old Singer machine

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08-20-2010, 05:14 PM

#61

Quilt Mom

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Join Date: Feb 2007

Location: Headed home

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Late Bloomer

A question to you knowledgeable folks out there - I have an old Singer - the black kind with the gold scrolls on it - and I am afraid to use it as the CLOTH COVERED CORD is so frayed and it really needs to be rewired and reconditioned. Does anyone have any idea what it would cost? The motor has a catalog no. on it B.U. 7-0 does anyone know what that means? I have it in a cabinet and it is a workhorse that sews through denim seams like butter and would like to see it working again, but in a safe way so I do not electrocute myself doing. it. I love my 2 Janomes and now have the old Singer as a display item. Any ideas or help in this matter would be appreciated. Thanks!

Talk to Billy (Lostn51) about the cord on your machine. He works on machines, and can give you an estimate. (He does prefer treadles!) He knows a lot about vintage machines, and is in the process of setting up shop to fix/refurbish vitage machines for people.

08-21-2010, 03:19 AM

#62

grann of 6

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Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Glenmoore, PA

Posts: 7,941

Quote:

Originally Posted by Late Bloomer

I would get the cord replaced. I just fixed my mother's old Singer. She used to close up the cabinet with the cord still attached to the machine, thus wearing out the rubber on the cord. When I got it, not realizing it was worn through, I tried using the machine, caused a short in the wiring and melted the copper windings inside the motor. So I just got a new motor, foot pedal and light connection. Had to rewire the light to a plug and did it all by myself. The machine is now running like new. They are very easy to repair. If you want to PM me I will give you the name of the place I got the parts, and a great place to get manuals. Go to singersewingmachine.com and you can date your machine from your serial # on the front of the machine.

08-21-2010, 06:41 AM

#63

Bev

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Join Date: Nov 2006

Location: Florida

Posts: 1,162

I have several old machines. That's besides the two fairly new Janomes that I have. The treadle one that I have is from Germany, although it was made by Singer. I believe it dates back to the 30s. I have no idea how to use it or maintain it because the entire manual (yes, that came with it) is in German.It belonged to my daughter's MIL so my DD gave it to me when she passed, knowing how much I love old machines. The MIL was a finicky person who kept everything she owned both spotless and in top notch condition. I'm afraid it's wasted on me. We use it as a tv stand in the bedroom.
Any suggestions, anyone? 8-)

08-21-2010, 10:22 AM

#64

Late Bloomer

Junior Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Poconos, PA

Posts: 125

Thank you for the great information. I just did that and found out that it was made in Elizabeth, NJ in 1928 and is a Class 99. Now I have to decide whether or not it will pay to restore it. One can't give them away as no store wants them. I will have to think about it. Maybe I will give DH a job and he can play with it and re-wire it as he is pretty handy with that stuff. No harm done and he probably will get it spiffed up and running again.

08-21-2010, 10:57 AM

#65

quilt addict

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Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: Southern California

Posts: 2,746

Quote:

Originally Posted by Late Bloomer

Be careful, you do not want to hurt yourself or the machine. It really isn't too hard to replace the wires yourself. Billy has a beginning tute on the electrical and I think intends to do a more complete one in the future if you can wait. I am going to jump in on a World Rotary that needs new wiring in the next couple of weeks. Not sure how much it would cost.

Here is the link to the tute..... http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-45814-1.htm

08-23-2010, 06:09 AM

#66

mountain deb

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Petersburg, WV

Posts: 1,512

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbbyQuilts

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarge1

I notice a lot of you have old Singer (or otherwise) machines, and post pictures of them, ask questions about repairing them, etc.
I have one; my question is, do you just have these for display, or do you use them, or...? If you use them, what is the advantage of the old machine? I've never used mine (given to me by an aunt), and actually don't even have it on display.

A lot of us use them in either general sewing like I do and a few quilt with them.

I like the treadles as I use it for physical therapy also I find that I sew a lot better as I have more control over the speed.
To me there is nothing better then the simple clack of a treadle sewing

I also got an older machine its form the late 70's-80's that has all metal parts for my everyday electric sewing that way I dont have to worry about computerized parts and plastic parts wearing out and my husband can fix it.

What did your Aunt give you?

I never thought of using my treadle for PT. I will have to re-think haveing it for decor and get it out of mothballs. THANKS

08-23-2010, 08:22 AM

#67

Quilt Mom

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Join Date: Feb 2007

Location: Headed home

Posts: 2,372

Quote:

Originally Posted by Late Bloomer

If you are interested in giving it away, let me know. I will get the work done, and very much enjoy using the 99. It is worth every effort to restore and use the vintage machines. They sew SO much better than many of the new ones. Granted, they do not have the fancy stitches. And are heavy. But, realisticly, don't we all sew straight stitch the majority of the time?

08-23-2010, 02:36 PM

#68

Late Bloomer

Junior Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Poconos, PA

Posts: 125

Thanks for your interest, but my DH was working on the motor and it was so old and worn out that some of the inside wires broke. However, he was able to get it running again and he even got the little light attachment to work too so I am keeping the old lady and will use her when I have some real heavy denim type sewing to do. Right now she is on display with an old wooden thread spool already threaded into the needle and a scrap fabric under the needle. At Christmas time I have a garland with a string of spool lights wrapped around it and I weave it around the machine and it really looks cool adorned with those lights (which I got on clearance for $5!!)

08-24-2010, 10:43 AM

#69

Quilt Mom

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Join Date: Feb 2007

Location: Headed home

Posts: 2,372

I am glad you decided to keep her. You will enjoy using her. As I said before, it is worth it to get these old machines back in working order and put them to use! :thumbup:

08-24-2010, 10:52 AM

#70

Colbaltjars62

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Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Gladstone, Oregon by way of Washington(the state)

Posts: 1,018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colbaltjars62

Oh Darlin, Use it!!!
I have a old Featherweight and it was designed to use. Singer's older machines were made back when they were used for making clothes so they got alot of use. I'd say to have it tuned up once in a while and keep it oiled and greased the way the manual says and sew like crazy!!
I have a treadle machine that I am slowly working on restoring and I want to learn to use it as well.
Its not only a beautiful piece of decore but you can use it too.
Have fun with it and enjoy!
Faith

UPDATE!!!!
Picked up a Singer 66 Treadle machine at a Yard sale last weekend for $25.00!!!!!! She is B E A U T I F U L!!!! Decals are all intact and the cabinet is in great condition. Guess now I need to learn how to sew on the treadle. LOL Think my Feather weight will get Jealous?