Singer 18-3 stitch length problem

[EmilK]

Hi Everybody!

 

For same time I have in possess next Sewing machines: mechanical Adler 30-15, Pfaff 24, Singer 18-3 and electrical Pfaff 463. I didn´t buy anyone I just got them – abandoned and prepared for junkyard because they where (except Pfaff 463) worn out and in non working condition. I didn´t know anything about these machines, but after some time watching them, and try to find out, how do they work I became more boldy and start to clean them, replace parts such as bolts, nuts, springs, needles, what can I find on internet for sale. Finaly all machines work fine for years.

Recently Singer 18-3 won´t make stitches longer than 1mm (or point to point – maybe even less than 1mm) regardless the position of stitch length lever UP or DOWN. Sometimes the stitch length lever even bounces down.

Since I couldn´t find out what is wrong I completely disassemble Singer 18-3, cleaned up, oiled the machine and put it together. But still won´t make stitches longer than 1mm.

When I clean the machine I find out that Forked Connection (part nr. 3037) is pretty worn up (see pictures) and maybe this is the reason for not stitching longer than 1mm. I also find out that Wheel Driver (part nr. 6498) is pretty worn up.

Now I wonder what to do:

1.    Should I find somewhere another Singer 18-3 and use those parts, because I dont´t belive I can find them on internet.

2.    Is somebody try to fix those parts and if it is how to do it?

3.    Or there are some other settings I should try, or something else?

THANK YOU very much for your help.

 

Emil, from Slovenia

 

 

 

 

[jimi]

Hi There, what are the teeth like on the feed dog wheel? #6497.

[Constabulary]

that would have been my 1st question too other than that I unfortunately never have touched a Class 18 machine so I don´t think I can help.

[EmilK]

55 minutes ago, jimi said:

Hi There, what are the teeth like on the feed dog wheel? #6497.

Hi,

 

Since I don´t have anything to campare and I don´t know the tolerance I will post some pictures. Visually seem to me they are pretty worn, maybe they are not.

 

If I compare (EVEN IF THIS IS NOT THE PROPER COMPARSION) the feed dog wheel and how much the wheel is turning backward or forwared between the Pfaff 24 and Singer 18-3 it seem much better on Pfaff 24.

And if this is the case (worn feed dog wheel) what should I do??

 

Thanks,

[EmilK]

49 minutes ago, Constabulary said:

that would have been my 1st question too other than that I unfortunately never have touched a Class 18 machine so I don´t think I can help.

Hi,

Thank you so much anyway,

Emil

[jimi]

From the picture it is hard to see, i do not think you will find another one easily. if the teeth are very blunt then that is most likely the problem, you could try to file them a little and see if you can get a little more point to them but it could be hardened steel. A good small triangular file might get them a little sharper again to try and see if that is the problem. I am not familiar with the 18-3 feed dog setup, just the 18-2 but that is adjustable and like the normal feed dogs so it could be something else that is worn on your machine?? 

[EmilK]

1 hour ago, jimi said:

From the picture it is hard to see, i do not think you will find another one easily. if the teeth are very blunt then that is most likely the problem, you could try to file them a little and see if you can get a little more point to them but it could be hardened steel. A good small triangular file might get them a little sharper again to try and see if that is the problem. I am not familiar with the 18-3 feed dog setup, just the 18-2 but that is adjustable and like the normal feed dogs so it could be something else that is worn on your machine?? 

Hi,

Thank you very much.

Emil

[Zipan]

Hi,

This part is a problem. I made a new part for my 18-3 and after that I got  4-5 mm stich length.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Evilla]

Hello,

On 10/11/2019 at 3:59 AM, EmilK said:

Hello Emil,

My question is, How did you remove the feed forked connection from your singer 18-3? Could you explain how you did it step by step? Or maybe link a video? I have a singer 18-3 that will not stitch past 1 mm. I would appreciate help with this.

Thank you.

 

[Northmount]

Moved to leather sewing machines

Tom

 

[EmilK]

Hello Evilla!

 

Is it too late to post video, since you wrote me 6 months ago. And if is not to late I still have to make video.

Emil

[CowboyBob]

Be careful when you oil that you don't get oil in the groove that grabs the wheel or it could cause it to slip shortening your stitch length.

[Evilla]

On 6/6/2020 at 7:41 AM, EmilK said:

Hello Evilla!

 

Is it too late to post video, since you wrote me 6 months ago. And if is not to late I still have to make video.

Emil

Hello, 

No it is not too late. I would appreciate a video if you could. Also, do you know where to obtain parts for this machine?

Thank you

[EmilK]

On 6/14/2020 at 1:09 AM, Evilla said:

Hello, 

No it is not too late. I would appreciate a video if you could. Also, do you know where to obtain parts for this machine?

Thank you

Some hints for disassemble singer 18-3 sewing machine you can find in attachment. Till next time. Emil

HINTS FOR DISASSEMBLE SINGER 18-3 SEWING MACHINE.pdf

[Sandor]

I had the same problem yesterday. It was rhe spring under the machine arm. It wasn't tight enough.

[falseyellow]

I have disassembled singer17-1 and 18-2. According to my analysis, your problem should be the worn part. You can try to weld the notch and then polish it to restore it.