Singer 66 For Leather

[Colt W Knight]

I think it is fair to say that most of us would like to have a really nice industrial walking foot sewing machine for our leather craft. However, most of probably can't afford one or justify the cost for our hobby. I have been doing to some hobby leather work for a few years, and I finally decided I wanted to "up my game" and do a little more with my hobby like sewing on backings/liners and burnishing the edges nicer. That's easy, right? Buy a leather burnishing tool, and sew on some backings. What I found out is that hand stitching something as a large as a guitar strap or rifle sling SUCKS! After doing a lot of hand stitching, I decided to get a machine, but alas, I couldn't find a reasonably priced used industrial walking foot sewing machine. While this thread isn't intended to sway folks from a real machine, I just wanted to show what was possible with an inexpensive old Singer.

First, I researched for a while to see what old Singer machines were suitable for light duty leather sewing. Seams there were lots of candidates, but the on most available with the easiest to find parts was the Singer 66.

Here is a link explaining the history of the Singer 66

http://www.sewalot.com/singer%2066.htm

I checked eBay and the local classifieds. Singer 66s were relatively inexpensive, and I saw a lot of youtube videos where folks were sewing lighter leather with Singer 66s. I decided to pick up this gem off a local classified add for 120$.

120$ seamed like a good deal because it was in 100% working order, came with a cabinet, working light, knee lever, and a drawer full of extras.

What I have here is number 65 cabinet

"This modern sewing cabinet and spacious writing desk has three drawers large enough to hold a complete selection of sewing supplies as well as correspondence and stationery."

Example of sewing this is about 7 ounce leather.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Colt W Knight

[Colt W Knight]

More about the machine itself

1) This was the last configuration of the model 66 before being discontnued.

2) It was made 1954-1955

3) Relatively small motor

4) Not nearly as ornate as earlier models

5) Has a reverse sew feature

Original Motor

Original foot switch/knee lever

Here is the plain foot

Reverse lever

[Colt W Knight]

When I got this thing home, I went through and cleaned/oiled it thoroughly. Then I tried sewing some leather. I learned a lot

1) The thread has to sit on a felt washer, because the felt acts like a brake to stop the spool from unwinding when you stop sewing.

2) Foot tension and thread tension make a huge difference

3) There is a lot more skill involved in sewing than just running something under the needle.

In stock configuration, I could sew 7 ounces of vegetable tan leather at 6 stiches per inch.

I could sew heavy felt on the back of 7 ounce leather.

But I had to hand turn the wheel to give the motor a little extra help to start sewing, once I got going I had to keep the motor going full bore to have enough power to continue sewing without aiding the wheel

[Colt W Knight]

Here is what I have done to the machine so far

1) Made a felt washer for the thread

2) Added a control feed foot ( half ass walking foot)

3) added a bigger motor ( this one is 3-4x more powerful)

4) Foot controller instead of knee lever ( those old cabinets were made for little women, not a 6'3'' 260 lbs dude). I do not fit underneath the desk part of the sewing machine cabinet.

5) Gave the cabinet a good once over with some furniture polish

Edited March 20, 2014 by Colt W Knight

[Colt W Knight]

What have I gained

1) The motor is definitely stronger and faster. In fact, it is way to fast. Trying to sew wide open almost always breaks the needle or frays the thread. However, you can just slightly depress the foot lever and sew very slowly. Even at slower speeds it is strong enough to sew 7 ounce leather or 7 ounce leather with a heavy wool felt lining. The motor is also strong enough to sew 2 pieces of 7 ounce leather. Although, I still don't have all the kinks worked out sewing two pieces of veg tan leather.

I plan on adding some sort of attenuator so I can dial back the speed. I bought a plug in dimmer switch, but it arrived DOA. Ill have to take it back and get another.

2) The walking foot attachment needed a lot more foot pressure to work correctly, and it is tougher to turn your work piece with the walking foot on.

3) Without the stronger motor and the walking foot, I was having a really difficult time controlling the width of the stitches. The feed dogs didn't have enough grip/power to pull the big heavy strap through the machine. There was no problem on shorter pieces, just these bigger pieces.

It took me 3-4 hours to hand stitch this guitar strap

Took me about 3 minutes to sew this on the Singer 66

Edited March 20, 2014 by Colt W Knight

[Colt W Knight]

I need to make an edge guide or Seam Guide so that I can sew a straight line. I am not skilled enough to just feed the leather straight by hand.

Here is an example of sewing heavy wool felt to 7 ounce veg tan leather with the new setup. Note, I didn't have to help the machine at all, and I sewed slow enough I could manage feeding the leather straight.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Colt W Knight

[Colt W Knight]

Would love for the experienced folks to chime in on setup and capabilities. I am happy with this machine for sewing liners on my straps and slings.

[Red Cent]

Great show and tell, Colt. I know not of sewing machines, but I do admire the desire to "git 'er done".

[Colt W Knight]

Thanks Red Cent.

[BDAZ]

Come by the old time jam 6:30 to 9 Friday

Steve Langford's "Third Friday" old-time music jam is coming up.

• Date: Friday, March 21, 2014
• Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm.
• Place: Steve's music room
• Address: 9140 N. Shadow Mountain Dr., Oro Valley
• Map: Click here
• Chairs are provided

Cya!

Bob

Cya!

Bob