I bought a Singer 128-13 sewing machine at an auction today. Does anyone know anything about them? It seems to run, but doesn't sew one the material, I may have it threaded wrong. I paid 45 for it, is that a bargain? I will take it to our local sewing shop to get it cleaned and repaired. Am excited. Linda

Here's a manual for it:
http://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollect.../NMAHTEX/2678/

I think the flat of the needle goes to the right on this one - and the thread goes through the needle left to right.

You can clean and repair it yourself and save a bunch of money if you like tinkering around with things. It's not hard to learn. :)

My 1952 electric 128 sews a nice seam. It is a 3/4 size machine, but very heavy. The old Singers were meant to be serviced by their owners. Billy (lostn51) has tutorials on how to take a machine apart and clean it totally, but mine isn't dirty inside.

The price - it's a bargain if it's what you wanted. The prices of vintage machines jump all over the place. I paid $35 for mine last November with the machine in a bentwood case. They both need external cleaning, but are sound with no missing parts.

I'm getting too many machines. The family has chosen this one to sell as I haven't sewn with her yet. She isn't going anywhere because she is just too darn cute.

Will you post a picture of yours either here or in the vintage machine thread? I like to see Mamie's cousins.

Hi Linda,
I really think you could clean it up and save yourself some money. I've done that with my old Singers with Billy's tutes in the machine shop section. Never thought I could but I did.
Old Singers are so nice!!
Can't wait to see yours :D

And yes, I think you got a good deal for it. I'm sure it just needs a little work

I just got one for Christmas and although it's been oiled it's very loud. Is that normal for this machine?

It's going to be louder (maybe even a lot louder) than your 15 or 301 - but it's hard to tell without actually listening to it whether it's normal noise or "something's sticking in here" noise.

It's mainly the belt area that's noisy. I've tried adjusting the belt, and it still is noisy when I start to sew, but when I put on the gas it's fine. The machine also vibrates quite a bit. Very similar to the vibration of the 99, which is the same body type. If I could get the area to stop being so noisy, I'd be happier with it.

Yes, it will vibrate - that vibrating shuttle gives it a real shimmy. :D But, I think you'll love sewing with it once you get used to it. :)

One thing you might try is wrapping some electrical tape around the clip that holds your belt together. That will silence some of the belt noise or maybe all of it.

Better and more permanent, I usually put about a 1½" piece of heat-shrinkable insulation tube over the belt before putting in the clip. When the clip is in and bent properly, I slide the tube of insulation over the clip area and hold a hair dryer on it or a lighter under it, to shrink the insulation. It really quiets that clunk-clunk with every revolution.

The treadle wheel also needs periodic oiling or greasing and the pitman may need to be adjusted if there is a thunking noise when the treadle is depressed or raised.

How wonderful a Christmas present! :)

Mine is in a portable case with a knee control and is electric. The belt is solid, there is no "clip". I'm going to try and play with it some more but so far no luck.