SInger 42 Class - Any opinions?

[Kate]

Dave when you go looking for a treadle stand, try to find a real industrial treadle - mine is (unfortunately) a regular high speed stand for a 16 class industrial head, but the old 42-5 doesn't seem to mind much - I thought the big wheel would lug me down, but it hasn't so far. They originally came with a dual-diameter drive wheel on the treadle, same as a 29 class patcher has - and if I ever find one.....

I have the oil pot on mine, if you want to make me such a deal, PM me off list. I don't ever plan on running anything but poly thread in my lifetime Or, I think Weavers have a little oil jug thingy that has wipers that most likely work better than the old leather flapper thing in mine!

Kate

[moonkittentextiles]

Hello, I am deciding whether or not to buy a Singer 42-5 that I found in an antique store - it is just the machine and comes in it's original wooden crate. I looked up the serial number and it is from 1918. My question to start is whether or not I need to find the cabinet/ treadle system that was made for this exact model (I downloaded the parts and operations manual) - this seems hard to find (most are in Australia) - or can I use one slightly different. And so which Model #'s cabinets/ treadle systems are ok to use for this machine? Thanks, Leah

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Like any other machine you just plonk it on a table.

I have one with the original two speed treadle base

[moonkittentextiles]

Thanks for the response Anne Bonnys Locker. Oh, so this machine will connect to and work with just about any treadle base?

Like any other machine you just plonk it on a table.

I have one with the original two speed treadle base

[Kate]

Thanks for the response Anne Bonnys Locker. Oh, so this machine will connect to and work with just about any treadle base?

The base isn't an issue, it's the table top that you have to have - bigger opening than a standard home machine, you will want a regular industrial type table top (or make one from 1-1/8 heavy plywood), and since mine is a fiddleback base, it won't fit "down and in" to a recess - just parks on top. I blocked the legs into the table opening to steady things up. you "could" also set it up on a box "portable" base for tabletop use, and put an electric motor on it with regular foot control.

[moonkittentextiles]

Thanks Kate - your response is very helpful! Now this doesn't seem as daunting as it did before

The base isn't an issue, it's the table top that you have to have - bigger opening than a standard home machine, you will want a regular industrial type table top (or make one from 1-1/8 heavy plywood), and since mine is a fiddleback base, it won't fit "down and in" to a recess - just parks on top. I blocked the legs into the table opening to steady things up. you "could" also set it up on a box "portable" base for tabletop use, and put an electric motor on it with regular foot control.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

The hole is 17 1/2" X 6 1/2" on my table with a small cut out to allow the bearing blocks to fit at each end.

Don't treat it as a serious project - just have some fun!

Thanks Kate - your response is very helpful! Now this doesn't seem as daunting as it did before

[moonkittentextiles]

Thanks Darren, I needed that - I tend to overwhelm myself sometimes

The hole is 17 1/2" X 6 1/2" on my table with a small cut out to allow the bearing blocks to fit at each end.

Don't treat it as a serious project - just have some fun!

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

I muck around with old machines for a living and sometimes I get out of my depth. I just have to back away and realise that it is just as much fun as when it was a hobby.

Thanks Darren, I needed that - I tend to overwhelm myself sometimes

[Cascabel]

I have a 42-5 that I use for everything. It will handle up to a half inch of veg tanned leather, although it is happier with a bit less. Works well for heavy fabric also. It will climb over most thick seams, but sometimes I need to "bump" the knee lifter if the spring-loaded swinging foot gets stuck on changing thicknesses. I absolutely LOVE the big flywheel. It has enough inertia to keep it chugging through heavy materials at slow speed. I can get it to really move slowly if needed by dragging my hand on the flywheel also. Never skips stitches on heavy leather with the right needle. It uses common 135x16 and 135x17 needles. I love this machine !!