29K Bobbin Shuttle Issue

[Constabulary]

The 29K4 is almost 100 years old so the theory that an oversized thread wore out the gears is a bit far away, isn´t it? I´d rather say decade of use wore out the gears if they are worn.

[cdthayer]

Try a different or new shuttle first. I have some that won't pick up the thread in either of my 29K70 machines, but better shuttles don't miss a stitch.

CD in Oklahoma

[xenajo]

Thanks for the advice so far, I have taken a photo of the rack box and the shuttle driving pinion. I am going by the manual i printed off for another 29K but not the same as mine but this part looks the same. There appears a little wear on the parts but not sure if its enough to make a difference. I noticed there is a bit of play in the driving pinion, would this cause the problem?

[Wizcrafts]

Yep, the driving pinion needs to be replaced. In theory, if you replace everything under the arm with well fitting but not binding parts, as well as the foot driving cam that lives under the revolving head bushing, the machine should sew like a brand new old one. You can probably buy all these parts, plus a new take-up lever and a new bobbin case, for around $300.00.

[Constabulary]

They are for sure not new but I have seen worse gears. They don´t look too bad in my opinion.

Regarding shuttle hook - I have attached a picture of a NOS original Singer hook and a worn Singer hook - difference is pretty obvious. They both work in my 29K71 BUT I can advance or retard the hook on my 29K71 whereas you can`t on your 29K4 if it has no timing screw. So the condition of hook tip really can be an issue.

oops - Fingers are still dirty from the latest restoration

Edited March 2, 2016 by Constabulary

[xenajo]

Ok here is my bobbin shuttle. I think to play safe I will get a new shuttle and a new shuttle driving pinion. Will let you know when they arrive Thank you so much for the advice so far

[Constabulary]

Be careful with the new shuttle driving pinion - the 29K71 gears you find f.i. at College Sewing do not fit for the 29K4 since the early 29K´s have larger gears. Singer has changed (improved) A LOT of parts on the 29K class over the decades.

F.I. the K50´s subclass machines have much smaller gears with much finer teeth than any other 29K. The K60´s and K70´s gears are the same as far as I know but do not fit the K50´s or earlier sub class machines.

[xenajo]

Thanks, I have ordered mine from college sewing so will have to check it when it arrives, fingers crossed!

[xenajo]

Well the parts arrived and the pinion was half the size of the one on my machine. The new shuttle hook doesn't look much better then the one I've got but I tried it anyway and still doesn't work . So I have called a repair guy in tomorrow to have a look as the parts are costing me more money and they are not fixing the problem. Will let you know what the outcome is.

[jimi]

Hi xenajo, didnt want to sound negative so i waited until your parts arrived. i done the same thing with mine, then the rack and piñon had to get sent back also as it was for the newer models, not the old ones like ours. in the end after looking all over the place the front driving piñon in my 29k was like new as i think i changed it 10 years ago and didnt really use the machine up until recently. anyway i was lucky to get someone in the work to make me two new piñons, one is in the machine and the other is a spare. your best bet would be to try and get someone in your area who does maybe model ingeneering to try and make you the parts? in the UK a lot of people do that sort of thang! hehe. these machines must be one of the most popular amongst leather workers so i am sure someone out there must make these larger piñons for the older machines?? hope you find something, good luck.

Edited March 3, 2016 by jimi