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).

[RockyAussie]

Hi MG513, Is it possible to see some pics of the set up on this machine as it is? I think I may have one of these down in a shipping container but buried down the back.I used it when I was making shoes for the uppers only and I would not think any good for beady ray work. I know it is a singer post and has a roller foot but I think the dog feet are only on the left side and I don't know without seeing some pics of the dog feet on yours if the roller foot would be an easy change over.

[MG513]

Thanks everybody!

unfortunately there are no photos. The craigslist posting just had a stock photo of it, with some text describing it underneath. I emailed, but so far no response. 

Ive decided I'm just going to purchase the Techsew 810. Is there a dealer in here? Or anyone whose dealt with this machine before? I sent questions on ebay but still no response... Thx everybody!!

[Wizcrafts]

5 hours ago, MG513 said:

Thanks everybody!

unfortunately there are no photos. The craigslist posting just had a stock photo of it, with some text describing it underneath. I emailed, but so far no response. 

Ive decided I'm just going to purchase the Techsew 810. Is there a dealer in here? Or anyone whose dealt with this machine before? I sent questions on ebay but still no response... Thx everybody!!

Rather than buying from strangers on eBay, please contact Techsew directly via their banner that appears on top of our pages. Techsew is a supporting dealer on Leatherworker.net and has a company rep who frequents this forum (Techsew Ron). If you don't see one of their banners in the group of six, refresh the page until one displays. That banner will take you to their website. It is the dealers and companies whose banners fly in the headings of our pages that keeps this busy site afloat.

With only a couple of exceptions, eBay sellers don't financially support us, nor will most of them assist you with problems you may have after the sale. Our member-dealers offer phone and email support, as well as using our own PM system.

[MG513]

24 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

Rather than buying from strangers on eBay, please contact Techsew directly via their banner that appears on top of our pages. Techsew is a supporting dealer on Leatherworker.net and has a company rep who frequents this forum (Techsew Ron). If you don't see one of their banners in the group of six, refresh the page until one displays. That banner will take you to their website. It is the dealers and companies whose banners fly in the headings of our pages that keeps this busy site afloat.

With only a couple of exceptions, eBay sellers don't financially support us, nor will most of them assist you with problems you may have after the sale. Our member-dealers offer phone and email support, as well as using our own PM system.

Thanks Wiz! I will do that! 

I actually did contact the official Techsew ebay page, it wasn't a random ebayer. I will look for the banner though and send my questions through their website

[MG513]

On 7/2/2016 at 6:41 AM, Constabulary said:

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!

 

On 7/3/2016 at 1:44 PM, Wizcrafts said:

Rather than buying from strangers on eBay, please contact Techsew directly via their banner that appears on top of our pages. Techsew is a supporting dealer on Leatherworker.net and has a company rep who frequents this forum (Techsew Ron). If you don't see one of their banners in the group of six, refresh the page until one displays. That banner will take you to their website. It is the dealers and companies whose banners fly in the headings of our pages that keeps this busy site afloat.

With only a couple of exceptions, eBay sellers don't financially support us, nor will most of them assist you with problems you may have after the sale. Our member-dealers offer phone and email support, as well as using our own PM system.

 

On 7/3/2016 at 3:03 AM, dikman said:

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).

 

On 7/3/2016 at 4:44 AM, RockyAussie said:

Hi MG513, Is it possible to see some pics of the set up on this machine as it is? I think I may have one of these down in a shipping container but buried down the back.I used it when I was making shoes for the uppers only and I would not think any good for beady ray work. I know it is a singer post and has a roller foot but I think the dog feet are only on the left side and I don't know without seeing some pics of the dog feet on yours if the roller foot would be an easy change over.

Hey guys, thx for the advice. Im still leaning toward the techsew and I have got in touch with them and they answered all my questions... Seems like a good choice.

The techsew is extremely expensive though. Long time to save for it. Im not opposed to upgrading later, so Im going to go look at this Singer 51w51 hopefully tommoro after work. I will take lots of photos then come back and make a separate post for it and see what you all think is a good offer, or if its even worth it. Its been sitting for 25 years, so id have to buy a servo and probably oil the heck out of it right off the back

Are parts in abundance for this machine? What needle system? Im still trying to figure out if roller foot is possible or not, if a roller cant be properly attached I will have to pass it up. I need that specifically. Im sure once I get actual photos that question will be easier to answer. Thank you all for your time

[MG513]

On 5/5/2008 at 0:39 AM, Art said:

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

Art is this good enough for sewing sneaker uppers then?? Im looking to see if roller foot can be attached to this machine. Will be sewing 4-5 oz leather, maybe some stingray. 69 thread although it would be great if it can handle 138... Found one thats been sitting for 20+ years, im going to view it tommor. They are excepting offers... This will be a lee way machine until i can save up for a techsew 810 or 830. Thoughts??? Thx alot

Looks like Im asking the same questions 50 times on the same post.

Sorry about that. Im posting while really sleepy.

[Art]

The 51W51 was a fabric machine used for sewing in sleeves.  The 51W53 was used for shoe leather.  I don't think the W51 will do what you want, and the odds of finding a roller foot for it are slim to none.  You can close shoes with a regular drop feed, but then again, those folks of old knew how to sew.  If you can get the 51 for $100 or so, jump on it, if it doesn't work you can always hold something down with it.  The 830 that Ron sells looks a lot like the Pfaff 491 which is really what you want.  But if the price is very very right, get the 51W51 and don't worry about the foot.

Art

[MG513]

5 hours ago, Art said:

The 51W51 was a fabric machine used for sewing in sleeves.  The 51W53 was used for shoe leather.  I don't think the W51 will do what you want, and the odds of finding a roller foot for it are slim to none.  You can close shoes with a regular drop feed, but then again, those folks of old knew how to sew.  If you can get the 51 for $100 or so, jump on it, if it doesn't work you can always hold something down with it.  The 830 that Ron sells looks a lot like the Pfaff 491 which is really what you want.  But if the price is very very right, get the 51W51 and don't worry about the foot.

Art

Thank you so much. 

Mom still gonna go look at it, just because I told the man I was. But he already stated in the listing he didn't want to be offered scrap prices, and it looks like I shouldn't be paying much over 100 for it. Thx so much 

[Art]

Take something along to sew it off.  If it won't do the work, then you don't need it.  If it won't even sew, you really don't need it.

Art

[MG513]

On July 11, 2016 at 0:00 PM, Art said:

Take something along to sew it off.  If it won't do the work, then you don't need it.  If it won't even sew, you really don't need it.

Art

 

[MG513]

1 minute ago, MG513 said:

 

 

[MG513]

I hate uploading photos to this website. 

Many way, truly was a beautiful machine but I'm gonna pass. Thx everyone for the help