count de monet Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 planning on buying a heavy duty sewing machine that is capable of sewing about 10 layers of canvas, walking foot, straight and zigzag stitches minimum.... any personal recommendations ?? tia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt Thighbiter Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 10 ( ten) layers of canvass?? THat call for a heavy duty professional machine. My Singer ( dont know what model) does 3 -4 layers of medium leather, but needs a helping hand. BUt it does have all the stitch options one could ever wish for. Good luck, Count the Money ( that's Monet, not money). Pirate music at it's best, from 1650 onwards The Brigands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace of Harbor Bay Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Sorry, no. I am looking eventually for something like that myself. I have had an industrial walking foot for about 20 years but back then I had no need for zig zag and that is a very nice thing to have. Let me know if'n ye find what ye seek mate! www.pirate4hire.com Pirates of Harbor Bay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count de monet Posted April 27, 2008 Author Share Posted April 27, 2008 since i have other projects -- canvas projects for the camper, the saiboat, etc--- i need a heavy duty one. 9 layers of canvas in certain spots is not unusual for alot of items. depending on the chosen hem, reenforcing patches, and whether or not i am folding the side hem back over the first hem, there can easily be 9 layers !!! as you can guess, this is not for sewing breeches or shirts would rather rely on personal recommendations than salesman's hype :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 I highly reccommend the Singer Model 42-5. I have one of them, and it will easily handle 1/2" of heavy belt type leather, plus any canvas work I have ever asked of it. It has a walking foot, and a large flywheel, which allows it to run slowly if needed, and still have plenty of "grunt" to drive the needle through any material. I truly believe that it could sew quarter inch plywood if I wanted to try it !!! It will also do nicely with lighter weight fabrics with a change of needles. It does not have zig-zag capability, but I have never found the need for it. They can sometimes be found on ebay. I recently stumbled upon one on ebay that I secured for a friend for $150. If you are considering an industrial machine, I think one of the most important features for our purposes is the ability to run slow, which gives you the opportunity to manipulate your project easily while working. These 42-5 machines will also run faster than you can keep up with, if you want, so I find them ideal. Many industrial machines that become available on the used market are high speed manufacturing machines, and really unsuitable for what most of us do. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count de monet Posted April 27, 2008 Author Share Posted April 27, 2008 checked out singer's webpage.... they do not illustrate that one at all. is yours old enough to be discontinued ??? got a pic by chance ??? tia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleneckhalfshell Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 The Singer Model 42-5 is I believe a very old machine, the parts manual that I was able to see online with a google search showed copyright dates of 1917-1929, so it would be a 'second hand' machine, not something sold on the present Singer lineup. Yard sales and rumage shops would I think be a likly source. Or try your grandmother's attic, I think that is where I got my similar machine No Fear Have Ye of Evil Curses says you... Aye,... Properly Warned Ye Be says I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Yes, indeed, it is a discontinued model.... I'm not 100% sure of production years of the model 42-5, but they probably started production in the 1930's, and probably ceased production in the late 1950's to early 1960's, judging by the appearance of examples I have seen. If properly maintained, these machines will last several lifetimes. Parts and spare bobbins are still readily available from Singer. For pics, here is the one I recently got on ebay : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...:MEWN:IT&ih=019 >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleneckhalfshell Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 I think you will find that the singer 42-5 is a much older machine than the 1930-1950 period, on further checking, it seems the singer 42-5 was an industrial machine intended for leather and canvas work. But I still can't find a definitive span of the years this model was produced. 1918 Singer 42-5 No Fear Have Ye of Evil Curses says you... Aye,... Properly Warned Ye Be says I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Nice !!! That particular one is much earlier than the one I have. It uses a round leather belt. Otherwise it is identical to mine, except for the table. Mine incorporates a modern type "V" belt on the flywheel, as does another of my aquaintance. I don't know when "V" belts became common, but the flywheel with "V" belt groove is original to my machine. And the table is much more modern. The one I found on ebay recently uses the earlier round belt style of pulley. Because of its great utility, I suspect it enjoyed a very long production run. If you find out the actual years of production, please enlighten us. I never got a reply from Singer regarding this. >>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleneckhalfshell Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 Cascabel and others interested in old sewing machines may find this interesting. Singer 42-5 parts manual Copyright USA 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1929 No Fear Have Ye of Evil Curses says you... Aye,... Properly Warned Ye Be says I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted April 28, 2008 Share Posted April 28, 2008 This is an excellent source of information for older machines. There are also user manuals available in pdf format for many older Singer machines. These are great for threading instructions, etc. There is a surprising availability of spare parts for these old machines from Singer, and obsolete sewing machine parts suppliers. Don't ever reject buying an old industrial Singer for fear of not being able to get parts. These things are like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going, and going, and going...... >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count de monet Posted April 29, 2008 Author Share Posted April 29, 2008 thanks for the input guys... i'll keep an eye out for one while my search continues... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 A word of caution about buying sewing machines. Many times on ebay, and other places, machines are advertised as industrial "strength". Usually they are NOT true industrial machines. Just because they are old, and painted black does not make them industrial machines. Most of the ones advertised as "industrial strength" machines are just old houshold machines. Perfectly good machines, but definitely NOT industrial machines, with industrial capability and power. A true industrial machine is very much larger, heavier, and more powerful. The easiest way to tell is if the motor is small and attached to the back of the machine, it is a common household machine. Industrial machines use a large motor, (about as big as your head), mounted underneath the table. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the Royaliste Posted April 29, 2008 Share Posted April 29, 2008 If multiple layers of canvas are your usual fare, then you may want to just jump in and buy a Sailrite machine. I have a Pfaff and an older Elnita (an Elna copy) what really seems to matter where we play is whether the drive gears are all steel or not....several layers of canvas will make enough drag to make nylon or faced gearteeth 'skip', throwing things slightly out of time. Sailrite makes both straight and zig zag machines. Zig zagging is important if you ever do any sailwork, as it spreads the loads without cutting the stitchline...That said, I don't have one, but wish I did... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
count de monet Posted April 29, 2008 Author Share Posted April 29, 2008 been looking at the sailrite machines...i need to have another windfall of extra cash to justify the price though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted May 4, 2008 Share Posted May 4, 2008 Another machine that I have that works well for heavy sewing is the Singer model 29-4. It is also an early machine, but more commonly available on ebay than the 42-5. It is designed to reach inside a sleeve, pocket, or down inside of a boot or shoe. It is also very suitable for flat sewing with the accessory table (which is easy to make, if not included). There were also similar machines made by Durkopp and Adler These remained in production for a long time, with more recent models designated 29k4, and 29k70. Any of the Singer model 29 series of machines are very similar. There are modern made copies available also. I think Singer ceased production on the model 29's some time ago, but they are used in the shoe repair business even today. The only drawback to these machines is that the bobbin is small. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cascabel Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 I found this most interesting website for dating Singer sewing machines. http://www.sew2go.com/singerdate.htm According to this chart, my 42-5 Singer was made between 1941 and 1944. That would explain the more modern V-belt drive on it. >>>>> Cascabel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 any one know where i can get bobbins for a singer model 646. i've looked locally with no avail and even ebay has nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumba Rue Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 Bobbins are usually a one size fits all sort of thing. Some take plastic, others take metal. I know my mom use to have a very old Singer and she used the regular metal bobbins in it. If they are truly a strange design, then I suggest you contact some sewing stores that specifically work on sewing machines and such. Those people would or should be pretty knowledgeable on bobbins and such. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadL Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 Bobbins are usually a one size fits all sort of thing. Some take plastic, others take metal. I know my mom use to have a very old Singer and she used the regular metal bobbins in it. If they are truly a strange design, then I suggest you contact some sewing stores that specifically work on sewing machines and such. Those people would or should be pretty knowledgeable on bobbins and such. Wenches, Wenches!! I think we be speak'n o' sew'n machinery here!! Now please be tak'n yer fantasy's o' roven ballads t' the appropriate forum now I say!! Me, Me, me , me...uh um; Mie, Mie, mie, mie... ~All skill be in vain if an angel pisses down th' barrel o' yer flintlock! So keep yer cutlass sharp, 'n keep her close! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 this ones a bugger rue. its a plastic bobbin that has a single wedge shaped groove in the base that advances it. no others will fit. eh- what do you expect from the too good to throw away section at the dump. now i'll have to go back and find another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Sterling Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Oi Dutchie, is this what yer looking for? Singer Bobbin - Touch and Sew - 163131 Singer Bobbin - Touch and Sew - 163131 Singer Touch & Sew bobbin. Fits: 600 & 700 series, 1000G, 1040G, 1060, 1411U, 1425U, 290 OEM Part #163131 Only Sold 10 bobbins per pack. This bobbin w... More In stock $7.50 No Tax VA Shipping not included CLICK HERE bobbin "I being shot through the left cheek, the bullet striking away great part of my upper jaw, and several teeth which dropt down the deck where I fell... I was forced to write what I would say to prevent the loss of blood, and because of the pain I suffered by speaking."~ Woodes Rogers Crewe of the Archangel http://jcsterlingcptarchang.wix.com/creweofthearchangel# http://creweofthearchangel.wordpress.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 thats them, got the pm. thanks. i would love to get my hands on an old foot treddle (sp?) with huge needles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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