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Here is what I think....if it is a good price and you like the idea of working on 80 year old sewing machines, then go for it.  If you just want to sew a project and move on, then don't put to much time into it.  They can be really fun, and they also can drive you crazy.  One day it may sew fine then the next it may not sew at all.  You may need 5 parts, but you can only find 3 of them and the other 2 parts cost more than you paid for the machine.

1) Any idea of the $ value?

 A "typical non-SV" 111w155 machine is about $350-$600 depending on the condition and if it is working or not, motor type and extras, like needles, bobbins, lamp, thread holder, ect.

3) Is there a better operating manual or service manual I should be looking at?

I suspect that any 111 guide will be a good start, show you how to thread it and see if you can get it stitching.

4) Replacement parts:  Who is a reputable source? 

111 parts are fairly common on e-bay, and sometimes you can find "donor machines" without tables and just strip the parts, but it can be frustrating looking for parts at a good price. 

5) I have done some searching and this model # comes up blank.  What model number is most similar that I should use to order parts?

I have a 111W155 and it looks almost the same.  I am sure someone know the exact model it is related too.

 

 

One day I hope to learn how to sew.....

Singer 111W155 - Singer 29-4 - Singer 78-1 - Singer 7-31 - Singer 109w100 - Singer 46W-SV-16 - Adler 20-19 - Cowboy CB-4500

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Posted
10 hours ago, Rhons said:

 

2) Any idea of the $ value?

4) Replacement parts: 

 

 

 

Hi,

 

looks like some threadguides are missing. I'ld need a closer look to see if the thread tension is complete, and I don't see the spring for the presser foot. After the looks of the thumpscrew on top of the machine I'ld be expecting a flat spring. If that is a family machine I think it should be given to you for free. If it was up for purchase I think I would pass.

To give a comparision: I paid 250 Euros for a Pfaff 145 with stand an clutch motor that was advertised on Ebay Kleinanzeigen (German equivalent of Craigs list). Asking price was 350 Euros. I offered 250 over the phone and hasslefree pickup. Machine came with a generous box of accessories, manual, thread, was testsewn on pickup and was complete and fully operational.

An Adler 5 (similar to Singer 45) with treadle base was 120 Euros, a Singer 7 with treadle base was 60 Euros and a Pfaff 345 with stand and Efka servo motor was 200 Euros incl. gas and professional refurishment.

 

Greets

Ralf C.

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Posted (edited)

I agree with Ralf, I certainly wouldn't want to pay too much for it (and like everything, it's only worth what someone is prepared to pay). As an example, my WSV77 cost me Aus$150, but the only thing of value was the head unit, I junked the rest. The SV machines are problematic due to the lack of information available, but if you can work on one yourself then they can be good value. The 111 class are nice machines and many parts are common to the various models. While it might look like a 155 I'd be surprised if it's the same, more likely to be similar to the 151 - 154 models I would think (or earlier?). In the case of my WSV77, I went through the 151- 155 parts lists, comparing parts and construction, and while the part numbers were different the parts all appeared to be identical to a W153. Fortunately, the only parts I needed were feet which are easy to get. I would point out to the family the poor condition it's in, it's going to need a bit of work to make it usable  and that research has shown there's no information available for it. I honestly think they should give it to you if you want it, as I doubt if they'd get much if they tried to sell it.

Edited by dikman

Machines wot I have - Singer 51W59; Singer 331K4; Seiko STH-8BLD; Pfaff 335; CB4500.

Chinese shoe patcher; Singer 201K (old hand crank)

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Posted (edited)

Yetibelle, Kohlrausch, dikman thank you for taking the time to give me that feedback.

 

Edited by Rhons
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Posted (edited)

Kohlrausch and I live in Germany and we have a A LOT OF sewing machines around here. Often enough within a driving range of just a few hours and hell you can make great deals from time to time when you watch the market frequently and act fast when a good deal pops up. But thats not the case in all parts oft the world. Prices for these machines depend on your local market.

Singer SV machines are often just standard machines (as it seems) with different accessories for certain sewing operations or certain customer needs and so forth compared with the "off the shelf" machines or are predecessors / low volume "prototypes" of future standard machines (no proof for that - it´s just what I have learned from comparing machines and parts lists).

I´m sure you won´t have problems finding parts. Singer 111 are workhorses for several decades already and the big big big advantage of the 111 type machines is that you most likely still can find all wear parts for them in 50 years from now. Most aftermarket parts are of good quality (but there are always exceptions).

If you buy it check the condition of the timing belt and most important - TEST SEW IT.

Keep in mind this 111 has no reverse! Due to the condition I´d pay 150 - 250 if it is NOT sewing and maybe 100 more when it is sewing and timing belt is in good condition.

Just my 2 cents ;)

BTW - for sewing heavy canvas Army tents like GP Small or bigger you may want a more powerfully / heavier machine and or / or a machine with longer arm but depends on where the tents needs a repair. You most likely have to extent the table as well. For lighter canvas M-1950 arctic tents and the like this machine will work fine I think.

Edited by Constabulary

~ Keep "OLD CAST IRON" alive - it´s worth it ~

Machines in use: - Singer 111G156 - Singer 307G2 - Singer 29K71 - Singer 212G141 - Singer 45D91 - Singer 132K6 - Singer 108W20 - Singer 51WSV2 - Singer 143W2

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Posted

I appreciate the comments.  I guess I will see if I can get it to sew (with minimal costs) and go from there.

Thanks.

  • 2 weeks later...
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Posted
3 hours ago, Rhons said:

I also have the converted manual for Singer_111W152_W153_W154_W155  I can only put in PDF.  Word version exceeds my upload capability

Singer_111W152_W153_W154_W155_Rev1.pdf

PDF is the preferred file format for manuals. Almost every modern browser has a built in PDF viewer. In contrast, very few non-business computers have Microsoft Word any more. It would require one to download either the free Microsoft Word Viewer, or an alternate office program.

3 hours ago, Rhons said:

Not sure if useful to anyone, but here is the Singer 111W100 manual converted to word

Singer_111W100_Rev1.docx

You might want to think about uploading a PDF version instead of a proprietary Microsoft format.

Posted IMHO, by Wiz

My current crop of sewing machines:

Cowboy CB4500, Singer 107w3, Singer 139w109, Singer 168G101, Singer 29k71, Singer 31-15, Singer 111w103, Singer 211G156, Adler 30-7 on power stand, Techsew 2700, Fortuna power skiver and a Pfaff 4 thread 2 needle serger.

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Posted

If it's any help, these docs open fine on ipads.

 

“Equality?   Political correctness gone mad, I tell you, gone mad!!!!    Next they'll be wanting the vote!!!!! :crazy:“.

Anger and intolerance are the enemy of correct understanding

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