Mechanic Report post Posted June 15, 2017 (edited) This was a junk shop find that I bought on a whim. It has been an interesting project that landed me here at this forum. I'll try to share the details as I remember them. Everything I learned the hard way was actually covered to some degree here at LW.net. Before joining, I took the time to read all the posts on the 29 series machines in an effort not to ask any questions that have been answered at least one or thirteen times before. :D This is the machine as it followed me home. I did verify that it would stitch before starting disassembly. I started with paint stripper followed with pressure washer. Then a coupla coats of rattle-can primer and black lacquer. There was some bad voo-doo going on... the two paints were not compatible, so I put everything in the sand blaster and started from scratch...again. After six coats of old school automotive lacquer, gobs of sanding and smidgee bit of filler, I put the waterslide decals on. This is where it is right now, as far as finish. Six coats of clear lacquer over the decals. Before reassembly I replaced the needle shaft and carrier, it was pretty sloppy, .008"-010" measured at the bottom of the carrier. I'll detail the rest as time permits. I'd really like to thank all the members here, ya'll are incredibly generous with your knowledge. The guys at Toledo and Pilgrim had parts to my door as quick as the wagon train could get them here. Both companies are great to deal with. My actual leatherworking interests are in the holster area, so a CB4500 is on the radar. Edited June 15, 2017 by Mechanic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 I bet that was fun. Thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted June 15, 2017 Nice job - but it looks too good to use! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LumpenDoodle2 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 Glad to see another Singer 29 given a new lease of life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted June 15, 2017 Wow!!! I'm wondering what the freight from OZ to Oklahoma would be. About 25 years back I got an old retired boot repairer to promise me he would only ever sell me tools if he sold them. He died a few months back and his family tracked me down and advised me I am the only one allowed to buy them.A man of his word. Now I have an old 29k13 which badly needs some loving care. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yetibelle Report post Posted June 15, 2017 2 hours ago, RockyAussie said: Wow!!! I'm wondering what the freight from OZ to Oklahoma would be. About 25 years back I got an old retired boot repairer to promise me he would only ever sell me tools if he sold them. He died a few months back and his family tracked me down and advised me I am the only one allowed to buy them.A man of his word. Now I have an old 29k13 which badly needs some loving care. HAHA I was just thinking ...I wonder if I could ship a few machines over for a full auto-body re-paint.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark842 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 This makes me want to refurbish my 29k but I never have more than a day or two where I don't need to for something....Mine looks like it was made in 1888...oh wait..it was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimi Report post Posted June 15, 2017 (edited) Well done mechanic, it looks like you just bought it new from the factory! i always wondered about the decals they put on?? in the birth of a sewing machine it looked like gold leaf (well it was in black and white) they used for the decals. but with use,not age they end up silver? so that makes me think they were applied silver then the shellack gave them that gold colour?? Edited June 15, 2017 by jimi Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted June 16, 2017 Nice looking machine you have there,you have something to be proud of. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mechanic Report post Posted June 16, 2017 (edited) The bellcrank lever was worn, had about .011" slop in the slip ring. It was all I could do to get 10stitches/inch. I was able to build it up a bit with some carbon steel MIG wire, just fused it with the TIG torch. With the swivel joint way oversized, it went in the mill to get cut down to a tight fit into the slip ring. Once I had that dimension, it was a matter of grinding, filing and a little bit of stone work to restore the round profile. At this point, I knocked the slide ring off of the mill....and the @^$% broke where the roller is mounted. When the new part showed up, it took a little more hand fitting as it wasn't worn like the original. Edited June 16, 2017 by Mechanic Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trox Report post Posted June 19, 2017 Really nice work Mechanic, exited to hear what stitch lenght you will get when its done. Tor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandyt Report post Posted June 25, 2017 On 2017-6-19 at 2:11 AM, Trox said: Really nice work Mechanic, exited to hear what stitch lenght you will get when its done. Tor I did this a few times. My machines are all very close to 5mm again. They were 3,5mm or less. Don't know how it holds up. Don't use it enough to say anything about durability. I use mig. Great restauration Mechanic!!! Sandy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bmoody1000 Report post Posted January 7, 2022 Can someone give me a link for buying the decals for the 29-4? Just received one for Christmas and the decals a almost completely worn off. Thank you. Brenda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
