Singer 96-10 Clutchadjust adjustment

[Gregg Dispoto]

I have a 1929 Singer 96-10.  I would like to know if someone could walk me through adjusting the clutch mechanism so it engages smoothly and properly.

 

[Constabulary]

well, I doubt that there are many LW still using this type of motors. I only see 1 screw where you can adjust the clutch with (2nd picture center left - the one with the nut behind) but do not expect that this system has a smooooooth clutch. If you like the historical aspect try to adjust it - but if not better buy a servo motor instead.

[dikman]

I agree about the screw, Constabulary, but from what I can see all that is going to do is vary the amount of pressure required on the foot pedal to engage the clutch, and that's simply an adjustment to suit the operator. It's not going to make it any smoother.

Does it work ok now, or is there an actual problem?

I just noticed two screws/bolts in the top picture (right at the top) which I presume are for adjusting the angle of the clutch to ensure it's parallel to the motor part of the clutch assembly. Hard to tell, but it looks like they're locknutted screws but the locknuts aren't engaged? Like I said, hard to tell.

Edited September 7, 2016 by dikman

[RockyAussie]

Looks in pretty good nick for something of that age. I had one similar once, maybe still do somewhere.The 2 lock nuts have an extended barrel on and are probably done up. As these wear down they can get a little grabby and backing it out may help a bit but check there is no slippery looking bits on the clutch and fine sandpaper off if there is.

 

[dikman]

"The 2 lock nuts have an extended barrel on and are probably done up."

Thanks Rocky, that makes sense (I like to know these things ).

[ndnchf]

I have to wonder if there is a better material that could be used for the clutch disc (or whatever the part is).  Friction materials have come a long way in the last 100 years.  I don't know anything about these mechanisms, but for someone interested in keeping the original motor set up, a modern friction disc might give it a much smoother engagement.  Has anyone looked into this?