Bill the Ancient machinist
 

Hi, I am an ancient that has been using a sewing machine that I rescued at an auction 40 years ago
IT is a singer model K96-41 with a big industrial motor under the table
IT is like me and when it is working it works well but when it feels it's age like me it doesn't work so good
What I am chasing is the actual workshop repair manual/copy for this machine so that I see how to adjust the back lash of the gears and various other points of repair to make the sewing perfect again
I cannot work out how the gears were even assembled and I sure as hell am not going to try pulling it apart just to find out how
The machine is a fine example of craftsmanship for the time it was built (I'm guessing around a very long time ago)IF there is any one who is into vintage singer machines , I would sure appreciate being pointed to where I can actually procure a copy of the manual

here is where to find the build date of your machine via the serial number
https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mac...-database.html
the K may mean it was built at the Scotland factory

google brings back some general results with the number 96K-41

I've found singer manuals were pretty generic for my needs, but eventually found the originals with a search watch on ebay.
Good luck with your machine! and 40 years isn't very old :) I have shirts older than that

Welcome to Quilting Board. You will find that most of those that post in the vintage section of the board mostly deal with domestic machines - https://www.quiltingboard.com/vbulle...thusiasts-f22/

A word of caution when looking up serial numbers is be sure to check all the digits. Frequently people will just look at the first few digits and think that is their machine. Another way to check Singer serial number can be found at one of these apps

Android Version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...carious.singer

IOS Version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/singer...493070456?ls=1

And the browser version: https://picarious.com/singer

Also, if the machine was made in Kilbowie it would be 96K41, if it just has 96-41 on the plate, I'm fairly certain that it would been made in Elizabethport USA.

The parts manual can be found at https://www.manualslib.com/manual/15...ger-96-41.html

There is a manual for a different 96 variety that may be helpful at https://web.archive.org/web/20150910.../96-87_107.pdf

YWIA