Singer 111W153 -Worth Getting?

[tossik]

Hi everyone, I'm still on my quest of getting a sewing machine. While looking for a medium heavy cylinder machine for larger bags and layered bags, I came across the opportunity of picking this machine up for $200.

Is this machine worth the price? What are its limitations? Thinnest and thickest thread? Maximum stitches per inch? What would one typically use this for?

I was originally thinking of grabbing a 31-15 machine, but this came up first.

Your guy's advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Constabulary]

It obviously needs some TLC but when the machine is functional I´d say for $200 I think is not too bad. But maybe you can beat down the price a little bit. You probably have to invest in a new servo motor and maybe a speed reducer. The machine has no reverse. I would guess it can sew 7-9mm thick (I have a 111G156 and it sews 9mm w/o problems). The max. stitch length usually is 5 SPI on these older 111 machines. I can sew up to 207 thread with mine but usually they are set up for 138 with a size 22 needle. Check the condition of the timing belt. Replacing it causes a lot of work but it is doable.

Always test a machine before you buy it!!!

[shoepatcher]

C,

I think the max. stitch length on the 111W153 an no reverse should be 6.5mm. $200.00 is a decent price and you can still get most of the parts.

glenn

[Wizcrafts]

I set up a 111w153 for a friend of mine. It needed about $90 in replacement parts, which included a new timing belt and smooth bottom presser feet, bobbins, needles, etc. He still needs to buy a servo motor with a 2" pulley and a shorter v-belt before he can actually control it. That will cost another $125 or so. The one in the photos looks to have all the parts on it. But, as was noted earlier, the timing belt needs to be checked to see if it is cracked and going or gone.

I have a long body version of the machine and it too has no reverse. I use the Poor Man's Reverse (spin the work 180º), or with the needle up, lift the feet with the knee lever, pull the work forward a half inch and sew over the last few stitches.

The stitch length adjustment is alien to most people. It is changed by turning a big knob on the back of the hand wheel. Turning it inward shortens the stitches and outward lengthens them. The range of adjustment is set inside the top of the head, under the long rectangular cover plate. There are two threaded chambers on a block that moves as the adjuster is turned. One has a wide, flat screw that holds down a strong spring, which you don't want to unscrew unless an invasion is taking place! The other chamber has two set screws that take a narrow flat head screwdriver. The top screw is the set screw. The bottom one that actually makes contact with the turning adjuster moves up to lengthen and down to shorten the range of adjustment. The set screw keeps that range locked in.

[tossik]

Machine is not threaded and I have no idea how to thread it to test it out. Should I risk getting it for $200? Should I save the money and look for something else?

Thanks for all the advice so far!

[Constabulary]

I would buy it but would try to beat down the price a little bit.

I have attached a manual for this machine.

This Video is quite interesting for you I think - its for the 111w151 (needle feed) but it is very similar to the 111w153 (compound feed / triple feed)

111W152_153_154_155.pdf

Edited March 16, 2015 by Constabulary

[cdthayer]

Posted 14 March 2015 - 08:31 PM by tossik....I came across the opportunity of picking this machine up for $200.

Did you buy the machine?

I would consider that a good deal. It’s a good heavy duty machine comparable to the 111W155, with just a slightly lower foot lift. I paid over $300 for mine, but the shipping was a steal. (It was in the garage 2 doors down the street from me.)

With a few adjustments and a couple of missing/damaged parts replaced, it sews like a stripped ape. Of course, that could be because of the 3470 RPM clutch motor in its power stand. (The speed was a plus when I re-sewed all of the seams on a large swimming pool cover.)

CD in Oklahoma

[tossik]

No I never got it. I went and got a Juki DNU-241HS the other day Super excited. I will be getting it serviced this week to make sure everything is running properly. Thanks for all the recommendations!

[Ole South]

It appears he has that 111W in the video set up with a round leather belt running it (around 6:40 or so you can see it in the background). Can we still buy leather belting larger than what's used on home treadle machines? This looks to be bigger than 3/16ths.

[catskin]

It obviously needs some TLC but when the machine is functional I´d say for $200 I think is not too bad. But maybe you can beat down the price a little bit. You probably have to invest in a new servo motor and maybe a speed reducer. The machine has no reverse. I would guess it can sew 7-9mm thick (I have a 111G156 and it sews 9mm w/o problems). The max. stitch length usually is 5 SPI on these older 111 machines. I can sew up to 207 thread with mine but usually they are set up for 138 with a size 22 needle. Check the condition of the timing belt. Replacing it causes a lot of work but it is doable.

Always test a machine before you buy it!!!

BEAT the price down? Does that mean that EVERYTHING you sell is priced to have the price BEATEN down? Like if you price something at $100,00 you expect to be offered $40.00 and you will gladly take $60.00? After all every person with any sense treats others as they expect to be treated don't they?