Alik Report post Posted July 1, 2018 I scored an old walking foot Singer 16-188 for next to nothing and it works fine, but I believe clutch needs some correcting. At first it would shake whole table every time you engaged and would not grab at first and then at full speed. It improved a LOT after I cleaned the clutch plate and pad and made sure they were actually parallel. I still think the pad may need to be replaced, though. But can't find the right size and thinking of just making one. So I have several questions: 1) The current pad is leather, but I see all the replacement ones are cork. Do I have to stick with leather? Is one better then the other? 2) The current pad is leather and is soaked with oil. Is that just accumulated over time from drips or is it actually supposed to be oiled? 3) To make my own is there any reason I can just use any think vegitan or oiled leather? (is one preferred to the other?) If I use cork, can I just use thin cork pad I buy at local hardware store? is it special? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted July 2, 2018 Yes,it would be easy to make one out of leather make sure it's flat when you mount it & glue it in,cork would work tooo might be easier to cut.There used be a couple sizes of these pads available but it's alittle cheaper just to make it if you can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrmCa Report post Posted July 2, 2018 Cork is fine. I did the same for my Juki 555 when I picked it up from the construction site dumpster - used a cork sticker with great success. The same cork sticker is used on the pedals I believe, correct me if I am wrong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
