Hand crank machine questions
 

Hi all,
Often I am wanting to have the option for portability when doing my straight stitch sewing, as in piecing my quilts. I would rather have one that is not electric.
I've been researching hand crank machines for some time, but I just don't know enough about them...
Can I get some feedback as to what you all think about them, what brand and model would be good to check out?

I have several vintage machines, including my great grandmother's Singer 66 treadle in its original cabinet. Ma did have an electric motor added to the machine as well.
But I'm thinking a machine that is not as heavy would be a better way to go.

Thanks in advance!
Kif

I wanted a hand crank,nso I found one on ebay It is a singer 201 I have a singer 201 so I knew it was a good one I paid 500. for it It is very heavy. I I have a featherweight but when I sew I want all the stitches so for going to sew in I bought brother cs6000.very light weight does everything my brother8500 pacesetter does I know it won't last as long but it only cost 139. + shipping from amazon.

I hear ya sister!

I have a Singer 127 hand crank, gorgeous machine, lovely to sit on the deck in the summer and use.
But my husband has taken up flyfishing and we go to such pretty places, so I thought 'Hey...take the hand crank!"
It works..but I have to take a table also, and it is Really heavy, and I don't like the bentwood case getting banged up

So I thought and thought...And I've bought a Singer Sewhandy 20 chainstitch machine. Quite light, about the size of a small loaf of bread, no bobbin to fool with, just stick a spool of thread on the spindle and off you go.

Singer made these for many years, and variously advertised them as toys, machines to take to college, portable machines for many uses. I'm thrilled to start using it :)

It makes a chain stitch, which looks like a crochet chain on the back side of the fabric. It can all pull out if the stitcher is careless, but as anyone who crochets knows it is easy to loop off a chain, the machine chain is no different.

Anyway it will make a nice change from english paper piecing, :)

Congrats on finding your chain stitcher.
Rodney

Kalama Quilts, congrats on your SewHandy! The chain stitching sounds interesting, and not needing a bobbin would be super! Any pictures of it? Do you worry about a broken stitch unraveling on your piecing?

P.S. I am still so happy with my 301, Kallie. :-D

If you have a featherweight,hand crank additions can be added. They don't weigh much.

I have a Sew Handy 20 but it needs to be anchored down to something. Mine came with a mechanism for attaching to a table. Is that the way yours works.

They came with C clamps, and some came with little suitcases that turned into table top tables.

What I'd really like :) is to have Rodney make me a base...but I'm still thinking on ideas for stability.
a tray with a heavy duty suction cup on the machine also comes to mind. I've collected images of a lot of ideas but can't share them here as they would be deleted as not mine.

I have my Sewhandy project lined out in my mind also. So if the work is successful I'll start a thread then.

Thank you all for the input!

Yeah but you only get 1 stitch per revolution verses 3 stitches for a real hand crank.
Sharon

I've also been thinking of adding a hand crank machine to my collection. I have a Singer 201 hand crank, but like you say, they weigh a ton. I'm looking for a lighter weight machine and wouldn't it be nice if it had a zig zag! The only Singer I can think of is the Genie, but can that take a hand crank? Another choice might be an aluminum Singer 201. Has anyone seen a Singer 301 with a hand crank? Maybe a Singer 99 (but no zig zag)?

It would be helpful if people could tell us what hand crank machines they have and how they like them.

As far as vintage machines, I have 2 featherweights, but I will be selling one. I also have a Singer 66, Singer 301A, and a Minnesota Rotary.
But I think, well actually I'm pretty sure, me trying to make any of them into a hand crank is not a good idea.
I'm looking into a Sewhandy, just need to find one that works...

I have a beautiful Singer 99 for this purpose. It is the 3/4 size of the 66. It is heavy enough to stay still on the table, but also easy to transport. Depending on condition, not very expensive.

Did you buy your 99 as a hand crank, or did you add the hand crank?
Thank you for your help!
Kif

Well I found a Singer Sewhandy one owner machine being sold by the original owner's daughter. It's in amazing condition, and has everything with it including the original box. I debated and debated, and then I bought it. The original owner aspect helped "seal the deal".
Can't wait to get it here!!
Kif

I have a pretty large selection of handcranks. I prefer them to treadles and electrics. I do most of my work on the Jones.

American #7
Singer 128
Wheeler & Wilson #8
New Ideal
Jones Serpentine (My Personal Fav)
Frister & Rossman E (Heathers)
Pfaff Model F (Convertible Treadle-Handcrank)

My handcrank collection increased by one today - though the actual wood handcrank broke off during transit. Praise be that the only damage is rather easily fixed - considering that this seller believed double boxing meant put the machine in a small box and put the small box in a bigger box and send it across country! This is the style with the cast base - amazed that showed up the correct number of pieces!

I've got the Singer 66
Singer 24
Singer 28
Kohler
Wheeler Wilson #9
and New National (made by New Home)


BTW - Steve, did you get a few of your numbers wrong? Or did you "lose" something?

Oops, forgot the W&W #9 Handcrank

Oh goodie, I can play this game. I have the following hand crank machines:

Frister & Rossman TS High Arm
Frister & Rossman TS 15 High Arm
Haid & Neu Harris 9G
New Home Model T
SewHandy Chain Stitch
Singer 12 New Family
Singer 20-1
Singer 27K2 (Combination HC/Treadle)
Singer 28-1 (Combination HC/Treadle)
Singer 28K2
Singer 29K70 (Combination HC/Treadle)
Singer 29K70 (Combination HC/Treadle) #2
Singer 35-1 (Carpet Machine)
Singer 66-3
Singer 66-14
Singer 99K31
Singer 115-1
Singer 201K4
Singer 216G

I also have the following machines that have been fitted and operating with a non-factory method of handcranking without use of a motor or treadle (all 1:1 ratio):

Adler 205-64 (Steering Wheel Knob)
Singer 31-15 (Steering Wheel Knob)
Singer 111G156 (Steering Wheel Knob)
Singer 221 Featherweight (Window Crank)
Singer 301-2 (Window Crank)

Now I can’t wait until someone lists their treadles......

CD in Oklahoma

CD - I may make a trip to OK just to see them all - wondering what it would be like to drive from your place to Atlanta GA. DH and I are planning a trip south this fall to see Kids and FIL - and maybe we could make a detour. Been the other way so many times, it might be worth the added miles just to see some different scenery.

Now I'll wait until DH reads this and see what he says LOL!!

Now, if any of those Combo units are pre 1900 and you would be interested in a trade for the Pfaff Convertible.....

Wow!!! I'd love to see pics of everyone's machines....

I turned my Spartan into a handcrank, it's kinda portable.

I've heard of 306's being turned into handcranks for a zigzag.

I took the motor off on an aluminium 201 and added a hand crank. It's much lighter than my heavy 201 and I find it fairly easy to carry. I would say this could be used as a 'portable' machine.

Here are most of my handcranks in one picture.. (Oh, and I completely forgot about the Little Worker....)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]525938[/ATTACH]

Thank you for sharing the pics. I'm sure this is a stupid question, but do all of them sew? I would imagine they do..
And do you have a favorite as far as the sewing goes?

I would too. The aluminium 201K is lighter than a cast iron 99K

I like that one in the top right Steve. Bet it sounds great too :p

Yes they do, All of the machines in my collection sew (or else!) my favorite is the one in the upper left. The Jones Serpentine. I do a LOT of sewing on that one.

I have a Singer 201K hand crank and love it. It is heavy, but worth it. I also have a 201K aluminum hand crank. I take that one to retreats, because it is a little lighter. I bought a black case for it on ebay. I put it on a wheeled luggage carrier, and I'm good to go. I wouldn't give up my 201 hand cranks for anything.

1900 handcrank
 

I picked up a hand crank from a 1900 unit. It came from England and had the balance wheel included. I paid $105 w/shipping included and was glad to add it to the collection.:thumbup: I also purchased the Chinese knockoff for a machine I sold for use in the field during re-enactments. The quality difference is amazing, yet the knockoff worked for the intendented application. I think the OEM unit makes 4 stitches per revolution. That way, for the purist, one will know how many stitches a given project takes:D

Soman2

The other Rodney

usually 3 per rotation. Pics?

Cathy - if you make it to Atlanta let me know! We are moving here (here now doing things on house). Plan to be here permanently in a few months. We will have a guest room. And my machines are already here at the son's house. I know you don't know me well but I think I am as normal as any vintage sewing machine collector!!

Haid and neu help
 

I have acquired a haid and neu crank made in 1943. I am not sure the placement of the spring on the top tension knob is correct. I wondered if you are able to guide me?

I have rarely ( never?) seen a