Post machine

[china]

Hi all,

I have a older post machine it is Singer 236g 131, I have never used it and have considered selling it.

My question is, what type of work is it suited for and would I maybe regret selling it in the future'

china

[SteveBrambley]

Hi China,

As with most post machines, I suspect that it was intended for closing shoe uppers.

Steve

[esantoro]

I like the idea of having a post machine, but I've never seen one with a 1" lift that can do 346 thread. Is there such a post machine?

ed

[CampbellRandall]

I like the idea of having a post machine, but I've never seen one with a 1" lift that can do 346 thread. Is there such a post machine?

ed

The only post machine I've seen that could do that is a Puritan - an American made needle and awl chain stitch machine, available in various post sizes in both single and multi-needle. Puritans are commonly used for sporting goods, bags and luggage. The chains stitch is a weaker link than the lock stitch however; one good snag could unravel the seam.

[SteveBrambley]

The only post machine I've seen that could do that is a Puritan - an American made needle and awl chain stitch machine, available in various post sizes in both single and multi-needle. Puritans are commonly used for sporting goods, bags and luggage. The chains stitch is a weaker link than the lock stitch however; one good snag could unravel the seam.

I, occasionally, use a three row Puritan for certain jobs, you have to be careful when finishing off a seam, as there is no reverse feed and you must be very careful when removing the work from the machine, as you can easily unravel the whole seam! The only real advantage, other than the multiple row system, is that the machines will sew through very thick materials, including Plywood and thin Aluminium (Aluminum), not that I have ever tried that!

Steve

[china]

Steve, that machine is a monster compared to mine, I don't think mine would like plywood too much, mine has a motor driven roller foot, I will take some pics and try posting them, for those who are interested

[SteveBrambley]

Steve, that machine is a monster compared to mine, I don't think mine would like plywood too much, mine has a motor driven roller foot, I will take some pics and try posting them, for those who are interested

I, for one, would certainly be interested in seeing a pic of your machine. It sounds a bit like the Highlead GC24618, although that has needle feed as well as top and bottom driven, roller feeds.

Steve

[kevinhopkins]

Hi China,

Actually, I think your machine is an old shoe factory machine, and depending on your circumstances, and what you make, and whether or not the machine is in good working condition, I'd seriously think about keeping it. The place where post machines like that really shine is when it comes to making handbags, and sewing patches on jackets. If you anticipate doing either, I'd keep it. It probably takes off like a bat when you step on it, but if you put a servo motor on it, it becomes fairly user friendly. If it's got a roller foot on it, that's another matter, but if it's paid for and it works, and you want to do handbags, I'd keep it. But if you don't want it, at least now you know what sort of person to sell it to!

kevin

[china]

Thanks for the replies, has given me some things to think about I will take some pics on the weekend and post them

[china]

here are the pics

Edited June 28, 2009 by china

[china]

Here is the other pic I could not work out how to reduce them, something is not working on my side will have to speak to the guru. Anyway the close up of the post show the roller feed (motorised) the mechanism on the left is a trimmer that cust the Fabric as you sew

[SteveBrambley]

Interesting looking machine, I've not seen anything quite like that before. What's the function of the mechanism to the right of the post? All of the post machines that I have seen do not have anything like that, just a plain post.

I'd have thought that you'd find this machine quite useful, particularly for stitching inside light weight leather bags and such.

Steve

[neelsaddlery]

That is a very inique machine you have there. I have not seen anything like that myself. Singer made so many specialty machines over the years it is mind boggling. You could have a 1 of a kind there, and it might belong in a museum!!!!! Or, it could be a boat anchor -- it is hard to tell!!!!

I would say the machine was deifinitely used in either the mocassin, hat, handbag, or other associated business.

If you plan to use it for one of these purposes, then I'd say keep it.

One thing to consider, however, is that the parts for older Singer specialty machines are rare as hen's teeth. If you do have one of the special variants that Singer made, it may be impossible to get parts for it.

Just something to consider for later down the road.

[china]

Most people who have seen it have not seen one before, Steve the mechanism on the right is a trimmer it has small blade in it and when you click it in place the blade oscilates an trims the material that you are currently stitching, you can trim right up to the stitch line, the blade on the machine is snapped I have a replacement but have not fitted it

[Art]

Hi,

The 236w, introduced in the 50's I think, was a primary closing machine for shoes. Many of these are still used by custom shoemakers. Parts for these machines are somewhat available.

Since both rollers are driven, you might find the belt for the upper one missing (you will have to replace it, well have to is relative, it will run without it, but not as well as with).

Both belts might be there, but are old and glazed. In this case, get some of the black belt dressing from the automotive store and use a brush to coat the belts and let the dressing soak in overnight, put as much on as you can.

The bobbin cage needs to be removed and everything cleaned out, you will find everything from little lace doilies of thread to broken off needle points.

Adjustment for stitch length is a little tricky, there is a manual here:

http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/236W.pdf

Art

[SteveBrambley]

Most people who have seen it have not seen one before, Steve the mechanism on the right is a trimmer it has small blade in it and when you click it in place the blade oscilates an trims the material that you are currently stitching, you can trim right up to the stitch line, the blade on the machine is snapped I have a replacement but have not fitted it

Yes of course, that makes perfect sense! I should have guessed! Singer made quite a few types of shoe making machine with built-in trimmers, here's one from an old shoe making book:

Steve

[Rogueshoemaking]

Hello everyone,

I have a Singer 236g131

and I am trying to get parts for it, but it seems impossible for this make of specialised model. 
I need a motor that’s built into the side of the frame, and a control box. 
the correct serial number for the motor is 713604-002 and the control box serial number is 995536-002

it has a round wheel bottom feed, and a round wheel top feed. 
I need the motor and control box to feed the top feed. 
It works ok at the minute, with just the bottom feed, however when you double layer your leather for shoe uppers, it’s slacking on the top stitch. I believe if the top feed wheel was working correctly. The feed would correct the tightness on the stitching on the top. 
Can anyone help with finding the correct motor and control box. 

[Constabulary]

I don´t think new motor replacements are available anymore. Maybe check with some old school sewing machine dealers they may have some 236´s on their shelves for parts.

[James Roberts]

I sold one of these machines about two years ago in Australia for $1200, without the lining trimmer. Not sure if that helps you make up your mind or not. 

As far as post machines go, it's a pretty specific use case machine for light weight shoe uppers, with minimal stitch length options, narrow throat etc. If you wanted a post machine for more varied work I'd look for something else. Even certain shoe/boot styles will be difficult to sew with that lining trimmer in the way. I decided to get rid of it before I might have to replace one of the belts driving the feed mechanism.

[Rogueshoemaking]

Thanks Constabulary, and James. 
 

turns out I didn’t need a motor or a control box. The motor is for the lining trimmer. 
I just needed two belts. 
the same mechanism that drives the bottom belt, also drives the top belt. Both the top feed roller and bottom feed roller have to turn at the same speed. So it makes sense. So I’ve ordered two new belts. 
The lining trimmer does look a bit bulky, but the previous owner has removed what he can, and I knew about the small stitch length before I purchased it. I really like the small stitch on a shoe, and I’m looking forward to experimenting with it, hopefully I don’t change my mind and sell it. 
 

thanks again…