Singer “Patcher” machines 29-4 and 29K71

[ironwrx]

I originally posted this thread in a different category, 76 people read it, but not a single reply. So I thought I’d try it here. Sorry for my redundancy. 
Hi. I got a Singer model 29-4 several years ago as a barter deal for some custom ironwork. I always hoped to get it going, but I couldn’t ever seem to find the time. It’s a beautiful machine, needs some cleanup and it’s missing the treadle and a few other small things, but basically all there. Time went by, fast forward to last week, I got a huge deal in an estate clean out “free sale” I picked up a newer version of the machine model 29K71. This one is beautiful!! It needs the bobbin winder except the frame, but everything else is there. I have several questions to the community: I like the old cast table legs from the 29-4 machine better than the newer stamped sheet metal ones from the 29K71. However, being 99 years newer, (1865, vs 1964!), #1, I don’t know if the newer machine and tabletop would even fit the cast legs, #2 while I like the cast legs, I am a bit conflicted about changing out from the original 29K71 legs. What do you all think? Also, planning on selling the 29-4, what is a reasonable price to ask?

I have several other questions. Does anyone have any ideas where I can get the parts to rebuild my bobbin winder on the new machine? And what would you all recommend for needles and thread for various different work like cotton duck work pant patch work, vs leather pouch work?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Wizcrafts]

You can get your bobbin winder, bobbins, shuttles, needles, thread, oil and belting from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines. They also have some internal replacement parts salvaged from donor machines as well as aftermarket parts.

The old rusty base will clean up with solvent and can be repainted with a heavy gloss black paint that will make it pop. Ditto for the old 29-4 head. Decals are available on the web and have been discussed on this forum in the past (quite recently).

The 29-4 is a very basic machine compared to the k71. If worn out, some of the ancient drive gears are not replaceable except from a donor machine or machine shop. In contrast, most parts for the k71 are available in the aftermarket.

Use system 29x3 (round point for cloth) and 29x4 (leather point) needles in the old patcher and system 135x17 (cloth) or 135x16 (leather) in the 29k71.

Note: The original system 29 needles didn't have a cutout scarf above the eye. Newer ones may. Most people now use system 135x16 or 17 walking foot needles in their patchers. They are almost the same as the 29x needles, but all have a scarf above the eye.

System 135x16/17 are available in regular steel or titanium coated. I prefer titanium needles because they better resist gumming from leather tape and glue.

[Wizcrafts]

As for thread, I recommend bonded nylon for most jobs and bonded polyester if the work will be exposed to UV rays for prolonged times. Seeing as how your patchers are both small bobbin models, you should probably limit the thread to #69. It has 11 pounds test and goes a long way in the small bobbins. A #18 needle is a good match.

The largest thread I would use in those small bobbin patchers is #92 bonded, with a #19 or #20 needle.

[Gunnarsson]

5 hours ago, ironwrx said:

...However, being 99 years newer, (1865, vs 1964!)...

I think your numbers may be off. As far as I know the 29-4 wasn't around until the 1890's, and I think the first Singer patcher, the UFA, didn't come out until the late 1870's. Perhaps doesn't make a big difference, it's just very old vs. even older, but if you are selling the 29-4 having the correct data (or at least not include incorrect data) may be the best.

[ironwrx]

4 hours ago, Gunnarsson said:

I think your numbers may be off. As far as I know the 29-4 wasn't around until the 1890's, and I think the first Singer patcher, the UFA, didn't come out until the late 1870's. Perhaps doesn't make a big difference, it's just very old vs. even older, but if you are selling the 29-4 having the correct data (or at least not include incorrect data) may be the best.

I think you are right. There are a number of serial # references out there, and I just used the first one I came to. Apparently I didn’t pick the right one. Thanks for your input. 

[nylonRigging]

11 hours ago, Gunnarsson said:

I think your numbers may be off. As far as I know the 29-4 wasn't around until the 1890's, and I think the first Singer patcher, the UFA, didn't come out until the late 1870's. Perhaps doesn't make a big difference, it's just very old vs. even older, but if you are selling the 29-4 having the correct data (or at least not include incorrect data) may be the best.

Old, Vs Very old ...LOL . . my old 1914 29-4  G code, has '1887' Patent dated stamped on the cast iron stand . 
Newer machines are where it's at for sewing everyday . But The cool factor of having and keeping these old patch machines together, alive and stitching is priceless .
.

[Constabulary]

Buy the 29K71 - all parts are available. The 29-4 is a funny decoration machine but nothing for daily work and just very few parts are available but not the important ones like gear box pinions (not made for decades). The 29-4 base is also missing the pedal. the 29K71 seems to be in great condition VS the 29-4 seems to be kind of a barn find.

Don´t get me wrong - everything can be restored. 5 years I have restored a barn find patcher too but also have a 29K71 and trust me - the performance of the 29K71 is by far better than of the 29-4. They my look similar but the details are important.

This was my barn find restoration:

 

Earlier the same years I restored my 29K71 since then I have updated the patcher with some OEM Singer parts.

 

If you need a proof of performance - this is my 29K71 sewing ~12mm webbing

 

 

Edited November 22, 2019 by Constabulary