This is NOT going to be fun: Model 12
 

I picked up a model 12 this weekend, Date 1890 +/-. It is rough on the outside but I can restore that. Probably will make it straight black and possibly add Singer logo. It was seized in two area but now working fine except, to my horror, I discovered that the front assembly that the needle bar rides around was broken. Will need to remanufacture the piece, probably from aluminum, in my shop. This is not going to be easy. Tried to epoxy but that was predictably a waste of time. I will also have to drill out the pins to insert a new casting.

I picked up the machine for 10 dollars including treadle table so I guess I will have to work for it.

Congratulations! You sure seem up to the task. I love the patina on the table. Would love to see the rest of it. I'm sure I've never seen a machine like that. What kind of bobbin is under there?

Cool machine! I hope you get her up and running again.

Correction: The machine is 1871 model...oops.

Serial Number: 891244 745244

Wow, that is awesome! Hope you can get her running again.

That is a nice machine! I like the looks of those fiddle bases. Boy, I do not have the skills for manufacture a part. It is nice that you can do that and saving this machine.

Dan,

I parted out a Singer 12 several years ago. I may still have the needlebar. As usual I am out of town until Saturday.
If you PM me Friday or Saturday to remind me, I'll see if I can dig it out.

Cathy

I love this board. A fellow member came to my aide and had a needle bar available for me...Wow!! Mizkaki also offered help and I thank you for that as well. It looks like I will be able to replace the needle bar without having to manufacture the part which is so much better. I'll post the finished piece once done.

Wonderful and will be waiting for pictures. Great job rescuing an old machine. Going to see a White Rotary treadle machine Fri, but much more costly than yous but also in gret shape. Will post picture if I get it. They are asking $300, thought it was too much but after looking around in great shape and wroking I guess not. What do you people think?

I really do know how to spell, typing is off tonight, sorry.

Carol, that a good question for general discussion. Personally, I have two really nice old rotary Whites, one in a treadle table 1890 and 1910 which I didn't pay more than 50-75.00 for. The Whites should never fetch the prices of the Singers, Wheelers, or Willcox and Gibbs.

I picked up a White Rotary this summer in a really pretty cabinet - the body of the machine does not have any decals - all the decorations are part of the moulding that makes the machine. Beautiful! It was love at first sight! The only part I need for it is the rubber while that is between the motor and the wheel. I paid $40. I used ISMACS to date it (would have to get up to see what I wrote down, but I think it was sometime in the 1920's)

Let the Fun begin. My new needle bar arrived. Like new albeit 100 years old!!!!!

Dan glad you got the needle bar. When you get it ready to sew let me know how it does. I find my 12 a little loud when sewing. The boat shuttle rattles a lot. It does make a nice stitch thou.
Skip

Thanks Glen.

So far so good. Installed it. Completely silent. Works Perfectly!!! Once fully restored I'll make a YouTube Video. Waiting for new needles. Definitely not ready to sew yet.

After I read your post I went and cleaned the machine again and adjusted everything it now quite. Can't wait to the video
Skip

Question,

Is the needle bar on this rare enough to be worth rewelding? It appears to be a machined part which makes it hopeful that it is not cast metal. I am fairly certain that the welding guru that i know could repair the original if needed.

Steve

Thanks Steve:
I was able to get a "new" part for it from a member... It is "pot metal" so welding is nearly impossible. I was going to drill it out of the bar, and fabricate using aluminum in my shop. It was doable, but since I got the part it isn't necessary. Working on refurbishing now and I will post results.

if you change you mind and decide you would like to see if we can weld it, let me know. My Instructor is truly gifted with welding. I'v watched him weld mild steel, stainless, aluminum, and glass all in the same day...