Singer 111w103

[Rafter3]

On 8/3/2021 at 7:37 PM, Wizcrafts said:

I had one of those machines until a year ago. I used it to sew wallets and vests with #69 and #92 bonded thread. That machine should sew a 1/4 inch stack of veg-tan belt leather with #138 bonded thread, using a #23 leather point needle, but you'll have to crank down the foot pressure screw. It can actually sew 5/16 inch, but probably not hard density leather.

 

so 3/16" to 7/32" natural vegtan would be within this machines capabilities, Using #138 bonded thread and a #23 needle? If the machine is in working order would it be worth $500? is there a way to check to see if the threads on the stitch length adjuster are damaged? I plan on going to look at the machine Saturday evening. I should add I am a complete novice when it comes to sewing machines. This will be my first machine if it is capable of filling my needs. I have looked around the webs for some info on the 111w103, But I am having a hard time finding much info on it. What I can find has been information that you have posted here.

[Wizcrafts]

11 hours ago, Rafter3 said:

so 3/16" to 7/32" natural vegtan would be within this machines capabilities, Using #138 bonded thread and a #23 needle? If the machine is in working order would it be worth $500? is there a way to check to see if the threads on the stitch length adjuster are damaged? I plan on going to look at the machine Saturday evening. I should add I am a complete novice when it comes to sewing machines. This will be my first machine if it is capable of filling my needs. I have looked around the webs for some info on the 111w103, But I am having a hard time finding much info on it. What I can find has been information that you have posted here.

The 111w103 is actually an upholstery sewing machine. Equipped with a leather point needle it can sew rifle slings, guitar straps, lined belts, pouches, cases, vests, jackets, as well as seat covers and light horse tack. If you use #138 bonded thread the work should hold together as it has 22 pounds test. Change to a round point needle and it will do a fine job sewing vinyl, webbing, sailcloth, awnings, Sunbrella, signs, banners and denim garments.

You can determine the condition of the stitch length adjuster by turning it clockwise and counterclockwise as you sew. the farther in you turn it the longer the stitches will be and vice versa. If the adjuster turns smoothly in and out without jumping , and the stitch length varies as you turn it, assume the threads are intact. If it turns so far then jumps back, some threads are broken off. If nothing happens as you turn the knob, the threads or the puck on the knob are shot. The tapered shaft with the knob is replaceable.

I paid $100 for the last one I bought. It needed work to get it going dependably. A friend bought one for $300 and then had to invest in a new timing belt, then paid me to replace it. Not a fun job!

HINT: If the stitch adjuster threads are shot but the machine forms good tight stitches, offer less due to the defect. Then learn about how you can change the stitch length under the hood. It isn't as convenient as turning the knob, but it works once you learn how to do it. I learned this secret from traveling Romanian Gypsies who wore babuskas as they sewed on machines that went Tapokita Tapokita.

[piper01]

What is the max foot lift when sewing.

[MarlinDave]

This is manual for a very similar model.

http://keysew.com/Webpages/DemoImages/USNavySinger111WConsew225REPAIR.pdf

[MarlinDave]

Consew 225 manual  (clone of 111) with threading instructions. 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/a.teamworksales.com/CONSEW+PDF/CONSEW+NEW/CONSEW+225+INSTRUCTION+MANUAL.pdf

This is manual for a very similar model.

http://keysew.com/Webpages/DemoImages/USNavySinger111WConsew225REPAIR.pdf

[piper01]

Thank you for your post. It helps clear some of my questions. Great pictures. But I must be doing something wrong. The Max lift I can get on the presser foot when sewing is 1/16.

[DrmCa]

The lift of 1/16 is wrong. You should see at least 1/2" with the hand lever and more with the foot pedal/knee press.

[Wizcrafts]

4 hours ago, piper01 said:

Thank you for your post. It helps clear some of my questions. Great pictures. But I must be doing something wrong. The Max lift I can get on the presser foot when sewing is 1/16.

The alternating lift should be more like 1/8 to 3/16 inch. The inside foot can be adjusted so it comes down about the same time as the needle reaches the feed dog. This will push the outside/presser foot up higher.

[DrmCa]

Argh! That lift... Sorry, I thought the total foot lift. Ignore my previous comment.

[piper01]

20 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

The alternating lift should be more like 1/8 to 3/16 inch. The inside foot can be adjusted so it comes down about the same time as the needle reaches the feed dog. This will push the outside/presser foot up higher.

Thank you for your post. It helps clear some of my questions. Great pictures. But I must be doing something wrong. The Max lift I can get on the presser foot when sewing is 1/16.