Singer 42-5 stitch length

[Hilltop]

Hi everyone!  Long time lurker here.  

I have a stitch length issue with my Singer 42-5.  At the longest setting stitch, it only does 7 stitches per inch.  By the time I move the stitch selector to the middle, I get stitches so small that they perforated the leather. When the stitch length selector is moved all the way up, it just sews in place.

Surely this is not right?  I've only been working with this machine a few weeks, the previous owner must have messed with it without really knowing what they were really doing, as when I bought it, the feed dogs were going in reverse.  Lol, the guy told me it only sewed in reverse, which I know was not right as this model doesn't even have reverse.  I actually got it to sew in reverse too, just not reliably!  

 

It works in the correct direction now, since I adjusted the feed dogs and timed the feeding mechanism with some of the information I found on this site. 

Can I make any adjustments to make the longest stitch length longer, so that I have more choices with stitch length?

I have attached a picture of the stitches.  Far right stitch is the longest I get, and far left stitch is the so small it perforated the leather stitch I get when moving stitch selector know to the middle.

 

 

 

[CowboyBob]

Push the feed dog front to back to check for play,even check both shafts underneath push left & right ,adjust as need alittle is needed so they don't bind up,oil every pivot point while your under there too.Making the slot longer in the front will help too.

[Cascabel]

As a point of reference, my 42-5 gets 5 stitches per inch at the longest setting, with no slop at all in the feed dog, so I suspect that is normal for a machine without excessive wear.

[Wizcrafts]

58 minutes ago, Cascabel said:

As a point of reference, my 42-5 gets 5 stitches per inch at the longest setting, with no slop at all in the feed dog, so I suspect that is normal for a machine without excessive wear.

I get 4 to the inch on my 42-5. So, 5 is not standard spec.

[Nix]

I just measured mine and it's five to the inch. I posted a short video my 42-5 -- kind of a rarely discussed or seen Singer model --  here.

Nix

[Uwe]

Is that piece of leather in your picture only 2-1/4 inches  top to bottom?  A ruler next to the stitch line would help establish scale. 

I have a Singer 42-5 that's patiently awaiting its turn for some tender loving care. Parts are hit and miss. Needle bar and presser spring were readily available and cheap, but it took weeks just to get my hands on some bobbins at $12 per bobbin - ouch! I have yet to find a source for throat plates (or throat plate inserts).

 

[Wizcrafts]

I couldn't find a spring for my sliding plate (that covers the bobbin and shuttle area), so I glued earth magnets to its sides. It works as good as the spring loaded original. I use my 42-5 for chaps and similar projects. I've used thread sizes 138, 207 and 277. I think it best to limit it to #24 needles/207 thread.

I have enough of those $12 bobbins to preload them with the colors and sizes of thread I use the most.

It's currently powered by a 1/3 hp clutch motor, fitted with a 2" pulley. I can feather it to single stitch if I need to.

As for replacement parts, I've had no success finding ANY parts, other than bobbins. I'm lucky enough to have gotten lots of leather point needles with the machine, in the correct system 16x64, in sizes from 21 through 25. There is also a pack or two of 16x63 round points in the box.

My biggest issue with this machine is its lack of a thread tension release rod. I compensate by hand wheeling back and forth as I pull the work away from the needle. This lets the take-up lever draw thread for me.

The spring loaded presser foot does a good job on soft temper leather and the overall feed is positive.

Like many of you, I didn't go looking for this machine. It came looking for me and I took it in, like a lost kitty. Now I have a loudly purring, 1926 Singer 42-5. It's neat watching people's faces when I show them the beast.

[Hilltop]

6 hours ago, Cascabel said:

As a point of reference, my 42-5 gets 5 stitches per inch at the longest setting, with no slop at all in the feed dog, so I suspect that is normal for a machine without excessive wear.

This is really interesting, and from reading the thread I see you are not the only one.  I love that there are other 42-5 owners here!

[Hilltop]

53 minutes ago, Uwe said:

Is that piece of leather in your picture only 2-1/4 inches  top to bottom?  A ruler next to the stitch line would help establish scale. 

I have a Singer 42-5 that's patiently awaiting its turn for some tender loving care. Parts are hit and miss. Needle bar and presser spring were readily available and cheap, but it took weeks just to get my hands on some bobbins at $12 per bobbin - ouch! I have yet to find a source for throat plates (or throat plate inserts).

 

Yes the leather piece is tiny, ha ha.  I have 4 bobbins, I want more, but I hate to spend so much per bobbin.  $12 each seems outrageous, right?  I've only found it one place online too.  I love my machine, but not being able to find parts stinks.

 

It seems like I read a Aussie member here was going to make some throat plates?  I wonder if they ever did.

[Hilltop]

31 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

My biggest issue with this machine is its lack of a thread tension release rod. I compensate by hand wheeling back and forth as I pull the work away from the needle. This lets the take-up lever draw thread for me.

The spring loaded presser foot does a good job on soft temper leather and the overall feed is positive.

Like many of you, I didn't go looking for this machine. It came looking for me and I took it in, like a lost kitty. Now I have a loudly purring, 1926 Singer 42-5. It's neat watching people's faces when I show them the beast.

I have mine in an industrial treadle.  I haven't used the clutch motor it came with.  I'm actually kind of scared to try it.  I had my heart set on a servo, but now I'm not sure I want to spend the money, since I'll be spending $12/bobbin and I'm a cheapskate. Lol. This is my first treadle experience, and I can see why it appeals to people, but I like to have options.  I might have to try out my clutch motor.

 

I too find the lack of thread tension release rod my biggest issue with this machine.  I find the thread tension set up odd.  Do you use the knee lever?  I just connected mine, and it made a huge difference as I could finally release the tension.  I still am not crazy about it.