Information for Singer 46K38

[d72hemi]

I am looking for information on the Singer 46K38 from 1948.  All I could find is the below link that states it is for "turned slipper work" up to 1000 stitches per minute, but the brochure looks to be from a 3rd party, not Singer.  ISMAC does not even list the 46K38.  I am looking to primarily use it for making light fur and leather gloves, but it would be a bonus if it could be used to make medium or heavy weight work gloves as well. Any input is welcome, as I am new to this type of work/hobby. 

 

The good news is that it works and is complete with a table, light, 400V motor (German 2 phase) and is only an hour drive from me. The bad news is I don't have 400V in my work area and will have to get a new motor if the current motor is not 230/400V compatible.

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/46k38.htm

 

 

 

[chrisash]

Think people are quoting about $150 for a new servo motor if that helps

[d72hemi]

3 hours ago, chrisash said:

Think people are quoting about $150 for a new servo motor if that helps

Thanks.  The real kicker is that I only need a 220V 50hz motor for 2 years before I go back to the US, hopefully, UT.  The good news is that I have found a number of used cheap motors out here. The really good news is that most of the motors I found are 220/400V, so hopefully, the motor with the 46K38 is also 220/400V and just needs a jumper moved and a new power cable. 

[Constabulary]

you can run a lot of 400V motors on 220V by using a capacitor google for:  Steinmetzschaltung

[d72hemi]

On 9/17/2018 at 8:45 PM, Constabulary said:

you can run a lot of 400V motors on 220V by using a capacitor google for:  Steinmetzschaltung

Thanks. I took a look into that and it makes sense. I even have a number of the large capacitors laying around from my Jacob's Ladder projects. What does not make sense is the picture of the motor data plate he sent me. It states it is a 125/220V, Delta-Wye, 2.8/1.6A, 50hz motor, but he has it plugged into 2 phase, 400V (actually 380V I believe) as supported by his messages and the picture.  Either I am missing something or he is putting 2 phase through a single phase motor, or he only has one leg of that 400V power cord connected to the motor.  Any thoughts?

With all of this odd stuff, I think I may need to go after a Strobel machine that is not much further than this Singer. 

 

[Constabulary]

Very nice vintage setup 

 

9 hours ago, d72hemi said:

Either I am missing something or he is putting 2 phase through a single phase motor, or he only has one leg of that 400V power cord connected to the motor.  Any thoughts?

thats what I would guess. How much doe they ask for the Singer? No I don´t want it - I have a 46K46 to set up - one day - maybe...

[d72hemi]

1 hour ago, Constabulary said:

Very nice vintage setup 

 

thats what I would guess. How much doe they ask for the Singer? No I don´t want it - I have a 46K46 to set up - one day - maybe...

It is a 46K38 with the bench and motor for 150 Euro, and it is about an hour drive away. The issue is that I only have time to go out there tomorrow and he is not available before I look at another nice machine.

 

There is a Strobel machine for 120 Euro, that is about 2 hours away, and I am scheduled to look at it tomorrow before noon. Like you I like old Singers (only a couple 201s so far). If I had the room for both I would get both.

.

[d72hemi]

To make things more fun, my German is horrible (typisch amerikaner) so it makes discussing the technical details and negotiating very interesting. Luckily everyone has been very understanding and helpful so far. Google Translate  has made some interesting mistakes LOL. 

[Constabulary]

The singer has a stitch lenght adjuster! Thats a big bonus I think! It looks a bit like my 46K46... I´ll post pictures in a minute...

EDIT

could well be that the Strobel´s are relabeled Success (Allbook & Hashfield) machines...

Edited September 19, 2018 by Constabulary

[d72hemi]

Constabulary,

 

I may have found a workaround to not being able to inspect the Singer 46K38 prior to going out to see the Strobel machine. The seller of the 46K38 will attempt to take a video of him sewing some leather scrap (he also sells leather) tonight if he has time. If I like what I see and we can agree on a date for me to pick it up I will transfer the money to him through the banks.  If he sends me the video and if anyone wants to review it let me know. 

 

That is a nice looking 46K46, what are you going to do with it? Does it work? 

 

As far as I can tell from my research the Strobels, Success and Rittershausen machines are all the same.