Darren Brosowski Report post Posted September 10, 2014 I had high hopes but low expectations of the Singer 45k25 built in India. Up until this the worst machine I have ever had was a Chinese built 15k that looked great but didn't work at all. The 45k sort of works but looks like shit and has so many issues but it qualifies as the worst machine I have ever seen. Yes, there are some parts that can be used to fix a Singer 45k but overall it is horrible. If you see one advertised online then do yourself a favour and ignore it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted September 10, 2014 If it's worse than the China 15K then that's pretty bad !! I was hoping that it was going to be a decent machine! Maybe in 20 or so years they can fix it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted September 10, 2014 In the same shipment I have an Indian 15k (very good), Pfaff 130 style (pretty good) and Singer114 (OK - ish) but the 45 is horrible. They have not even cleaned out the casting sand in the top half of the body!!!!!! They started out with the original Singer tooling but have gone backwards in the last 50 years so I think they will be worse in 20 years time. Some parts are ok and I have ordered a number of parts kits as I can use many parts in my workshop. Unfortunately I cannot put most on the open market as I need to individually fit them to machines. The feed crank and adjustment mech is going into a Singer 45k25 I have here. Have ground all of the nasty sharp bits out of the body and when it is fully cleaned up I will convert it to a darner for horse rugs. The needle plates can be used after some mods so they are also on order. I needed to slow down a GA5 and the balance wheel fits perfectly. If it's worse than the China 15K then that's pretty bad !! I was hoping that it was going to be a decent machine! Maybe in 20 or so years they can fix it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted September 10, 2014 I wonder why you import things like Indian made clones of domestic Singer 15k or Pfaff 130? Are there so few sewing machines in Down Under? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted September 11, 2014 There are lots of cars in Europe but you keep importing low tech ones from India and China. I wonder why you import things like Indian made clones of domestic Singer 15k or Pfaff 130? Are there so few sewing machines in Down Under? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted September 11, 2014 not sure what you mean.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted September 14, 2014 The machines I have brought in are brand new and my business partner and I specialise in vintage machines. The Indian 130 has been modified from the original design to do excellent (we hope) free motion embroidery so it has potential if the machine quality is ok. Dozens of companies are importing shit quality plastic domestic sewing machines so why can't I throw a couple of new build cast iron machines into the mix? not sure what you mean.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted September 14, 2014 Darren, you can import what ever you want as it is your business but the world is full of vintage cast iron domestic machines made by Singer, Paff and dozens of other brands. I don´t know how many millions of (functional) cast iron sewing machines are still out there. So I just don´t see the need for new made in India cast iron domestic sewing machines with a vintage look. No question that there is a lot of plastic junk out there but honestly... Cast iron sewing machines of obsolete models made in India? I cannot image that people would ask for them. But we don´t have to discuss this as it is your business and I wish you luck with it - I mean it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted September 14, 2014 For my part, I'm all for the reproductions. Maybe people will buy those and reduce the demand for the old good stuff, meaning that we can buy those old beauties for less $$. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted September 15, 2014 Bill they are not reproductions. These machines are made from original Singer/Pfaff tooling and drawings. The problem is that sloppy Indian practices have led to everything becoming corrupted over time...... There is something of a revival of interest in old machines in Australia and I would like to think I am helping it along by supplying new parts. For my part, I'm all for the reproductions. Maybe people will buy those and reduce the demand for the old good stuff, meaning that we can buy those old beauties for less $$. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted November 22, 2014 Darren, Providing I come up empty looking for original Singer parts for the 45K25 I'm trying to restore, I may have to settle for anything that will fit. Would you be able to provide the name of the company who is making machines and parts kits from the original Singer/Pfaff tooling and drawings? I would be most appreciative. Thank you very much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted November 22, 2014 (edited) Darren is the owner of Able Sewing in Australia. He offers a lot of different needle plates on Ebay but I DO NO KNOW if they will fit for a 45K - contact him through Ebay or send him a PM. http://stores.ebay.com/ablesewing?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 Or try to contact the member SINGERMANIA (also from Australia) - he has a HUUUUUUUGE collection of nice vintage sewing machines - maybe he can help you out. Edited November 22, 2014 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted November 23, 2014 Thanks for the leads, Constabulary. I appreciate them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted November 30, 2014 You have little chance of dealing with anyone direct in India. I am pulling my hair out trying to do it. At the moment I have some new-old-stock Japanese 45k25 feed dogs and Indian roller feet. Should have had Indian needle plates (which need to be modified) but they shipped the 45k58 flat bed part! Some GA5 parts can be used but not many. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted November 30, 2014 Darren, If you get parts from them, there's no need for me to try. To complete my 45K25, it needs an oil box, bobbin winder, bobbin/shuttle end cover and a 91329 needle plate. I hope I have several original Singer dogs coming. If at all possible, I would like to stay with Singer parts. If that turns out to be impossible or impractical, I'll take whatever will work. I sure would appreciate any assistance you can offer. Thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted November 30, 2014 I don't have a 45k oil cup - just rear mount ones for a 42-5 and 7-5. May have an original machine mount bobbin winder here but I have an Indian one. If you mean the cover plate than I have never, ever seen one on a machine. 91329 is the needle plate I am trying to get from India. It needs a bit of filing to fit properly but is otherwise quite good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evo160K Report post Posted November 30, 2014 (edited) Darren, Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate it. If you do have an original machine mount bobbin winder, I believe it's p/n 91448, I'll take it. Would you please PM me with payment details? I'll also take a 91329 needle plate when you receive your shipment. The shuttle race cover, p/n 91452 isn't critical, but if you come across one, I would like to have it. Our environment is a bit dusty. Likewise, if you find a 91797 oil box, I will take it also. Thank you Darren. Edited November 30, 2014 by Evo160K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Singermania Report post Posted December 1, 2014 HI Everyone, I see this is a hot topic at the moment..... I've never imported any Chinese or Indian machines so am not sure what I'd feel about them if I did. I certainly would not have any qualms about remaking a great old machine myself if I had the skills.... and maybe changing one or two things with the benefit of seeing modern machines at work. I have turned to Darren a few times to get some Chinese replacement parts for machines that have needed to do a days work and original parts have been either unavailable or I haven't been able to make them in time to get the machine back out in the field...... the parts appear to be holding up ok. Darren, if you are reading this can you give me a ring, I once again need some tables and motors if you have them, I rang you today but your fone was at message bank and the bank was full. Regards Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
