A Singer 16-88 Again In Service

[Twoshot]

Recently I responded to a post:

Singer 16-88 Sewing Machine
Started by SueGy, Feb 11 2015 02:53 PM

At the time, I had just taken possession, by way of donation, the above machine make and model. I was attempting to glean information regarding this machine when I found the above post. I discovered that there were perhaps four posts on this forum that made some mention of the machine. I feel that the Singer 16 88 machine deserves a bit more exposure then it has at present.

The machine that I have had the pleasure of resurrecting, was born in 1910. It's last owner/user had a sail boat business, and of course used the machine in that capacity.
Upon receiving it, I found that it needed a new check spring. The needle plate, and hook had needle marks that prevented thread from passing over the bobbin. In addition the needle to hook timing was improperly set. These problems were easily remedied, and with a new needle 160x23, threaded with #138 thread recommended for this machine by Bob Kovar. I also disassembled the clutch for cleaning. It is mated to a two speed reduction pulley. The clutch is composed of rubber friction disk which mates to a very coarse metal disk to engage the motor output to the machine.
The sewing table is manufactured by Beswick mfg. circa 1900.

After replacing belts, wiring, and general cleanup on the table, I removed all the machine parts that I could, and placed them in a Sonic cleaner to get rid of the 105 year fabric and oil build up. The only components that worked perfectly were the bobbin winding assembly. I repainted this and also the bed of the Singer 16-88.
I would also like to say that putting this machine back into service was very simple. This machine is very easy to work on because of it's design. The average domestic machine is by far more complex.
The Singer Class 16 uses a Class 15 (oscillating) Japanese hook, bobbin case, and bobbin. These parts are available everywhere on the planet.
Bob Kovar of (Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine) informed me that this machine will sew approx. 20 oz leather. I believe his estimate to be pretty close. The motor mounted onto the Beswick table is of the same vintage, and could use an upgrade. The antique Adams alternating current motor labors at 1/4" thickness of veg tan. If and when I do this upgrade, I will be replacing the drive system with a servo motor. Any suggestions for the servo for this table configuration would be appreciated.

After reassembly and adjusting, I was able to successfully sew together two pieces of 7-8 oz. leather as seen in the pics.
According to the Singer manual, this machine is capable of 1400 Stitches per Minute in it's present configuration, which is perfect for canvas and sail cloth. My next boat cover will be a breeze.

Thanks to Bob Kovar for supplying a check spring, thread, needles, and belts, I am able to enjoy this wonderful pastime without having to stitch everything by hand. I love the look of saddle stitching and the size of the thread, but the punishment on my old hands is the motivation for now using a machine.

As you can see in the pictures, the machine stitches are consistent and by my measurement, adjustable from 6-10 SPI. I prefer 6 SPI for most of my leather projects.

In addition, I don't seem to have a problem with the presser feet marking the leather. The effect is barely visible on the top stitch.

I haven't made any belts with this machine, but it's perfect for this leather thickness for a belt or dog collar. It moves quickly, but with a little practice, and short bursts, it's something that can be managed with the clutch motor setup.

I highly recommend this old work horse. If you have any questions regarding the repair of this machine and associated components, perhaps I can answer some of them for you.

[Ole South]

Thread's a little lost in those holes but congrats on getting the old girl going! It is rewarding working on the old Singers and it looks like you can convert yours back to treadle immediately after the zombie apocalypse hits.

[Twoshot]

Your right about thread getting lost in the holes. I've used #207, but it's appearance is only marginally better. If you looked close, you can see that I ran three rows of thread through the same holes. That 160x23 needle makes a good dent in the leather.

I'm grateful for having had the pleasure of working on a machine of this vintage. It's 35 years older than me, and will probably be sewing leather and canvas another 105 years or more.

A treadle setup is possible. However, I've decided to mount a new Servo motor to the table. The present open clutch setup works fine but the original motor is a museum piece, and is very tired. It will still sew canvas like it did when new. I've no complaints regarding the machine. I do wish I could use a needle with a smaller diameter that will handle the #138 and #207 threads for leather work.

[Ole South]

Same needle system as 16-188,yes?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Organ-Sewing-Needle-16x63-2077-16x113-TFx63-for-Singer-Model-16-188-Rex-26-188-/251230872942

[Twoshot]

Yes, but the 16x63 is for cloth. The 16x64 is for leather which is supposedly equivalent to the 160X23 needle which I am currently using.

[Ole South]

I've used cloth needles in veg tan before when I wanted nice pretty holes. A cheap experiment in cosmetics for a limited run.

[Twoshot]

You make a good point. For a couple of bucks, it's worth a try. Before I mounted the Old Iron Horse in the table, I sewed a couple of Iphone5 holders using only the flywheel. After all, there isn't a great deal of real estate in an Iphone holder or a small caliber paddle holster. It's gotta look better than the unfilled craters the 160x23 leaves behind.

[Otto6294]

How much 207 thread will the bobbin hold? Do I have to change a bunch of settings?

[Darren Brosowski]

The bobbin case in a 16 class is really only designed for #92 thread but will take #138 if you are prepared to have the bobbin case fail every couple of years.

If you want to run heavier thread then you need a machine with an open frame shuttle such as the GA5 or CB3200

[Otto6294]

I think I will leave it alone. The guy that owned it used only 138. It sews flawlessly with it, but it is to fast for me. I have not measured it, but the pulley is huge. Like 4 or 5 inches. I need to put a smaller pulley on it or just break down and buy the servo motor. It has a newer 1/2 horse clutch motor.

I'll just have to buy a bigger machine to do the large stuff. I plan on buying a 441 of some kind this summer. I don't sell stuff.....just playing right now. Thanks.

Otto

Can I just buy a 2 inch pulley of the right shaft diameter? And a longer belt.