What's This Attachment On My Singer 29-4?

[Ian1783]

I picked up a new-to-me Singer 29-4 yesterday. I had a 29K-60 a few months back, but without a treadle base, and with its being a long arm, I sold it it. This 29-4 came with its base, and what with my having had some experience with the machine type, I found it easy enough to understand, but...

There is an attachment on the machine (see photo) that I'm unfamiliar with. It has an adjustable blade-like insert on the operator's side, and a bolt on the back side that looks not to be a Singer part (the bolt, that is). It's forked so that the walking beam nestles between the fork tines, but the beam rubs against the back fork tine. I'm figuring I'll keep it off, as it doesn't serve any purpose that I'm aware of, but I would like to know what it is. Anybody?

Also, the bobbin on this (boy, is it a tiny little thing!) has a split in the bottom disk. Is this normal? The machine works well, and the bobbin split doesn't effect operation. I figure I'll have to get more bobbins, so want to get what's right.

(EDIT) So, checked for bobbins on eBay and found that, yes, the split in the bobbin is supposed to be there.

And then... because my machine does not have a bobbin winder, can anyone suggest a bobbin-winding solution for these little guys? Very small spindle hole means none of my other machines can be used for this.

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/

Edited December 14, 2013 by Ian1783

[MikeG]

I wind bobbins with an electric drill and a nut & bolt through the bobbin. Here's a neat idea I might try as it is much more elegant and I have the bits:

[CowboyBob]

That attachment looks like it's for darning,if you flip it to the left so it hits the metal bracket behind the tension it'll lift the pressure foot upas the foot lifts.This is used to repair feed bags were you want to push the material left to right & front to back.

[Ian1783]

MikeG, - Yes, I figure I'll have to create something like what you posted; some kind of spindle that fits the small bobbin, plus a means of driving it. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out, though I'd prefer something more readily at hand. I did enjoy the musical interlude!

Thanks Bob. There isn't anything that "flips" on this device (at least not in the condition it's in). That "blade" is held in place by a screw in the side of the casting, and two smaller screws, top and bottom, at the back, adjust the blade in and out. But no apparent purpose as it stands. Curious. But I do think you're right - it has to do with holding up the presser foot for darning.

Ian

SF Bay Area

http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/