Singer 16-188

[Otto6294]

I purchased a 1948 model Singer from a retired guy that used it to do upholstery, boat, and pool covers. It has been converted to a v-belt and it has a 1/2 horse motor. It was filthy. I cleaned it up and proceeded to learn how to sew on it. It sews wonderfully. I had some issues threading it the first time, but I figured it out. The needle clamp was cracked, so I got another one.

It came with 100 assorted needles, a few tools, a smooth foot, a welt foot, and regular foot, 20 bobbins, 4 bobbin carriages, and a spool of 138 black thread. No play in the needle bar.The walking foot has a little play...I don't know if that is normal or not.

It will sew whatever will fit under the foot. Someone said it would sew 20 oz of leather and that is about right. I can easily sew 2 layers of 8/9 oz veg tan. 3 just won't fit.

This is my first machine. I may sell it later on to get something for thicker material.

[Otto6294]

Oh....it also really puts a lot of pressure on whatever you are sewing. It can mark leather pretty good unless you put the smooth foot on.

[Otto6294]

It really does well on nylon webbing and straps. I have made several foot loops for my tree climbing harness system.

[cdthayer]

Congratulations! A Singer 16-188 is on my “Want List”, but only to play with. I want to see how one works in a treadle.

I treadled my Singer 111W153 a little bit, but while it would treadle just fine with nothing under the foot, when I tried sewing a couple of pieces of 6-8oz Oak-tanned leather together, I felt like I was putting too much pressure on the foot pedal and pitman rod. I was afraid that I might break something, so I quit.

I understand that the 16-188 was used in the Singer industrial treadle stands prior to electrification.

CD in Oklahoma

[socoso]

Looking at a blue badge 16-188. Anything to look out for? Reported to work with new wiring.

 

 

Edited August 31, 2021 by socoso