Contemplating A Puritan Stitcher: Vamping, Staying, Fairstitch ?

[Uwe]

In a moment of weakness I'm contemplating getting a Puritan Stitcher.

The problem of sorts is that I have no idea which exact model I'm actually looking at and the guy selling it doesn't either:

It kind of looks close to this "Vamper" model:

Does anybody know how to positively identify a particular model or where to find the model markings? I'm waiting for some close-up photos of the needle/awl area. The guys says it works "flawlessly". It's a looong drive to go pick it up so I'm trying to do a little sanity check before I committ.

My other concern is that the only real Puritan Stitcher documentation I found was at the Smithsonian (which hasn't figured out how to make a PDF yet.) The manual talks about Vamping, Staying, and Fairstitch - I've never even heard these terms before! Is there a glossary on what these sewing terms mean? I know they're all chain stitch machines, but I don't know these variations on the theme.

There is precious little information available about these machines other than the manual and that glowing Redwing Shoes video which made me want to own one of these machines in the first place.

Can these models really be "easily converted" between 1/2/3 needles modes as the Puritan website states? They say they have all parts in stock and ready to ship - has anybody successfully ordered parts from them?

Is the Ceroxylon liquid lubricant the manual talks about just plain Palm oil/wax or is there a modern-day equivalent available from a vendor? Is that wax pot heated somehow to melt the wax?

Lots of questions, sorry. I hope some sewing machine savant will just know many of the answers and/or have some actual experience with these machines.

[Wizcrafts]

If Puritan says they have parts, they do. As for Ceroxylon, it is clear and has the consistency of thin rubber glue. While wet, Ceroxylon is a lubricant for linen thread. Once it dries it hardens the linen thread, on both sides (since it sews a chain stitch).

Although I kept a quart, I found no other use for Ceroxylon after disposing of my Union Lockstitch machine. It does not get along well with regular eye-needle machines, like my CB4500.

If you don't want it, I might. I'm up in Flint./Burton, not too awful far from you. I would leave it as a single needle post machine and use it to sew sandals, hats, bags and such.

[pcox]

I own a Puritan. they do have parts for most machines, however they didn't have parts for mine. Mine is a very old model that has a spiral scarf on the needle and the shank of the awl and needle are a different size. They first said I was mistaken. Next time I called an older man was there and said I was correct but they no longer serviced that machine.. They did find a few needles and awls for mine and I bought all the needles and some awls.. My machine works perfectly now but I did have to make 2 simple parts my self. I like the machine and use it when I need to. If I can find a newer model that I can afford I will buy it. Vamping etc refers to shoe making processes. I have an original manual copy right 1907. The wax pot is not heated as it uses liquid wax only. If you don't want the machine I would like a shot at it

[Uwe]

Thanks guys! Alas, it seems it wasn't meant to be. We had a deal and shook virtual hands on it, but then he backed out citing family heirloom concerns. Now all I can say is that I came very close to owning one of these beauties at one time.

Just for the archive, here's the close-up of the what appears to be currently single needle, but ready-for-triple-stitch setup.

[Constabulary]

Damn what a nice machine! Too bad you didn´t get it. Yes, the red Wing Video is awesome.

Now you are bitten by the "old cast iron bug" and there is no cure.

[Uwe]

I know it's only a matter of time, now that the thought of owning a Puritan has taken hold in my mind.

[Uwe]

Turns out the "family heirloom concern" was really a mild case of greed. For some reason he had no takers on his initial CL listing and lowered the price. After I agreed to buy it, his wife started googling Puritans (has anything good ever happened after "let me check with my wife"?). He now wants thousands of dollars instead of hundreds for the machine. Oh well . . .

[TinkerTailor]

I had heard from a guy at dayton, here in vancouver, that there are 1,2 and 3 needle machines, the 3 can do 1 but the 1 can't do 3 if that makes sense. I want to say a year or two ago, one was sold by dayton because it was only capable of 1 needle. I would have thought they would keep it for parts, but whatever...

[Wizcrafts]

Turns out the "family heirloom concern" was really a mild case of greed. For some reason he had no takers on his initial CL listing and lowered the price. After I agreed to buy it, his wife started googling Puritans (has anything good ever happened after "let me check with my wife"?). He now wants thousands of dollars instead of hundreds for the machine. Oh well . . .

Let me tell you a secret Ewe. There be Puritans in Toledo ;-)

[Constabulary]

Uwe - tell them they are nuts, the "real" puritans are quite cheap:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEWING-MACHINE-73-E-PURITAN-MAID-BAY-STATE-PRODUCTS-METAL-REAL-MACHINE-WORKS-/111796656073?hash=item1a079997c9:g:WCwAAOSw9N1VvUHU

This is a real heavy duty leather stitcher. Look at the mighty foot, must be a needle feed machine, it´s the well know Mod. 73E - I think you agree, right?

And its even portable!!! Maybe the predecessor of the Sailrite LS Hokus Pokus

Edited October 27, 2015 by Constabulary