BSM Hand Crank sewing machine - several pictures
 

Found this hand crank sewing machine at a small antique store. Thought it was pretty when I first saw it. Case actually has more markings than I first remembered. They are asking $39. I offered $25. They said they would do $32. I am thinking on it - because I really wasn't looking for a handcrank. No manual, looks like a Singer 28. Seems in good condition. Has 1 bobbin and the bobbin shuttle. Having not looked into many machines with a vibrating shuttle, I don't really know anything about them (other than the bobbin doesn't hold much thread).

Then tension assembly looks very simple. Doesn't seem like there is much to go wrong with a machine like this. Needs a bobbin cover (easy peasy). Can one buy additional bobbins (the long kind)?

Do machines like this make a good stitch? Thinking if I do get it, I would use it for piecing. This one happens to have a reverse on it as well. Also, is it hard to get the right tension for sewing? It wouldn't seem like it, as there doesn't seem to be much to tinker with - but have never sewn on such a machine. Hand crank moves freely, shuttle goes back and forth.

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Looks like it would be a good machine, as it is pretty clean. Yes, you can buy the long bobbins. It doesn't look like it's threaded right, but we could help you figure it out. It's not usually too difficult. I figured out my Davis 1890 VF. I would buy it for that price. Hand cranks are really fun...quiet, and you can take them outside in nice weather or even camping!! :-)

I would buy it...just for the novelty of a hand crank. I have a 128 vibrating shuttle and it sews beautifully - it also has the spoked flywheel, I would love to put a hand crank on it - less chance of me sticking my fingers in the wheel! LOL

Really nice, $32 I would buy it.

Hi Dawn, Treadle Lady also has a video showing how to wind the long bobbin. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOu4-..._order&list=UL

Check out a couple of her other videos because she also shows how to put it in the machine.

ETA: Even though she is using a treadle machine the instructions will also work for a hand crank.

looks like a fun new toy.

http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/otherbritish.htm

Not a Singer but a sewing machine made by BSM, British Sewing Machine Company. Check this link and go down a bit to see a machine that looks like the one you found. I would have purchased her in a short minute.

BSM machine
 

Nice machines, I have had several and they are sturdy machines. I have one at the moment which I haven't serviced yet, so no idea what it sews like. The other one I had sewed really well. The Vickers history is interesting - http://www.sewalot.com/vickers_sewin...ne_history.htm

Jacqui

The history of these machines was very interesting. Watched the Treadle Lady's youtube videos as well - doesn't seem complicated. Thank you for the links!

I decided I needed to step back and assess. I never figured on becoming so fascinated with these machines! The Bel Air machine was an impulse buy, and I do try hard to avoid that. That said, I am glad I purchased that one. :o And - she will need a bit of work before I can use her.

My original plan was to get a 15-91 (which I now have), a treadle someday, and then yet another machine - had gone back and forth between thinking a 201 or maybe a 301 or 401. Hand crank was not in my plans. I want to be able to use all of my machines. And - now that I have 4 sewing cabinets sitting up in my sewing room - I also have to realize my space limitations.

So, the same day I happened upon the hand crank I also went and saw a 403. Loved it! Decided the 403 was immediately of more use to me and will pick that one up next week. Have it half in my mind that if the hand crank is still there in a few weeks, maybe it is meant to be and I will get her. While I am intrigued by the vibrating shuttle, I think I would rather stay with round bobbins. And if I had to choose between a hand crank and treadle, I do believe I would choose treadle (though I realize I can treadle a hand crank).

There are so many different machines out there! I realize I have just begun to scratch the surface. If she and I somehow end up together - I will definitely post!

The 403 is a fantastic machine. I love a hand crank - that HC is well worth it.

:thumbup: I would love to have a hand-crank to add to my collection of big machines. Would be fun to try! Is it in my neighborhood?

Hello Dawn,

The machine would be worth the money provided the rear slide plate weren't missing. I had a dickens of a job getting a rear slide plate for my Vickers Modele de Luxe, which is like the one shown on the Sewmuse link, so I expect you will have a harder job in the States. A Singer plate will not fit. Also, with Vickers machines you will find that Singer feet are not compatible, so you will be limited to the feet that come with the machine. However, because they are based on German designs (Frister and Rossmann VS in particular) you have the added bonus of reverse, which Singer never got round to doing on a VS.

Here is a link to a thread Miriam started giving links to my Youtube channel, which will give you all the information you need for using long bobbin machines.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...v-t167789.html

Long bobbin machines make an excellent stitch. Singer manufactured them until the 1960s - they would have stopped long before that if they weren't any good. You can do just about everything on them except free motion quilting.

I learnt to sew on my mum's 28K (now a Youtube star) and still use long bobbin machines regularly. I consider round bobbins modern.

Even if you don't get this BSM, don't hesitate to buy a decent long bobbin machine. You will have hours of fun with it.

ppquilter - No, quite a ways from you. This one is in Texas! Unless you feel like a really long road trip. :)

Muv - thank you so much for the information! I am glad to know that Singer parts won't work. Because I had it in my mind that I would simply be able to replace that back plate on the bobbin with a Singer one. I also thought Singer low shank feet would work. So again - very good to know that this won't work. There were maybe a couple of extra feet with the machine. Strange looking feet - so probably not feet I would use. Have watched some of your youtube videos as well - very helpful. :-)

I would not hesitate to buy it. What a great machine! But then, I collect anything that looks even remotely like a sewing machine! LOL