DH brought home a...
 

Singer 66-18(?) in a 3/4 size cabinet today! He says he paid 20 bucks for her. She's Pretty. And she RUNS! By the serial number we've dated her to 1951. After I give her a good going over we're going to make some beautiful memories together.

Anyone have some knowlege to share about this machine, I'm all ears. Pictures to follow.

I have a Singer 66, and in love with her. I don't know what the 18 is, but you will love her.

Barri1

Since I can't read your post, could you post it again..... I hope you will be able to read mine. I really dislike these bars that hide what you've written!!

Here are some (bad) pictures.

The 66-18 is an oscillating hook, drop in bobbin machine that uses Class 66 bobbins and 15x1 needles.
The needles go in flat to the right and it threads left to right.
It has a stitch control lever with a back tack feature.
It uses low shank feet and attachments.
They use the standard Singer motors that are not the highest amp motors you'll find, but they are strong machines so don't underestimate them.
They sew very nicely.
Easy to clean and maintain, parts are pretty common.

To clean the crinkle finish use cotton balls and oil. You'll be surprised at how well that cleans them up.

Anything else just ask.

Joe

Thanks Joe! I'll give her an oil bath today. Do I use 3 in 1 oil to get her lubricated or is there a different type to use?

Sewing machine oil or TriFlow. Everyone seems to agree that 3 in 1 is very bad for sewing machines.

SewpahDewpah,

Do not use 3-IN-1 oil to lubricate your machine. That is not good for sewing machines as it tends to gum up. It's OK to use it to clean the outside with the cotton balls, but sewing machine oil is preferred for that too.
Use sewing machine oil to lubricate the machine. Tri-Flow oil available at Sew-Classic and maybe your local bicycle shops is much better than regular sewing machine oil. A bit more expensive, but worth it.

Joe

I've got some sewing machine oil from my local Elna dealer on hand. I'll use that to wash her outside. Can I safely use that for the insides, or should I get some Tri-Flow when I'm in town next?

Thanks again for your input. I'm so excited to get her going, but safely.

Shes a pretty one!

Thanks! DH shall receive a cookie.

The Elna SM oil will be fine for cleaning and lubing. Basically as long as it is high quality oil such as Tri-Flow or oil intended for sewing machines it's good to use.

Oh, just so you know, the 66-18 crinkle finished machines multiply while you're not looking. I got one, then two, now I have three. Sigh, I think they're breeding at night when the lights are out.

Joe

We have placed a moratorium on all further sewing machine aquisitions for now since I have a Brother CS6000i that will only run 1/3 speed, a Riccar 3500 with no cams, a Brother PE-150 with no card or hoop and now the Singer 66. Until all of them are pulling their own weight, I refuse to take on any new hardware projects. Unless he stumbles across a Rocketeer, or a Bernina 830, or a nice Viking, or...

On a slightly related subject, were you aware that paper clips are the larval form of clothes hangers? It's true.

SewpahDewpah,

Paperclips the larval forum of clothes hangers ............... I believe it. LOL

Just for giggles and grins check your Brother CS6000i for a tortoise and hare switch. Our Bernina 930 has a two speed on / off switch.
First position is normal, second for slow speed. I've also read that some machines have this switch on the foot controller. It 's just a thought.

Joe

Joe, just checked an online manual and it says some models do have a speed switch on the machine!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/B1k-cfSTwXS.pdf

Unfortunately, it's more grim than that. It locks up when attempting to run faster than 1/3 speed. It's clean and oiled, and will wind a bobbin just fine. We think it's a computer error. A trip to the shop would cost almost as much as a replacement.

I have a Singer 66, and in love with her. I don't know what the 18 is, but you will love her.
Now I see the difference since you posted a picture.. She is very pretty. I don't have the luxury of back tacking, or stitch regulating. I still love her. She purrs like a kitten. Doesn't have any attitude problems, and she is my favorite machine. She was converted from treadle before I got her. The hole for the strap holds my scissors perfectly.
I need to try the Triflow. I bought it for the bike chains. It wasn't cheap, but is needed for the bikes.

I bought the last bottle of Tri-Flow from my local bicycle shop. I've never used it on bike chains. Will try it if I ever ride again.

Joe

I think she is a pretty girl! now when you clean her you can tell her that she is going to be happy with you, that you will make beautiful things together, and that she will always have a loving home lol

what a wonderful and fun machine. Gee, I was 11 when it was born. YIKES

Congratulations

This may be a stupid question, but does your Brother have USB or other ports for importing patterns and other data?
If it does, could it have picked up a virus?

Just a thought that occurred to me.

Joe

Nice machine, enjoy!

Nope. It's a bottom-end Wal-Mart dealie. All I use it for now is walking stitch and fancy stitches for bindings, since slower is better for those. I piece on the Riccar. Since it would cost $90 + Suprises at the shop to repair, and about $135 to replace outright, I'm trying to save for a better piece of equipment.

You're great. Thanks for all your wisdom.