CowboyBob

Here's a manual for a machine like a 337 205RB-1.pdf

Usually the smallest you can use for 138 is size140

Thread underneath the base(on the left) instead on going between it.

Only the 16-188 has the foot that pulls,the 16-141 has a spring loaded foot.Also convert the machine to use the 135x16 for leather,it measure approx 1 & 3/4" long & probably has already been converted.

It mounts in one of these three holes already drilled & tapped in the bed, usually it will be the front one.

Yes,same length.

You have a belt pulley,feed cam & needlebar crank to take all the screws out of & then you have to get in there & clean the 50 yr old crud off of the shaft so it will slide out the tight tolerances that these parts are in.I usually slide shaft in & out,clean,slide,clean,cuss!

This one is as close as you can get for one.Your model is a copy of the Singer 111w except your has reverse. 111w Navy Repair manual.pdf

Great looking work.We have used the 1.5 amp 9000 rpm version of this motor on Singer 29 patchers in the past & they work pretty good.You have to use a stronger foot pedal with it as the motor will fry a standard pedal.

When we sell one of these we always buff off the feet if they are sewing leather & do the same on the Consew's too.They don't mark then.AFAIK there are no smooth feed dogs for them.

Be real lucky to sew 3/8"leather on this model,it is more suitable for vinyl & canvas than leather.

Singer never made service manuals for any of their machines,if you need service they would send their factory trained techs to you.So the closest you can get is thei one for a similar Juki 158. Juki 158 operators manual.pdf

NO,don't ever take it apart,just oil everything & use it.It will loosen up as you use it.

When you thread the lower disc you need to go past the little oval window @ the 10:00 position.

This shaft has a clamp on the other end that you need to loosen only when your setting the needlebar to match the feed dog.Otherwise it should be tight & only move when you turn the handwheel.There's a hole on the backside of the casting to access the big screw on the clamp.