Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. QB member .....
 

...... your assignment, if you choose to accept it, is to research and post here any and all viable retail outlets that sell the 20x1 needles. There are at least 3 possibly more QB members who need this needle and would rather use the correct length needle than short seat a 15x1 needle.

As always this tape will self destruct in 5 seconds.


Click like if you remember the original version of that intro .... :thumbup:
Oh wait, this isn't FB :o

On the serious side, there was one link I had to a source for those needles. I kept stalling in buying some and now they no longer list it. I have two machines that take the 20x1s, and would like to buy some.

Joe

I need some for my Leader, too.

click! I didn't watch the show but I think I know where it came from.

Ebay....http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sing...item23295dee76 and...http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sing...item5d3b366157

Cyndy Kitt on Etsy (same size/class as Singer 20 x 1)....http://www.etsy.com/listing/63514524...h_type=vintage

Is there an equivalent made by another manufacturer? What would I look for n a Boye, Schmetz, Organ, etc? It would be nice to find some bulk package to cut the cost and share. I've been collecting machines for years but never worried about finding needles since I hadn't cleaned them up to sew. Some came with needles, some didn't Maybe this summer I will finally clean them up, make a list, and note what they need and what needles they take.

Boye 14 or 21, Schmetz 35:11 or 32:11 (no longer made & I've never been able to find any!). The charts I have don't list an Organ equivalent.

Here's the chart I was using...http://www.ismacs.net/needle_and_sha...lat-shank.html

I've done business with Cyndy Kitt so I can recommend her. I just wish I knew what size those needles were. I really can't use anything under a size 14.

Joe

Joe, I asked her a while back about what modern size a "1" compares to. I'm almost positive she said it was approximately a 14. But you should probably ask her again to be sure.

All those old brands were different from each other 'cause a size 4 in a Boye is pretty much the same as a modern 14.

Pat,

Thanks. I'll email her when I get some $$.¢¢ to spare. Soon I hope.

Joe

Now I'm confused. The chart shows the 20 x 1 is equivalent to a needle length of 42.5 to 45.1 mm. I'm sure the length is critical for the old machines. Guess I'll need to check each machine individually. I was hoping it would be easy.

Monroe,

That part confused me too.

Joe

On my vibrating shuttle machines, length doesn't seem to be real crucial as long as it's long enough & the distance down to the eye is close. Probably 'cause there's nothing underneath it to hit. I've even used Boye 4s on a couple of these....& they're nearly 1/8" longer than a 20x1, Boye 21, or 14 but the eye is really close to the correct distance.

But on a machine where there IS something for the needle to hit if it's a bit too long, I always turn the handwheel gently to check first. I'm sure you'd all do the same...

Here's another chart cross-referencing needles & machines. http://www.ismacs.net/needle_and_sha...eedle-list.pdf

Monroe,

Needle sizing can be very confusing. The Ismacs chart shows several lengths for the 20x1. The most important
length is the top of the shank to the top of the eye. This is the timing length and it is the same on all those
20x1 needles listed. The other length is the total length top to tip. The timing length determines where the thread
loop is as the hook picks it up. When a 15x1 is short seated it works as a 20x1 because the timing lengths are
now the same.
The total length of the 20x1 is only important on rotary hook machines. The difference being the length of the tip.
On a rotary machine a 20x1 with a tip that is too long will hit the bobbincase. A VS machine can usually take any
length tip.

Hope this is clearer than mud,
Cathy

Great explanation, Cathy! Much better than my rambling on about how a longer needle works in my VS machines...& a little too long might not work in my rotaries.

This certainly does help. Thank you both very much.

Thanks from me too.

Joe

What size for the 99...I do not have the book. THANKS MIMI

mimi=17,

If you're talking about the Singer Mdl 99 the needle is the 15x1.

Joe

Thanks Joe, you are so helpful. I have many s m with all the bells and so on..... but you folks have me hooked on the mighty old ones!!!!!!! 2 F W AND now A 99 SINGER ,with out a manuel. I also have a 403 in the cabinet, the case is in the attic. If it is still 'good' you can have it. Thanks again, Mimi

Mimi,

You can get free download manuals from Singer: { http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals }
Type in your model # and then save it to your computer. I print mine as I have machines all over the place and the computer is only in the computer room.

I'll PM you.

Joe

so, are you saying that a fw needs a special needle...I just purchased one a few months ago. Did not know that, never thought of it....oh dear, I may consider selling it if that is going to be a problem.....

Geri,

Nope, nope and nope ...... Featherweights take the standard ordinary 15x1 needle. The only difference is the needle goes in flat to the left and threads right to left.


Joe

Monroe,

You are very welcome. I'm always glad to help.

Cathy

[QUOTE=J Miller;5958415]Geri,

Nope, nope and nope ...... Featherweights take the standard ordinary 15x1 needle. The only difference is the needle goes in flat to the left and threads right to left.

phew!!! thanks.......for that....