Singer 29k2 restoration and asking for advice

[Bosko90]

Hello,
I got a Singer 29k2 1920. I am opening a new topic, because in it I would like to write about the restoration of the machine, how I fixed some things and I would like to ask you who have already repaired a machine for advice and I hope you folks in the know will follow this thread. Unfortunately, not many 29k are sold in our country, so I had to take what was available. This makes me aware of what I have and that there are problems with spare parts. Of course, mine also has problems with the length of the stitch, and I hope I can fix it well. The machine is otherwise in working condition. works a stitch, and so far I haven't seen a skipped stitch. So here is my machine :) 

First, I set about cleaning all the components, and I installed the missing plate. (At this point I have to say that the sewing machine is primarily a decoration for me, because I am a machinist and I am very interested in antique machines. Of course, I like the feeling that everything works as it should. I also make various things from leather, where this the machine is not vital).

Brass nails with a diameter of 1.8 mm fit perfectly.

 

When I went to pick up the machine, I was somewhat negatively surprised that this machine has seen some pretty rough times. But since the machine was working when I saw it and since I was driving quite a distance and the price was not excessive, I decided to take it. Also, the previous owner sanded the base and powder coated it, so I have no work to do with it and it is very nice.
Here are some of the battle wounds he's earned over the century:

 

 

I hope you enjoy this thread, I have more things to post on the go.

 

 

[DieselTech]

Looks good. Always glad to see the old machines saved. Nice work. 

[Bosko90]

The machine came with a broken Revolving Bush Handle. Unfortunately, the broken piece was not there. This piece can be bought new, but it looks to be of poor quality. Wanting to preserve as many original parts as possible, I set about making a new missing piece. I'm not sure how I'm going to put the piece together yet. I don't know what cast iron the original piece is. Brazing will probably come into play. Does anyone have any experience on how to go about it and what material to use?

[Constabulary]

I have a revolving bush for this machine and other parts as well. I´m in Germany so shipping is not a problem.

[Bosko90]

On 4/13/2024 at 7:06 PM, Constabulary said:

I have a revolving bush for this machine and other parts as well. I´m in Germany so shipping is not a problem.

Thank you

 

Here is another worn part. Does anyone have an idea how to fix it? I'm afraid to heat this part, because of possible heat treatment.

 

Edited April 15 by Bosko90

[Bosko90]

I found that the small gear is a bit worn and has a lot of play. But the machine still makes a stitch. Since there is no spare for this model, I decided to make my own. I redrew this one and made it a bit thicker, then I 3d printed at home a test piece that fits nicely. Having already done all this, I realize that someone here on the forum years ago already did this. But I will use my model anyway. Plan is a 3D print made of metal. I am currently still looking for a provider, as most offer stainless steel, but I want aluminum or brass. The reason is that I don't want a harder gear than the original parts, I want a new gear that I can remanufacture to wear out, rather than another original piece.

[Gunnarsson]

On 4/15/2024 at 10:51 PM, Bosko90 said:

Here is another worn part. Does anyone have an idea how to fix it? I'm afraid to heat this part, because of possible heat treatment.

 

Assuming the exact height of the surface is not important, how about filing/grinding it down until the groove is gone/mostly gone? If I remember the construction it's just a spring holding the thread down against that surface to give some tension.

 

[Bosko90]

Thanks for the suggestion. That would probably be one solution, yes. But I'd rather save that for the last option. I wouldn't want to modificate parts too much. I was currently thinking about epoxy glue. I don't know how wear resistant it is though. It will probably be for a few years of my little use. If this sewing machine is made for repairing shoes, where you use very little thread, can you imagine how many shoes it went through? :O

[shoepatcher]

Original gears were hard.  Try Sitomaco.es in Madrid, Spain.   Making aftermarket gears for the 29K1 and a few other parts.

glenn

[Bosko90]

On 4/21/2024 at 4:08 AM, shoepatcher said:

Original gears were hard.  Try Sitomaco.es in Madrid, Spain.   Making aftermarket gears for the 29K1 and a few other parts.

glenn

Thanks for the reply. I looked at what they have and I can only find the gear from the shuttle hook.
Well, during this time I also got an offer for the original piece, which is less worn.

[Bosko90]

While looking for solutions for the vital parts, I have made cosmetic fixes. While my 29k-2 was falling on hard times, it lost some part of letter G. I decided to recreate it. I modeled a 3d model, printed it and then glued it where it should be.
At this point I would like to ask if anyone knows what was originally painted gold on the baseframe? Were the company signs on the sides also gold?

 

 

Edited April 24 by Bosko90

[Tastech]

With the stand you can do anything you like that you think looks good .  Your frame is not the original pattern that was made when the machine was made . There are 3 versions, the one you have is the second generation which came out in the 1920's it is also the most common and in my view the best looking pattern . I will send you some photos of all 3 variations of my restored machines to give you a look at the differences . I think i have posted a few on this site somewhere before  . I just got a new phone with a better camera so i will post some more on this thread using better lighting . I restore 29k's to suit my aesthetics black is not my preferred color . The way i see it is there are thousands of black originals in various conditions in the world but not many like mine . They are fun to work on ,simple yet functional and not at all hard to use . Although some parts look identical from different variations of the machine they are not . When sourcing replacement parts always make sure part numbers are identical .The part numbers are stamped on the parts. But most of all be patient , very patient . I waited 10 years to find replacement gears for a 29K53 , then found 2 complete gear boxes in the same month . Go figure .

[Bosko90]

hello, yes, everyone likes their own. I always want to make things as original as possible. Here, someone already had the base sandblasted and powder coated a couple of years ago, and it is very nice. However, I might not do thes. I will certainly not paint the machine, because it is not new, I want to see 100 years of history, while mechanically I want it to be in a good condition as possible. I didn't know there were several different baseframes. I would appreciate pictures. My machine is from 1920, why do you think the base is not from the original? Yes, the parts give me a lot of trouble because they look almost identical. Some fit, some don't. I don't have enough knowledge to know what goes together, even if it's not the same model. So I appreciate your help.