Singer 97-10

[oltoot]

The story I heard about 97 series history was that it was made for the military in WWII to use in parachute lofts and for cargo plane load riggings. There were several configurations for various uses in the lofts where the stuff was made and/or repaired. Don't know about this but its a good story.

Edited October 24, 2013 by oltoot

[Springerpanhead]

Oltoot

They were certainly used in making parachutes, specifically the harness straps. Don't know if you've used one of these but the machine more closely resembles a metal punch press than a sewing machine.

THANKS FOR THE STORY

[tnawrot2]

Possibly the 97-10 was sold to the military for use during WWII, but is was made years before that. It goes back to 1914 , I have been told it was used to sew the oak slats on the canvas aprons for the swatters used to harvest grain before combines were invented. I have some size 30 needles that are the size of a ball point refill.

[RoyalLeatherDesigns]

Does anybody know where I can find the wax pot for a Singer 97-10? Also whats the best thing to do when it comes to needles is it to modify the 794 LR needle. Can someone give me all the options someone would have for needles when the 1000 needles are absolete. Thanks!

Ralph

[Springerpanhead]

I haven't yet contacted any needle companies, but generally speaking manufacturers will produce an item of the type they make, made to your specifications providing you meet some minimum order requirement. Admittedly, that amount could be quite high. However, one may be able to get a commitment from several distributors to purchase a certain amount which cumulatively will meet the manufacturers minimum order requirement. Some enterprising youngster could possibly make some money doing this, if not one of us old farts may have to pull the wagon lest we run outta needles. Oh yeah, if you have a sample of what you want made it makes things a lot easier.

[tnawrot2]

Bob from Toledo Sewing inquired about getting some 97-10 made, it would only be one style point and one size, the kicker was they wanted an order of 10,000. The following is from his post.

They use a 97x3 Round Point or 97x4 Leather Point one of a kind needle,I bought 300 5 yrs ago but they long gone.

They are not being made anymore.

I talked to Schmetz & they said if I bought 10,000 they would be happy to make them in one size only,I don 't think I'd ever be able to sell that many in 200yrs.

Now if I could find 9 guys that want 1000 ea??

Bob

[Springerpanhead]

As small item manufacturing goes 10,000 is a small number, I would have expected a minimum order of 5 to 10 x that amount. I certainly don't know the market, but if one were to look outside the leather industry to the rigging and load handling gear manufacturers it shouldn't be too difficult to find commitments to buy some of them in a fairly sizable quantity. They would afterall, keep a machine in service that I'm guessing would cost 8 to 10,000 dollars to replace today. I may be just farting in my hat, but it might be worth looking into. What kind of prices was Schmetz asking? If in the .50 cent range you're only looking at 5,000 bucks, not really a large inventory investment by today's standards. O'course if you're trying to sell replacement machines you ain'ta gonna wanna do that

[Constabulary]

This is not "my machine" but I googled for the needle size 97x3 and figured the US Military used them and in a list Groz-Beckert is mentioned as a manufacturer

http://www.parttarget.com/Singer-Co-The_nsn-parts_97X3-28_233744.html

I also have found a dealer in the CZ republic who stocks them:

http://www.pjnovak.cz/spitze-rg-97x3-c-1_4_112_439_470.html?language=en

Also found this dealer in the US who seems to have them:

http://www.goldbergsupply.com/singer-needles/

Should not be too hard to get them...

[Constabulary]

Does anybody know where I can find the wax pot for a Singer 97-10? Also whats the best thing to do when it comes to needles is it to modify the 794 LR needle. Can someone give me all the options someone would have for needles when the 1000 needles are absolete. Thanks!

Ralph

Ralph, I have two wax / lube pots for an Adler 4 / 5 they may fit for the Singer as well. Any interest? I can send some pictures if you want.

[CowboyBob]

Only quoting Ron from Ferdco, using a 794s serv-1 and dropping the needle bar down just a bit (to line up hook with the center of the groove (forgot proper term) he claims you shpould still be able to sew an inch, just lose a little of the foot lift...

I haven't tried it just yet...

Try it & let me know what happens.

As small item manufacturing goes 10,000 is a small number, I would have expected a minimum order of 5 to 10 x that amount. I certainly don't know the market, but if one were to look outside the leather industry to the rigging and load handling gear manufacturers it shouldn't be too difficult to find commitments to buy some of them in a fairly sizable quantity. They would afterall, keep a machine in service that I'm guessing would cost 8 to 10,000 dollars to replace today. I may be just farting in my hat, but it might be worth looking into. What kind of prices was Schmetz asking? If in the .50 cent range you're only looking at 5,000 bucks, not really a large inventory investment by today's standards. O'course if you're trying to sell replacement machines you ain'ta gonna wanna do that

That was biggest problem they wanted $3.00 each!!