Which (used) machine for an Aussie noob?

[JJN]

3 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

longer type 3L belt to match.

Shorter belt?

[DonInReno]

It can be challenging to figure out what prices machines sell for unless you can watch the market for many months, have great advice from the folks here, or it’s possible to search for machines that have sold.  For instance eBay can be searched for completed sales that have either sold or not sold - not sure if you even have eBay there  

As limited as the 132k6 is for leather, it’s still popular the world over for heavy canvas.  The only reason to choose this model over a walking foot upholstery machine would be it’s ability to sew with thread larger than 138.  An upholstery machine would have better control and flexibility in different presser feet.  

Best of luck

 

 

[Wizcrafts]

14 hours ago, JJN said:

Shorter belt?

You may be right. It's been a year since I changed pulleys on a mounted motor. Let's just say "a new v-belt to mach the different pulley."

[Savvas]

Hi Folks,

I've been following this conversation with some interest as I too am in Australia (Adelaide) and have a 42-5 head 'under the bench'. I bought it as a bare 'head' for a few dollars to rescue it from a fellow who was cutting machines up to make tractors! Had no real idea what it was initially and knew nothing about the 'jump foot' mechanism until I started reading about it on-line. Wizcrafts explanation above makes it very clear! I too have been pining for an older walking foot or compound feed machine. However funds are limited and of course such machines tend to be far more expensive in Australia than they are in the USA.

Now I've managed to get through some of the bigger overdue house maintenance jobs, my attention is turning to that large lump of iron under the bench and wondering again what it'll take to get it going again. I have a suitable steel table and a servo motor is an easy find. The machine appears to have a slightly bent needbar and I'm hoping I'll be able to take it out and tweak it straight (or maybe replace it even). I guess I'm curious to know how adequate others may have found the 42-5 for general canvas work with the occasional addition of some 'functional' leather trim (reinforcement, binding protection etc)?

I've been contemplating a 132K as well but as noted, they are not cheap! I had understood them to have a proper walking-foot, but if they only have a jump foot, they maybe no real advantage over my 42-5 (apart perhaps from reverse)? There's a 31K47 available locally as well but if that too has the jump foot mechanism, maybe - again - no real advantage...

I'm also very curious to know when Singer first introduced the true top-feed mechanism? Were the early cylinder-arm machines such as the Model 17-8/10 (described by ISMACS as having 'alternating pressers') top-feed or did they have a jump foot too? I have a very nice1929 15K28 'industrial' machine (I think 'artisan' is the better descriptor) and have often wondered if the closely related 15-28 - also described by ISMACS as having 'alternating pressers' - was simply a jump-foot machine?

Any insights and advice much appreciated!

Sam

ps; and in these difficult times, may your houses not fall down around you as mine appears intent on doing!

 

[Bert51]

I have both the 132K6 and 31K47 and to me the 31K47 is a baby 132K6.  I read the same article about the 15-28, so I assume it is the same as the 31K47 and 132K6.

They both sew what you can get under the feet and the only trouble I have had is when I get to a thick seem, but I borrowed a plastic device to put under the feet and have no more problems doing thick seems.

Wiz said he likes his 42-5 over the 132K6 and Wiz has been around these machine a lot longer then I have, I have not used or seen a live 42-5 in the flesh.

Bert.

[Wizcrafts]

I have a Singer 42-5 in my (now closed) leather shop. I use it to sew chaps and heavy upholstery, like motorcycle seats. I actually bought a handful of bobbins from somebody in Australia. I forget who.

I am able to fit exactly 5/16 inch under the feet. Not one iota more. It feeds very reliably and has sharp teeth on the feed dog. I also got a good supply of authentic Singer leather point needles for and with the machine (System 88?). Those needles are now irreplaceable. Anybody with a 42-5 who doesn't have the proper needles may have to lower the needle bar to use System 135x16, which will reduce the maximum sewing thickness to 1/4 inch.

[Savvas]

Thankyou Bert and Wiz - very encouraging info. I shall get cracking and put my machine in order asap.

Do either of you know if it's still possible to get a needlebar for the 42-5? Or can either of you point me to a repair manual for this machine. I know that there are user and parts manuals online but I would like some guidance about removing and then replacing the needle bar - bit reluctant to just wing it!

Thanks,

Sam. 

[dikman]

Savvas, be best to start a new post then you can keep all your questions and answers in one place. Makes it easier for others too if searching on the same subject.

[Bert51]

Try this,

http://www.dixiesewing.com/MANUALS/SINGERSERVICE/42 CLASS-Inst.pdf

and

http://www.dixiesewing.com/MANUALS/SINGERPARTS2/42-5.pdf

Bert.

Edited May 3, 2020 by Bert51

[Savvas]

On 5/3/2020 at 8:51 PM, Bert51 said:

Try this,

http://www.dixiesewing.com/MANUALS/SINGERSERVICE/42 CLASS-Inst.pdf

and

http://www.dixiesewing.com/MANUALS/SINGERPARTS2/42-5.pdf

Bert.

Thankyou for the references Bert. I've managed to down load these. No 'workshop' manual unfortunately buy=t I'm sure I'll muddle through. I've just managed to pick up a Singer industrial-style treadle base cheaply so that'll spur the 42-5 project on as it's incredibly difficult to keep lifting the thing on and off my work bench (which is crowded with projects). I'll just need to make a suitable table. Thanks for your assistance! Sam

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