The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Vintage Machines => Topic started by: Roger on July 03, 2017, 19:59:44 PM
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:vintage: :vintage: :vintage:
:S >< :S :loveit:
The madness came upon me at the point the mrs said 'what would you like for your B'day/xmas?
:| >:) :devil:
How about a 95K?
:[ :S (and a roll of eyes) 'do you really need/want it?'
No but it would be fun!!!! :angel:
And after much research... early 95s (95k10 and similar) have a timing belt which is expensive... I found out that the 95k40 and higher have geared timing... far more future proof and No reverse...
Then came the inevitable eBay rummage... and nearly going for a couple, one expensive and one a restoration project. I found a really nice condition one on gumtree not too far away! 1/2 hour before I was going to commit to a bid :)
One owner, it doesn't look worn except on the throat plate, here's hoping for a bobbin and case!
Inevitably more to follow when I actually get it... I'm paying for it tonight.
I'm still not entirely sure what these machines will sew, they're described as suitable for light to medium, ismacs suggests cloaks (heavy felt) and canvas, others say possibly tarps and upholstery leather... one person said 10mm of leather... but that seems a bit too keen!
Guess we'll see!
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Wow... please keep us updated!
:loveit:
:vintage:
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Good Luck! but where are the pics ????
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Hi Iminei,
Here's a couple of gumtree pics... it still hasn't arrived yet, I've had to ask a courier to collect it.
Interestingly parts for this machine seem to be plentiful and cheap, except needles and there only seems to be around 10 varieties 80-160, jersey point and sharp. I'm quite surprised there isn't more styles. It uses an 88x1
Roger
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Wow Roger, that's a nice one. I love the table!! (I want that table!) :devil:. I went to a new sewing shop at the weekend and they had a lovely 99k in the window, I've never seen one, it was so dinky and cute. Good luck and have fun :vintage:
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Speaking as a complete novice here... how do you know what model a vintage Singer is? I was in a charity shop yesterday and they had two - one back and gold, and the other the light brown colour, and I couldn't see any way of identifying the models.
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That's the most intersting machine Roger, I'll bet you could hem about 3000 meters of cutain in no time ;- ) You have to let us know how it is to work with.
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That's the most intersting machine Roger, I'll bet you could hem about 3000 meters of cutain in no time ;- ) You have to let us know how it is to work with.
yep.... it looks pretty powerful and pretty fast... allegedly has a nice stitch too... and was a really cheap way to get into trying an industrial :)
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Speaking as a complete novice here... how do you know what model a vintage Singer is? I was in a charity shop yesterday and they had two - one back and gold, and the other the light brown colour, and I couldn't see any way of identifying the models.
I'll maybe do a tutorial on this... might take a while. Part of it is experience, and part is that they all have distinct characteristics, later singers also have a small brass plate on the front next to the logo with the model number. like the pic below. gumtree pics can be a league of their own tho... and recognising silhouettes and odd corners of machines can be quite fun :)
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Nice! I have no more room (perhaps that's just as well)
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Speaking as a complete novice here... how do you know what model a vintage Singer is? I was in a charity shop yesterday and they had two - one back and gold, and the other the light brown colour, and I couldn't see any way of identifying the models.
Hi Acorn - early Singers didn't have their model numbers on them. It'ss a bit of learning what each one was like.
But they should have their serial numbers, and using this site
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html
you may be able to look up the serial number and find out what model it is.
Sometimes you will be able to tell the model by it's shape and particular features - take a look at some of these:
http://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/gallery_machines/
It's fun learning :)
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that reminds me:
http://vssmb.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/visual-guide-to-identifying-singers.html (http://vssmb.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/visual-guide-to-identifying-singers.html)
my favourite article on this topic :)
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Speaking as a complete novice here... how do you know what model a vintage Singer is?
If you have narrowed it down to Singer; black and beige domestic models, it should be manageable for a beginner ;- )
Look at the bobbin plate; if there are two covers crossing the entire bed of the machine it's a vertical shuttle machine. It's usually either a 28/27 or a 127/128 (http://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/images/128-360x240.jpg). The older pre 1900 models in this group are Singer 12 and VS1 and VS2, which developed into the 27 and 28, and ended up as 127 and 128. We sort of pair up model 27 and 28 because they are identical except the 28 is 3/4 size of the 27. It's equivalent with 127 and 128. These are also called long bobbin machines, and are easily identified by the bobbin winder too.
If the bobbin cover is at the left short side of the machine, it's a round bobbin machine. Singer's first was model 15, and there are lots of version of this. It has a bobbin case you take out very much like Berninas CB hook and bobbin case. There are lots of sub version of this model, with and with out stitch length lever and reverse stitching.
In 1900 Singer introduced their first drop-in (horizontal) bobbin case (some call it basket, and insist it's not a case), model 66 (http://lofiland.com/omg/sew/singer66w1.jpg). This model is still one of the nice and easy to use; needles and accessories are standard and in plenty. There is a 3/4 size version of it; model 99. In 1928 (I think, some sources date it to around 1930) model 201 (http://) was introduced; it has a rotary hook and race, with the same bobbins as the 66. This is a straight stitcher and was in production until the early 1960s, and if you can recoginse the stitch length lever and the top tensioner it's easy to identify.
In the early to mid 1950 Singer introduced the beige color, and two tone beige-brown. Model 201 now came in a beige aluminium cast version given the number 201K23. Model 99 suddenly came in a beige version, and new look; it was given a new model number 185. By the 50s swing arm zigzaggers became more common, 306 is one of the early ones, 319/320 the later 401, 411G is held in high regard by many. With the zigzagers freearm version turn up.
I might have flooded you with simplified info, but in general, take a look at the bobbin case, shape of bobbin plate and position of the top tension mechanism. All the old models went through slight changes and updates as the decades went by, but in general kept their main build and internal parts. The black japanned machines came in all sort of decals and decors, so keep an eye on other details to identify.. Over all body shape is of course a good indicator too.
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I love the table!! (I want that table!)
Me too... The ironing board in the corner is losing its charm....
I'm hoping maybe that Imself, when he is at the FoQ with Sakars hubby, will take an interest in the boys bits ie Furniture, anything with wires, (lights etc) Oh and of course machines have wires too don't they ???
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Awww lush! I have a vintage sewing machine! :toast:
Mine's on LM's link.
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Thank you all! I will find this thread on my phone next time I go in there. :)
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I love the table too, it looks like quite late Formica rather than laminate, which was one of the reasons I asked about it.
I've become a real fan of Cabinet sewing machines, theyre so much easier to use and theres no setting up and I currently am not too sure our kitchen table would take the Pfaff... its from Ikea and seems to cope with the kids...
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I've added an article to the tutorials around identifying Singers and some surrounding details.
I didnt want the details to disappear somewhere in this meandery fixy thread...
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It's just arrived, it's in good nick... with a host of spiders, still turns smoothly and has approximately one million bobbins and 3-4 cases... some of the bobbins seem to be different depths...
It really needs a new plug the old plug is scary!
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This machine is a beast! its large and heavy and very very sturdy. (to give you some impression the last picture is a bottle of wine and bar of chocolate next to the head...)
This machine is filthy, but still so smooth, the oil had turned to thick orange goop and covered in orangey fluff, the bobbin was glued inside the bobbin case, and the bobbin case in side the race, and the foot but I managed to get this lot free. but I havent been able to free the needle yet.
The front plate was also stuck and wouldn't shift but after oiling it unexpectedly fell off.
The Goop/fuzz combo is spectacularly hard to shift and is due another night of or 2 of work. The Japaning is in excellent shape but not as smoothly finished as you would expect on a domestic machine, but was covered in a layer of black oily dust, which in some areas is really thick (like under the bobbin winder)
I've also started a drop box folder for this one too: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/84i5pob7yiorlnc/AACJ0qnTlj-7KCANyUsa0xuda?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/84i5pob7yiorlnc/AACJ0qnTlj-7KCANyUsa0xuda?dl=0)
I have a box of needles I assume are for it, but dont seem to be marked with the expected '88x1'. and I have a load of parts and feet that look invaluable including one absolutely minute industrial foot. I also have 4 bags of bobbins and each bag is subtly different to the others, some are deeper, some are all round bigger... Im not sure which ones are 'optimal'
and the Serial number EG062787 which would make it 1950s... I initially misread the SN and found it in a batch of 1930s 15ks :)
but oh my is it smooth... even grubby and not properly oiled.
Once I work out how to dislodge a stuck needle. I suspect wiggling it with pliers maybe?
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Hooray! The needle came free, but doesn't match the needles in the box... looks like I need some new needles the bobbin matches the smaller ones.
Still heading towards cleaner, but I ran out of baby wipes and my singer oil supplies are low...
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I see you keep your vintage machine on an antioxidant rich diet, and it looks like it works ;- )
It's fun and intersting to read your post on this machine.
I see what you mean by goop and oil from the pic of the feed dogs too. I'm not much help there, I use oil, spray can stuff, and scrape it off with tooth picks and wooden scewers. Some metal polishes are very good cleaners too; like Quick-Glow, but keep it away from the black lacquer. It needs time, effort and several turns. Autosol is not that good for this type of grime.
If the Japanning is covered in it, microfiber cloths wringed up in soapy water will work; and when it's reasonably clean; a resin based car polish will further lift up grime; they are added some kind of fine gritty powder.
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The Diet has left this machine really built! glad I don't aspire to move it often... it puts a whole new meaning to the idea of a portable machine :) Although it has lost a considerable amount of weight in goop and fluff!
I'm really glad you're enjoying the posts about this machine, I have to say I cant wait to see how it works I might do a side by side test with a 201, because it really is so smooth! but I'm not sure is that is 'vintage smooth' or '201 smooth'. My youngest had a go turning the hand wheel and told me how lovely and smooth it is.
I like to use a PC screw driver on bare metal it really shifts the grime and then a polish with a wet wipe... I'll have a look for some micro fibre cloths. Thank you for the tips!
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I've finished the clean! Hooray!
I seem to have somehow misplaced a screw... fortunately the one for the presser foot, so I replaced it with a vintage singer thumbscrew, which works a treat, Id like to do the same with the needle screw too. I've put it all back together, but haven't polished it. Ive also replaced the plug, so I had the clutch motor running this afternoon, smells like it needs a good run in!
I'm waiting for needles to arrive for it, so I haven't been able to test the sewing on it.
<3 Pleasant surprises:
1) I think its almost as smooth as my 201
2) it has a very wide range of feet both vintage and modern
3) the bobbins are not excessively huge
4) that its a very affordable machine, compared to a lot of domestic Singers, (I bought this for £35 + courier £45)
5) the needles are reasonably available and in most sizes and ball point or sharp, and not overly expensive.
8) I was concerned that:
1) it wouldn't feel 'special' or especially smooth > I was very wrong here. the machine itself is very smooth before cleaning there was a heaviness to the action after cleaning the action is very smooth and effortless.
2) That the clutch motor would be noisy > It constantly hums, and sounds a little sci-fi, but its not noisy or disruptive
3) That the speed would be hard to control, or very off/on bearing in mind this machine has a top speed of 3-4000 stitches a minute> I'm relieved to say that this is not the case! and that stitch speed seems to be very controllable.
:devil:Gotchas:
1) the screws that hold the machine into the case, seem to use a Imperial allen key, I used pliers to loosen them
2) somewhat niche needle size, not too many needle styles, no leather needles, just sharp or ball point
3) Very very heavy!
4) The lacquer/ Japanning is not as smoothly finished as similarly aged home machine, the bed is very smooth though.
:fish: the industrial button hole device equivalent of the adjustable black Singer domestic one doesn't finish the ends well apparently, so its looks like the Pfaff and the 201 are still necessary :)
I have to say I'm really enjoying this machine and cant wait to try sewing on it!
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It all sounds very lovely. I don't think you will miss the leather needles with dagger shaped tips. Sharp point is often just as good, and if your machine can take large size needles (thicker) it will even out any disadvantage in limited selection of needle tips. The problem with leather is mostly when you want to use a nice thick thread, and it's the needle size that limits it. Your machine should not lack needle punch power in the least.
I knew the machine it self would turn smoothly, but the motor and high speeds really can be noisy on some industrials. Luckily not all :- )
Congratulations with a nice clean up!
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Thanks Arrow,
I'm not planning to sew leather on it really, except maybe some very light stuff, definitely no vegetable tanned or belt/harness leather. But its good to know that sharps should manage most activities, I didn't bother getting any jersey points for it because Stretch materials are going to need a zigzag or overlocker.
Im looking forward to seeing how this machine sews
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...and then another comes along.
If anyone is feeling envious of your beast, there's another for £15 on eBay. https://www.gumtree.com/p/hobbies-collectibles/singer-95k40-vintage-sewing-machine/1255416758 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/hobbies-collectibles/singer-95k40-vintage-sewing-machine/1255416758) That motor!
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I had this sewing the other day... only 2 flaws:
1) it blew the power after 15 minutes... yep I'm buying a plug thingy... no idea why, or why it took 15 minutes.
2) it was forming some stitches, but they were loose and the threads could be pulled out. I suspect it's not threaded right and the tension isn't great...
But oh my goodness is it a lovely sewing experience, smooth as glass, even take off, very controllable and so confident and firm. The prior owner of this one did so well with the set up...
But the 500a was forced to pick up stitching the elastic in my daughter's ballet shoes! And it did it with only a minimum amount of grumpiness.
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Blowing fuses is usually a capacitor, but I guess faulty wiring in general can end up short circuiting too. I hope you can have it sorted out, the machine sounds like a dream from your description.
I mangaged a sort of ciris repair in a pair of boots on my 201. It was a leather-gortex type material, and the stitching came undone in the upper parts near the ankle. It was my only machine I could maneuver the material under the presser foot, and I just had to have them on later that day. I know have a pair of new boots, but the repair on the old is still holding up. I have to keep an eye out for a 401, or a 431, I guess that's as close to a 500 as I will get.
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Finally got to the bottom of the electrical issue... the motor require 500ws and apparently the house supply is less, hence the issues.
Darn... and 500ws seems to be standard for the industrial motors. And a dedicated power supply and cable is not cheap!
Pretty massive gotcha on that one! Bah!
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I know some industrial environments have different Voltage, but it's usually larger factories where all the electrics have a different standard. It's not the average sewing shop or taylor. Most industrial motors I have seen have been within the 220-240V range. When they bring European 220V sewing machines to the US they usually stitch and run with out any safety risks, they just run slower.
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Maybe there’s still hope then, I’ll have a hunt for a home compatible motor :)
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This is the plate on a 1950s industrial motor. The Volts should be given on any motor I think. 500V motors are the least common around here, most common is the standard 220-250V. Its the same voltage really, it's just made to handle the variations in the various power supplies.
(https://images.finncdn.no/dynamic/1600w/2018/9/vertical-5/09/2/128/802/492_98763671.jpg)
This obviously isn't the average portable motor
(https://images.finncdn.no/dynamic/1600w/2018/9/vertical-5/09/2/128/802/492_1381116376.jpg)