treborterb

Thanks for the updated link J Hayes

J Hayes...the link didn't work for me, thanks for trying though. Stanly, I just downloaded a free service manual and parts list for the 29K71 from the Singer link you provided, thanks for that. On another note...the timing of my bobbin and shuttle is off enough to prevent it from picking up the bobbin thread. The hook stops about 1/16 of an inch short. If I remember right, Wizcraft had posted that the tiny set screw that is located in the end of the bobbin shuttle/carrier assembly should be checked to make sure it isn't loose. I actually removed this set screw (it passes through the shuttle carrier and shuttle pinion gear) and it looks very worn...the tip is ground to a fine point and it is perhaps 1/8" in length. I attempted to order a replacement but it seems that singer had used two different sizes of that set screw in the 29-4 and the one I'm supposed to have is part no. 327 and is nowhere to be found. I have been told by Harry at Pilgrim Shoe that the one I need is the smaller of the two that were used on the 29-4. If anyone knows where to locate one of these set screws and can give me any info I would appreciate it.

That is AWESOME...exactly what I was searching for. Thank You Orrin Would you have a link to the exploded view of the 29K70 diagram that you mentioned Stanly ?

Thanks Bob...so the 135x16 Organ needles wont necessarily have the scarf you describe on them, or do all the current replacement needles for the 29-4 have the scarf incorporated in the needle design?

Wizcrafts...I have been told that the system 29x3 and the 29x4 leather point needles were no longer in production and that the existing needles of the 29x3 and 29x4 variety were slowly being replaced with size 135x16 and 135x17. I have seen advertised 29x3 needles being sold in 10 packs for as much as $13.00 / 10 pack and advertised as limited supply and "no longer available when gone", as well as 29x3 and 29x4 needles for sale on ebay for a fraction of the higher price. Can you shed some light on this topic. Is there any truth to the discontinued 29x3 and 29x4 variety/type of needles and is there really any difference between the higher priced 29x3 needles... other than their higher price?

I'm not able to check for Bell Crank wear because I'm waiting for a replacement stitch adjustment screw with the gib and small square mounting bracket...but as soon as I get it I'll be able to run the machine and then check the presser foot for wear in the Bell Crank Lever by placing the presser foot lifter bar in the up (raised) position and checking to see if there is any movement in the foot...is that right? As far as checking for wear in the shuttle drive gears, those are located in the arm carrying the bobbin shuttle assembly, right ? Is there a way to check this for wear or is it just a matter of removing the plate covering the rack and pinion gears and visually examining them? What exactly will I be looking for? Will the wear be obvious or is there a way to check how badly worn the part in question is? (and what part am I looking at/for?) I understand that its important to invert the machine and note the position of the gears because by removing the plate covering the pinion and gears, they will fall out and the timing will be affected if the gears aren't put back exactly the way they came out.Thanks.

Where can I find more info about the high tenacity polyester...I'll be googling it but sometimes someone will have sources or links that can be difficult to find solely by using google. Thanks.

Thanks Darren...already have that same parts list as well as a few others. Got my parts from Bob Kovar at Toledo Industrial. I think I have almost everything to give it a test run (and I say almost because he forgot to add a part to the order and is shipping it along now), so when that last part...the stitch regulator, gets here I can test it out. On another note...does anyone know the best way to clean the outside of these machines without damaging the decals?

Is it possible to reposition the balance wheel from the right side to the front of the machine on a Singer 29-4?

Thank You Gump...will do.

OK...don't feel so bad now...after talking to someone who sells/supplies the parts for these machines and admittedly worked on over a thousand Singer 29K machines...there doesn't seem to be any clear designation for the machine part groupings. If someone more knowledgable can tell me what they categorize the various assemblies (or part housings/groupings) it would be much appreciated. If I don't have the exact part number/name already... I can't just refer to a specific area where the part I'm trying to replace is housed. These machines are fairly simple in construction so eventually taking it apart and noting the name and part number will ultimately get me familiar with the parts but still leaves me stumbling to explain what area I am referring to without a part number/name. Would the part housing the needle/foot be called the needle housing, or the arm that contains the shuttle/bobbin be called the arm assembly??? I'm nitpicking really, but for the sake of expedience I would have thought these areas would be clearly defined.

Thanks again Darren...being completely new at this, I am not quite sure but will be finding that out and I'll give Bob a call back and run that by him.

Thanks Darren...I'm sure you're right but can't resist trying just to see if it'll work.

Thanks Constabulary...gotta look into that.

Excellent info as usual Wizcraft...just talked to Bob again at Toledo Industrial sewing and I have the equivalent of the size 18 needle (110 I believe) coming, as well as several larger sizes and the Tex 92 thread as well as the #69 on the way. I was trying to inquire of Bob on the availability of replacement "feed cam" parts and he wasn't sure what part I was referring to, so I told him I would try to get a part number for him, but, I thought I remembered someone commenting in another thread that certain parts aren't to be had any longer and if those are too badly worn, will basically relegate the machine to large "boat anchor"status. Hoping my machine doesn't fall into that category. In another thread, if I recall correctly, it was possible to test for excessive feed mechanism wear by attempting to move the lifted presser foot and if it had 1/16" or more of play...it indicated an overly worn feedcam part/parts. I'll have to try to locate that particular post to make sure I'm not taking things out of context. Got home and spent some more time cleaning and oiling on the 29-4 and things are coming along but have to wait for my parts order to arrive to do any real testing. A little embarrased to ask such simple questions, but when you speak of "ascend with the knot", do you mean after the needle passes through the material and picks up the thread from the bobbin, it forms a knot on its return, upwards through the material? Nice to know that a well timed machine in really good condition is capable of that but I'm afraid my machine isn't quite in that category (one can hope though)