The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: Sewsuzie on April 01, 2017, 11:33:05 AM

Title: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on April 01, 2017, 11:33:05 AM
Thought I'd swell up the vintage corner with a few pics of my old ladies (and a few gents - some are definitely male).
First up is the one that started my love of vintage, a 1922 Singer 128k. She's also my desktop background and cover photo on FB.
(http://i.imgur.com/2jnqZi8l.jpg)
This is the only one with any family connection, given to me by my MIL when she moved house. it had belonged to her MIL before that, and I'm guessing that she was the original owner in 1922.
It still sews beautifully and I use it to shorten jeans occasionally. It can sew through all the thick seams without making a birds nest underneath or skipping stitches.
At the moment it is sitting on the front room windowsill, with a few friends, waiting to spring into action at a moments notice (well, after I've flicked the dust off).
So... she was the start of the slippery slope into VSM addiction. Many more followed her, too many to show all at once,  so I'll leave it at that for now, before you all start to nod off.
Anyone else got any pics they'd like to show and tell?
:vintage: :vintage: :vintage: :vintage:

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on April 01, 2017, 11:38:39 AM
Susie she's lovely!!  Not all of my machines are as pristine as yours, but they do all work!

It's a slippery slope though - I really daren't bring any more machines into the house, until one or two have left! 

I will make an effort to take pics of my favourite ladies.

Jessle
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on April 01, 2017, 12:05:33 PM
Not all mine are that pristine either, Jessie. Some are definitely 'work in progress', and others are just plain 'neglected' these days. I got most of them when I had a bit of free time on a Sunday to clean, polish and tinker, but renovating DDs house took priority, and still is (but i have learned many new DIY skills along the way :)). I still live in hope that I will get to pamper the oldies again soon.
A little 221k might be having a trip out to her house tomorrow, to run up some makeshift voile curtains, if we can find anywhere clean enough to sew.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: JillH on April 01, 2017, 15:45:19 PM
I have 3 old machines (at the moment :devil:)
A Singer Medium, it was bought by my Great Grandmother in 1906 (the year she married)  I think it is also known as a Singer 13.  It stitches through everything thrown at it.
The other two are Vesta hand crank machines, one a bit older than the other.  All of them have vibrating shuttles.
I've only posted the picture of the better Vesta although they both stitch well.  I'm thinking that I may sell or give away to a good home the Vesta without the cover sometime but I'm not sure yet -<
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on April 01, 2017, 18:26:35 PM
I'm just a snooper really as my oldest machine is 1960s (and still not brought back to use!  :|) but I love to look at these lovely engineered works of art.

I hope we're going to see lots more photos on this thread.  :D
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on April 03, 2017, 19:01:59 PM
Just to prove they're not all shiny and pristine, here's my 2nd acquisition - a 1902 Singer 27k in a drawing room cabinet. I fell in love with the cabinet after seeing pictures of one Dementedfairy had. I love the way the machine rises up from the cabinet with very little effort. The machine itself is not in very good condition and is still awaiting attention, but I've also got a 66k in nicer condition which I will probably put into the cabinet at some point.
Plenty more to show, but it still takes me a while to sort the photos on the cronky laptop. 

(http://i.imgur.com/gI1eQ5il.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on April 03, 2017, 23:43:31 PM
The machine itself is not in very good condition and is still awaiting attention...

Well I still think she's pretty, especially the Egyptian style decals although I do think the poor Sphinx would have a far more interesting view if she were facing the business end.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on April 11, 2017, 13:38:43 PM
Today's new arrival, a Jones...  0_0 0_0   <3
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on April 11, 2017, 16:56:55 PM
Oooh, lovely! I don't have anything that old or decorative in my collection. Enjoy!  :)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 13, 2017, 15:18:15 PM
Time for another, now I've found out how to attach iPad photos.

This is my 'go to' for doing buttonholes and usually has a buttonhole attachment on it.
It's another 27k dated 1895 and was an eBay bargain at 99p, without the metal stand, just the machine and wooden tabletop. The seller only wanted the base for a glass topped hall table so was selling the rest, and nobody else bid on it, so lucky me! Worth a trip up to Durham to pick it up.
I just happened to have the base already but no top or machine, so it was obviously meant to be.
The woodwork needed a bit of a spruce up and a bit of tlc on the machine soon had it sewing beautifully. It sits in front of the patio doors, so there's a lovely view out into the garden when I use it. Even better when the sun shines and I can open the door too.
Loads more to show, but I won't overload the thread at the moment  |O

Suzie   :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewingsue on May 13, 2017, 15:41:58 PM
She is a beauty, Suzie.
Is that a matching stool?
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 13, 2017, 16:00:08 PM
Yes it is a Singer stool, but something I acquired years ago. Only really appreciated it once it was married up with the machine. It's something we used to trip over and curse regularly in my mums sewing workroom. I took pity on it when she was downsizing. Didn't even know they go for silly money on eBay  :o.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on May 23, 2017, 06:14:25 AM
Love to see all those vintage beauties, here is my little flock  :)

Bellatrix, a Singer 201K, born in 1948
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5671/29389312284_df53219ce5.jpg)

Bella, a Singer Featherweight 222K, born in 1955, she resides in Thailand (she suffered from aluminum rot, so I had her stripped off and repainted pink)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8410/29390382003_31156de48e.jpg)

Trixie, a Singer Featherweight 221K, born in 1955, my traveling machine (I bought her from the charity Tools for Self-Reliance in Bristol)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5241/29390381533_4faf66b660.jpg)

Isabella, a Singer 338K, born in 1964 - I managed to find a complete set of all cams for her ,with the Singer Autopilot Buttonholer attached, she makes the best buttonholes  :loveit:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/588/31862841161_74c10f4f22.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 23, 2017, 09:42:14 AM
Lovely machines, Manuela! I like the pink 222k, even though I'm not normally a pink person. I've still got lots to show, including 222k and 2 x 221k, but I don't want to bore people showing them all at once. It might scare me to see how many there are anyway.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Francesca on May 23, 2017, 10:08:23 AM
So cute!

I've been going over mine with the brasso and it's shining up lovely but haven't had time to get it proper cleaned.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Surest1tch on May 23, 2017, 12:23:13 PM
I love those machines, when I've worked out how to upload pictures I'll show you mine.
I'm just curious about those vintage buttonhole attachments, are the machines they attach to swing needles or lockstitch please?  I've got an old industrial machine I claimed when I retired, I love that machine above all the others but it's a lockstitch, if those attachments are for a lockstitch that will be next on my list.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on May 23, 2017, 12:46:33 PM
SS they do buttonholes for both.  I have one Template Buttonholer for my slant shank 611g, which I love, and two others, one in the green box and one in the red plastic box (can't remember the model numbers), these fit the low shank machines, but are manual, and don't need templates.

Helen Howes is the lady to speak to for all things vintage.  She's a lovely lady, and gets a lot of recommendations because she knows her stuff.  She has a website (just going to have a look) http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/

These buttonholers are well worth the investment.

Jessie

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on May 23, 2017, 13:36:02 PM
Here is an overview of Singer's buttonholers, they are not expensive and really make the nicest buttonholes one can imagine:

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/more-on-singer-buttonholers.html (http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/more-on-singer-buttonholers.html)

Here an overview of most of Singer's machines and their specifications (needles, shank type, etc), sorted by model number. I find that particularly valuable when deciding if a machine is for me (I usually go for low shank machines that take class 15 needles, as all my existing presser feet and attachments fit).

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/ (http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/)

B15erk, thank you for the link to Helen Howes site, off to have a look.
ETA: Love the site as well as her blog.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: SingingSinger on May 23, 2017, 14:13:34 PM
Here are my old ladies.

My 1951 Singer 201K, which was a gift from a friend :) And my 1964 Bernina 730 Record. 
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on May 23, 2017, 14:21:20 PM
Lovely machines  :loveit:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 23, 2017, 18:38:50 PM
Nice machines, SingingSinger. Envious of the Bernina 730. That's what my mum had and I learned to sew on, then used till I was 18. She bought a Pfaff 1222 after that, which I still have and used until very recently.
Sad day when she got rid of the Bernina :(.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 23, 2017, 19:33:35 PM
These are my 221ks. The one at the back was my first baby machine and is 1955. It sews beautifully and has a lovely shine still and very little scratching. I think it had an easy life, unlike its friend at the front, which I bought because I liked the scroll design on the end plate, and it was very cheap. It's circa 1948, but needs a lot of tlc to bring it up to a useable condition.
DH rewired a modern foot control onto the newer one so I feel safer using it now, and it's easier. Didn't like the old button one, even though I'd taken out the capacitors, after it decided to "go it alone" one day.

(http://i.imgur.com/P1PpGOsl.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Tamnymore on May 23, 2017, 19:38:10 PM
I'm drooling at the sight of these lovely machines. :P
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Surest1tch on May 23, 2017, 19:40:52 PM
Thanks Jessie, I was going to ring Helen Howes when I saw the link but apparently the are closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.  I'm going to try and remember to ring Thursday, hope they've got one to fit it, it's a Singer 660a, probably older than me but it's worth a try if they are that good.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on May 23, 2017, 22:14:47 PM
Sewsuzie, I hear you on the button foot controller, I don't like it all. While I kept the original ones, I got electronic foot controls to use when I sew on the machines.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on May 23, 2017, 22:34:29 PM
The 1948 machine looks very nice Suzie, I hope it can be improved upon. I hope to find a 201K2 with a similar art nouveau (deco?) decor. I'm thinking I have to import one from the UK, though I know they were sold here too :- )

I bought an electronic pedal, but I went back to my button controller. Mine is fine, doesn't get hot, and I developed a feel for it. The speed control is good too, and I rather have the original when there wasn't a noticeable improvement. I think peldas are very individual, though they should be serviceable. Most of the YDK pedals on ebay.uk are actually the same carbon resistor type as the old bakelite pedals. Not all of the electronic ones are that good either for some reason, and these should in theory (!) be much better (from stop to full speed and little inbetween).
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: LeilaMay on May 24, 2017, 13:51:54 PM
This is the oldest machine I've ever worked on. It was rescued from a barn, in it's very dilapidated treadle table, by a friend. She drove the whole contraption half way to my house to hand it over, bless her.
It's not easy to convert to hand use, being so early it has no bolt-on section, and I cannot treadle, so although it seems a shame to separate the table from the machine, she has gone to the owner of a local sewing shop for display.

I'll include the finished treadle table too, which I'm using now as a table for hand crank machines.

(more another day :) )
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: DalronAU on May 27, 2017, 22:26:30 PM
My Bernina 831 which I found in an op shop.  Had the manual, feet etc for the grand price of $15.

(http://i.imgur.com/I1TfR86.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 27, 2017, 23:09:56 PM
My Bernina 831 which I found in an op shop.  Had the manual, feet etc for the grand price of $15.

Looks a beauty, and doesn't appear to have had a hard life. Great find! Don't know what that equates to in British £s, but it sounds incredibly cheap!

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on May 28, 2017, 00:19:16 AM
I know I've already put a photo of my 201K on here (but not on this thread) so, as I think she's so lovely, I thought I'd risk bragging here too. She now has a full set of the standard feet in a crinkle tin and hopefully a buttonholer when we get back from holiday so the only thing left now is to find a suitable electric motor and pedal for her as my early attempts have proven that I don't have the one-handed sewing gene for anything more than simple stitching jobs. When I was repairing a handbag I resorted to getting my husband to turn the crank while I manipulated the business end.  :D

Seeing the 800 Berninas here too, would my old Bernina 1020 be a candidate as an oldie? I've also got a Necchi Lydia Mk2 that I badly need shaming into   trying out and cleaning up...
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: DalronAU on May 28, 2017, 00:34:09 AM
.... Don't know what that equates to in British £s, but it sounds incredibly cheap!

Suzie  :vintage:

8.72 British Pounds

Couldn't wait to get out of the shop in case they changed their mind about the price!    :D
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on May 29, 2017, 09:32:09 AM
I know I've already put a photo of my 201K on here (but not on this thread) so, as I think she's so lovely, I thought I'd risk bragging here too.
Seeing the 800 Berninas here too, would my old Bernina 1020 be a candidate as an oldie? I've also got a Necchi Lydia Mk2 that I badly need shaming into   trying out and cleaning up...

Bragging is absolutely encouraged here! Your 201k is lovely.

How old is your Bernina 1020? The only Bernina I have is a 1630 Inspiration Plus which is about 22 years old. It's in semi retirement now, as its computer seems to think it knows best, and doesn't always do what is asked of it  :devil:

I also have a Necchi Lydia, but a 3, not 2. Bought in 1974, I gave it a very hard life for over 30 years. It was still working when I replaced it (with an equally as old, Pfaff 1222), but it was grinding and growling a bit. Maybe one day I'll get round to having a tinker with it again.......

(http://i.imgur.com/7xoeKEMl.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on May 29, 2017, 10:28:26 AM
How old is your Bernina 1020?

That's a good question. I've tried comparing the serial number to the information on Bernina Central (http://www.berninacentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1883)  but I'm confused about which part of it is indicative of age because the first digits suggest it was made in 1973 - that can't be right as the 830 wasn't made until around 1982 with the 1130 coming out in 1986 and both continued for some time after. So it must be the number below which indicates 1990.

She's one of the first ones with an electronic foot which gives the needle up/down facility, which I do like to have, but that's it on the computerised front. As a result, I'm trusting that she'll have a longer life than most of the computerised ones although I hear of lots of 1130/1230s that are still going strong and one would expect the earliest models would be the first to go.

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 29, 2017, 10:29:02 AM
Just remembered, this is t'other half's mum's old machine - don't see many of these.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on May 29, 2017, 10:35:34 AM
Just remembered...

Does that mean you don't use her or is she not at her best these days?  :'(
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 29, 2017, 10:42:24 AM
I don't use her, and at the moment she's kinda buried under other junk in the conservatory, which is more like a junk room!  Once the conservatory is demolished and a proper extension built, then I may get her out.  I don't know if I'm any good at treadling though.  Oh, and I'm not a fan of brown furniture, in fact I hate brown wooden stuff!  I do have permission (as it was t'other half's!) to paint the cabinet, so that may happen.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on May 29, 2017, 11:34:17 AM
The cabinet on the Mundlos machines is the finest, it would not look right in any other color than stained oak :- )

The machine is in very nice condition too. It has survied all kinds of evil all these years, I hope it will be saved from the paint brush. Mundlos models turns up here too, but just the odd one. I have so far not seen them in a top of the range cabinet.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on May 29, 2017, 16:03:15 PM
Just remembered, this is t'other half's mum's old machine - don't see many of these.
Ohhhhh that is a beautiful machine, love the cabinet it comes with too.  :loveit:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: LeilaMay on June 05, 2017, 09:05:05 AM
Next on my list - the oldest machine I've kept - a 1902 28K number R235275.

She was flooded out in a cellar in Upton, and then left there or several more years along with a 99k. The cases were both beyond repair but amazingly both machines were in good enough condition to work again. Here are the before and after photos o this one.
(The replacement case is of the right style and vintage, bought from Helen Howes)

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 05, 2017, 12:44:46 PM
Fab job on the renovation, LM. It looks amazing, in its new (old) case.
Must post some more of my pics asap.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on June 05, 2017, 12:45:29 PM
My word, she repaid you for your kindness all right!  :D
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: DalronAU on June 05, 2017, 20:51:09 PM
This is my 1915 Singer 15 (Sally Sphinx).  This week I managed to get hold of a vintage hand crank with decals matching Sally's. So lucky on that find.

(http://i.imgur.com/mrFa2Yx.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Lincoln hobbit on June 05, 2017, 22:27:37 PM
This is my old singer (one of two I have). I have tried to put a photo up before unsuccessfully. I don't know much about it so any information anyone might have would be lovely. If this photo works I try sending its serial number next. (Where are the 'children' when you need them for tech support?) :[
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 05, 2017, 22:47:00 PM
LH, it's a 28k, same as LeilaMays, and probably about the same age judging by the base and case. Serial no will confirm it for you. Its looking good for its age  :).
I have a 128k from the twenties which was the updated version of yours. At a glance, you can tell them apart by the position of the bobbin winder. The 28k has it at the bottom of the pillar and the 128k's is at the top (see my pic in the 1st post of this thread for comparison). The 'coffin lid' cover also dates it to late 1800s or very early 1900s. By the time mine was made, they were in bentwood cases.
Do you use it, or are you just giving it a loving home? I'm homing a ridiculous amount of them, in every spare corner I can find. Some of them come out to play occasionally, when I'm sewing for pleasure rather than working.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Lincoln hobbit on June 06, 2017, 08:15:18 AM
The serial number is 14088421. I don't use it much but wouldn't want to lose it. A friend has recently offered to buy one of them but having looked at them both this weekend I can't part with either of them. The other one has a rounded case (bentwood?) and is younger I think? I also have a small machine, possibly a child's, and I will try to send a photo of that later. I would dearly love an old treadle machine. Interestingly, if you look on ebay, all these old machines are 'preowned!!'. Funny, that.... :D
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 06, 2017, 08:35:48 AM
It's circa 1897 according to ismacs dating charts, so slightly older than LeilaMays. It is very difficult to part with them once you've acquired them (trust me, I know  ;)). They all have their own personalities and quirks  :).

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Lincoln hobbit on June 06, 2017, 11:01:33 AM
This is the baby machine. Incomplete, sadly and not sure where/how to get it fixed.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Surest1tch on June 06, 2017, 11:05:01 AM
Have a look on the Singer site, I found full instructions for the 1936 Singer I bought on Sunday. I never expected to find them to be honest, I just googled the machine model and year asking for instructions and up it popped.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: LeilaMay on June 06, 2017, 13:43:55 PM
Lovely machines showing up - happy smile to see them  :)

Here is an Oh My Gosh - look what I bought in a charity show today for £10!!!
not sure if she'll run yet, but I'm going to give it my very best. haven't even looked up the number yet, but this is a later rather than an earlier one. Still has bobbin case and one bobbin but nothing else. Plug missing tiny brass bolts and nuts but fixable .
I'll try her with my power cord from the other featherweight and report back...
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 06, 2017, 14:30:55 PM
Flippin' heck!!! That's nearly giving it away! Looks in tidy condition too, so definitely was worth taking a punt on. Opportunities like that don't come along very often. I'd have bought it too, even though I already have 3 featherweights.

Jammy so and so  :P

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: BrendaP on June 06, 2017, 14:32:43 PM
Oh Wow!  Featherweights tend to cost more than most vintage machines.  If she works, and I'm sure a bit of TLC will get her going, you have a real bargain.  0_0 0_0 :vintage: 0_0 0_0
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on June 13, 2017, 22:15:55 PM
Thanks for sharing all your beautiful machines, its great to see them... I've had to cool it on the mad machine hunt... I'd still love a Necchi Julia, and maybe an Elna Supermatic... and a Singer 301. Theres some thing about Slant-o-matics and machines with cams I just love... but i have a few too many WIP both sewing and machines.

I think my favourite is my Singer 500a https://www.dropbox.com/sh/43lskddopwqa644/AAAwBJQ-twNIkGyBRcCZtvV9a?dl=0 I really enjoy using it is very comfortable and capable, it tends to be my go to machine as its always set up as its in the cabinet it came in. I'd love to know what its doing in the UK in a cabinet.

I also really like my Pfaff 30, its fussy about set up but once its set its a quiet unfussy stitcher and is shinier than Darth Vader's helmet. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h8oq7e6nhnawp48/AAAJCVkruJtZNm1kfToOrnPVa?dl=0

but I have a few others too, some are still works in progress (201 K2, 401g, Cresta 132-T, Bernina 900 and 48k) others are great and work fine Bernina 530-2, the Frister Rossmann 504 (I want to sing the Bachman Turner overdrive every time I encounter F+R) and my Grandmother's Elna Lotus SP.

and the kids favourite the Grasshopper https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1qdk2dv0zuol5zq/AACvNAx4e4HcE_5rndEdotFza?dl=0 its perfect for kiddies to sew on, its very chilled (and the belt is too loose so looses traction if they go too fast), and the knee lever is perfect as its at the right height for a high chair. its just sad that its slowly loosing its paint

and some pics of them all except the 401g https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2xfddv5d8zqqap8/AAAWVIyiMtwJ3pr7kijhiscIa?dl=0

Hope you enjoyed that.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on June 13, 2017, 23:59:15 PM
You have to give us some update on your Cresta Roger, it's rather unusual and nice looking : -)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on June 14, 2017, 14:43:06 PM
You have to give us some update on your Cresta Roger, it's rather unusual and nice looking : -)

They are unusual but apparently have a reputation for being a bit of beast: https://sewingtales.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/the-sail-loft/ (https://sewingtales.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/the-sail-loft/)

The timing on mine is off (fortunately everything still works so I dont think the belt has gone), and timing currently defeats me as a mend. The case also appears to have got quite wet at some stage and the extension table is corroded and the stitching on the case has gone so that all needs some love too.  I do really like the look of it, its unusual.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on June 14, 2017, 15:49:18 PM
I understand, a difficult case with the Cresta. Timing shouldn't be impossible, but I'm not sure how to refinishing extention tables. I'm still dithering with my touch ups on my green Phoenix.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on June 14, 2017, 16:34:42 PM
I figured I'd go and get a sample of a car paint for it, and then sand it down and get it really fine, and take time to build up a load of layers and sand and polish till its right.

I'm just not even too sure where to start on timing... my brain just wont read guides on it...
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on June 14, 2017, 16:46:38 PM
Models differ a lot for setting timing, but there are usually marks on the machine and a basic way about it is to obseve the race, hook and needle as they turn and pin point where exactly things go wrong. There might be traces of something that has slipped out of place at some point. For an amateur it helps a lot to have a few guide lines on the particular model.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 16, 2017, 10:06:27 AM
1st job of the day today, shortening this pile of jeans I prepared last night. I'm using my trusty old Singer 99k (circa 1937), as I'm feeling lazy and want a bit of electricity. It's another one I've had rewired with a clamshell foot control and nice fresh cable. It does a great job on jeans, even over the thick seams (with a bit of help from levellers under the presser foot and a bit of handwheel turning).
Right, time to fire it up........  :vintage::) :)

(http://i.imgur.com/iOMCTrol.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 16, 2017, 11:31:29 AM
All done now and ready to go. Just wish I could remember to keep my hand away from the light when I'm lifting the presser foot. Got a lovely burn on my thumb now  :(.
The 99k performed well on the stretch and the thick rigid denim, but I'm going to have to look at the stop motion screw at some point. The needle bar was still active while I was refilling the bobbin, despite it being disengaged. Not a huge problem, but it's nicer if the needle isn't going up and down when you've asked it not to.
(http://i.imgur.com/zc5nSkvl.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on June 16, 2017, 11:57:39 AM
It's in very nice condition Suzie. Have you had the hand wheel off? It often does the trick; cleaning, a bit of polishing if there's, rust, dried up oil or grime, and maybe something with teflon to make it extra smooth. The tiny oil point on top, just left of the hand wheel usually doesn't reach all the way out to the stop motion screw. If you tilt the machine towards the right (have a book or something under the left side of the machine), oil and turn the hand wheel with the stop motion screw both tightened and and in free it might get the job done.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: LeilaMay on June 16, 2017, 13:07:35 PM
In the handle section, under the stop motion wheel, there's a washer which has a right right up and a wrong way. It also has a right side OUT - the two little lugs should pint outwards always. But if you took it out, and turned it through 180 degrees and then reassembled, it should work. Arrow is right, having the machine end tilted away from you at this point will enable you to work with the washer without it keep slipping out when you try to put the silver stop motion wheel back in place.

I'm sure we can find a youtube of this if you'd like to see it done before you begin?

As for the burnt thumb, have you considered fitting an LED corn bulb? That should be bright but cold.

best wishes
Leila

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 16, 2017, 13:29:18 PM
In the handle section, under the stop motion wheel, there's a washer which has a right right up and a wrong way. It also has a right side OUT - the two little lugs should pint outwards always. But if you took it out, and turned it through 180 degrees and then reassembled, it should work. Arrow is right, having the machine end tilted away from you at this point will enable you to work with the washer without it keep slipping out when you try to put the silver stop motion wheel back in place.

I'm sure we can find a youtube of this if you'd like to see it done before you begin?

As for the burnt thumb, have you considered fitting an LED corn bulb? That should be bright but cold.

best wishes
Leila

Thanks Arrow and LeilaMay, I have done this before, on my 128k handcrank, but so long ago I'd need to refresh my memory before starting. I just don't have the time to tinker with any of them at the moment, so I'll have forgotten it needs doing by the next time I want to use it.
I have thought about replacing the bulb with led and on my featherweights, but again, they only get used occasionally and I need to learn to keep my hands away. I know they get hot, so only myself to blame.
Back on the modern machine and overlocker now, altering sequinned Lycra dancewear. Enjoyed this morning a lot more, doing  :trousers: :trousers: :trousers: :trousers: on the oldie  :).

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on June 16, 2017, 13:31:01 PM
For some reason I never burned my hands on the Singer lamps, but I know it's possible. To be completely honest I have to admit I burned my hands on a Singer lamp with a large lumpy glass lens; but it was when taking the cover lens on and off, trying to adjust it. These days I have bought LED bulbs from ebay, (B15 sockets need to be searched for). I'm not in a hurry to replace the old bulbs that work, but a pluss with less heat is I can now have the glass lens in place on my 201, it just got too hot with the old type bulb. The open type light have never had any issues with heat on my machines.

I'm impressed with the pile of jeans legs you have sorted out, I usually only do one pair at a time. The 99 is small but rather sturdy. It usualy stitches over the bumps with out fuzz too, there are a few difficult spots, those things you run the belt through, and where the seams join in the crotch; especially before the first seam is in place.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 16, 2017, 13:54:15 PM
I'm impressed with the pile of jeans legs you have sorted out, I usually only do one pair at a time. The 99 is small but rather sturdy. It usualy stitches over the bumps with out fuzz too, there are a few difficult spots, those things you run the belt through, and where the seams join in the crotch; especially before the first seam is in place.

It was only 4 pairs for a customer, looked more impressive than it was. If they were mine, I'd still be wearing them folded up  ;), oh, just looked down and I am wearing an old pair with folded up hems. Tut, tut! Not a good advert for my business! :D
Thanks for the info on led bulbs. Will have a look soon.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on June 16, 2017, 16:15:02 PM
Suzie, you've just reminded me what a lovely machine the 99k is.  I'll be giving mine an airing very soon!

So many machines, so little time..... ;)

:vintage: :) :vintage:

Jessie
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on June 16, 2017, 16:37:38 PM

So many machines, so little time..... ;)

:vintage: :) :vintage:

Jessie

I know, Jessie  ;). I've started to compile a list of mine with photos and dates, but it's getting to some of them that's the problem........ or is it just owning too many that's the problem?  -<

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 06, 2017, 13:37:44 PM
Another neglected beauty from my collection. It's a 66k from 1923 that has been retro fitted into a much newer base and case, with a pale green handcrank.
I guess it was originally a treadle powered machine that has been made portable. I'm intending to fit it into my drawing room treadle cabinet sometime (yes, I've been saying that for ages), to replace the very shabby and slightly broken 27k that's in it now. This 66k is one of the back clamp models, so other machine feet won't fit, unless I convert it to side clamp, but happy to leave it as it is. It has its normal sewing foot and I managed to get a back clamp ruffler attachment very cheap on EBay.
It was also missing the bobbin cover when I got it and the previous owner had attempted a cover out of balsa wood - not at all successfully - so I got it a new one of those too. The one in the photo is new and stainless steel, which looks wrong against the chrome needle plate, so I've managed to get a used one in chrome, which looks a lot better. It sews very nicely, but the handcrank is a bit gratey, like something is very worn, so it will be much better without it and converted back to treadle power.

(http://i.imgur.com/oLhPmQDl.jpgj)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Acorn on July 06, 2017, 13:40:59 PM
Pretty.   :)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on July 06, 2017, 21:23:26 PM
I do like those lotus decals particularly. Very nice indeed.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on July 06, 2017, 21:48:04 PM
the Lotus decals are one of my favourite too... but how many straight stitchers does any single person need?

I saw a trashed treadle on gumtree recently, the wood had gone grey, the laminate separated, the metal rusty, but oh my goodness it had a 66 in it with the most perfect lotus decals I'd ever seen and no rust... couldnt believe it! :)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on July 06, 2017, 22:02:06 PM
Wood on treadles, veneer, finish and everything is usually easily restored compared to the finish on the machine. It is a bit of a project, takes time, but within reach for anyone who wants to. Restoring the wood will likely pay of when the machine is in otherwise good condition.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 07, 2017, 19:55:43 PM
Hi, I am new here. I just tried to post a photo of my latest vintage machine but I guess because I am new I cannot post any photo's yet?
But anyway I will tell you about them.
In June I went to a country fair with a Vintage themed tent, I didn't intend to buy anything but I guess you all know how that ends?
DD1 and myself decided we loved the vintage sewing machine, didn't know anything about it and didn't even ask if it worked, we just bought it. Luckily we got a bargain,  clean, working, good decals and accessories and shuttle. I discovered through various online sites that it is a Silberberg badged machine made in Germany in 1907 by Winselmann. We cleaned it up and oiled it, adjusted the tension and it works beautifully.
Then a week or so later we decided we needed another one so we could have one each, as you do, right!
This time we went to our vast antiques centre and spotted a Singer 28k machine under the counter, missing it's tension unit knob! (we didn't know that then) it had a key to it's cover and a bag full of accessories. It was just £25! So we took it home and cleaned it up, oiled it, we found it was the pretty Victorian pattern decals. Then we ordered a tension unit and fitted it in last Sunday and finally she runs like a dream.
Then, I was visiting my friend and noticed she had a vase of flowers ontop of a sewing machine cover! I wouldn't care but I had been visiting her every week for over 30 years and never ever noticed this? She had no key for it so I couldn't look at it. It had never been opened in the 35 years she had been there, and was left by the previous owners.
I looked at the key hole and discovered it was a key shaped, so this week I took my own sewing machine key and my wardrobe key. It opened with the wardrobe key! (good job I read that wardrobe keys sometimes open sewing machine covers).
We discovered a very dusty old German transverse shuttle machine, good decals, but I don't know if it will work yet. I am going to clean and oil it on my next visit. And I will be testing it out too. I am aiming to give it a good home if she doesn't want it (as a table for her flowers!).
I have photo's of all 3 machines to show when I am able to post photographs.
But isn't it brilliant that these machine even though they are over 100 years old, they still work like magic with nice even stitches.

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 07, 2017, 20:34:02 PM
Hi ScarlettPoppy, sounds like you've got the bug too. You do know there's no cure, don't you? Just go with the flow and adopt any that come your way.
Your machines sound lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing your pics soon. I have 1 German machine in my collection. It's a Naumann, not sure of age, but guess 1920s. My sister found it in the loft of the old farmhouse she'd bought, while they were renovating, and brought it my way. So far all I've done is dust it, but it would be nice to try get it back into working condition.
This is how it came to me, years of dust at no extra cost.


(http://i.imgur.com/WqoKp1Rl.jpg)


Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 07, 2017, 23:20:02 PM
Hi SewSuzie, oh I well and truly have the bug as does my daughter too. She had never made anything in her life before, and now she makes layered skirts for her 2 daughters and gorgeous cushion covers with zip fastenings! And I thought I was the crafty one in the family!
Your machine looks very much like the one my friend has, I am desperately trying to find out everything about it.
I am going to try to upload photo's, so fingers crossed. Yay it happened.
This is my friends machine, can you see they have the same decal on the wheel arch thing. So maybe they are by the same maker? Mine has a Harris badge, made for the English market.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 07, 2017, 23:25:31 PM
This is my daughter's machine, the Singer 28k, made in 1906, before it had been cleaned and the tension unit replaced. Bought for a mere £25.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 07, 2017, 23:29:09 PM
This is my German Silberberg machine, made in 1907 by G Winselmann. The one that started this obsession. Bought for a mere £45!
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 08, 2017, 07:52:42 AM
Lovely machines, SP! Your friends Harris does look quite a lot like my Naumann, doesn't it. Hers looks a bit less work worn though.
I think a lot that were made in Germany were the same machine, badged up with different names, as were some Jones machines in this country.
There are a lot of similarities between yours and your daughters too. The shape looks identical, just the bobbin winder that looks a bit different, and the decals.
Hope you'll keep us informed about your research. It's always nice to find out their origins.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 08, 2017, 09:32:50 AM
You know, in just 1 month I have become a fanatic about these beautiful old machines. I love researching and finding out about them. I recently retired from work so it is taking my mind off being a billy no mates for a while.  :) I am stil getting used to not being at work everyday.
My Winselmann is the same as a Singer 28 except for the long bobbing filler guide, which I read is a typical Winselmann thing.
I hadn't realised some Jones machines were German made also.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 08, 2017, 09:44:47 AM
I hadn't realised some Jones machines were German made also.

Sorry, I probably worded that wrongly. I meant that Jones made a lot of machines with different names on. I have a Vibra which is a Jones CS machine but just rebranded. Harrods sold them with their own name on too. Can't think of others offhand, but I know there were quite a few.
I was just likening it to German machines that all look alike but have different brand names.
Confusing, or what??
PS. You'll soon fill your time now you've joined TSP  0_0

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 08, 2017, 09:55:46 AM
Ah yes now I understand what you meant. My Winselmann is branded for Cobb & Sons of Stroud, made to sell in their drapers shop. This is all to confuse us 100+ down the line. Quite similar to the tangles in family research really isn't it?
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 08, 2017, 10:17:57 AM
Just had a browse out of interest re Jones machine names and came across this list. I'm amazed at how many different ones there were  :o
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/Jones%20Labelled%20machines.htm.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Acorn on July 08, 2017, 11:08:52 AM
My very first sewing machine was an old, black and gold, hand cranked Jones.  I had it as a birthday present when I was probably about 12.  The following birthday (or possibly Christmas) I had a treadle table, and my Dad fixed it up to work from the treadle.  Unfortunately I never quite got the hang of running smoothly via treadle.

My Mum gave it away when I was 18.  I haven't completely forgiven her yet, but I hope it ended up in the hands of someone who loved and cherished it (and maybe sussed the treadle motion).
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Surest1tch on July 08, 2017, 11:27:52 AM
Ooooh, I want one  :'(
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 08, 2017, 12:15:57 PM
This is my Vibra aka Jones machine. It's the only machine I've bought just because I liked the look of the decals. Its been sadly neglected since I got it, just gathering dust under my dressing table (with a cover over it). I really should find somewhere to display it so I can admire it's prettiness.

(http://i.imgur.com/yOuBSkEl.jpg)

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewingsue on July 08, 2017, 12:41:46 PM
Understandable, Suzie, those are very pretty decals.
I would never part with my Singer because it was my mother's (even if she hardly used it), but I do like the Singers with the Egyptian decals.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Marniesews on July 15, 2017, 15:45:50 PM
I do like those German machines - just because they're less familiar to me I suppose.

You've really not let the grass grow under your feet, have you ScarlettPoppy?  :)  It took me quite a while to let go of the post retirement thing but developing a type of sewing that I'd never done before (which also mushroomed) helped so very much. I suspect these beauties will soon be making you glad you have to time to indulge in them.

I can entirely understand why you bought the Vibra for its decals alone Sewsuzie - I had an immediate "ooooh..." moment as soon as I saw them too.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on July 15, 2017, 21:15:33 PM
...It's the only machine I've bought just because I liked the look of the decals...

The Vibra you have found looks very nice. Buying a machine for its' decals is something I might do (I don't dare say it out loud) I have notices some very nice art nouveau decals, flowers, lillies, leaves in swirly lines...  There's a VS2 with roses and various flower decals too. It's more common on model 12, but they don't look right with a motor.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: ScarlettPoppy on July 16, 2017, 10:27:03 AM
Marniesews, I think I had to diversify and start to do things for myself, I figured I had given over 40 years to my family so now it is time for me!  ;)
I have only my German Winselmann machine here at my house, the Singer 28k is now my DD1's machine at her house.
And I decided to skip on my friend's older German made machine, it looks OK but there is no shuttle, and without a proper ID of said machine and shuttle, it isn't wise to splash out on boat shuttles @ least £20 ! (HH's site). Some boat shuttles I saw were going for between £39- £49 on ebay!
It's an expensive job if I buy a shuttle (or more) and get it wrong, so i'll walk away gracefully and stick to my own German beauty.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on July 16, 2017, 20:48:40 PM
it isn't wise to splash out on boat shuttles @ least £20 ! (HH's site). Some boat shuttles I saw were going for between £39- £49 on ebay!
It's an expensive job if I buy a shuttle (or more) and get it wrong, so i'll walk away gracefully and stick to my own German beauty.

I have found Helen to be very helpful around identifying parts that are absent, especially if you are close enough to visit and ask her for help, she'll probably either know which or have a few she'll try. The cafe near Helen's is pretty decent too.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on July 16, 2017, 20:56:03 PM
I just finished cleaning the 95k40... I have to say this machine has really surprised me,
I suspected that the clutch motor or the mechanics would be noisy, and that isnt the case, the clutch motor purrs and the machine ticks along happily, it is very smooth and it is a beast! its massive and very heavy!

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Acorn on July 17, 2017, 16:01:09 PM
Just thought I'd add a picture of my one and only oldie - an Essex Mk 1 miniature sewing machine from the 1940's - 1946 I think.

It only takes one thread and has no bobbin because it sews a (very pretty) chain stitch.  It's nice having no bobbin, but you do need a degree to get it threaded properly. 

It has an extension table, which I really should have put in place before photographing. 

The biggest drawback is that it has to be clamped to the table to be used, and, apart from the risk of damaging the table, it doesn't actually fit onto any of the tables I use for sewing - although it goes onto the dining table very nicely...
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Manuela on July 27, 2017, 08:15:28 AM
I found this little toy machine, from the 1940s made in Berlin - perfect for me  :)

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on July 27, 2017, 09:03:49 AM
I really must join in this thread, by showing some of my favourites.  My problem is, where to start?

Maybe with the machine in my Avatar, which is a Singer 611g, a chance find, and a machine I love.  It is similar to the Touch and Sew, without the strange bobbin, and not only has a goodly array of stitches, it can use two needles at once - no, not a twin-needle, you insert them seperately, and it also does a chain stitch.  This is a slant shank machine and the template buttonholer attachments I use, produce the best buttonholes!

I bought it from a charity warehouse, and it was pretty sorry for itself.  But, with a bit of patience, and a lot of damns and drats, she runs beautifully.

I have her in an old Horn cabinet, and I have to say, after the Pfaff 1475cd, she is up there with 'favourite' machines.

Jessie
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Sewsuzie on July 27, 2017, 18:37:32 PM
Acorn, lovely little machine. I have a very tatty Mk2 Essex, but not got it working yet. It could be used manually or by electric, but whether it ever will again, is doubtful.

Manuela, that's a really cute machine. I have 3 toy ones but not in very good condition. Not managed to get any of them to stitch either  :(

Jessie, your 611g looks in lovely condition and a very versatile member of the team.
Keep 'em coming, now you've started. We want to see more  :vintage: :vintage: :vintage: :vintage:

I'll look out some more of mine as soon as I've time. Quite a few more to show, including a newly arrived electric 201k DH snapped up cheaply on eBay. Looks very tidy, but not had chance to try it out yet.

Suzie  :vintage:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 09, 2017, 21:29:28 PM
Im not sure if I am allowed to post pictures yet nor if BB Code is accepted here? However, currently in the household there are 3 x Singer 201k, a 99k, a 15k, a 221k and a 285k. I think that is all? Might be more stashed somewhere though!

(https://extraimage.net/images/2016/06/12/IMG_20160612_124041.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: BrendaP on August 09, 2017, 22:15:59 PM
Where's the green with envy button?  For the space to keep them all as much as for the machines themselves!

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Roger on August 09, 2017, 22:47:57 PM
Cor, they look lovely...
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 10, 2017, 20:30:10 PM
All of them with the exception of my beloved 15k have found happy new owners I am glad to say. I will hopefully have a bit of spare time over the weekend to unlock and display the current machines I covet in my cave. Most if not all will also be looking for new homes though I may just keep the current 221k, she has had so many new parts fitted as my daughter was wanting her. Then decided, once finished, she wanted a Bernina instead!  :S

I know it's a womans perogative to change her mind, but she is 13 and could have mentioned it a lot earlier. Perhaps when it was stripped or rebuilt for that matter and maybe before the reconditioned motor arrived or maybe just maybe when I had assembled all the attachments including the 221 darning plate and sourced a somewhat rare Stoppax embroidery and darning foot?  :\

Ah well. Now on the hunt for half decent Bernina  >:)

Barny
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 13, 2017, 09:28:15 AM
I got the 201's out for an airing this morning. Hope you like them. I will post pics of the other machines when I have completed my chores....  -<

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/9807abb2736e9c133d92105ee81a200a.jpg)

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/ae2c9eeda84bae2c63c8800f8b7b2d26.jpg)

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/f6d00018f148ef0ff054898f2fdab416.jpg)

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/6fcd3be1a2053a82283688f1d9db8dc8.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: BrendaP on August 13, 2017, 16:48:42 PM
I like the look of that foot pedal !
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Surest1tch on August 13, 2017, 16:55:46 PM
Fabulous collection.  You've got the obsession really bad haven't you  :devil:
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 13, 2017, 18:03:17 PM
The foot pedal came to me in bits. It was totally rust ridden and one hell of a sorry state. It is I believe a "Type "A"" Simanco number 192888. It took a good few hours of work to get it up to the condition it is in now and it lives happily married to my 15k.

I do have a bit of an addiction to these vintage Singers, there is just something magical about them. The newer stuff you can keep. Anyhow here are the last of my current collection. Singer 221k, 15k, 99k, 275k. The 275 /285 is the last in the line of vintage I will take on as Singer were really cutting corners when it came to these machines.

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/996a8f49544c4aa162440f1b0da9ffe0.jpg)

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/dcea80bd597aed95eda650bd669c38d8.jpg)

(https://extraimage.net/images/2017/08/13/4b046313465d4a917751f6bbc051f802.jpg)
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on August 15, 2017, 09:22:57 AM
What a lovely display of machines BY.  Mine are all over the place atm.  Must get my act together and take some 'nice' pictures of them....

On a bit of a downer with the Featherweight since I nearly managed to set her on fire.....  Bob Green still hasn't shown up to check her out, and I really don't feel confident about using her until he does.

Good news though, I won a nice table off Gumtree which I hope is going to fit her nicely.  Atm it houses an old Alpha machine which I have no use for.  The table will be nice when it's sanded and re- finished  ;)

No pics just yet, it's still in the back of the car - the rain was torrential when we brought it home last night.

Jessie
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 15, 2017, 13:20:02 PM
Thank you b15erk, many days have been spent on this little collection getting them fully working. The 99k does not have a lamp fitted as the bracket broke so I am on the lookout for one of those to complete the machine and the 275/85 has a problem with reverse stitching as in it is not adjustable. I know what the problem is and once again on the lookout for the offending part to complete it.
With regard to your motor I would not worry too much. They are resilient little things. The smell will no doubt have been carbon deposits and grease. When I rebuild a motor I leave it on full power for half an hour to test it and there is a smell eminating from them. I then spend a couple of hours using it on a machine at various speeds to test its load capabilities. Only one has failed (221) and that was due to a capacitor inside the motor itself. Snipped them both out, quick rewire and it was running like a dream. If your man doesnt show to take a look at yours I am in Leeds and if you can get it here I would be happy to check it over for you.

Barny
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on August 15, 2017, 14:15:35 PM
Barnyard thank you!  You gave me enough confidence to open the footpedal - I've done it before, but for some reason, this one made me nervous.

Previously, I've only encountered a small capacitor, but inside this one, were two, rather large ones.  I removed them, and put the foot back together.

I'm glad to say, the Featherweight now runs nicely.  If it wasn't for the smell, I would feel that it was running well, but it smells 'burney'.  Only ran it for a second before I got called away,

Does this sound normal?

Jessie

eta, thank you for your kind offer BY, but we are self employed and get very little time off.  Leeds just isn't do-able atm.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on August 15, 2017, 15:12:22 PM
Very nice collection.

...and the 275/85 has a problem with reverse stitching as in it is not adjustable...



Are you sure the 275 has adjustable reverse stitching? I thought it was much like the later 99k, and 187 which has backtack, and is more of a fixed reverse stitch length. As you know, the levers on the 201 and later 15 has a stich length adjustment alowing it to be set exactly the same forward and reverse, the others are simpler mechanically.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 15, 2017, 19:27:55 PM
arrow you may well be correct. This one of the few vintage singer machines I know little about. Other than the obvious adjustments these machines were a totally different design to the 99 as in they used a rack and pinion (noisy) design in a replacement for the geared versions. The part that adjusts the stitch length and reverse is attached to the rack with 2 set screws and is a block with a centre groove for a bearing raiser that adjusts stitch length. I had no idea they were meant to be this way as shimming the part at the rear acually offers adjustment in reverse. I will try to make a video of the assembly tomorrow and the forward / reverse stitch and post a link here. It may well be that I have been sitting here waiting for a part that doesn't actually need replacing. I was surprised as the machine itself looks totally unused as in never used and other than a lube there was no lint nor any sign of usage. Thanks arrow!

Barny
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 15, 2017, 19:39:49 PM
Hi B15erk. Good to hear you removed those confounded capacitors. Just out of curiosity when was the machine last serviced? I only ask as there are several areas that could produce a smell if they are left dirty or dry or if the motor / pedal is running hot. Plug it back in and try to isolate where the smell is eminating from and I should be able to pinpoint it and help you sort it. If push comes to shove I can send you my spare motor (if that is where the problem is) and you send me yours for a stripdown, clean and rebuild. One way or another we will get you sorted and happily using it again.

Barny
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on August 16, 2017, 09:03:47 AM
Barnyard, what a kind offer!  I may yet take you up on it :)

As far as I know, the FW hasn't been serviced for a long time.  When I got it, it was filthy, so I stripped down what I could and gave it a good clean and plenty of oil - it was very dry.

I tried to run it after taking the capacitors off yesterday, but thought I must have done a really bad thing as I couldn't get a stitch out of it.  Then I remembered that you needed to replace the bobbin cover in order to make a stitch!!  ;)

It's purring along beautifully now, although the tension is a bit out, and there is still a smell coming from the motor, although no heat coming from it (I was only able to run it for a couple of minutes though).

Pics later.

Jessie
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: arrow on August 16, 2017, 10:51:37 AM
Electrical motors can have a "burn off" period, but it's not really suppose to be like that. I think the explanation is dust and grime gathering over the decades around the copper parts generating the electricity. Motors aren't sealed off, they need the ventilation. Another thing is wrong lubricant, if oil seeps along the motor axle; it's suppose to stay at each end of it. You can take a chance on having a single (!) drop of oil down the grease ports; the wicks are often clogged up by dried up gease, and it will not overflow the motor. The correct thing to do is of course open the motor, clean and regrease and it will be mooth and non-smelly.

New carbon brushes can be a bit noisy, apparently even make sparkles until they are run in. If you can make a curve at the end of them exactly the same as on the motor part, it will prevent an run-in roughness.
Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: b15erk on August 16, 2017, 11:01:58 AM
arrow, I should probably open the motor, but I'm just not confident enough.  I'm always afraid that I will make matters worse - or start a fire!

I managed to undo the footpedal and remove the capacitors - mainly because I didn't have another foot pedal which fit the connectors on the Featherweight. 

Jessie

Title: Re: Show and tell time - lets see some oldies!
Post by: Barnyard on August 16, 2017, 12:02:00 PM
arrow. After a little digging it turns out you are indeed correct. Silly me, all this time sitting here with a totally mint machine thinking it had a fault.  :o

Anyone looking for a mint, fully serviced 275k lol  :P

Barny