Model 51W51 Singer

[3arrows]

Ok Art and Bill how about an old Singer Post machine Model 51W51. There is a local sewing machine place here that has one for $100 works fine. I tried it with some skirting leather and it sewed it fine..Is this a good starter machine for a beginner?? thanks again for all the help and comments, Im trying not to learn the hard way by buying a piece of junk that wont do what I need it to do.. ron

[greg gomersall]

The post machine would be fine for chaps, belts and strap goods but as far as saddle construction or repair no way. The foot lift, sizes of needles available and the inability to sew with thread heavier than 207 will be your down side. You are at the stage that most people who want to do saddle repair or learn how to build saddles get stuck at. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHEAP STITCHER THAT IS CAPABLE OF DOING THIS KIND OF WORK. The lowest level type of machine in this class is the Boss which will probably run you a grand used, they are a piece of junk in my opinion. The next option is an American straight needle or a champion narrow throat, these are quite comman for 750 or less but if you are not mechanicly inclined good luck. I guess what I am trying to say is buy a bigger machine than you think you need and remember you will pass it on to your kids. A quality stitcher will pay for itself over and over, a cheap stitcher will probably never pay for itself. Greg

[Art]

Hi Ron,

This is a little more like it, but realize you are getting a drop feed (feed dogs only) machine which was really made as a high speed machine for doing shirts. A Needle feed machine is much better for heavy leather and complicated sewing of multiple layers. There is no reverse. The post gives a lot of leeway in sewing bulky or difficult items, but it is really a fabric sewing machine, the 51 variant doesn't even have the walking feet (alternating) that the 51W52 or 51W53 have. Cost should be right around $200, maybe a little more for a really good one. but never ever over $250 for head, table, and motor. If it sews what you want to sew, then it is an OK starter, IF you get a really good deal. Have the machine set-up to sew the leather and the Thread you will normally be using in Both needle and bobbin and sew a bunch of test pieces with it set up that way BEFORE you buy it. 51s were used in factories to sew shoe vamps and things like that, but they were the W54s thru W101s and vamps aren't saddle skirts, and the w51s were used to sew SHIRTS NOT SKIRTS. Remember, you are the mechanic if anything breaks or needs adjusting.

If you are going to be doing skirting, you need a robust machine that can handle big thread and correspondingly big needles.

I've made this offer before, but don't know where you are at, Weaver's consignment auction is in July (I think I put it on the leatherworker.net calendar) and I will be there if anyone wants a little help with machines. Smucker had an auction last year, so they won't have another till 2010. These are great places to buy a sewing machine if you know what you are doing.

Art

Ok Art and Bill how about an old Singer Post machine Model 51W51. There is a local sewing machine place here that has one for $100 works fine. I tried it with some skirting leather and it sewed it fine..Is this a good starter machine for a beginner?? thanks again for all the help and comments, Im trying not to learn the hard way by buying a piece of junk that wont do what I need it to do.. ron

[bcurrier]

I don't really have anything to add to what Art and Greg already said, other than at $100, you don't have a lot to lose. You'll find out in a hurry what its limitations are, but, on the other hand, it will be a useful light-duty machine if you don't push it (skirting would qualify). Bust it, and you may as well write it off. If you buy it, take Art's advice to heart on getting it set up with your thread and sewn off on the leather you will be using.

Bill

[3arrows]

As usual, you guys give great and sensible advice. I am contacting an equipment auction house here in Atlanta that may have several machines for sale. If I find a larger machine, Ill send you a post to get advice,,thanks again. ron.

[MG513]

Can a roller foot be attached to a 51w51?? Will be used for shoe uppers... Leather Python, canvas, possibly sting ray. There is one listed in my Craigslist, says its been sitting for 20 years though. Advice? 

[Constabulary]

There seems to be a roller foot for this machine but it seems to be a special roller foot or you have to replace the presser foot bar. Look at these pictures:

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Singer-Post-Sewing-Machine_23628221

Edited June 28, 2016 by Constabulary

[MG513]

On June 28, 2016 at 2:53 PM, Constabulary said:

There seems to be a roller foot for this machine but it seems to be a special roller foot or you have to replace the presser foot bar. Look at these pictures:

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Singer-Post-Sewing-Machine_23628221

I thought I replied to this smh. Thanks so much! 

I checked out the photos... Is replacing the presser foot bar difficult? Do you think that's all that would need to be changed? I won't have to move hooks etc. I'm 4 hours away from the closest machine tech so I'm trying to find a machine where parts are readily available and if need be I can fix myself. 

If if you have any other suggestions for roller foot machines please let me know!

[Constabulary]

I don´t know if you have many options when you need a roller foot for this machine. I don´t know the 51w51 in particular and if there is just one special roller foots for this machine. If you are unsure what to do you have to contact your local dealer or one of the well known dealer who have banners on top of this page and ask if they have a proper roller foot for your machine. Usually changing a presser foot bar is rather easy compared with needle hook timing or other adjustments. But if you don´t know how ask your dealer of post some pictures of your machine with removed faceplate so maybe some members here can help you. But first look for a roller foot - I have no suggestions for you - I'm sorry!

[dikman]

I have a 51W59 with a roller wheel and it appears to come as a complete assembly as it doesn't simply fit in place of the normal pressor foot (the vertical bar it's attached to has to be replaced as well).