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Been wanting to do something physically crafty for a bit, and remembered that this old deal was in the garage... Poked about a bit and discovered it's a Singer Industrial machine, a 281, from the early 1960's meant for leather and thicker fabrics.
A quick look over revealed that the bobbin case and bobbin itself are gone, but are cheap to get exact replacements. It's also missing the belt-ran bobbin winder which is no big deal. The thread trees are gone as well, but jerry-rigging something up to do nicely.
Still have to pull the access plates off and do a thorough cleaning and oiling, remove all the broken needles from the oil sump area and give it a spin!
No idea what to name the thing, was thinking "Jacky" because I wanna make straitjackets on it, but the purpose and beefyness of the machine makes me think "Olga", the uni-browed kinda lady build like a brick shit-house who can easily heft several logs over her shoulder, as well as rip trunks from the ground bare-handed... but will have to see.
A quick look over revealed that the bobbin case and bobbin itself are gone, but are cheap to get exact replacements. It's also missing the belt-ran bobbin winder which is no big deal. The thread trees are gone as well, but jerry-rigging something up to do nicely.
Still have to pull the access plates off and do a thorough cleaning and oiling, remove all the broken needles from the oil sump area and give it a spin!
No idea what to name the thing, was thinking "Jacky" because I wanna make straitjackets on it, but the purpose and beefyness of the machine makes me think "Olga", the uni-browed kinda lady build like a brick shit-house who can easily heft several logs over her shoulder, as well as rip trunks from the ground bare-handed... but will have to see.
Category All / Miscellaneous
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 960px
File Size 226.1 kB
I know this is an old post, but I figured I'd respond because it's right up my alley. I rebuild industrial sewing machines and sew on them of course. I have 10 of them, eight types in regards to feeds and stitch types, and two rebuilds in progress for friends, plus a domestic machine, so 13 machines total at the moment. Did you ever get this old girl up an running? If you need any tips, I'm your guy! I know them inside and out.
Depending on what you sew, you may find the lack of reverse stitch annoying as well. If you sew small stuff that can be turned around to sew in reverse, then it's not really an issue, or if you don't mind tying things off by hand all the time. Otherwise, I think people tend to avoid these older machines that lack reverse levers.
Does it have the knee lift lever on the bottom? That's a feature primarily found in industrial machines that I can't live without at this point. When the foot is lifted, the tension discs should loosen allowing the thread to be pulled out easily. In the dozens of industrial machines I have worked on, I have never seen this set up right. Either the tensioner assembly is out of position, or the center pin is missing from it entirely. You may want to check that.
I assume your machine has an old fashioned clutch motor? A lot of people don't like them because they run rather fast. I once tried a modern servo motor and didn't like it, so I stick with clutch motors myself.
Does it have the knee lift lever on the bottom? That's a feature primarily found in industrial machines that I can't live without at this point. When the foot is lifted, the tension discs should loosen allowing the thread to be pulled out easily. In the dozens of industrial machines I have worked on, I have never seen this set up right. Either the tensioner assembly is out of position, or the center pin is missing from it entirely. You may want to check that.
I assume your machine has an old fashioned clutch motor? A lot of people don't like them because they run rather fast. I once tried a modern servo motor and didn't like it, so I stick with clutch motors myself.
Went out to get some pics. Looks like it still has the knee lift and such, as well as being a clutch motor.
My plan is to use it to sew together lots of heavy canvas into shirts with really long sleeves :P
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._152933851.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._152920578.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._153059152.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._153029395.jpg
My plan is to use it to sew together lots of heavy canvas into shirts with really long sleeves :P
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._152933851.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._152920578.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._153059152.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachme....._153029395.jpg
And a 1725RPM motor too, more controllable than the more common 3450RPM types. My trouble is, I always have more machine heads than good motors and motors without machines are harder to find than machines without motors.
Anyway, I hope it serves you well! If you need any tips on getting it running up to snuff, shoot me a message! I always like to see people using old machines like this. With a little TLC, they're very capable!
Anyway, I hope it serves you well! If you need any tips on getting it running up to snuff, shoot me a message! I always like to see people using old machines like this. With a little TLC, they're very capable!
Indeed! I figure the first thing that needs to be done is change out that oil. It LOOKS clear and I went and picked all the needle heads and fuzz from everywhere. As well as watched a few videos on the oil flow/adjustments, since that's thing #1 with that machine.
Then get some thread and gather together some random straps and canvas I have and see how it sews!
Which, I guess I DO have a question, is there a type of thread I need to be using with it? Kinda hesitant about tossing in my normal machine threads (Not cheap thread by any means though), having done well with canvas as it is on those smaller machines.
Then get some thread and gather together some random straps and canvas I have and see how it sews!
Which, I guess I DO have a question, is there a type of thread I need to be using with it? Kinda hesitant about tossing in my normal machine threads (Not cheap thread by any means though), having done well with canvas as it is on those smaller machines.
Yeah, oil change and adjustment is always a good idea. I always turn the hook oil feed down about as low as it will go. Outside of a factory where these machines would be used nearly constantly, they don't need all that much oil flow there. Too much and the bobbin will become saturated in oil if left in the machine for a long time.
For thread, I just avoid nylon. Nylon thread tends to not feed as well in sewing machines as polyester or cotton. I imagine not a lot of people use cotton thread anymore. Most industrial machines will do fine with standard sewing thread once the tension is adjusted properly. I use Cansew Poly Plus Tex 27 in my overlocks which is rather thin, Tex 45 for most general purpose sewing, and Tex 70 for sewing fur, which is a rather heavy thread, but also only comes on 10,000 meter spools at $40 CAD per spool. Sailrite also has a good selection of threads.
Needles and bobbins are also important. Cheap bobbins are fine as long as they spin properly in the bobbin case. And I would recommend a needle size 16 or 18 if using a heavier thread like Tex 70 or 90. I believe you want SY1955/DPx5/135x5/134(R) type needles. Too many needles standards so they all have five or more names.
For thread, I just avoid nylon. Nylon thread tends to not feed as well in sewing machines as polyester or cotton. I imagine not a lot of people use cotton thread anymore. Most industrial machines will do fine with standard sewing thread once the tension is adjusted properly. I use Cansew Poly Plus Tex 27 in my overlocks which is rather thin, Tex 45 for most general purpose sewing, and Tex 70 for sewing fur, which is a rather heavy thread, but also only comes on 10,000 meter spools at $40 CAD per spool. Sailrite also has a good selection of threads.
Needles and bobbins are also important. Cheap bobbins are fine as long as they spin properly in the bobbin case. And I would recommend a needle size 16 or 18 if using a heavier thread like Tex 70 or 90. I believe you want SY1955/DPx5/135x5/134(R) type needles. Too many needles standards so they all have five or more names.
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