - behind the Stitch-length-lever.
[/color]
I have exactly this problem on a white FW.  I took it to the local (USA) repair person.  It worked for about 30 minutes and now I have the same issue again.  Thanks for your information - will check that out although the machine was allegedly "fully serviced and repaired".  The shop no longer exists and there may be a reason for that...  :headbang:

Silverlake

Re: Singer 99k stitch length regulator faulty
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2021, 23:16:04 PM »
@SimOneNL Thanks for that. I've started watching Andy's YouTube videos; "Saving LaLa" a 1930's FW 221.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCUSPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4w

Thanks too for the StageCoachRoad pointer. I could binge-watch all these repair videos, back-to-back, if I only had the time.

@jesster My trouble was with the White 221 too. Perhaps it was 'recently serviced' by the same guy?

It's amazing how complex an apparently-simple machine can be. When you look underneath these, it doesn't look as if much is going on.
« Last Edit: September 04, 2021, 23:23:13 PM by Silverlake »