Dink Report post Posted December 10, 2007 I have a old Singer 29-4 that also has a motor. I got this machine with a set of old leather tools I purchased and have not messed with it much. the little I did do it would stitch about 5 stitches and break the thread, So I think that is just a tension issue? What is the largest thread this machine will take? I want to get it stitching good more as a novelity piece but then may sell it, still undecided. any information about this machine and it's setup would be much appreciated. Thanks Dink Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted December 10, 2007 Hi Dink, If you can get a 180 (Singer 24) needle in it then about 138 thread. I usually see them loaded with a 120 (Singer 18 or 19) needle and 69 thread. Also seen a 100 (#16) needle and 46 thread. The 29s are old shoe patch machines and were seldom run with the larger thread and very seldom used for general leatherwork construction, however they can be handy as hell to put a patch on a sleeve or for repair of an assembled piece. If you have it and have room for it, keep it, because what it does it does well. Tune it up and learn to use it well, and you can pay for it in one day at bike week. Art I have a old Singer 29-4 that also has a motor. I got this machine with a set of old leather tools I purchased and have not messed with it much. the little I did do it would stitch about 5 stitches and break the thread, So I think that is just a tension issue? What is the largest thread this machine will take? I want to get it stitching good more as a novelity piece but then may sell it, still undecided. any information about this machine and it's setup would be much appreciated.Thanks Dink Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
broncobuster Report post Posted December 10, 2007 hi I have 2 29-4 im looking for a long arm. but i use mine a lot. i set up at bike rallies and am one of very few who can sew a patch on a sleeve or pocket(probably cause im not to smart n carry this heavy brut around). theres always a line lol. i use a schmetz needle it says a 29x3 140/22. you can find them on ebay also they are #29-4 is what they call the needle. and i use a 69 nylon thread. i also dont have a motor on mine i still use the peddle. i feel the motor goes a bit fast i get more control out of peddling it plus it gets the crowd to come n watch which gives me more sales cause both machines i use are very old. im on my machines from 9am till 1-2am for 2-4 days depending on the show.only stopping for potty n a sandwich. im kind of a gluten for punishment lol. or the occasional machine break down. im going to put a counter on my machines this year an see how many darn patches i sew on. maybe i dont want to know lol. Its very handy machine i use it a lot to put zippers in boots or repair. I have to make a table yet for mine so i can sew bigger areas. its hard to manuver bigger items around with that narrow arm. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dink Report post Posted December 11, 2007 Thanks for the reply Dink Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
badjustice Report post Posted December 21, 2007 I have a 29k71 and it's almost just like the 29-4 (I guess the 71 is newer). I haven't had a lot of time to play with it but what I did do, didn't work very well. I got the machine for a song and even paid a guy to tune it up for me got some needles for it and now all I need to do is learn how to use it. The thing looks awesome, it's like new. the guy I had tune it up for me said it was the nicest one he had ever seen but I still don't know how to use it. I think I might be using too light of a thread. I try to sew with it but all i get is a tangled mess in the bobbin. It just about drives me crazy because I have a lot I would like do with it. Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted December 21, 2007 BADJUSTICE..........this is what i have done... The repair man that did the work on the machine if he is an honorable guy........ get ready to sew, give him a call to see if he will come to where you are , he can look over you shoulder and give you advice as to what is happening. if that machine is set up right then it is operator error......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted December 21, 2007 A real beauty, and if it ever fails the base makes a great dinning room or card table with a nice top and maybe a goldleaf chessboard inlay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites