Weight of Landis 1 with stand?

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Both of those shuttles definitely look useable.  The main thing we find with them is that they won't hold tension on lighter threads anymore.  That is due to a groove worn in the tension spring.  That can be remedied, again by a very, VERY skilled welder or machinist.  I've used down to a 207 in the bobbin, and sewed 9 to the inch with an old stock fine needle.  I don't think anything is available today smaller than a #200; Aaron Martin in Canada may have 180's.  But if the machine is tight, you should be able to sew with a 277 thread and #200 needle with no problem at all, and yes I have always used nylon or poly thread.  These machines are less picky about their thread than many modern machines.  I have some bonded nylon that my 441 machine hates, but the #1 has no problems with it.  A word about the modern needles:  They are not identical to the old stock needles.  The kerf extends further down the needle and inhibits sewing much over a half inch without pinching the thread off between the kerf and the guide bushing.  Guys that say they have no trouble with it are using too big of a bushing.  I grind down the kerf so that it more closely resembles the old stock needles, and then grind a thread groove.  I will try to get some pics of original and modern needles, and you will see what I mean.  The machine was made to sew at least 3/4".

[Mark842]

8 minutes ago, Big Sioux Saddlery said:

Both of those shuttles definitely look useable.  The main thing we find with them is that they won't hold tension on lighter threads anymore.  That is due to a groove worn in the tension spring.  That can be remedied, again by a very, VERY skilled welder or machinist.  I've used down to a 207 in the bobbin, and sewed 9 to the inch with an old stock fine needle.  I don't think anything is available today smaller than a #200; Aaron Martin in Canada may have 180's.  But if the machine is tight, you should be able to sew with a 277 thread and #200 needle with no problem at all, and yes I have always used nylon or poly thread.  These machines are less picky about their thread than many modern machines.  I have some bonded nylon that my 441 machine hates, but the #1 has no problems with it.  A word about the modern needles:  They are not identical to the old stock needles.  The kerf extends further down the needle and inhibits sewing much over a half inch without pinching the thread off between the kerf and the guide bushing.  Guys that say they have no trouble with it are using too big of a bushing.  I grind down the kerf so that it more closely resembles the old stock needles, and then grind a thread groove.  I will try to get some pics of original and modern needles, and you will see what I mean.  The machine was made to sew at least 3/4".

Thank you for the help...I'll try not to bug you too much. This will probably wind up being my winter project as I'm swamped with orders this time of year and it usually does not let up till mid October. I probably will only get to mess with it an hour here and there till then but i'm thinking I want to do at least a mild restoration.

[plinkercases]

Not to hijack but.... would a Landis #1 that has been in use and well maintained for $1700 CDN be a good deal? ... It would have to ship so there is that cost to consider.

I just don't have an order of magnitude value for these old machines...

And I deal with Aaron Martin Harness and they are great to deal with. The brother (literally and as Mennonites) company Harness Hardware is also great to deal with. remember you come out way ahead on the exchange rate when dealing us Canucks.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

3 hours ago, plinkercases said:

remember you come out way ahead on the exchange rate when dealing us Canucks.

Only when buying! Haha. . . it sucks when selling horses up there! 

 

$1700 Canadian would be about $1300 US, and it just depends.  I have never paid more than $1000 for one, and my highest priced one also happened to be the most worn out one.  It isn't uncommon to see them sell on auctions for $400-$600, and of those they are typically either pretty worn, or stuck and have been unused for the last 50+ years.  There doesn't seem to be an in-between in my area. Location can make a big difference on price, as well as the number of accessories that come with it.  If there is a bobbin winder, set of feet, work guides and needles and bushings that come with the machine, and it's good and tight, that isn't a bad price.  if it shows a lot of wear, and there are no accessories, I would say it's too high.  As with everything else, the flood of Chinese machines has softened the market. 

I would honestly rather buy a machine that has been sitting for 50-75 years and has little wear, even if it doesn't turn completely over, than one that has been in use.  Almost nobody oils these machines like they should be oiled, and it makes me shudder when I'm at an auction and there's a good old machine, but dirty and dry as heck, and everyone and their brother walks up to it and turns it over to see if it works. 

Edited July 30, 2018 by Big Sioux Saddlery

[plinkercases]

Thanks for the info. I will pass on this since it also has to be shipped.

 

[johnv474]

For anyone else browsing this thread, I moved one of these from a garage to a store.  It took all of three young able-bodied men to tilt this machine onto the handtruck, and it took all three to push it up the ramp on a low trailer.  Be sure it is strapped down well because they are heavy but also somewhat topheavy.

[Mark842]

I unbolted the head from the stand, backed my pickup up to the stand and was able to slide the head right onto the tailgate of the truck by myself. Then I grabbed the bottom of the stand while leaning the top against the tailgate and lifted and tilted it right in. Took it out the same way in reverse. I estimate the head at about 200-250lbs and the stand a little more. I think to lift and carry it in two pieces two adults that are reasonably in good shape could carry each piece.

[Alexis1234]

Yes, they can- I should have clarified that in my first response. My husband and I moved one that way.