Husqvarna 12 705

[palvim]

Hello All,

I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this machine? I found it in a second hand shop near me for sale for only $25. They have 2 of these. Can it do light projects like leather wallets? 

Thanks 

Vimal. 

[Gunnarsson]

It's an old domestic machine. It can probably do some light leather work like many other old domestic machines, but it isn't the right machine for the job. 

[dikman]

I agree. Nice looking machine though, doesn't look like it's been used much.

[Constabulary]

all said.

[Scoutmom103]

It looks like a domestic treadle   It looks to be in very good shape.  If you need a straight stitching domestic that won't have problems with a motor, that one looks nice and the price seems good.  The table looks to be in good shape also..  

[dikman]

Yep, given it's obvious age it all looks to be in very good condition.

[ensitmike]

I have it's sibling, the 33-10. For some markets these are called Vikings. They and incredibly built machines. Fun fact, the original manuals state that they are industrials, albeit lightweight. I would put them on par with the domestic Singers of the time but they are built slightly more robust with fantastic gear boxes and so on.

A nice buy at the price. I scored mine for $9.99 at a thrift store. The great thing is most people (including the people pricing them) have no idea what they are because they are surprisingly rare (especially in the states).

Edited May 2, 2020 by ensitmike

[Sheilajeanne]

Ensitmike, in Canada, Viking was the brand name for Eaton's electrical appliances! I have an old Viking radio my parents bought from Eaton's during the 1950's. Like Sear's they'd buy from the manufacturer, then rebrand the appliance with their name.

[ensitmike]

48 minutes ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Ensitmike, in Canada, Viking was the brand name for Eaton's electrical appliances! I have an old Viking radio my parents bought from Eaton's during the 1950's. Like Sear's they'd buy from the manufacturer, then rebrand the appliance with their name.

Sheila, it is likely a different brand. This is Husqvarna as in http://www.husqvarnaviking.com. Viking, I believe, was their North American branding because it was a much more synonymous and recognizable cultural branding for a non-european market. I don't believe it was a 3rd party rebrand because it still has a Husqvarna name plate on it and they carry the Viking branding to this day. If you don't know Husqvarna they are actually a great company with a very diverse product history. Their current motorcycle is actually famous, as are their chainsaws. 

Edited May 2, 2020 by ensitmike

[palvim]

Thanks guys! I actually bought 3 of these machines. Two were manual with tables and one was in a box with an electric motor. All looked very good. I'll probably try and service them all. Keep two and sell one ahead. I reckon with the age it's better to have some spare parts. 

I'm wondering if anyone has some idea or some pointers on how to service them on your own. 

Also, is it possible to change the motor to a slow speed home sewing motor that could be suitable for light leather work. Which motor would that be? 

Thanks.