Singer 51.w11 post bed machine

[WolfeLW]

I came across a listing for this machine on FB marketplace for $800 and cant find any info for this exact model number anywhere. Does anyone have any knowledge of this machine?

[Constabulary]

Not sure what the subclass 11 includes but the major difference usually is with what accessories the machine once left the plant.

What I can tell form this single picture is that it is a drop feed machine w/o reverse, it has an outdated clutch motor (you will not like it cause it is very fast and most likely not easy to control). This is the 2nd model of the Singer 51w. It has a plain presser foot instead of a roller foot. Some parts are still available but not too many.

IMO the 2 plats on the machine bed look kinda odd and I don´t think they belong to this machine.

Price wise i think it is too expensive for what it can do but on the other hand post bed machines are harder to find than others. If you buy it make sure the stitch length adjuster is working and nothing it broken on it. Also make sure the timing belt is in very good condition cause AFAIK they are no longer available.

The 51w when it came from the factory was set up for a nowadays rather odd needle system 128x3 / 128x4 (or similar) but you can convert the needle bar for using a more common needle like 135x16 or similar. See this link:

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/96574-singer-51w56-needle-bar-conversion/

I have the 1st model of the 51w and I like it very much but to be honest I´m barely using it. I did a needle bar conversion and a presser foot bar conversion as well but that was cause it still was the 1st model based on a Wheeler & Wilson machine. If you are interested:

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/86292-singer-51w-sv-2-post-bed-machine-restoration/

Maybe you can give us an idea of what you want to sew so we can try to suggest some other machines.

If you need more machine details of the 51w class you can download some 51w manual here:

 

Edited December 1, 2023 by Constabulary