Recently found my original machine, a Singer 99K!
 

I recently found my original machine (which I bought used many years ago) stored in a garage on property we own. I believed I'd given it to a family member years ago when my husband bought me a Singer Touch 'n Sew and had no idea it was stored there. Well! Turns out my first Singer is a 99K, circa 1954 (according to Singer dating sites online) made in Scotland! ("Made in Great Britain" is printed in gold on the base.) I knew nothing about these machines until I begin quilting--and therefore reading these boards--and never knew, all those years I sewed on it, that I had a 3/4 or 1/2 size machine. I feel terrible that this little jewel was neglected for so long and not stored well. It's not in great shape--there's some rust-- but I hope to bring it back. Everything appears to be intact except the belt and the thread holders. Even the wiring looks pretty good, though we'll have to check that out, of course. The cabinet is not in good shape so I may try to find another one. May I ask those of you who work on and are familiar with these vintage Singers for the best resources for buying replacement parts? And any other advice you are willing to share?

I can't really express how delighted I am to have my old friend back and to discover, after all this time, what I had, and how these particular Singers are regarded. It was just the machine I bought when I was 19, learned to sew on, and made all my clothes on, as well as lots of baby shirts and blankets, and household items. Even if it never sews again -- though I think it will -- I'm glad it's back in my house and my possession!


Marilyn

I am so glad you found her-----these old machines are soooo forgiving and with alittle TLC and oil, she will be up and running again!

Tri-Flow oil is your and your machines bestest friend.

For parts, belts, wiring, my favorite place is Sew-Classic { http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/ }. There are some other places too, but Sew-Classic has pretty good prices and ships quickly.

Go easy on the finish, cotton balls and oil and for the rusted parts remove them and give them an Evapo-Rust bath. After that some Never Dull or other good polish will bring out what shine they have left.

As for the cabinet, if I can bring a water soaked treadle back to life I'm sure your cabinet can be refurbished.

Joe

So happy you found her. I don't blame you for keeping her close from now on. Those older machines are so much better than the newer ones.

What a wonderful surprise, Marilyn. Please post photos when you get her back to her former beauty.

Thank you, Joe! I've read your posts and know your expertise; so glad to have your advice and encouragement!

Marilyn

Thanks to all of you who responded...and understand how I feel about finding this old friend!

Marilyn

I'm so glad she's back home. A good bath and a little polishing and she will be up and running in no time! Congratulations on finding your old friend.

You will amaze yourself when you start checking your machine over; you'll be on a wonderful memory trip; and you can do a lot of the work on refurbishing her yourself by asking on this board. Everyone shares what they know and will be as pleased as you are when you get her back up and running......Love that you are back together.....

Joe, thank you for the hints on cleaning the 99K! I, too, have one that I acquired from a good friend. I need to get a new spool spindle from Sew Classic and also some extra bobbins.

You're welcome. Glad to be of help when I can.

Joe

Well Joe, I'm always glad to see your name on this computer. You explain everything so well. You are a master teacher I think. You are good help always. Barny