singer 16-141 convert to hand crank?

[dragharley1]

Hi I acquired a 16-141 and was curious if I can convert it to hand crank to do small leatger projects like spur straps, and halters , also what needles do I need to get? Max size thread ?I would say the stuff I want to sew is 8-10 oz 

[Wizcrafts]

@dragharley1

There are 11 topics discussing the Singer 16-141 and 16-41. Read them here: https://leatherworker.net/forum/search/?q=singer 16-141&quick=1

The 16 series were light to medium duty upholstery machines. The models with walking feet were top and bottom dual feed where the outside presser foot pulls the work in sync with the feed dog The feet have teeth to get a solid grip on the material. The feet will leave permanent marks in veg-tan leather.

I suspect that your 16-141 will max out at between 1/4 and 5/16 inch thickness. The maximum thread size is probably #92 on top and in the bobbin. The needles were originally system 16x63 and 16x64 which may be hard to find. The modern equivalents are: DBx1, 287, and 1738. These are common needles in tailoring machines, like the Singer 31-15. 

[CowboyBob]

Only the 16-188 has the foot that pulls,the 16-141 has a spring loaded foot.Also convert the machine to use the  135x16 for leather,it measure approx 1 & 3/4" long & probably has already been converted.