JeffHami Report post Posted August 6, 2017 Hello, I have been reading the forum for a while now trying to learn about what I need to sew leather as a hobbyist. I has decided to hold off buying a machine and as things go a good deal came around on this singer 153W. It has the 3 phase motor that has to go, but the machine turned very smooth so I decided to give it a try. I have been working on cleaning it up and have found a couple a problems. My biggest problem is the thread length adjuster. I see that there are places in the threads of the shaft that have broken off and it makes getting to the 5-7 thread length hard/sketchy. I have come up with two ideas to make it work since I can't seem to find a new shaft. One is to drill a hole in the knob and install a second pin that would track in a non-broken section or have someone make me a new knob with a complete inside thread that would not put all the strain on a small section of the gear tooth. Any help or advice on repairing and using this machine would be greatly appreciated. I fix clocks for a living so I do have mechanical experience, just not on sewing machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted August 6, 2017 The easiest fix is to get the knob al the way in & use a screwdriver on the feed cam screws to adjust the length.You get to them through the top cover on the rightside of the timing belt turn the handwheel around & you see a big headed screw,turn it 1/2 way around & there's a smaller screw that you'll have to use a small screwdriver to get into the hole with.There should be 2 screws in there,one is a short locking screw & you take it out & turn the other one underneath to the right f/a longer stitch,left is shorter,then test sew until you get the length you want then re-install the short one to lock it in.We do have the shaft in stock BUT it's a big iob to change. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 6, 2017 Bob, Thank you very much for the quick responce. I printed out your instructions and went and took a look. I have attached the photos of the screws I believe you are referring to. The only discrepancy I found in your instructions is the screws were on the left looking in from the top. How much would you suggest turning the screw to change from a 5 to a 6 TPI? I thought about changing the shaft, but if you say it's a big job I think I'll pass. I've tried to find a service manual, but no luck. I did find the Consew 223-227 are a knockoff and their operating instruction are easier to read. Thanks again, Jeff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted August 6, 2017 (edited) 1/4 turn might be enough,you have to try a sample,a piece of paper or thin cardboard can be used to check the length. Edited August 6, 2017 by CowboyBob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 7, 2017 Thanks, after I get it all cleaned up I'll give it a try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted August 7, 2017 I had to fuss with my Singer 153-W102 quite a bit to get the stitch length adjustment to work right. My thread were broken and jagged, too. I used a Dremel grinder to clean up the threads and make them smooth again - that made a big difference on how smooth the adjustment knob turned.. I had made a video a few months ago that goes in into a little more detail of the mechanism. Hopefully it will help you get your stitch length adjustment knob too cooperate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted August 7, 2017 My upload speeds were super slow tonight, so here's a second video I made earlier tonight about using that adjustment screw Bob mentioned to set stitch length. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 7, 2017 Thank you Uwe, that really helped me to understand what it is I am adjusting and how it works. The knob on your machine moves a lot easier than the one on mine. I will take my Dremel and try and clean up the threads. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 10, 2017 Still working on cleaning up the machine and I ran into another problem. I removed the thread tensioner assembly, but the post that goes into the machine will not come out. I am able to turn it wil a screwdriver so I know it is not frozen in place. Is there a lock somewhere that I am missing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uwe Report post Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) There's a set screw on the bottom right that locks the post of the check spring unit in place (I was so focused on the check spring unit when I made the video a few months ago that I didn't notice that the tension discs weren't threaded) Edited August 10, 2017 by Uwe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 10, 2017 Uwe, Thank you very much for your video. The screw on mine is flush mount so I didn't see it. After I loosened the screw it came right out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffHami Report post Posted August 10, 2017 Is there a foot that you would suggest for general leather work (belt, bags, hats)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
