Singer 29K3 Restoration

[MortAuxVaches]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and although i've been reading it frequently over the last two years this is my first post.

After much hand-sewing of leather items, i've taken the plunge and bought last month a singer 29K3 dating back from 1905.

The machine was quite rusty and battered but I didn't pay much for it either.

I have to mention this is my first sewing machine ever.

I've been looking for replacement parts but although they are plenty for later models, I can't seem to find stuff for older machines and am not sure whether the newer parts are compatible.

I have successfully cleaned, repaired, adjusted, soldered a number of things and the machine will now stitch more or less consistently. I am however left with three issues and am happy to collect guidance from the educated on these :

1. On the back of the slide part of the "round ring" is a small roller. This one is worn (faceted), and the groove in the drive pulley may be worn as well. I can drill out the roller and replace it with a custom machined one of suitable diameter. How much play between the roller and the groove is acceptable? Would a replacement part be compatible with this machine?

2. The needle isn't perfectly aligned with the hole in the shuttle cover plate. the needle is a little bit to the left, as if the lower arm of the machine was too long. If the leather is thick and causes the needle to deflect a little bit under load, it can hit the plate and break the needle. A previous owner has chamfered the hole on one side of the plate, in order for the needle to get back in the hole. Is there any adjustment I can make to correct this?

3. The shuttle was missing when I got the machine, I had to source one but am not perfectly happy with the result. I may or not have the correct part, but there is some play around the shuttle, even if the small spring in the shuttle carrier is present. As a result, a clacking noise is sometimes heard from that area, and I wonder if any replacement part better suited to my machine would be availables.

I welcome any advice on these topics, with many thanks in advance.

[Constabulary]

Sounds like a pretty much worn machine! Anyway...

First of all you should download a parts list for your machine so you hopefully can identify the spare parts you need.

It´s always good when you have the spare parts number when you are hunting for parts.

You can find it here:

http://www.hendersonsewing.com/manual.asp?page=63

Look for the 29K1 - this will cover your model as well.

[mikesc]

Bonjour MortAuxVaches! I love the "nick" .C'est vachement bien !

[Constabulary]

Before you invest a lot of money you should know that when your machine is making very small stitches like 3mm or so It could become an expensive repair as a lot of parts will be worn out!!! I bought my 29K71 for 40€ but had to invest about 150€ -180€ but the parts where all available as it is one of the latest models Singer made.

You have one oft he oldest models so most likely it could be a problem to find the parts. You can get a lot of 29K parts form College Sewing in the UK but I don´t know if they will fit for your 29K3.

You can find the small rollers at College Sewing but I don´t know if they will fit for your machine - measure yours and ask them.

If the needle is too far on the left the only thing you can do is to loosen the 4 screws that hold the bottom and the top housing together and TRY to move the top housing a little bit to the right and then fasten the screws again.

If there is play around the shuttle either the gear box housing is worn off or rust has eaten the material (you never know as it is a very old machine and you said it was rusted) or the the shuttle is worn (is it a new or used one?) or you have to replace the small spring that holds the shuttle in place as the small spring is pushing the shuttle against the housing.

A few pictures could help...

[shoepatcher]

MortAuxVaches,

The 29K3 was made at the Kilbowie plant in Scotland. A lot of the parts are the same as 29-4 parts. the 29-1 thru 5 were made at the Elizabethport plant in New Jersey. Both machines use most of the same parts. You can get 29-4 parts from Pilgrim Shoe in here in the US.

glenn

[MortAuxVaches]

Hello, and many thanks for your answers.

I will contact suppliers and ask about new parts. College sewing is on my side of the ocean, hopefully the delivery won't be an issue.

The shuttle hook I have was purchased brand new, and the small spring seems to me in good shape.

I'll have the opportunity to work on the machine next week and will post a few pictures.

With best regards,

[MortAuxVaches]

Hi all,

I've taken a few pictures of the machine.

The chamfer in the shuttle cover plate. I'll try to adjust the screws between bottom and top part of the machine

Play between shuttle hook and housing. I have sourced some teflon pads I may add to compensate for wear in this area

The lobe of the cam was worn but I manage to add some solder, now there is no more play in that area. Also, part number 0303 stamped is different from replacement parts I can find.

The butterfly guide for the head, broken and soldered as well.

The complete head assembly. The part which gets around the tension disc system was badly bent, and I put it again into shape, now works correctly

The roller on the picture above is riveted in the slide bar, I have ordered a later roller assembly and will drill the old one out. Part number 8562 does not seem available anymore

With best regards,

[Constabulary]

to me it looks as if the spring at the shuttle carrier that pushes the shuttle hook against the gear box housing needs an adjustment or to be replaced.

[MortAuxVaches]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. A new spring had been ordered and I hav installed it yesterday. Pictures of the installation are below.

It seems odd that there is some backlash between the shuttle and the carrier, which translates into angular backlash during back and forth rotation.

Can you confirm whether the shuttle is in the correct position, e.g. pushed far from the carrier towards the housing?

Thanks,

[Constabulary]

This is normal, there should be about 3-4mm (haven' t measured it). Here is a picture of how it looks at my 29K71

Edited October 24, 2014 by Constabulary

[MortAuxVaches]

Many thanks for the information.

I will stop worrying about this and continue with the roller replacement in the slide plate assembly then !

I have purchased parts from College sewing, they did provide top service, and delivery is quick and efficient.

I'll keep you posted.