What Machine Is This?

[Wardaug]

I found this at a antique store don't know what it is, the guy was asking $500. I was going to offer 300, everything seemed to move just needed some tlc. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[amuckart]

It's a fairly ancient singer patcher. There will be a model number on the small round-ended rectangular plate on the front of the machine. It's probably a 29-4 or 29-13. Without its treadle base or a motor it's not a lot of use because these models couldn't have the hand wheel moved to the front like later models could.

If they sew they're useful for lighter leather, but they're next to impossible to get parts for. They feed using the foot and will leave marks on soft leathers unless you modify them. They were originally designed for sewing elastic into boots but they are modernly used for repairs and sewing patches onto jackets and the like. The presser foot rotates through 360 degrees, so they can sew a circle without having to rotate the work.

Unless you specifically want a restoration project, or you desperately need a patcher for some reason I'd pass on it.

[Wizcrafts]

That is a Singer 29 class patcher. I can't see the brass ID tag on the body, but it will tell the actual sub-model. My guess is that it is a one hundred year old 29-4. This machine is known as a shoe patcher. It's job was sewing uppers on boots and shoes and sewing patches onto leather vests and onto jacket sleeves and over pockets. It can only really handle #69 bonded thread. They are top feed machines that feed the work in any direction. This is done by clawing the work with teeth on the foot. The bobbins are the diameter of a US nickel and don't hold very much thread.

The stitch length on a factory quality patcher was only 5 to the inch and that occurred at about 1/8 inch. The stitches get shorter as the thickness increases. The maximum they can sew is about 1/4 inch or a tish over. Unfortunately, the moving parts that determine stitch length wear out over time and extended use. A worn out patcher may only be able to sew 8 stitches per inch.

If the machine is being sold as the head only, minus the fitted cast iron base, it is only worth about $200, if it sews and isn't missing any parts. If the shuttle is rusted out, or missing, expect to spend about $40 to replace it..Bobbins are about .75 each and a threading rod may cost you up to $10. Some of the driving gears under the arm are no longer made. If the bobbin winder assembly is missing, a used replacement could cost almost $50.

If you know anybody who has a Singer patcher, try to take them with you to look over the machine. It could be a diamond, or a stone.

[Constabulary]

Yes a 29 model w/o the stitch regulator, the spool pin is missing and the tension stud is bent as it seems. I´m not sure but seems the pin that connects the needle bar with arm lever is missing too. I would not buy it unless you are a collector and I would not pay $300.

[Cascabel]

If you are mechanically inclined, you can probably bring it back to life, as long as nothing is missing or badly worn out that cannot be found. These are very handy machines for very specific situations. I still use mine a couple of times a year. There is sometimes no substitute for a patcher !! Mine is mounted on an old treadle base, which is not the correct type, but it works well for me. I never actually use the treadle. I find it easier to just stick my finger between the spokes of the hand wheel, and spin it that way, It turns quite easily, as long as you are not running really tough material through it, because the heavy wheel has a lot of inertia. When I first got it, I made a flat table attachment for it because it was the only leather machine I had. It served me well for a few years !!

[Wardaug]

Thank you so much for your input. I don't think this is a machine I will be investing in. I already have an older singer for thin leather. I think I ll just keep perfecting my hand stitching techniques (; if I was to buy a stitcher for 8-9oz leather what would be a good machine for me? Thanks again

[John Graham]

what do you think of Singer 107W1 $150 and 241-2 $400 ? I need your advise. i love making leather thing like wallet or saddle bag or belt for my hobby. I need your help for choosing 107 or 241 Thanks

[Constabulary]

The 107w is a high speed drop feed zig zag machine. I once had a "German clone" of it a Durkopp 252 and I don´t think it is ideal for leather. You of course can sew garment leather with it but as far as I remember I was just able to sew 69 or 92 thread with it.

I have no experience with a 241-2 but this thread gives you answers: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=57636

With some luck I´m sure you can find a walking foot (triple feed) machine for about the same money.

This pinned thread should give you some guidance for finding the machine you want / need:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25239

[John Graham]

The 107w is a high speed drop feed zig zag machine. I once had a "German clone" of it a Durkopp 252 and I don´t think it is ideal for leather. You of course can sew garment leather with it but as far as I remember I was just able to sew 69 or 92 thread with it.

I have no experience with a 241-2 but this thread gives you answers: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=57636

With some luck I´m sure you can find a walking foot (triple feed) machine for about the same money.

This pinned thread should give you some guidance for finding the machine you want / need:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25239

Thank you for your advise! I really appreciate it. I am not buying it yet but I am looking for old industrial sew machine - It can sew 138 thread size and 207 thread size what kind of sew machine do you suggest? i am looking forward to it Thanks

[Constabulary]

Well, it depends on how much you are willing to spend and if you are looking for a new or used machine and what is available on the market in your region. Are you looking for a flat bed or cylinder bed machine?

The flat bed "medium duty" upholstery type Singer 111w type machines (like Singer 111w, Adler 67, 167, 267, Pfaff 145, 545, Consew 226 and so many more) can sew up to 9-10mm thick materials (maybe some can sew thicker) and can handle 138 but not all can handle 207 thread.

Usually it´s recommended to buy "more machine than you need" because the heavy duty machines like the 441 type machines (Juki 441, Cowboy 3500, Techsew 3600, Cobra Class 4 or many others) can handle thread from 138 onwards and some can sew almost any thickens up to 1".

But there are too many machines (including vintage machines) on the market and you cannot know them all.

Since you live in Canada I´d probably contact Raphael Sewing Machines Inc. / Techsew - they are member here in the forum and have a banner on top of the website. I´m sure they can guide you when you are telling them what exactly you are planing to do.

Or check the Sale section here in the forum.