Johanna Report post Posted June 30, 2006 It's big, it has a table and it sews something like 750 stitches per minute. The man in Macon who fixed all the shoe shop machines called it a "mattress machine" and made it purr like a kitten. A very fast and powerful kitten. I'm scared to death of it, and will never use it. It is sitting in my basement with all its pieces, and has been there since John Henry died. He used the Singer for jobs that required sewing two pieces of 8-9ox leather together, and it never dropped a stitch. It was fast, though. It has a foot pedal, and he always talked about modifying it to run by hand, but I don't know how he planned to do that. The shipping would be horrendous, but I have a truck and would be willing to take it to someone within reason, and I can post pictures of it if anyone is interested. I would like to reclaim the space it is using, and see it go to someone who can put it to work. No reasonable offer refused. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted June 30, 2006 Hello JoHanna A picture along with a model number would be nice. Where are you located? I have a client in Florida looking for machinery. Thanks Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shirleyz Report post Posted July 6, 2006 Johanna, I know what you mean. I purchased a 'Chandler' from a friend of a friend. I'm scared I'm gonna sew my arm to the table. It was much more machine than I need, so I bought another. Now they sit and stare at each other, waiting for me to actually sew something. One day. shirleyz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted August 4, 2006 It's big, it has a table and it sews something like 750 stitches per minute. The man in Macon who fixed all the shoe shop machines called it a "mattress machine" and made it purr like a kitten. A very fast and powerful kitten. I'm scared to death of it, and will never use it. It is sitting in my basement with all its pieces, and has been there since John Henry died. He used the Singer for jobs that required sewing two pieces of 8-9ox leather together, and it never dropped a stitch. It was fast, though. It has a foot pedal, and he always talked about modifying it to run by hand, but I don't know how he planned to do that. The shipping would be horrendous, but I have a truck and would be willing to take it to someone within reason, and I can post pictures of it if anyone is interested. I would like to reclaim the space it is using, and see it go to someone who can put it to work. No reasonable offer refused. Johanna Hello Johanna My client still has interest in your machine if you are really serious about selling it? We need information. Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted February 21, 2007 Months later...she ventures into the basement and confronts the machine.... I'm trying to find the manual I had, may have to find another. Other than Proleptic, anyone have any suggestions in case I can't find it? My husband started the machine and seems to be working just fine, but the tension is off a little (surprise surprise!) Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted February 21, 2007 I should add that John apparently did fix the foot pedal. You can turn corners or get into tight areas by using it manually (without the motor) and switch back and forth as needed. I think this modification was done before I bought the machine, but John fixed it. My husband, Wade, just tried it, and it works fine manually,too. He asked me why anyone would want to sew without the motor (he's not a leatherworker!) and I explained the reasoning. As you can see, it has a large table and I do have a box of different presser foots, needles, and other goodies to go with it. John liked this machine because of the deep throat. I hunted for the manual, but I can't find it (too many years and too much stuff!) so I called Proleptic and ordered another one. The manual is 40 pages and has a complete parts list. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Major Report post Posted February 21, 2007 I should add that John apparently did fix the foot pedal. You can turn corners or get into tight areas by using it manually (without the motor) and switch back and forth as needed. I think this modification was done before I bought the machine, but John fixed it. My husband, Wade, just tried it, and it works fine manually,too. He asked me why anyone would want to sew without the motor (he's not a leatherworker!) and I explained the reasoning. As you can see, it has a large table and I do have a box of different presser foots, needles, and other goodies to go with it. John liked this machine because of the deep throat. I hunted for the manual, but I can't find it (too many years and too much stuff!) so I called Proleptic and ordered another one. The manual is 40 pages and has a complete parts list.Johanna You could also try: http://parts.singerco.com/. The have the majority of their manuals on there as pdf's. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted February 28, 2007 This Singer was made between 1939-42. Model 153w103 "High speed, compound feed, alternating pressers, belt drive, link take up, safety clutch, foot lifter, four motion feed movement." Whatever that all means. I have all of it from the manual to the original oil can. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AKRob Report post Posted June 14, 2007 (edited) how much are you wanting for this machine? Rob Edited June 14, 2007 by AKRob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skipj Report post Posted June 15, 2007 Did you sell it yet? Skip Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted June 15, 2007 I've still got the machine, and the manuals & parts list. Quite a few people have asked about it, but not one person has made me an offer- they keep asking me what I want for it! I need to get rid of it before my husband becomes too attached to it (or attaches his hand to something!) Someone make me an offer: johanna@leatherworker.net Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin King Report post Posted September 7, 2007 I've still got the machine, and the manuals & parts list. Quite a few people have asked about it, but not one person has made me an offer- they keep asking me what I want for it! I need to get rid of it before my husband becomes too attached to it (or attaches his hand to something!) Someone make me an offer: johanna@leatherworker.net Johanna have you sold your machine? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted September 7, 2007 No, but my husband likes it now, and I can't convince him that we need to get rid of it. Sigh. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted September 10, 2007 And WHAT is Wade going to do with it????? huh Inquireing minds and all that....... You can't sew wood with it, you know. Well maybe you can. It is big and heavy. And NO you can't bring it to my basement Sincerely Your cousin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted September 10, 2007 Are you volunteering to teach Wade to lay out patterns and sew? I don't think you have enough room or light in your basement yet, but if you want to clear out a spot upstairs...at least the machine would get used! (It's hard living with packrats, isn't it?) Seriously, he asked me to keep it so he could sew on it. In his spare time, right, sure. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
