Talk to me please about reproduction hand cranks for Singer machines
#1
Talk to me please about reproduction hand cranks for Singer machines
Well we've assembled a little collection of vintage Singers that beg for a hand crank conversion (I'm convinced that's what they are asking for wink wink). Original Singer hand crank mechanisms in our parts are seemingly scarce, or command a premium price. I know there are reproduction cranks for sale but I read mixed reviews on fit, finish and other quality issues. If anyone here can offer guidance as to which brands they have had the best luck with I'd be grateful. I do remember back in the 80's when stationary woodworking tools really started coming in from the far east, many machines were identical because they were made in the same factories for different marketers, but the differences were the quality standards imposed by the importer. I wonder if this is true for reproduction hand cranks too? Thanks all. Don
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
I got my reproduction crank on eBay, but I don't have a clue of it's origin. It is plain black, no label or anything. There are some out there with Chinese writing, but it can be painted over. The mechanism is fine...they work. The esthetics are a little off...they look a little rough. Nonetheless, they are what's available, and the originals are scarce as hen's teeth and very expensive!! If you want a handcrank, you will most likely have to take a less than perfect reproduction.
Contact Lostn51, he usually gets some for sale made in Canada. Haven't seen them, so don't know how they are.
Contact Lostn51, he usually gets some for sale made in Canada. Haven't seen them, so don't know how they are.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 1,775
Sometimes you can find an old handcrank machine on Craigslist, for a really cheap price. Even if the machine is in really bad shape you can take the handcrank off of it and put it on your other machine. The reproduction cranks are sort of on the ugly side, if you ask me
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
That's the trouble...the real vintage handcranks are few and far between. Lots of machines were made with handcranks, but were also made to take a motor later. When our country electrified in the 1930's, lots of people bought the motors and took off the handcranks and threw them away.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 927
I bought two reproduction hand cranks from Cindy Peters at Stitches in Time. The finish is just so so, but they work smoothly. I keep saying I'm going to cover the chinese writing on them, but I haven't done it yet. Her prices are reasonable and she's a wealth of knowledge about vintage machines, especially the human-powered ones.
Pam
Pam
#9
I would steer clear of reproductions, the ones I have come across are complete rubbish, but you never know, you might be luckier than me.
Go to my Youtube channel (see below - sorry, since the board changes the link no longer works) and watch my video "How to Remove a Motor from a Vintage Machine". There you will see I show a genuine Singer handle and compare it with a reproduction. If you are interested in seeing that machine, I did a thread on it here called "Look at this Bobbin Winder." I have used the machine quite a lot recently - it sews beautifully.
The market here in England is completely different. We are knee deep in hand machines and the easiest thing to do is get hold of a below average machine and massacre it for parts.
Tallbald - please let me know when you finally do a conversion - I'd love to see the results.
Go to my Youtube channel (see below - sorry, since the board changes the link no longer works) and watch my video "How to Remove a Motor from a Vintage Machine". There you will see I show a genuine Singer handle and compare it with a reproduction. If you are interested in seeing that machine, I did a thread on it here called "Look at this Bobbin Winder." I have used the machine quite a lot recently - it sews beautifully.
The market here in England is completely different. We are knee deep in hand machines and the easiest thing to do is get hold of a below average machine and massacre it for parts.
Tallbald - please let me know when you finally do a conversion - I'd love to see the results.
#10
Thanks everyone. After reading responses here I guess I really would not be happy with a repro hand crank, because of fit and finish, which means everything to me on any machine. I suppose I'll keep looking. Thanks again all. Don
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
leonf
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
12
02-21-2018 07:10 AM
Champanier
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
12
07-25-2014 05:14 PM
mo-rie
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
16
11-17-2011 06:23 AM