Needles and bobbins for Singer 51w28

[Lostranger]

I bought this old post bed machine several months ago, and I’m ready to make it useful. Thought I saw a digital manual for it on this site, but I can’t find it now.

i need to know what needles and bobbins to buy. I’m building a new tabletop for a K-leg frame and using a brushless, servo motor. Also planning to install a speed reducer, but I’m finding opinions the reducer is not necessary with a brushless servo. I’d love to know what you think.

This machine will play a prominent role in our shoe repair business. I’m making a few shoes and boots for immediate family. I’m looking forward to having a functional post bed machine.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

James in NC

[FDC]

Hi James,

We are on a similar adventure as I'm almost finished restoring a 51W56 Singer post bed! The machine has been torn down, repainted and put back together and the table and stand are made. I am going with a servo motor as well. This machine handles DB x 1 needles which go up to 110/18 and have a 1.63 mm shank. I have machined a custom needle bar for my machine that will take 135 system needles and get me up to 125/20 using a 2.00 mm shank. I too want to use this machine to make my own footwear!

Singer 51W56 Parts Manual Condensed.pdf 51W Manual.pdf

[dikman]

I can't help with the needles but regarding a speed reducer it all depends how slow you want to sew. Most of the digital servos aren't slow enough for many of us, plus they lose a bit of torque when you use them at their slowest speed. I have servos on my machines and I've fitted home-made reducers as well (I like the control it gives me to reduce the chance of an errant stitch/needle hole!).

[Constabulary]

There is an earlier type 51w based on Wheeler & Wilson and a later type 51w and the two types are using different needle bars and are mechanically different too. So it depends on what you have. I assume you have the earlier type 51w.

This thread my help:

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

Some years ago I have restored an early type 51w and converted its needle bar and I still have the machine.

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

 

Edited 20 hours ago by Constabulary