Would Appreciate Your Advise On Restoring This Singer 45K25

[Evo160K]

Recently I purchased a 45K25. That in itself isn't unusual. What is a bit unusual is I know next to nothing about sewing or sewing machines, I just seem to have become attracted to them in my later years. With that in mind, I would greatly appreciate any advise or guidance you care to offer.

The machine was manufactured February 12, 1940, in Clydebank, Scotland, according to Singer. The serial number is EC 636333. It has an additional plate riveted on the face, below the class/subclass number, marked "A 222", no one so far knows why. I'm extremely pleased to have the machine and would like to restore it properly, but within reason. I don't think it would be prudent to invest more in it than it's worth; I learned quickly that's easy to do. Here are a few pics.

The machine seems to be fairly tight, there is 2 mm of free circular movement at the shuttle end, 1 mm each way without the flywheel moving. With the help of a couple of fine people here on LW, the machine was sewing (note I said was). Here's a sample in 9 oz. veg tanned, I think.

So the question is, what would you advise doing to this attractive 74 year old machine? Thank you, thank you very much.

Edit: You'll recall I said it "was" sewing. I'll discuss that in another topic titled Singer not feeding.

[Constabulary]

Personal opinion - I´d paint it and put new decals on it

[jimi]

Hi There, this is the only manual i have seen for this class of machine on the net.

45Kmanual.pdf

[Evo160K]

Jimi,

Thank you, that's an excellent manual, very helpful. If you ever come across the service/mechanics manual, would you please let me know? What do I owe you for this one?

Regards,

[jimi]

No Problem Evo, here is another interesting one, although it is not your exact machine it is still interesting. as for the service/mechanics manual??? you cannot even find a normal original printed user manual for these machines!. i would get it sewing well before restoring. sil10-160.pdf

Edited November 19, 2014 by jimi

[Evo160K]

Jimi, that's one incredible machine, amazing features........independently controlled upper and lower feed plus other features, just amazing. Thanks for sharing. Do you know someone who has one?

[jimi]

Sorry,No i dont, i have 3 45´s a k21,k99sv and k1 i think because it has no plate. but they are just regular ones like yours. i left a comment on your other question about the machine not sewing. if you need any pictures just say.

[Evo160K]

Jimi,

When you thread the tension piece on the faceplate of your 45K25, do you wrap the thread completely around the pulley wheel? Thank you Jimi.

[jimi]

Yes, that would be one and a half times around.

[jimi]

Here is an idea if you needed a flat surface for sewing. If you look on the bottom of the page with the description of the 45ks it says that work plates were supplied at extra cost. they have the nº 91261-45k48 stamped on the underside. they were cast iron but you could even make a wooden one, only thing you would need is the screw to hold it on with. it is the same screw that holds the wax pot on which i see you dont have present. also your balance wheel is on back to front??

Edited November 21, 2014 by jimi