Vintage Singer Questions

[Hi Im Joe]

Hi guys and gals,

I've never used a sewing machine but I have been doing a lot of long straps and belts etc. and think it would be great to cut some time off the process by using a machine to stitch them.

I found a Singer 101 on Craigslist for what seems to be a good price. Will this machine sew leather? How thick of leather?

Also, the cord is missing. How hard is it to replace a cord? I"m assuming he means the power cord.

Thanks!

Joe

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/fuo/4529652345.html

[Constabulary]

Thats a domestic garment sewing machine and not meant for heavier materials. Don´t expect too much from this machine! Better look for a 111W sewing machine. The missing cord could be the cord of the sewing light as well.

The ISMACS list should give you an idea if you are looking for a vintage Singer machine:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-100-199.html

[Gump]

Not a leather machine, just a light weight garment machine. For info on old Singers, go to ISMACS. They have the best listings and info on vintage machines. Gump.

[Hi Im Joe]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

[Hi Im Joe]

Any clue about this one?

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/hsh/4553196126.html

Or this one?

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/app/4550168097.html

[Wizcrafts]

Joe;

Take some time to read my sticky topic about the kind of sewing machine you need to sew leather.

[Hi Im Joe]

Thank you very much. I think the problem I am going to have is trying to identify what people actually have. I don't think they even really know.

[Constabulary]

basically when you see a machines that you can flip down into small wooden cabinets you can be quite sure they are domestic machines and not meant for heavier work. If you are looking for something vintage check the ISMACS list they often mention if machines are either domestic or industrial.

[DoubleC]

Jo the first one is a 15-91 and will sew leather. I've done guitar straps etc on this machine and it's a favorite among garment people for light leather sewing. It has a potted or gear driven motor and no belt so no belt to slip, etc. It will use up to #69 thread. And pretty much sew anything you can stuff under the foot. It is a beast though, not in the sense of a 'real' leather machine is in size but in speed. For that reason there's definitely a learning curve on using it. But I sewed suede etc easily on mine, prolly 4-5 oz. On my straps it was harder with the heavier thread but it will sew them. It makes a nice stand in machine while you save for a walking foot machine with a speed reducer, etc. And that's a good price. Best thing to do is take something you want to sew with you, try the machine out and see what you think. Cheryl

[Wizcrafts]

Another way to determine if a sewing machine is built for home/domestic use only is the needle. Home sewing needles almost always have a flat side to help align them properly in the needle bar. Some home machines thread left to right. Some thread right to left. And, some even thread front to back. The flat in the needle bar makes sure you align the needle correctly.

Industrial sewing machines normally use completely round shank needles.

Another give-away is the motor. Home machines have a tiny motor, no stronger than 1 or 1.5 amps (150 watts), with a small belt to the flywheel, or possibly built into the body. While there are a few industrial sewing machines with internal motors, or possibly user-added bolt on the back motors, most have a huge motor under an industrial table, mounted on a steel frame. Older industrial machines usually have clutch motors, rated at between 1/4 and 3/4 horsepower. The average 1/2 horse power clutch motor draws about 500 watts of power under load.

Newer machine tend to come with easier to control servo motors, which also are very powerful.