Singer 96K51 tension question and....

[plinkercases]

I just switched my machine from a presser wheel to a regular foot (THANKS Cowboybob!!) and have been running some test on how much I can stitch through and am very happy with the results.

BUT tension seems to work OK on upholstery leather but when I put veg tan through it seems the upper tension is too light to lull the bobbin thread even flat to the bottom. See pic.

I have tightened the upper tension knob as far as possible and this is all I can get.

First question - is there any other way to increase upper tension or will I start breaking thread? I had thought of someone do once.

Second question - what would the  thickest thread and matching needle I can run on this machine?

Third Question - is there a way to get the foot to lift higher? I see the cam attached to the hand lever and wonder if this can be switched to one with more curve to it... but would this work with the knee lift even if there was such a part?

Any guidance would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, plinkercases said:

I just switched my machine from a presser wheel to a regular foot (THANKS Cowboybob!!) and have been running some test on how much I can stitch through and am very happy with the results.

BUT tension seems to work OK on upholstery leather but when I put veg tan through it seems the upper tension is too light to lull the bobbin thread even flat to the bottom. See pic.

I have tightened the upper tension knob as far as possible and this is all I can get.

First question - is there any other way to increase upper tension or will I start breaking thread? I had thought of someone do once.

Second question - what would the  thickest thread and matching needle I can run on this machine?

Third Question - is there a way to get the foot to lift higher? I see the cam attached to the hand lever and wonder if this can be switched to one with more curve to it... but would this work with the knee lift even if there was such a part?

Any guidance would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

Answer 1: Loosen the bobbin tension spring, or up the needle one size.

Answer 2: When I had a Singer 96k40, the thickest thread it reliably used was #69, using a #18 leather point needle. I found I could put #92 on top, but had to stick with #69 in the bobbin. This required a #19 or #20 needle, which was the largest I could find back then.

Answer 3: You can raise the presser bar a bit in the static working position for more clearance. But, once the bottom of the needle bar makes contact with the top of the foot, it's game over. Also, the knee or foot lifter should raise the presser foot to its maximum lift, disengaging the top tension disks and releasing the hand lift lever, if it was used before the knee/foot lever. It is normal for the knee or foot lift to exceed the hand lifter height.

You need to realize that your 96k51 is a tailoring machine. It's intended work in gaberdine pants, ladies dresses, suit jackets and Army uniforms. It was never built to sew leather. Any leather sewing on it should be done using the wheel foot and feeder set.

[plinkercases]

Excellent help thanks Wiz.

I know it's not a purpose built leather machine but I bought it from an old cobbler who did the uppers with it.

It came with the presser wheel and I could not make reliable straight line stitches as the official set well pressure would skew the layers... even when stapled.

I don't plan to use it for more than upholstery leather to make shooting bags etc. And it seems very happy doing that. I was jsut curios how it would handle veg tan. For now that kind of work will still be done by hand.

I will look into the larger thread and needles suggested and see if I can reset the tensions for 4 layers couch hide max.

I will check the knee lift situation again and maybe set the presser bar up a tad as suggested.

Great old machine considering it sat dormant since 1995...

[Wizcrafts]

The hook, race and bobbin case clearances will determine the maximum thread diameter. It is what it is. Be prepared to stop at #69 bonded thread, for trouble free operation.

[plinkercases]

Good to know. I am sure what I am using now is ok for my purpose but I think the shooting bags and future back packs could use a little.more beef. I am also conscious of the limited stitches length and a big needle etc.  I will let you know how 69 goes.

I have no illusion of making this machine do anything it isn't made to do. 

Thanks agian