Thoughts on Singer 17-30?

[Rainout]

Hi! 

I've recently started looking into sewing machines for leather. I mainly plan on sewing shoe uppers, belts, bags and wallets. If it's possible to sew soles (8-10oz veg tan) that would be great, but not absolutely necessary.

Been looking into different Singer 29k leather patchers, but I recently got a chance to buy a singer 17-30 with a 220v motor. Does anyone know if there are parts and needles available for this machine? Can it be hand cranked and/or removed from the table if the motor doesn't work? 

I'm a total newbie when it comes to older sewing machines and while I don't mind spending a lot of time learning how the mechanicals work as long as there is manuals and information available, user friendlyness is a big plus. Haven't got an exact price yet but I think I'll be able to pick it up for 200-300 euros.

-Rainy

[leecopp]

Hey Rainy,

Singer manual at http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/17.pdf  calls for 16x2 needle.  One ebay source offers 16x2nw  =  16x257LR as modern alternatives. Reversible cylinder arm, with narrow foot .. lists handbags and pocket books typical work.  Needle sizes from 9-25 originally.  Doesnt appear to be setup as a hand crank.

 CowboyBob said in 2012 ..."The stitch length is on the front,a knob that has a slot in the casting loosen it push it down for longer,it can use up#92 thread & sew 16 oz thick."

 

Have fun. Lee

[Constabulary]

I have an Adler 48-7 which actually is the ADLER version (or call it a clone ) of the Class 17-30 Singer as far as I can see. Its a nice machines for light to medium work f.i. for the shoe industries or sewing finer leather goods. Personally I´d consider it more as a light duty machine as it has a quite tiny feed dog and also a quite small bobbin. But depends on from which end you are looking. If you did fabric work with f.i. a size 90 needle and 40 thread most of the time its more a heavy duty machine but when you have sewn saddles and holsters with a 200 needle and 11 thread it is a light duty machine.

A size 120 needle and 30 thread is what it works well with.

BTW - all metric sizes since you are from Sweden.