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.

[Darren Brosowski]

The term "made" is misleading. I doubt that Kilbowie tooled up to make a few small batches of these machines so more likely they were assembled from parts shipped from the USA. As I understand it the serial number was issued by the factory that cast the body

[MuddyClearWaters]

The term "made" is misleading. I doubt that Kilbowie tooled up to make a few small batches of these machines so more likely they were assembled from parts shipped from the USA. As I understand it the serial number was issued by the factory that cast the body

Ah. This would explain the W serial number and K model. Again as all three of my machines are W I will have no idea how old it is.

Can any one else offer any experience sewing with this machine? It seems from the instruction guide that the presser feet are all adjustable in hight. I will probably need to adjust this since I'll need it at it's highest hight to fit quilted motorcycle seats.

[machinehead]

The term "made" is misleading. I doubt that Kilbowie tooled up to make a few small batches of these machines so more likely they were assembled from parts shipped from the USA. As I understand it the serial number was issued by the factory that cast the body

Hmmm... I wonder if Singer thought it was misleading when it affixed the decal on the back of my 153 K 103 with the W prefix serial number stating " Made in Great Britain"? I agree with Gump's opinion of the machine.

[Gump]

The letter(s) preceding the serial number usually refer to a certain time period, with the numbers in order of production. The letter in the model number is supposed to be production location. Gump.

[MuddyClearWaters]

Well It's been bought. I'll have to get a few parts from Sharp Sewing but if the repairs are limited to what I can see total I might be in $450. I'd love to find a flat bed attachment for it but I might have to just make my own.

[Darren Brosowski]

Well It's been bought. I'll have to get a few parts from Sharp Sewing but if the repairs are limited to what I can see total I might be in $450. I'd love to find a flat bed attachment for it but I might have to just make my own.

Is that $450 for parts or all up?

[MuddyClearWaters]

Is that $450 for parts or all up?

The machine with shipping was $405 but Its missing the cover plate. cylinder plate and I need a new foot for it. Providing nothing else is wrong with the machine not a bad price.

[MuddyClearWaters]

So I got the machine. Back foot was jammed in shipping or before. The bobbin timing was out due to a drive gear being not aligned all the way over. Overall the rest of the machine looks good. The gears are not worn but there is a rubber replacement drive belt. The belt is cracked but not terrible. It will probably break on me and I'll learn how to replace it. Until then I'll leave it to my local repair man to deal with. I'll post some more pictures when I get it back.

[Constabulary]

If you want to replace the timing belt you have to remove the large top shaft bearing at the hand wheel. I would not do any timing before you are done because you have to re-time the machine anyway when you replace the belt.

This is your timing belt but please compare the parts # in advance

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-153W-SEWING-MACHINE-TIMING-BELT-PART-224195-/290723339611?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b0761d5b

[Constabulary]

BTW - you bicycle saddles really look AMAZING!!!!!

I was alway thinking about putting a new cover on my worn Fi'zi:k Nisene.

[MuddyClearWaters]

I got a new belt for it as well as a regular foot and new top plate. I would love to get an edge guide for it too but those are rare now. I'll hopefully be able to have the repair guy show me a little bit. I've tried and failed a few times to retime my machines. All of mine have been void of timing marks for what ever reason.

And thank you. I have some pretty obvious brogue styling influences, I really wanted to make shoes but stopped halfway and decided I would rather run a bike company! If your looking to give it a shot 1-3 ounce chrome tan works best and the paper template is your friend. I use a laser cutter now on all my seats but the hand punch does just fine if you got the time.

BTW - you bicycle saddles really look AMAZING!!!!!

I was alway thinking about putting a new cover on my worn Fi'zi:k Nisene.

[Darren Brosowski]

I think that Ronnie at Techsew has something for you;

http://shop.raphaelsewing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_46&products_id=427

[Constabulary]

$69? Is it just the roller guide or does it come with plate?

I have a flip down edge guide on my 111G156.

It comes with interchangebale guide tips - one straight and one roller guide. It will fit your 153 as well but you have to drill some holes.

You can find them on Ebay, College Sewing and so forth. MIne is from College Sewing and works great. Very versatile and I´m sure it will fit most other industrial machines as well.

https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/KG1245-DROP-GUIDE-PFAFF-1245,1246,1525,1526,335,591

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suspending-Edge-Guide-for-Industrial-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine-Juki-Consew-GB-/181638866413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4a8525ed

www.kwokhing.com is another source but I don´t know if they still sell to end consumers.

Edited January 14, 2015 by Constabulary

[MuddyClearWaters]

$69? Is it just the roller guide or does it come with plate?

I have a flip down edge guide on my 111G156.

It comes with interchangebale guide tips - one straight and one roller guide. It will fit your 153 as well but you have to drill some holes.

IMG_7816.JPGIMG_7817.JPGIMG_7814.JPG

You can find them on Ebay, College Sewing and so forth. MIne is from College Sewing and works great. Very versatile and I´m sure it will fit most other industrial machines as well.

https://www.college-sewing.co.uk/KG1245-DROP-GUIDE-PFAFF-1245,1246,1525,1526,335,591

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suspending-Edge-Guide-for-Industrial-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine-Juki-Consew-GB-/181638866413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4a8525ed

www.kwokhing.com is another source but I don´t know if they still sell to end consumers.

hmmmm that might be good.

[MuddyClearWaters]

So a quick update.

Had to replace the existing non original rubber timing belt. It was worn and cracked with age. Not a good sign for the amount of use this machine got. Who knows why the original belt broke. Both my 52W machines still have their old cord/wire belts but they have seen very little use.

Among other things the vibrating presser foot which was already jammed was discovered to have a broken spring mechanism that is part of the lifter mechanics.

While my mechanic is saving me some time dealing with this myself it's defiantly turning into a bit of a money pit. I think it will end up costing me 500-600 total for the machine. But with a new belt and fresh dialed timing I'm cool with that. I'll pay it back with 2 jobs using this machine.

This will probably be my last sight unseen purchase from USA Dealer. I consider that i got very lucky with my 52W22 which came in perfect condition and worked flawlessly as soon as I started sewing. It's still possible that none of this was broken when it was at their facility and it got busted in shipping.