Machine Longevity

[l2bravo]

So I'm about 2 months in a Cowboy 3200, and way dig it. I keep it clean and oiled and make sure all is good, regularly.

Which leads me to my question. These things are built like tanks for sure. With the Landis, and trillion Singer machines still in operation, that are 80+ years old, what can we expect? Will these last us 20 or 30 years? Are they infinitely rebuildable? Just curious more than anything.

[Hockeymender]

With proper care and maintenance, and provided the machine is not being run eight to ten hours a day, five days a week, the Cowboy machines should last for many years. I would say it's not out of the question to expect 20 or 30 years of service from them IMHO.

[Art]

In the hands of a competent mechanic, and the availability of parts (or a shop to make them if necessary) a reasonably well made machine will last hundreds of years. It is only a matter of maintenance and repair.

Chinese (Taiwan too) equipment has looked like it was built in the early 20th century and was built along the lines of machines made here and in Europe, so while the castings might not be up to our standards (but more often than not they are), if the holes are in the right places and can support the loads, then the machine is of reasonable enough quality to last centuries.

I have:

Van Norman 12 Mill circa 1938

Taiwanese 15" Lathe circa 1990

Landis 12 machines, circa 1940

Boot and Shoe nailers from the 1950s

Shoe Machines from the 1950s

Campbell Lockstitch machine that was in a Saddle shop in 1940

Buffers and grinders from the 60s and 70s

Industrial Sewing Machines (Chinese) from the 90s and 2000s

Tons (literally) of other machinery not even produced anymore

in my shop today, and it all works. Most of it spent many years in production environments.

Use it, maintain it, fix it, and it will last forever.

Your kids or heirs will sell your sewing machine to someone who will be tickled to have it.

Art

[Wizcrafts]

I have a little side business refurbishing and selling old iron Singer sewing machines. The oldest one in the rack right now is a model 27, from 1902. I cleaned, oiled and lubed it, then adjusted the clearance of the bullet shuttle. That 114 year old machine sews 2 layers of 4-5 ounce leather, denim jeans and just about anything I can fit under the foot, with #69 bonded nylon thread. The Sphinx decals are in good condition. It amazes me that nobody has expressed the slightest interest in buying the machine. Quite frankly, I don't care. I know I can cart it into my shop (15 feet away) and sew with it in one minute or less. It does one thing and does it well. It sews tight, straight stitches, up to 5 to the inch.

One hundred fourteen years and still going strong. It thrives on oil, clear grease and fair treatment. With more of the same, I expect that it will be capable of continuing on its timeless journey for another hundred years.

Treat your Cowboy machine with the same respect and it will outlive you.

[Skipndance]

Hi Wiz,

I have a quick question on the old Singer machine. I have inherited my mom's machines and one is a Singer 7-27. Is that the same as the model 27 you are referring to? I'd like to find any info and or manual - if there is such a thing for it. I'm just starting to look it up right now, so I will probably find some info, but curious for your comment.

Thanks!

Edited February 17, 2016 by Skipndance

[TinkerTailor]

Hi Wiz,

I have a quick question on the old Singer machine. I have inherited my mom's machines and one is a Singer 7-27. Is that the same as the model 27 you are referring to? I'd like to find any info and or manual - if there is such a thing for it. I'm just starting to look it up right now, so I will probably find some info, but curious for your comment.

Thanks!

7-27 is a different machine.He is refering to a 27k.

a 7-27 is a double needle industrial machine for sewing tarps and sails.

It is listed here:

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-1-99.html

Edited February 17, 2016 by TinkerTailor

[Wizcrafts]

7-27 is a different machine.He is refering to a 27k.

a 7-27 is a double needle industrial machine for sewing tarps and sails.

It is listed here:

http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-1-99.html

The Sphynx machine I mentioned is not a 27k. It is a straight model 27, from 1902 and is the predecessor or the model 127, which I also have for sale. Nonetheless, it is an early model of a domestic sewing machine, with capabilities in excess of the plastic machines built today. Plus, it looks awesome! There is a thorough write-up, with photos, about both the 27 and 127 on this Wikipedia page.

[TinkerTailor]

The Sphynx machine I mentioned is not a 27k. It is a straight model 27, from 1902 and is the predecessor or the model 127, which I also have for sale. Nonetheless, it is an early model of a domestic sewing machine, with capabilities in excess of the plastic machines built today. Plus, it looks awesome! There is a thorough write-up, with photos, about both the 27 and 127 on this Wikipedia page.

I also have a sphinx machine, a 27. 1908 i think. ..... That is what i meant. I misread his post, answered him completely wrong, then went back, edited it and fixed my post but ended up with an extra K......Singer model names turn into a mess when memory gets involved......Funny thing is, the 27 is one of the few i do not have a pdf for. I have the real deal manual.

[gottaknow]

There is no way the Juki Chinese machines will outlive the old Singers from the 50's and 60's. The tight tolerances just aren't there. At least they're using Seiko hooks in them. As I see it, the downfall will be the bronze bushings that are already showing play after just a few years. The market for the textile side of things dictates they last five years until they are fully depreciated, then they'll get replaced. For a hobby sewer, they'll last a long time as long as the electronics hold up.

Regards, Eric

[TinkerTailor]

There is no way the Juki Chinese machines will outlive the old Singers from the 50's and 60's. The tight tolerances just aren't there. At least they're using Seiko hooks in them. As I see it, the downfall will be the bronze bushings that are already showing play after just a few years. The market for the textile side of things dictates they last five years until they are fully depreciated, then they'll get replaced. For a hobby sewer, they'll last a long time as long as the electronics hold up.

Regards, Eric

and they get oiled properly of course. Those old singers are much more forgiving of forgetting to oil it this week.....