Newbie with a Singer 111w155

[CowboyBob]

You can start with a pin 7/16" or 11mm long,it's might be alittle longer than what you need BUT you can always grind it off or bend the release bracket on the backside of the tension.

[vonL]

Hi folks ! Thanks for the advice! Will try some of the tricks mentioned. Working hard right now to get my workplace Nice and tidy with some new paint and shelves. Really looking forward to get a Nice place and a servomotor, and get going. I've seen some nice deals on the enduropro motors. 220v. Are they any good?

[vonL]

I've been reading alot on the web about old clutch motors and how incontrollable they seem to be. Also, the look of the motor on my table didnot add much to my confidence, being an ancient 110v 3phase converted to 220v 2 phase, full of dust and filth. 

I was sure buying a new servo motor was a must. I havent even tried to start the old clutch motor. To be honest, I was afraid it would either give me a huge ZAP!, blow a fuse or catch fire, while sounding like a jetplane indoors.

That was until today. I figured I might aswell jump feet first, ignoring the thoughts of a possible hazardous outcome.

Boy was i wrong! I flick'ed the switch (what a Nice switch btw, an originial singer all-metal switch with a really pronounced 'click') and the motor started right up, no problems! It has the typical clutch motor sound (I actually like the sound - for now). And it is really not that incontrollable, I'm sure it will be even easier to controll if I change the pulleys.

Next step is aquiring some thread and let it rip:-) I have some schmetz 21 dp leather needles (came with the machine), am going for size 92 thread to try out. 

I need to clean the stitch length mechanism, as it won't change length. When I engage the left button, I can hear a slight "twang" inside the machine, but no movement in the length selection mechanism

[vonL]

Oh - and the "chug-a-chug-a" of the walking foot is just NICE! :-)

[480volt]

This is totally academic since the motor runs, but could you post a picture of the motor rating plate? I suspect it’s a single-phase, dual voltage motor. You can’t change a motor from 3-phase to single-phase, and actual 2-phase power is extremely rare and requires purpose built motors to use it. Also, is it grounded (earthed)?

 

[vonL]

Hi ! It's been a while since I checked in, but 480volt - Yes, You are right - it is of course not dual phase, but 3 phase, with a huge white something into which the wires go, and this something lets the motor run on 220v single-phase (presumably?). Anyways, It is an old lump, singer 1/3hp 1425 rpm. Will have to do for a while until I can afford a servo-motor.

I am in need of some advice, please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong forum.

I will be using my 111w155 for both leather and fabric, ranging from light upholstery leather up to double layers of 4-6 oz chrome and/or veg tanned leather (Purses, totebags, motorcycleseats, etc), and all sorts of items in canvas and denim and other heavy fabric.

I've read that the 111w155 will work with thread in the range of 69-138. I am having a hard time figuring out what sort of needles i should buy.

If I was to buy 1 spool of all three thread thicknesses, and needles accordingly - which needles will I have to buy?

The more i read and surf the web, the more confusing it gets:-/

[vonL]

Btw I know which size of needle recommended, what I can't really find an answer to is needlesystem, tip/point and all that. Seems to be lots of different designations? (Let me know if my spelling is bad:-))

[shoepatcher]

System is the specs to that actual  needle.   in your case 135x17 for round point, 135 x 16 for leather point.   Size is either Singer number such as 23 or metric which for a size 23 would be160., 24/180, 22/160, etc.

 Leather tips  tri is triangle point, Dia. is diamond point, RT is a reverse twist,  LT is a left twist,, etc.   So  system first, type of needle second, size third.  Hope that helps.   Most sewing machines designed around a particular needle system.

glenn

[Wizcrafts]

20 hours ago, vonL said:

I've read that the 111w155 will work with thread in the range of 69-138. I am having a hard time figuring out what sort of needles i should buy.

The Singer 111w155 uses the very common System 135x16 (leather point) and 135x17 (round point) needles. Leather points come in various shapes with the most common being a left twist slicing point, a triangle point and a diamond shaped point. Needles are available in packs of 10 and are relatively cheap. You can buy a pack of each point in one "size" until you decide which you like best, then stock up on those in all sizes you'll need.

 

Here is a thread and needle chart to help match needles and thread sizes.

[vonL]

Aha! Great info - thanks guys:-) so I should be using 135x16 for leather (with it's various points) and 135x17 for fabric?