medion

Yes, not bad! It is quite fickle though - if I change the webbing type I have to start my thread tension adjustments again to try and get it working. But it is what it is! For the hooking timing - do you mean the section on 'To time the shuttle' or 'To time the cam feed' ? I can't see a reference to hook timing per se in that PDF.

I've actually managed to get the old thing working quite nicely - looks like it was primarily to do with tension, although on the odd tack it still does mis-cut my thread, I will need to work on that issue another day: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bow03zjpqkc1ya8/Photo%208-09-2015%2011%2008%2049%20am.jpg?dl=0

Do you have any info/docs on how to time the hook? I played with the tension, and I'm getting a better stitch but at the end of each tack when it cuts the thread, something must be out of time because it's just breaking the thread rather than cutting it - almost as if the blades are not cutting. Also the underside of the tack seems a bit unreliable, as if the thread is fraying - I'm using a nylbond M60 polyester thread. It also seems very materially fickle - with one grade of webbing I can get a pretty good stitch, with another (or if folded over into two pieces) it all needs to be readjusted.

Thanks! I've been meddling with my 269 for a bit now trying to get the stitch right. I've got the right width and thickness, but underneath the stitch it's a terrible mess. I have a feeling it's maybe not picking up the bobbin correctly... I also think something is also too taught somewhere, as it is often tearing the thread apart rather than cutting it. Unless perhaps the cutting blades aren't working? I have a feeling I've gone as far as I can and need to find a mechanic unfortunately, I'd really like to get some sewing done after hauling these machines around trying to get them to work (I have two 269s, with one now more or less working).

Hi all, I've recently purchased a couple of old industrial sewing machines for some projects - a Juki straight stitch and a very old Singer 269 bartacker. I am discovering that information (particularly on the Singer) for these machines is quite minimal online - even finding machine mechanics where I'm located who can work on machines like the Singer are few and far between - I seem to have discovered that there is a bit of mystical art around industrial machines, particularly in countries where the majority of textiles manufacturing has gone offshore, and knowledge and skills around these machines begins to dwindle. So, I suppose I should learn how to keep these machines going on my own! Therefore I was wondering if anyone had any special recommendations on seminal books which discuss the maintenance and inner workings of old industrial sewing machines? Other than learning on the job, how did machine mechanics learn? Did machines like the Singer 269 come with maintenance books? Are there any companies around the world which might keep stock of old manuals and maintenance material? Out of curiosity, is there anyone out there who knows anything about the Singer 269W141 - what was its initial build purpose (general bartacking, drapery?), and when would it have been built? Thanks so much! -m