Singer 153W 100 Questions/Support

[JeffHami]

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.

[CowboyBob]

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.

[JeffHami]

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

 

[CowboyBob]

 

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

[JeffHami]

Thanks, after I get it all cleaned up I'll give it a try. 

[Uwe]

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.

 

 

[Uwe]

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. 

 

[JeffHami]

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.  

[JeffHami]

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? 

[Uwe]

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

[JeffHami]

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. 

 

[JeffHami]

Is there a foot that you would suggest for general leather work (belt, bags, hats)?