Singer 29K58 "patcher"

[Daggrim]

I'm looking for any words of wisdom before I give up on this machine, and buy a modern one. I bought it used in hopes of sewing medieval style shoes...like moccasins. A great buy, and the chance to make lotsa money. I know a guy in town with a shoe repair shop who makes his living with one of these old treadle machines. Anyway, it's just never worked well. It did when I bought it, but when I got it home, it was a different story. Even the guy who owns one could only get it to work sporadically...dropping stitches, not advancing well, etc. Another sewing machine repairman just told me to give it up, as it was only designed to sew short segments of leather (patches) and not a couple of linear feet. So, does anyone think it's worth pursuing, or would you suggest moving on to a modern machine. I guess I loved the old look of the machine...so in keeping with the old look of the medieval shoes. Thanks for any replies.

Doug

[Kevin]

Daggrim, don't give up, it sounds like something simple that is being overlooked. I think the only things that could affect the feed are the stitch length adjustment or presser foot pressure. If you are forcing the feed, then you might be putting a bind on the needle and the shuttle would miss the loop the thread makes and cause skipped stitches. But that's only one possibility, I'm sure others will chime in with more.

I've stitched many chap zippers on with a patcher when I had no other light sewing machine. It'll go as far as your shin can stand it. Good Luck, Kevin

[celticleather]

Don't ever give up on a 29K machine - they're almost indestructible! You probably need to check through all the adjustments, and reset where necessary.

You can buy a manual from http://www.sewingmanuals.net/singer-294--2...machine-ma.html for about $11.90.

You can get one for free if you join a UK forum at http://www.shoerepairer.info/index.php where there is a download section that contains an instruction manual for the 29K machines (it's too big to attach to a forum message here). There are also many posts that deal with problems relating to these machines. The people on the forum are a very helpful bunch, and will no doubt be able to help.

[Bree]

I agree. If that machine isn't cracked or bent out of shape from a drop, it is almost certainly recoverable. It is probably just out of adjustment.

The manual will show you how to adjust the components. Make sure that you have a manual for a 29K58/29K62. These models have a rack box which works somewhat differently than the gearing of the older technology 29-4's. Your manual should have a section at the rear called "Instructions for Adjusters and Mechanics". I think you can pull a manual down from Singer's Industrial site. The Smithsonian may have one as well.

Good luck!

[Daggrim]

Most awesome help! I've been to the UK site, and there are lotsa people still using these machines. Also, now I have a couple sources for manuals. Sounds like I should keep this one, and get some help finding the right thread to go w/ my needles, get more tutoring, and lube a lot. Many thanks.

Daggrim