Info On Singer Singer 153 K 104

[MuddyClearWaters]

So I'm looking into buying a Singer 153K104. I need something to make motorcycle seats and bags with 2-7oz chrome tan. From what I can see the machine is in fairly good shape. It's missing a few of the cover plates on top and bottom of the bobbin. The feet probably need to be replaced. What's the parts availability like? The only real info I can find is on the 153W104 and other 153W models this would seem accurate. These machines came in silver apparently.

Single needle, lockstitch, compound feed, horizontal cylinder, vertical axis hook, alternating pressers, mechanical opener. Four motion feed mechanism. Stitch length 7 to the inch. For closing spring filled cushions. Speed up to 2900. (04/1959)

[Gump]

I have the 153 w 103, and it gets more use than any other machine I have. It is basicly the cylinder arm version of the 111 and takes the same feet. The one thing to watch for is the stitch length adjuster, as it has the one that screws into the end of the top shaft and is prone to breaking the threads on the shaft. Most parts are available, and my machine will adjust to under 5 spi. Max thickness around 3/8", and prefers 138 thread or smaller. Gump

[MuddyClearWaters]

I have the 153 w 103, and it gets more use than any other machine I have. It is basicly the cylinder arm version of the 111 and takes the same feet. The one thing to watch for is the stitch length adjuster, as it has the one that screws into the end of the top shaft and is prone to breaking the threads on the shaft. Most parts are available, and my machine will adjust to under 5 spi. Max thickness around 3/8", and prefers 138 thread or smaller. Gump

Thanks. I've defantly run into that stitch length adjuster problem before. Both my post beds have damaged gears. I've wondered about replacing or repairing them. I've been told they are removable. The feet availability is a big bonus. So no idea why this is model is given the K letter rather than W? I know that the 104 has a much higher lift than some of the other models.

[machinehead]

The K designates that the machine was manufactured at the Kilbowie Clydebank Scotland Singer factory, and the W designates a machine manufactured at the old Wheeler Wilson factory in Bridgeport , Connecticut that Singer bought out in 1905.

[MuddyClearWaters]

Would that be true for the serial number. Not the model number?

The Serial is W1355512 which would make it from Bridgeport. The model number has a K though. It's older than all my other machines from that factory. But there are no records from that factory to confirm

The K designates that the machine was manufactured at the Kilbowie Clydebank Scotland Singer factory, and the W designates a machine manufactured at the old Wheeler Wilson factory in Bridgeport , Connecticut that Singer bought out in 1905.

[machinehead]

The W before the serial number refers to the time frame it was made and since the records for the W prefix were lost there isn't a way of knowing exactly when it was manufactured.

[shoepatcher]

M,

If there is a K in the model number, i.e. 153K104, it was made in Kilbowie. Of that, I am certain.

glenn

[Constabulary]

If it has a tag with ornameted border it was made 1951 or after and the in the 1960´s they switched to a smaller and more colorful tag. But don´t know the year.

[Darren Brosowski]

Just to be difficult the "k", "W" or "-" machines cannot always be compared. For example; a 99k is a 3/4 sized domestic machine but a 99W is a bartacker.

I believe that what was the 153W class became the Seiko built 153B class which is now the Seiko CW-8B or Consew 227R.

Seiko kept the same parts numbering system as SInger so it is sometimes possible to get parts if the carried over to the current model.

[MuddyClearWaters]

I'll try and upload some pictures. I'm having trouble attaching them.

Paint wear is pretty minimal. I would assume it was not used in production. A lot of machines from this dealer are factory buy outs. The upper cylinder plate is available on eBay. I have no idea about the lower plate that is missing on the arm though. I think It may be set up with a zipper foot. I would like to set it up with a couple more feet. Is it possible to switch out the feet with out having to change the feed dogs below?

They are asking $350. + shipping. Which seems like a pretty reasonable price considering the availability and what I have been able to see available else wear on pricing. This being the high lift model gives it an added bonus.