Info. about a Singer 17-41 cylinder sewing machine

[jmpete]

Anyone know anything about the Singer 17-41 class sewing machine, was curious about how thick of leather it would safely sew and what the largest thread size it would sew. Was also wondering about the availability of parts for this machine.

[Art]

Hi Pete,

You can set or modify it for more, but 1/2" or less is how I've seen most of them. A 25 needle is about max so around 277/207 on the thread. Leighton's might have parts, and usually can machine them. It is a cylinder bed drop feed machine, originally designed for shoes, bags, saddles, suitcases, and the like. Not quite as good technically as the cylinder bed, walking foot, needle feed, and drop feed machines (yes, all of that in one machine) of today, but in their time they were the Cadillac of industrial machines. In full dress finish, they were real black beauties.

Art

Art

Anyone know anything about the Singer 17-41 class sewing machine, was curious about how thick of leather it would safely sew and what the largest thread size it would sew. Was also wondering about the availability of parts for this machine.

[CowboyBob]

Art,

I think your getting the little 17 class mixed up w/a 11 class,the 17's will sew maybe 1/4" w/69or 92 thread.

Bob

[Art]

You are correct Bob, the 11 is the bigger machine. As you say, the 17 is a medium weight machine at best, I think (not real sure) the 17-41 had a reverse on it, I don't think any 11 had a reverse. I think reversed because if it has a bigger number, it should be bigger, the 7 and 97 disprove that too. Either of these machines (11 or 17) would make a nice restoration project if you can get them cheap enough. Leighton's used to strip and repaint and re-decal them and they did look grand (and they got a hefty penny for them too). They occasionally turn up at auctions and because of the number of machines there (e.g. Weaver auction) they go fairly cheap, just watch out for missing parts. I'm currently playing with 221s and 222s, if something comes your way, let me know.

Art

Art,

I think your getting the little 17 class mixed up w/a 11 class,the 17's will sew maybe 1/4" w/69or 92 thread.

Bob

[CowboyBob]

I should mention that I can't find shuttles for the 17class machines,they are alittle smaller diameter than standard.

Art,

I think your right about the 17-41 having rev I thought I had one here & was going to check the # but can't find it.I do have a 11-36 that feeds up & down the arm,reverse parts on it look just like the 17's do

Bob

[nuncanunca]

I should mention that I can't find shuttles for the 17class machines,they are alittle smaller diameter than standard.

Art,

I think your right about the 17-41 having rev I thought I had one here & was going to check the # but can't find it.I do have a 11-36 that feeds up & down the arm,reverse parts on it look just like the 17's do

Bob

This page shows it having reverse. It should also say on the manual or parts list, I just don't have it handy.

http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/webdoc1/used/used-brochures/17.htm

I have a 17-16, also with reverse, and after tons of frustration and headaches I stopped trying to use anything thicker than 69/92 thread.

The shuttles are available occasionally on ebay and there is a Co in california that has them for pretty cheap if anyone wants the website...

Have a nice day!

Dave

[Conchita]

Hello, 

I recently purchased an industrial Singer 17-41 cylinder arm sewing machine. It was working fine when I tested it at the time of purchase, but now the tension assembly seems to be coming apart.

I've attached some photos for reference. Can anyone tell if I'm just missing the end knob, or if the entire tension assembly needs to be replaced? If a replacement is necessary, does anyone know where I can find one?

Also, if you happen to have a replacement tension assembly for sale — or know someone who does — I'd be very interested. Thank you in advance