kgg

I have looked at the Consew website (Consew.com) and can not find any information there that would suggest the RB5 is factory rated for V207 for the top thread and in the bobbin. I also couldn't find what the max needle size the machine is factory rated for. The Juki's rate their machines at V138 like for the 1541S for the top and bobbin thread but if you notice that the max factory rated needle they can handle is a size 24 needle which can handle V207. I think they allow the extra sized needle to allow V138 to work properly in thick heavy materials. So I think but have not tried it myself that the Juki could probably handle V207 thread with softer materials in both the top and bobbin. Maybe someone else can confirm this. The funny thing is my Juki 1181N has max factory rated needle size of #23 needle which is good for V138 but the machine itself is factory rated for V92 yet came out of the unopened box with V138 threaded in the top and bobbin. The bottom line is thread capacity can be confusing and I think mainly depends on what / how thick you want to sew. kgg

You can get them from American & Efird directly or Wawak ( https://www.wawak.com/Thread/Thread-By-Use/Bobbin/redi-wound-nylon-style-g-bobbins-144-bobbinsbox/?sku=THD122WH ) at about $38 US for 144 in a box. kgg

Since the machine was used in a shop one has to wonder why they are selling it so I agree it is probably a wiser decision to but the new Consew.

Yes very interesting. It made me go back and do a second test with the same thread for the top thread and in the bobbin using a piece of 7/128" (1.38mm) veg tan. I got 6 1/2 stitches to the inch. Photo 3: Side by side of veg tan from first test with 11/ 32" (8.73mm) and the second test with 7/128" (1.38mm) side by side kgg

For the wallets a flatbed is probably your best bet but another option maybe cylinder bed machine with a flatbed attachment. The Juki line of machines are excellent machines and are typically what the clones are copied after. The test would be take some of what you what to sew with the thread you are planning on using and test drive both machines. See which one works best for your needs / wants. Be aware buying secondhand like most things is always a gamble and more for the person willing to do their own repairs. If you are not someone who is willing to do some repairs buy new. If the Juki 1508 is in good to excellent "working" condition, that has not been used in a factory setting and will do what you what / need it would be my preference. I have a Juki 1541S and a 1181N. For light stuff the walking foot 1181N does a nice job where as to do the same job on light stuff with the 1541S it needs to be dumbed down. The 1508 I would imagine would be more severe then the 1541S. As far as quality / accessories / replacement parts goes Juki I think far exceeds most others. Remember no one machine can do everything. Buy once, Cry once kgg

The Juki LU-562 and LU-563 and LU-563-3 are rated for a #23 needle (Page 3 of Juki LU-562 and LU-563 Instruction Manual) so that means their max rated bobbin and top thread size is V138 thread. You maybe able to use V207 in the top and V138 in the bobbin but V207 in the bobbin may cause problems. To get V277 for the top thread you would need a minimum #25 needle which probably will not fit, other parts may or may not be strong enough to handle the strain and the bobbin probably will not accept it. kgg

Lovely work. kgg

Thank you all. Just an update. I finally moved the Singer 29k-71 upstairs this morning to it's new resting space and changed the needle from the original 29 x 3 system to a 135 x 16 #20 needle for a quick test. Thanks to Wiz's info it was a straight swap. I also ran some V138 through which is I think the lowest size that will accept the V138 thread but doesn't really leave enough space for the bobbin thread too be pulled up. The propose of the test run was to see i) how close the number of stitches per inch it would sew versus what the manual said it could do. Manual says: 7 to 15 to the inch. depending on material being stitched and operations performed. ii) to see if it could sew above the normal 1/4" max. I hadn't adjusted the bobbin thread tension which also contributed to the bobbin thread not being properly pulled up. Photo 1: Shows that it will sew 7 1/2 stitches per inch. I'm pleased I can live with that. Photo 2: Shows a how thick the veg tan scraps were that I hobbled together. 11/ 32" or 8.73mm I'm happy with this as well. Comments always welcomed. kgg

I changed the original needle with a 135 x 16 #20 with some V138 thread for a test run on my 1949 Singer 29k -71. It work perfectly. Thanks Wiz kgg

Just a simple swap out . kgg

I think a couple of problems: To small a needle, so there isn't really enough space in the hole the needle made and you don't have enough top tension which until you use the right needle you will not be able to properly get. A # 18 needle is good for a much smaller thread Tex 70 (V69). kgg

You are using to small of a needle for Tex135 ( V138 ) thread should be a #22 for fabric / thin leather ; #23 for leather; and sometimes depending on how tough and thick #24. Check out " tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html " for what size of thread goes with what needle size. kgg

I am looking at figuring out a method of installing a simple domestic sewing motor to the rear base of the machine. Something along the lines of what some have done with the 29k-4's but the 29k-71 does not have a mounting hole and I don't want to drill one in the machine or the base. If anyone has a suggestion or knows of an adapter plate of some sort I would appreciate the info. kgg

I just finished giving I'M a redneck formula bath the crap that that came out was black to say the least. The rear gears and roller bearings have almost no wear which surprised me. Now I'm moves with a light touch on the hand wheel. For shits and griggles did a unscientific noise level measurement. We used a CEM DT-805 Digital Noise Meter to measured the normal db level where the machine is and measured the level as it went through it's hand cranked cycles. Normal quiet noise level in the area was 38 db and again with the machine going through multi hand cranked cycles peaked a 52 db so the machines peak noise was 14 db. Putting that into perspective normal conversation in the machine area was measured at 72 db. I figure I'M is a pretty quiet sort of a guy. kgg

Thank you both and the best part it does sew. Just not a pretty face. kgg

Hi may name is given name is I'M, my surname is Singer 29K71. I was conceived on October 11, 1949 I think in Clydebank, Scotland. Later I was badged as a Centennial 1851 to 1951 before making the great voyage with some of my brothers to the new world. During my 70 plus years I have been used and feed a steady diet fabric and leather. Boot leather was probably my favourite. I have outlived many a caretaker some were better then others until finally arriving in Ontario to probably my retirement home with kgg. Kgg gave me a spa treatment where my base was high pressure hosed with good old fashion soak and water, I thought my skin was going to peel off but I survived that only too have my coat touched up and polished along with four new high density rubber soles glued to my feet. My body, well it does shown some battle scares and is a bit dull in spots. I had the many years of nicotine and dried oil removed from my coat and hand polished bringing back my best parts too show how well I have aged. My large head bolt and clutch bolt have over the years been badly gouged which needed to be ground down. I am still missing, but promised, a new bobbin thread tensioner nut, a top head spool rod and a cotter pin to replace the nail in my end pulley wheel. My flatbed attachment legs, well they were a little scummy and had to be repainted to match the rest of me. My two double needle end plates can handle my sharp points from #11 to 24 are in really good shape with the one for small threads in excellent shape as my previous owners rarely used it, preferring the #18-20 needle hole. Even though my arm is 5" shorter then my bigger brothers 72 and 73 at 12 1/4" I still can manage to reach most things with a helping hand. Before going to my room, all I need is to revitalize the old joints with some redneck oil.

I would look for something in the 29k 70 series of machines. Where are you located? Someone my be able to recommend something in your area. kgg

My take on the machine: 1) The instruction manual seems a bit difficult to source but the parts manual can be had at https://www.hendersonsewing.com/manual.asp?page=63 from the Henderson Sewing Machine Company. 2) If I'm not mistaken the machine dates to around early 1930's. 3) The duck tape on the bobbin cover, that's not right indicates the catch level is damaged. 4) Is there a second bobbin cover. Originally there were two bobbin covers depending on the size of needle you were going to sew with. 5) With the way the machine is setup with the hand wheel on the far end indicates it was setup to be belt driven not hand powered and bolted to a cast iron base. Trying to reach the hand wheel to sew is going to be difficult to say the least. 6) Where is the cast iron base, drive belt and flat table top attachment? 7) The adapter, large head screw and hand wheel engaging clutch assembly is missing to put the hand wheel on the side of the machine for hand power operation. 8) I don't see a threading rod for threading the top thread down inside the head. 9) The stitch length could be as simple as the adjuster isn't set properly or worn out internal parts. 10) The overall condition of the machine indicates it was stored in a damp area. There is a good three part youtube video ( youtube.com/watch?v=95S6IvyPAN0 ) showing the restoration of a 29k 51 which has some slightly different internal parts as outlined in the Henderson linked parts manual this machine. For me, I would pass on the machine unless the price was under $100 and I wanted a project machine to strip down, repaint and replace worn out parts. What is the seller asking? Just my opinion, kgg

Without any photo's, I would probably consider keeping the Alder 67 GK-373 and the Singer 153W104 depending on condition. You may have better luck finding a manual for the Singer if you search for 153 K104 the letter I think just indicates whether it was made made in the US or the UK. The parts for the Alder and Pfaff's are expensive and for the Alders some accessories are made specifically for them. kgg

Yes, I think all of us have had to hand wheel at some time or other. Remember to back off your pressor foot tension. The main pain is growing that third arm. One arm to guide the material, second to hold the top and bottom thread on starting the seam and a third to hand wheel. Oh, I forgot one to hold the reverse level down to reverse and lock the stitches. Best of luck, kgg

My take on pressor foot lift is just the clearance from the bed to the bottom of the pressor foot for ease of getting items under and out from the needle. It would be nice if the manufacturers came out with a spec that said " the max sewing thickness is XX mm " just like they do for thread. kgg

I think, if you are going to be sewing 1/2 " constantly you probably should be looking at a different machine. Yes, you may on occasion push your machine to do more then it was designed to do. But you run the risk of damaging other internal components. If the 1/2" is going to be a regular occurrence or just a would like then you need a machine that can do 1/2" plus at least a 1/8" for your safety margin. It is better to run a machine designed to handle slightly over your needs then running a machine at it's design max and is definitely better then running a machine beyond it's design max. That then probably means looking at cylinder bed machine as they would probably be more cost effective then a flatbed capable of sewing 7/8" thick items. kgg

Stairs and any sewing machine definitely don't go together. With that said all my machines are on the second floor except for anything dedicated to the basement for a spruced up or on a out the door journey. kgg

Nice short to the point, personable video. kgg

The last time I owned one of those Singer 127 / 128 models was about 10 years ago I got it for $50 from an estate sale in working condition just required the wood work to be refinished. I think people buy them today mostly for a show piece. What I have seen in the used market over the last couple of years here in Ontario is: i) The featherweight Singer 221's asking between $300 - $900 with the white ones closer to $1500. The free arm version always seem to sell for $200 - $300 more. I had a Singer 221 for a short time, nasty little machine, they seem to be popular with the quilter groups as they are light to carry (about 11 pounds) from place to place. ii) I think if someone needs a drop feed domestic the Singer 99K's are pretty bullet proof and can be had for about $200 in excellent condition. iii) Singer 29k's asking range between $400 to $1000 depending condition and on whether they are complete with the original base, flatbed attachment, manual and threading rod. This is up from a couple of years ago from the $200 to $300 range. Why???? I just pickup a 29k-71 with original base and in decent working condition all it needs so far is a little TLC. If it doesn't do what I am hoping it to do I'll sell it in a couple of months. iv) Juki 563 asking range between $900 - $1500 up from $500 - $700 a couple years ago. v) Since Covid 19 the prices have been increasing to point that it is just as well to buy new for what people are asking for used industrial walking foot machines. Just my opinion. kgg