Plexiglass for bobbin case covers
 

This is not so much a tutorial as a suggestion or alternative. A lot of older machines are missing slide plates and bobbin case covers. If the plate is square, I suggest plexiglass.

Plexiglass can be purchased at most big-box hardware stores in sheets. I measure the plate with a dial caliper, lay it out with a carpenter's square, and cheat just a hair on the large side. Marking is done with an awl or a scribe, and I prefer to cut it with a fine-tooth coping saw. Many machines use plates that are angled (beveled) on the edge, so you can either saw on an angle or trim it later with a sharp knife. This will allow the plate to slide into place without falling off. Any knife marks are sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper.

I like plexiglass for several reasons. First, it is relatively cheap; you can buy a window-sized sheet for the price a replacement plate costs on ebay. Second, it is clear and scratch-resistent, which means you can often watch your machine working as you stitch. Third, it is rigid and relatively easy to work, unlike plastic and a lot of metal alternatives. And fourth, it won't rust or tarnish (although it will scratch if you try hard enough.

I made plates recently for a Singer 27, a White Family Rotary, and a Singer 66. The 66 was missing the plate retaining spring, otherwise it would have been a lot harder.

Hope this idea helps someone with a missing plate!

thanks for posting this... and taking the time to make a tutorial for us

Plexiglass bobbin case cover--with picture
 

This is a picture to go with the thread below.

welcome to the board Addiction

So clever! Thanks!

Great idea and very timely! My husband just purchased a 66, our first venture into antique machines, and the throat plate is missing. Thanks for posting!

This is a great idea I have a couple older machine missing their plates going to give this a try Thank you

Welcome Addiction. I am wondering what thickness of plexiglass, or does it come in thicknesses? Barny

Great idea it sounds so simple, but I am sure it isn't for me anyway. I have never heard of anyone using plexiglass but have heard of steel and cardboard,lol, this is just ingenious I think. Awesome to be able to see through it and see the machine and thread working. Wonderful, wonderful wonderful.

wonderful idea

A "standard" Singer 66 plate is .085 thick. Yes, you can get plexiglass (lexan, or "acrylic sheet") in various thicknesses. I used what I had on hand, which was .100 thick, and the material has to ride over it. However, you can get it in thicknesses of .08, .093, .118... I would have measured it with my caliper if I were buying new, but knowing now that the Singer plate is .085 I would have tried either .08 or .093 thickness. They sell it at Lowe's, Home Depot, ebay...An 18x24 sheet runs about $10 plus tax--I could make two dozen plates out of that, give or take a mistake.

What a great idea!

Why is this piece ALWAYS missing on these old machines? I have passed on many because of this. What a great idea. I have a Ma an Pa hardware store down the street and they have cut Plexiglas for me on many occasions for other things. Thanks so much for sharing this.

I'm going, right now to trace around my bobbin plate for a future need of making one! Thanks for the idea!!

When I go to thrift shops I often see the throat plate missing. Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

All the " new" ones have plexi covers, so why not do for the "oldies" too!

Hi and welcome to QB, Addiction!
I kinda laughed as I typed that, as I sometimes feel like I have a QB addiction..lol.
Thanks for sharing such a great (and thrifty) idea!

Regards,
K