Russojgr Report post Posted January 28, 2019 In mid-February I will be picking up a Singer Model 51-28 leather sewing machine. I tried to look up the Serial Number on the ISMAC site. It has a C prefix. ISMAC has a note that the Russians dismantled the Germany plant in 1945. So I am assuming that this machine was made in Germany pre WWII and all of the records were lost in the war. I’ve tried to find a manual for it but not having much luck. I am also getting a Fortuna Skiving Machine. Looks like the latest patent on the plate is 1910. I saw the two machines today when I picked up my 29-4 Patcher. The owner has to make room to get them out of their house. Are there any sites which specialize in these machines? Or does anyone have any suggested links which may help. Thanks All, John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted January 28, 2019 I have a Fortuna skiver (date unknown) and a newer Singer 29k71 patcher. I have owned numerous patchers, all the way back to the 29-4 model from the turn of the 20th Century. Here is what I've found about your 51-28 (last one made in 1938), which says the recommended replacement was the 51-54, having these specs: Post bed; one-needle; rotary hook; lockstitch. Speed 3000 spm For general stitching in the manufacture of shoes; vamping; sewing in gores, etc. Needle system 128x4. There was a recent discussion about the Singer 51-54 needle system on this page on Leatherworker.net. You can search our site for any other discussions mentioning the 51-28 or 51-54, using our own search engine, on the upper right, under the ad banners. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Russojgr Report post Posted January 28, 2019 Thanks Wizcraft, yes I had seen that same info about 1938 and the 51w-54 being the replacement. I appreciate your reply. Now I’ll look for the 51W54 Manual. Trying to get as much info as I can before I pick up the machine. Best Regards, John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted April 30, 2019 I recently found one of these, and I’m debating on whether I should try to get it running or not? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted August 26, 2019 On 1/27/2019 at 11:52 PM, Russojgr said: Thanks Wizcraft, yes I had seen that same info about 1938 and the 51w-54 being the replacement. I appreciate your reply. Now I’ll look for the 51W54 Manual. Trying to get as much info as I can before I pick up the machine. Best Regards, John Any luck with this? I’m still needing help!Any luck with this? I’m still needing help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted August 26, 2019 (edited) What kind of help do you need? Please post pictures of your machine. I just recently bought an early model 51WSV2 myself - not yet setup with table and motor but functional already. I have replaced several parts incl. presser foot bar so now I can use Singer 111w (needle feed) and 107w type presser feet. I also changed the hook and needle bar so I now can use 135x17 needles. I also figured you can use needle plates and feed dogs from "up to date" post bed machines. This is mine: https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/86292-siger-51w-sv-2-post-bed-machine-restoration/ Edited August 26, 2019 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidMillsSaddlery Report post Posted August 27, 2019 (edited) Here’s what I’ve got... need needle size, bobbins, feed dog cover plate is what I can see for now... ill need a table eventually, but should be able to make one myself.., need hinges though! Edited August 27, 2019 by Northmount Fixed link Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Constabulary Report post Posted August 28, 2019 (edited) Above your last post I have linked to my 51W restoration thread. I have linked to feed dog / needle plate sets that fit my machine - however they may need modification and I´m using a non standard hook so things may be a bit different on my machine than on your machine. I guess my machine is older because I do not have a W suffix Singer Serial number. Looks like mine still has a Wheeler & Wilson serial number but I don´t know for sure. I also have posted a few pictures of the thread path (see above link). The original needle system was 128x2 / 128x3 (short needle with thin shaft) but I have changed out the needle bar (which was kind of bubba'ed). I took a NB from a Singer 111w needle feed machine (not the same as for 111w walking foot machines) so I had to modify my machine with a needle bar guide on the top end. Thant's probably not your cup of tea and you may want to use the original needle system. The round part that is missing on the face plate most likely was a piece of felt that served as a thread oiler. Would be nice if you could pots pictures from front and back just for documentation because there is very little known about this early 51W model. EDIT: If your machine has the same rotary hook with caped bobbin basket just as my machine had then these bobbins should fit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/162656003877 Edited August 28, 2019 by Constabulary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
