Bought a Singer 99
 

Last weekend my DH and I were out antiquing and DH spotted a Singer 99. It seemed in good condition, came with a manual (even if it is for a 99K) and had all of the accessories. They wanted $65.00 for it which seemed reasonable. At the time we knew nothing about what the 99s go for. We got it home, plugged it in to see if it ran and sure enough it did. When we tried sewing with fabric, the thread kept breaking. After changing the needle, the thread-breaking problem went away. The needle it came with was really thick and must have been slicing the thread as it went through the fabric.

We also did some searching on ebay and found a small cabinet for it. The cabinet must be a No. 49 since it looks just like it, except the diamond shape on the front isn't as dark. Well, that arrived yesterday and today my DH set it up in its new home. I know I will use it more if it's in a cabinet. Next it should probably have a good cleaning before I really start to use it. For some odd reason, I have just fallen in love with it. We named her Maggie. Oh, she was built in 1956.

pinkcastle,

You got a sweet little 3/4 sized machine. The 99 and 99K differ only in that the "K" model was made in the UK. Otherwise they are the same.

Before you really get to using it, clean the bobbin area well by removing the bobbin carrier and cleaning everything around and under it. Clean the top tension too. Unless you have problems you don't have to take the top tension apart. Basically just make sure there's no gummed up oil, gunk, stray threads, or lint stuck between the tension disks and that the adjuster moves freely.

The large needle probably had a bur on it or was bent. It could also have been the wrong type needle. The 99s use the standard 15x1 needle or Singer #2020.

I have two of them. The first is named Godiva as in "Lady Godiva", her story is here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...r-t183512.html
The second is named Rusty. His story isn't finished yet, but there is several posts discussing some of his problems here.

Joe

I don't blame you for loving your Maggie. The 99's are a wonderful machine and I sure you will enjoy her for many years.....

She looks in great shape and price was good too! Do you have other oldies??

Joe, thanks for the advice on cleaning Maggie. DH is going to take a go at cleaning her.

neenee586, yes we have one other oldie - a Singer 9W. I haven't gotten the hang of using a treadle machine so I think that one will be just for show. It's a very pretty machine and so is the cabinet.

Of course the best way to get the hang of the treadle is to actually use it. Hint! OTOH, the 9W has the rather disconcerting characteristic that you throw the handwheel away to get it going rather than toward you which makes it less easy to work with than some other machines. Once it's going, though, it's kind of fun!

I just bought one for $60 and can't wait to start piecing on her! I need to get a 1/4" foot so my seams MIGHT be correct. :D

Beautiful machine! A 99 is on my wish list. Congrats!

I just bought one from Sew-Classic. I haven't tried it yet. Here is the link: http://shop.sew-classic.com/Low-Shank-Feet_c5.htm

Your "Maggie" is in such good condition! My 99K is named "Thomas" for Thomas the Tank Engine, b/c he is so heavy! These little machines are so cute and fun to use! Enjoy!