Singer 153W Might Have Died - What To Do?

[Eldorado]

I've got a Singer 153w, arm machine from the 40's or 50's. I fear it might have just died.

It has had some problems with kicking out of true on the gears in the bottom arm. If I get a mis-stich or some kind of bind up, the bobbin holder rig seems to bump out of true with the shaft gear (all my names, have no idea what these things are really called). This has happened just a couple of times in the last year that I've had it and loosening the three screws that hold the shaft gear in place, then coaxing the shaft gear back to seat with the bobbin gear has seemed to fix it. This time it didnt work. The gears arent meshing now and I'm not sure why.

I have a friend who knows about this stuff and I'm hoping to entice him to come have a look at it. He's got it purring in the past. While I'm hopeful, I'm concerned it may not be fix-able.

Which leads me to the primary question (though if anyone knows how to fix the above, please feel free to offer advice. I'd be in your debt.)

This is an old simple machine that will sew through about 3/8 of leather or 20 oz. It has a walking foot, an arm, but no reverse. Is there a newer, more available machine out there that is comparable, which I could get for $500-$1000? I don't need much. Most of the work I do is on simple pouches and occasionally stitching 3 oz garment/upholstery leather to something like 9-12oz veg tan. If this thing would stay working, I'd probably be happy as a clam with it.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[$$hobby]

im no expert on such things and is one of the reasons i try to keep a good relationship with the few repair people around.

if your friend can get it running, its worth keeping. IMO, i would try to find a repair person that has some knowledge on the older units and see what he/she finds. IMO i believe those older machines are worth keeping running since they were over built.

[Wizcrafts]

Eldorado;

There are new machines based upon the Singer 153 type, but they are a bit more money than you stated as your range. However, they are exactly what you are looking for. For instance, you could get a brand new Cowboy CB227-R, with reverse, mounted on a pedestal stand, with a servo motor, speed reducer, thread stand, winder, extra stuff, et all, for about $1495, plus shipping. Techsew sells a similar machine for a similar price.

Either of these machines can sew 3/8" of leather, down to a couple ounces, with thread sizes up to #138. They are triple feed walking foot machines. They are a perfect replacement for a worn out Singer 153, with the same arm length.

[Eldorado]

Eldorado;

There are new machines based upon the Singer 153 type, but they are a bit more money than you stated as your range. However, they are exactly what you are looking for. For instance, you could get a brand new Cowboy CB227-R, with reverse, mounted on a pedestal stand, with a servo motor, speed reducer, thread stand, winder, extra stuff, et all, for about $1495, plus shipping. Techsew sells a similar machine for a similar price.

Either of these machines can sew 3/8" of leather, down to a couple ounces, with thread sizes up to #138. They are triple feed walking foot machines. They are a perfect replacement for a worn out Singer 153, with the same arm length.

Tremendous input, thanks much.

I'm ever hopeful that he can get it up and running (and show me how to keep it that way). I've got to swallow hard at a new one's cost. The boy's going to college this fall.. and that taint cheap.

Anyone know anything about timing a 153? Are there tricks to getting the gear teeth lined up (1st tooth to 1st tooth, vertical gear to horizontal) for example?

[amuckart]

Do you have any pictures of the offending parts?

[Eldorado]

Do you have any pictures of the offending parts?

I certainly can. It may be a couple of days, but I'd appreciate any input.

[Southtexas]

I certainly can. It may be a couple of days, but I'd appreciate any input.

Would this be of any help to you?

http://www.parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/153B8_153B8B.pdf

I've got a 16-144 so I'm not familiar with the 153's, but I do appreciate a good manual.

[Southtexas]

Would this be of any help to you?

http://www.parts.sin...53B8_153B8B.pdf

I've got a 16-144 so I'm not familiar with the 153's, but I do appreciate a good manual.

Eyes are getting old. I looked past the 153w manual...

http://www.parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/153W100_W101_154W100.pdf

hope this helps. Old Singers should never die.

[Eldorado]

Eyes are getting old. I looked past the 153w manual...

http://www.parts.sin...101_154W100.pdf

hope this helps. Old Singers should never die.

Both of these are bloody brilliant! Thank you very much.

I had found a manual on the 153w on the web, but seemed to be missing sections, particularly those that had to do with adjustments and timing. Both of these manuals cover the issue exactly and, as far as I can tell, the mechanisms for each are the same.

Here is the offending part diagram from the first manual you posted.

The bits we have been working with are labeled as #1. I'm concerned that the screw marked as #2 is connected to a part of the steel casing that is cracked and that contributes to the shifting when something happens.

I'm going to forward these manuals to my friend and see if he understands them better than I.

Thank you again.