lindaschipper

I was reading about all the Featherweight's that ladies wanted this morning, and it got me thinking. Is a 99k a Featherweight or just a great machine? Mine is going in the shop today...the motor gets "hot" when used.

SusieQOH

A Featherweight is a 221 or in rare cases the 222.

Mickey2

A 99K is a 3/4 size machine compared to other models like 66, 15 and 201. It's smaller and weigh less, but the Featherweight is an even tinier cute little thing, and weighs much less. I dare say your 99 is a better machine for use at home mostly because of the larger harp and bed space, and the drop-in bobbin case is nice too. It's sturdier and you don't have to be afraid to over load it.

I guess a 99K would have been converted to 110 Volt electrics in the US, the US made 99s doesn't have the K, but are exactly the same machine. The sub letter K was given to machines made at the Kilbowie factory in Scotland. There are a few variants to model 99, and it was once a very popular model for it's ease of use and dependability. The old motors can get hot, especially in summer. What helps is a cleaning and lubrication of the motor, and not to over load it; take a small break between each bobbin you need to fill if it get's too hot. The speed controller can get hot too, and again, what helps is service and adjustment. They give off heat, that's the way they work (slowing the electric current), but should be within reason, slighly warm not hot.

DonnaC

I converted my 99 to a hand-crank... she's just the cutest thing!

purplefiend

http://tinyurl.com/hp8cfu2
My 99k had been converted to an electric from hand crank. It had a 220v motor on it and no foot control when I bought it, not very useful in USA. So I converted it to hand crank, I use the original hand crank from my Singer 201k-4. It fits in the bentwood case perfectly and don't have to remove it to put it away, the reproduction hand crank has to come off to get the lid on. The 99 weighs about 30 pounds, featherweight 11 pounds.
Sharon in TX

Mickey2

If you like the 99K I lean towards motor and lights. How much sewing do we actually do on hand cranks? I'm used to having both hands on the fabric, I could however see me trying out a treadle. I had my 99 rewired and service, I have never regretted it.

ckcowl

A featherweight weighs something like 12 pounds, is portible and comes in a great all inclusive case. My 99K is all cast iron and weighs much more than that! It's a great machine I love but I sure wouldn't want to haul it around.

leonf

My 99k hand crank has gone to many demos. And a corset making class.
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