I have a 1955 singer 95K40 .
It is not in a good state- the main body is ok but all the metal bits attached e.g. tension unit etc are rusty. I anticipate a lot of work getting this to be usable. My question is should I bother?
It is definitely worth it. A lot of the parts are standard, so not hard to replace. I have a 95k40 that I've cleaned up and replaced a few bit on, including the tension assembly. Very easy to do, so if you need any assistance, feel free to PM me.
Will it be a machine that I like at the end of it all. It has a large black motor underneath the tatty table/cupboard which I haven't dared switch on - my thinking is if I can get the machine to work nicely I might upgrade to a servo motor for it with modern electrics.
It's a curious beast – an industrial machine no larger than a domestic one. I removed the clutch motor and replaced it with a Jack 513A servo with needle positioner. Sews beautifully.
I altered the height of the needle bar so the machine can take standard industrial sized needles (DBx1) rather than the smaller Singer needles that can be tricky to find (88x1, I think).
The cupboard is made of laminated plywood, and let down by the back panel which is very cheap and flimsy. I reinforced mine with a couple of batons to stop it vibrating.
Singer 95 doesn't seem popular is there a reason for this?.
It's just not that common. The odd sized needles, no reverse lever, and an identity crisis don't help. If you want the build and power of an industrial machine in a domestic sized unit, you can't beat this machine.