29K51 won't pickup bottom thread

[Ken2]

Hi,  This is my first time posting here, but I have read just about everything on this forum about the 29 class machines.  I have a 29K51 I completely disassembled, cleaned, relubed, and reassembled.  It runs nice and easy.  I have double checked the shuttle timing and am using new needles.  But I cannot get it to pickup the bottom thread to make a stitch.  So here is what I have;

Using Schmetz #14 needles (pic attached) I sized the needle according to the help tip on needle sizing elsewhere on this forum.

Using C&C Upolstry Thread (pic attached)

Have adjusted the timing according to owners manual

Question, are there different length needles.  It seems when I move the needle down slightly in its holder, it will pick up the bottom thread occassionally, but not consistently. If the needle is placed all the way up in the holder, then it never picks up the bottom thread. I have tried different threads and needle sizes to no avail.  What thread works best in these machines and what needle size would you use with it?  I want to patch shoes mostly. What do I need to do?  Give me some things to try please.  Thanks,

Ken

[CowboyBob]

Wrong needle,these are home machine needles & are approx 1/4" too short,you need to buy 135x16 needles.You shouldn't have any problem finding them,but if you do we have them in stock.

Edited February 22, 2024 by CowboyBob

[Ken2]

All,

I talked to Bob at Toledo Industrial and he is sending me some correct thread and needles for the machine.  Tracking says they should be here on Tuesday and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

On another note, I read in a blog somewhere(I tried to bookmark it but erased it instead so I have no idea where I saw this) there are plans or patterns for making an extension table for these machines.  They were orginally available when the machines were sold.  Does anybody have an idea where I could find such plans?  I am a pretty adept woodworker and am sure I could make it. 

Thanks,

Ken

[CowboyBob]

@Ken2 Here's a couple pics.You can lay a piece of cardboard on top of the arm & make a pattern.If I made this one I would of used some thin angle iron & 2 screws for the mounting tabs.

[Ken2]

That sure is a nice table.  Very nicely done!!  Looks like alot of room too.

Thanks,

Ken

[Ken2]

All, thanks to Bob Kovar for posting those pics of the extension table for the 29 series Singer machines.  There are other pics and drawings out there I found since my last post.  Some have measurements so if anybody wants them a google search will find them or contact me and I will direct you to them.

So, I received the thread and needles Bob recommended and finally had a chance to try them.  I got the machine to stitch correctly on a flat piece of leather from the back of an old glove.  At least it worked for about 2 inches.  But now it doesn't again and it won't stitch a shoe.  So any other hints anybody might have would be much appreciated.  I did notice a notch on one side of the needles and faced that towards the bobbin.  Also, set the clearance between needle and bobbin cartridge as very close. 

Will be awaiting more ideas.

Ken

[ljk]

The 29k51 has a hole in front of the base just at the top of the stencil.  Inside is a eccentric at the junction of the horizontal and vertical arm.  You may be able to adjust the hook with this eccentric.  If this doesn't work check y tube videos.

[Ken2]

Yep, I watched the UTubes on timing the needle and bobbin.  And I adjusted the eccentric according the the advice in the vids.  Still no help.  Must be something I am still missing.  Any more ideas would be appreciated.

[ljk]

Cheap ideas.   Shim ladder gears, 1mm brass shim stock cheap at NAPA.  Adjust the needle distance to hook,seen just above the foot. The eccentric can be adjusted by moving the revolving carrier on shaft at top of machine. There is a Y Tube video on this.Trim a needle and adjust up and down see if this works. Keep looking.  I have owned a bunch of 29s from a $25  29-4 to a $800 29k71  got them all to work. Review" ken's life" on needlebar.org. great video on 29k13.

[Ken2]

Do you have a link to the Utube video you refer to?