On my vibrating shuttle machines, length doesn't seem to be real crucial as long as it's long enough & the distance down to the eye is close. Probably 'cause there's nothing underneath it to hit. I've even used Boye 4s on a couple of these....& they're nearly 1/8" longer than a 20x1, Boye 21, or 14 but the eye is really close to the correct distance.

But on a machine where there IS something for the needle to hit if it's a bit too long, I always turn the handwheel gently to check first. I'm sure you'd all do the same...

Here's another chart cross-referencing needles & machines. http://www.ismacs.net/needle_and_sha...eedle-list.pdf

Monroe,

Needle sizing can be very confusing. The Ismacs chart shows several lengths for the 20x1. The most important
length is the top of the shank to the top of the eye. This is the timing length and it is the same on all those
20x1 needles listed. The other length is the total length top to tip. The timing length determines where the thread
loop is as the hook picks it up. When a 15x1 is short seated it works as a 20x1 because the timing lengths are
now the same.
The total length of the 20x1 is only important on rotary hook machines. The difference being the length of the tip.
On a rotary machine a 20x1 with a tip that is too long will hit the bobbincase. A VS machine can usually take any
length tip.

Hope this is clearer than mud,
Cathy

Great explanation, Cathy! Much better than my rambling on about how a longer needle works in my VS machines...& a little too long might not work in my rotaries.

This certainly does help. Thank you both very much.

Thanks from me too.

Joe

What size for the 99...I do not have the book. THANKS MIMI

mimi=17,

If you're talking about the Singer Mdl 99 the needle is the 15x1.

Joe

Thanks Joe, you are so helpful. I have many s m with all the bells and so on..... but you folks have me hooked on the mighty old ones!!!!!!! 2 F W AND now A 99 SINGER ,with out a manuel. I also have a 403 in the cabinet, the case is in the attic. If it is still 'good' you can have it. Thanks again, Mimi

Mimi,

You can get free download manuals from Singer: { http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals }
Type in your model # and then save it to your computer. I print mine as I have machines all over the place and the computer is only in the computer room.

I'll PM you.

Joe

so, are you saying that a fw needs a special needle...I just purchased one a few months ago. Did not know that, never thought of it....oh dear, I may consider selling it if that is going to be a problem.....