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Background: I have read posts on here and around the web for a couple of years, so I have done research but have no real world experience with leather rated machines. I currently hand sew a small number of heavy cloth or leather projects a year, usually patching items for the wife or kids when my Singer 201's can't handle it. I am currently stationed in Germany and the sewing machines out here seem to be more plentiful and better priced than in the US. As an example, I picked up 3 machines in one day for less then $60, two 201's and a German machine, then sold the German machine for $200 once I got it running a week later. The 29k3 has an asking price of $150 and is a 15-minute drive away. The bad news is he/she (unisex name, have not met yet) got it when their spouse left after a divorce and have never seen it work. At the least is missing a bobbin, so there is no way to test it before buying it. With this person trying to get rid of it, and with it not in working condition, I think I could talk them down to $50 because it may need expensive repairs. The 29K172 is for 280 Euro ($327), but is 2 hours out, in working condition and "comes with accessories". The pictures are beautiful! I know this is the much better machine but if I get it before selling a few of my current tube radio projects, my wife will be more upset than I am willing to deal with at this time. LOL. If I get either of these machines, my work will probably not increase in the next couple years beyond making a few tool pouches and axe head covers, but I plan on doing more when I get back to the US in a couple of years and retire from the military. Questions: What do machines in these conditions typically go for in the US (selling point for my wife)? What should I look for when inspecting them? At what point should I run away? Any pointers that you are willing to give a guy who has never seen an industrial machine in person? Thanks in advance, Ian

Last weekend I found this 29K (built in 1905) and figured the tag says 29 K.S.V 3 - so obviously a Special Version (or variant) of the 29K cobbler machine. The only obvious difference compared with a 29K3 is that the 29K S.V. 3 has two threaded holes in the lower arm. This most likely is for attaching a binder attachment. I have no proof for this but I guess the threads are for a binder attachment. I just wanted to share some pictures because there are not many of them around and even on Needlebar.org or ISMACS I wasn't able to find further information.

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.