Hi everyone,
I'm new to this forum and although i've been reading it frequently over the last two years this is my first post.
After much hand-sewing of leather items, i've taken the plunge and bought last month a singer 29K3 dating back from 1905.
The machine was quite rusty and battered but I didn't pay much for it either.
I have to mention this is my first sewing machine ever.
I've been looking for replacement parts but although they are plenty for later models, I can't seem to find stuff for older machines and am not sure whether the newer parts are compatible.
I have successfully cleaned, repaired, adjusted, soldered a number of things and the machine will now stitch more or less consistently. I am however left with three issues and am happy to collect guidance from the educated on these :
1. On the back of the slide part of the "round ring" is a small roller. This one is worn (faceted), and the groove in the drive pulley may be worn as well. I can drill out the roller and replace it with a custom machined one of suitable diameter. How much play between the roller and the groove is acceptable? Would a replacement part be compatible with this machine?
2. The needle isn't perfectly aligned with the hole in the shuttle cover plate. the needle is a little bit to the left, as if the lower arm of the machine was too long. If the leather is thick and causes the needle to deflect a little bit under load, it can hit the plate and break the needle. A previous owner has chamfered the hole on one side of the plate, in order for the needle to get back in the hole. Is there any adjustment I can make to correct this?
3. The shuttle was missing when I got the machine, I had to source one but am not perfectly happy with the result. I may or not have the correct part, but there is some play around the shuttle, even if the small spring in the shuttle carrier is present. As a result, a clacking noise is sometimes heard from that area, and I wonder if any replacement part better suited to my machine would be availables.
I welcome any advice on these topics, with many thanks in advance.