Singer Sewing Machine #153K103

[ponygirl]

Hi all. this is my first post and I am a young aspiring leather worker in Vermont. I am hoping to finally fetch a used machine to begin making some chaps and chinks. The machine will need to be able to sew 5/6 oz chap leather. There will be places on the chinks where I'll have to sew 3 layers of this leather together. I could get away with only sewing 2 layers together if I use a lace on back belt.

I have found a Singer Sewing Machine #153K103 for sale locally. The description of this machine according to Singer, is that it can sew light to medium weight leather. It can handle a 25 needle with #8 thread up to a #9 needle with #70 thread. Do you all think this machine might be sufficient for the task? Does anyone know if this machine has a reverse? What would you pay for a machine like this that's used and in good shape?

Thanks much!

[ryano]

It sure will work. Great walking foot, cylinder arm sewing machine. It has the same feet as the Singer 111w models and takes the same common needle system. 135x17, round point, 135x16 wedge point leather. Parts are still available for this machine also. Good luck and have fun!

[kevinhopkins]

Hi... That's a good machine, but there's a couple of things that you might want to be aware of. Just in case you're not a "sewing machine person", you need to know that there's a good chance that the machine you're getting, has a clutch motor on it. And that's fine, if you have a little experience. But if you don't, you might want to be aware that the machine will take off like a scared rabbit when you put your foot on it, and that can be intimidating for some folks. (My first one had me scared to death!) I'm not a big fan of used machines, but that's mainly because I sold them for so many years. But if you have sewing machine experience, or have a friend that does, the machine you're looking at could be a good one. And it wouldn't be hard to slow it down with either a speed reducer, or a servo motor, or both, if you decide that you need to.

Best wishes,

Kevin

[ponygirl]

Thank you both for the helpful replies. I am new to sewing (i have only used little dinky home machines in the past) so I would probably want to slow this machine down. Pardon my ignorance, but can you tell me what exactly is a speed reducer or servo motor? How do these work to slow down the pace of the machine? Can you find them at any sewing machine shop?

Also, I've found that this machine doesn't have a reverse. How difficult is it to learn how to finish a stitch off without the reverse? If it's something I can work around I'm more than willing to. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for a more expensive machine and if this is a sturdy one, I'd like to give it a shot, even if it means learning a few tricks. Thanks again!

[Deb59]

Hi, Good luck with your machine! As far as no reverse, You can get the same effect if you sew up to where you want to stop. Stop with the needle down. Pick up the presser foot, turn your leather around, put the presser foot back down and sew a few stitches back down the stitched line you just made. This will do the same thing as a reverse stitch. A little more time consuming, but will get the job done. Be sure to post some pictures when you get some done - Deb

[ryano]

A speed reducer is a 2 pulley idler system that is installed between the motor and sewing machine. Most are designed to slow the machine to half the motor speed which also doubles the torque of the machine. Here is a link on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Industrial-Sewing-Mach...Q2em118Q2el1247

A servo motor is a reostatically controlled motor that runs like a house sewing machine meaning the farther you press the go pedal down, the faster the machine will run. Both the speed reducer and servo motor systems are around 100 to 150 bucks. Pretty costly if you ask me. I would stick a block of wood or a brick under the foot peddle to limit the amount of travel the peddle has to slow the machine down. That does not cost anything. lol You will get use to it I'm sure.

[kevinhopkins]

Thank you both for the helpful replies. I am new to sewing (i have only used little dinky home machines in the past) so I would probably want to slow this machine down. Pardon my ignorance, but can you tell me what exactly is a speed reducer or servo motor? How do these work to slow down the pace of the machine? Can you find them at any sewing machine shop?

Also, I've found that this machine doesn't have a reverse. How difficult is it to learn how to finish a stitch off without the reverse? If it's something I can work around I'm more than willing to. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for a more expensive machine and if this is a sturdy one, I'd like to give it a shot, even if it means learning a few tricks. Thanks again!

Hi... a speed reducer is a pulley system that mounts to the bottom of the table. It will slow down your machine about 30 to 50%. A servo motor is kind of like a dimmer switch on a light. Easy to control, and will usually allow even an inexperienced person to sit down and sew with success. I know that you said you really can't afford a new machine, but if there's any way that you can, it would be a good idea. For what it's worth, I wouldn't recommend buying a used machine from a friend.... things have a way of not working out so well. As to it not having reverse, it might not be too big of a deal.... especially if you don't intend on sewing for money. But if you're thinking about trying to make a little money with your hobby, I'd be going for the reverse. Sewing can machines open a lot of doors for you.... Hope yours works out good for you! And by the way, if you decide you want to pursue the reducer or motor, tell me where you are, and I'll point you to the closest source.

Best wishes

Kevin Hopkins

[ponygirl]

Ryano - that's exactly the type of tricks i'm talking about! thanks for the advice. A block of wood sounds a heck of a lot better than 150 bucks.

[ryano]

My advice to you is to buy this book. It will show you everything you need to know about sewing with an industrial sewing machine plus many, many, more things. It is a super, super book. You can find this book a little cheaper though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BOOK-Automotive-Up...1QQcmdZViewItem

Edited April 21, 2009 by ryano

[ponygirl]

Kevin,

I've heard quite a bit about reverse being important. Will not having the reverse impact the quality of the item i'm making? or just add a little more time to the process? Deb's comment gave me the impression that it's workable. I've been hunting for a machine locally with the reverse option, and have found quite a few machines that claim to be "industrial" when really they can only sew some canvas. sigh. This is the first nice machine i've found in a couple months. I'd really like to make a purchase so I can get started on the learning process. The machine is actually not from a friend, so that's good. I've also made friends with the fellow at our local leather repair shop, and he's agreed to help me a bit, which is really nice. I guess I'll decide about that reducer and motor when the time comes I guess

Ryano - I just grabbed that book off Amazon for 10 bucks! Thanks!