I Bought A Singer 17-25...

[BigMatt]

...and I would like a little more information on it. There seem to be a blue million versions of the 17 machine and this seems to be rare as there is not any of information on the web about the -25 machine. I have a 17 manual, but it excludes the 17-25 from the covered models.

It is a cylinder arm machine with drop feed and alternating presser feet. It is not a true walking foot machine as I know it, but it is what I have seen referred to on here as a "jump foot".

The machine is in good working order and seems to be very lightly used. (I will take a few pictures tonight). I got it with about $100 worth of leather and I paid $200 for the whole package (head, makeshift table, needles, extra bobbins/bobbin cases, and almost 2 full sides of leather 7-8oz latigo).

I have temporarily mounted it on the stand for my big machine and it seems to sew like a dream.

Any more information would be greatly appreciated. The main thing is that I would like to adjust the stitch length longer. It stitches about 7-8 SPI at the longest and when adjusted down, it will stitch in the same hole. I think this is wrong and should at least move the leather on the shortest stitch length.

Thanks.

[dikman]

I see what you mean about info, the manual I came up with mentions 17-25 on the front but nothing about it inside!

Nevertheless, looks like you did very well and picked up a real bargain there. Well done.

[jimi]

Here you go. http://dixiesewingmachine.tzo.com/MANUALS/SINGERPARTS/17-1%20-%2017-30.pdf

not much else out there?

Edited December 30, 2015 by jimi

[BigMatt]

Here are some pictures. ..

[BigMatt]

Here is a video that shows what I believe is the jump type foot and also the maximum stitch spacing.

http://s276.photobucket.com/user/23wynton/media/20151230_181119_zpsvhpu2vhc.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0

[DrmCa]

This is obviously a light weight textile machine for attaching sleeves to shirts and jackets. That may explain what you are seeing for the stitch length

[BigMatt]

I might agree, but if I adjust the stitch length down about half way, the material doesn't move at all.

I think I am going to start simple and adjust the feed dog height - that might help things without getting too far into the guts and screwing something up.

[jimi]

In the pictures the feed dog has big flat spots, adjusting the height wont fix it i reckon. unless you file them to a point again and then you will possibly have to widen the elongated hole underneath on the bottom side of the feed dog. the other option is get someone to TIG weld the top of the feet and then file them down again to the original height. you might even find some new feed dogs somewhere on the net?? but you will probably have to change the needle plate also as two rows of teeth are probably not out there for the class 17 machines.

http://stores.ebay.com/SHARP-SEWING-SUPPLIES/_i.html?_fsub=439427819

[Darren Brosowski]

That machine has been repainted as they were not that glossy when they left the factory!!!

I bought three 17-25's at one time and all were incomplete so there were enough to build one jump foot, one roller foot and one as a darner.

Many parts are available from Seiko as they build the 17 class as the TF but I don't think the double row feed dog is one of them. Bob Kovar would be the best person to ask.

[BigMatt]

Thanks for the info.

I adjusted the feed dog and it helped, but just barely. After looking at the action a little closer, I believe I have all the stitch length I can get. I will be sure to be careful when adjusting it down.

I will be sure to check out the Seiko equivalent models.

[Darren Brosowski]

Sorry, that should be TE as the TF is the Seiko built 18