Something Different....a Singer 172K

[alexitbe]

Well I thought this might be a bit different to what we normally see on here...

 

Its an old glove making machine which is unusual in that it does a standard lockstitch. In my experience most glove machines are like fur machines and do a single or double thread overseam stitch.

It took me severall attempts to thread, and it might still be wrong, but its sews well with only an occasional pull through of the upper thread (red) to the underside (black thread).  The machine is full of fluff, especially in the spool ad hook area so I think a quick clean will do the job. The spool is not turning smoothly by hand, so I think this is the source.

Lower or spool thread side.

Upper or needle thread side

 

Enjoy something different... You can ask me questions, but I really know nothing about it.   It has a variable stitch length adjuster, which is handily writtine in SPI. The largest look to be about 5-6 mm, which for gloves seems to be extremely long.

 

In addition, as with a normal sewing machine one must hold the threads at the begining otherwise the upper thread gets pulled through and there's a bit of a mess underneath

Cheers

Alex

 

Edited April 26, 2017 by alexitbe

[CowboyBob]

I've never seen one,nice looking machine though!

[trash treasure]

I had to go look this one up - The orientation of this machine is really strange :

[gottaknow]

There's a glove manufacturer here in Idaho that has a couple of those. They are funny looking for sure. I have a pdf of the parts book if you need it.

Regards, Eric

[alexitbe]

Thanks Eric, Bob and Trash Treasure... Glad you found it interesting.

 

Eric, thanks for the kind offer, but I have managed to a parts list, just not a maual.  It would be nice to somehow find a manual.

 

Today, I had another play with it and it managed to sew some shearling really nicely.  The thread was too thin really, but here are both sides of the same piece.

needle thread

Spool Thread.

 

I might try making a tester shearling mitten just to see how it gets through it.

 

I would say that thread size of upper and lower have to be the same...Otherwise it doesn't sew. well..

 

I am using Gutermann 120, which is a little thinner than the Gutermann sewall thread.  It is used particularly for sergers and I would say that it is happy in 80 nm sized needles..

 

Cheers

Alex

Edited April 27, 2017 by alexitbe

[gottaknow]

The guy here in Idaho that makes gloves does the seam first with a Bonis glove machine then  uses the 172 for seam strength. Still gives the strength but with a nice finished edge. I have 2 Bonis machines here at the factory, but we don't use them.

Regards, Eric

[alexitbe]

Hi Eric,

I would never have thought of doing that, but it makes sense as the Bonis machine's stitch can easily unravel when broken.  However, it must take a lot of skill to sew the seam twice and I know I couldn't do it (atleast at the moment).  I have enough trouble sewing in a straight line.

 

There is a big market for Bonis machines. If you were to sell, I am sure you would get a good price.

 

Cheers

Alex

 

[Constabulary]

 

 I have 2 Bonis machines here at the factory, but we don't use them.

If you have no use - I take em and will dispose then environment friendly

[gottaknow]

 

If you have no use - I take em and will dispose then environment friendly

Lol. I bet you would!

Regards, Eric 

[Wizcrafts]

I've kind of been wanting a Bonis (or similar) fur sewing machine for a year or two. I repair all kinds of leather and some fur covered items, including gloves, fur coats and Ugg type shoes. I should investigate if there are any clamp on/portable units made, as I've run out of room for any more machine tables.