I just got a Singer 201-2 for free from someone today. When my boyfriend came home tonight, I showed him my machine. He looked at me and said, "I just took one of those to the scrap yard today... we find them all the time." This breaks my heart!!!! I offered to pay them for any that they find from now on. People are literally throwing HISTORY in the trash!
Yes, this saddens me a great deal too. Its my hope that this channel and others like it help to draw attention to how valuable these machines are; whether rare or not!!
That's how I got my 1904 Singer machine. Left upside down out with a jumble of things lying by the dumpster in front of an apartment house. Bobbin and thread in place, still runs smoothly. Someone loved this machine. I am honored to have received it into my care by the hand of fate.
Love these old treadles! I've had mine for 50 years now. Still stitching like a dream. It was made in 1902. Just got the rust off a 1922 one for a friend. It too produced perfect stitches on first try. When no-one can afford electricity any more these machines will still do the job! Indeed, the treadle mechanism could be adapted to produce electricity!
I recently saw a Singer sewing machine on Market Place located about 8 miles from my home. I purchased for $25.00. We drove there there immediately. Machine and cabinet. I didn't even look at it, I got it home and looked it over. The cabinet was in poor shape. The power cord was missing, Imagine my surprise when I opened the cabinet. An almost perfect 1951 Century edition 66.16 with bobbins, attachments, and owners manual. Cleaned it up like you do, bought a new cord and WOW. My new favorite machine. It is beautiful and purrs.
Your story absolutely blew my mind because it is so very similar to what just happened to me! I just found an antique 1930 singer AD157392 at the curb 2 days ago! It was about 5 houses down from where I live. I ran home & got a hand truck but couldn't load it onto it by myself. Thankfully the man who tossed it out came out and asked if I wanted it and he helped me load it onto the hand truck. Being a small woman it was too heavy for me to lift it weighs A TON. The man told me he had also tried to throw it away one time previously {I guess I missed seeing it that time} but he said the garbage men wouldn't take it probably due to it's heavy weight. So it spent at least one night outdoors. Table is in good functional shape except for some scratches on top and a water mark stain, perhaps from a vase of flowers or something. The machine itself is missing a spool holder or maybe two, it's also missing a belt. I'm not sure if anything else is missing or not which is what brought me to your video. My grandmother had a similar one like the one I have now, I admired hers as a small child. I can't believe I have one of my own, I hope I can get it into working order! I feel the same way about saving things, especially beautiful old things from the trash!
I found mine used as a garage doorstopper! dissembled it and whashed all parts with degreaser and assembled it! found a cover plate at an old sewing store and VOILA! looking forward to your rescue mission and hope you enjoy it as I did mine! A feeling of achievement when it sews like it was designed to do! great on you!
One man trash…… as they say, it was meant to be found and rescued , I was given a Kenmore model 15 with cabinet and chair, and upon opening the chair…..every beautiful attachment imaginable, she is my first conservation , I just got a 127 and inside the drawer the most beautiful Woden puzzle box, almost complete and in very good shape, if you loved them they just fall in your hands , thanks for saving another precious Iron Lady
Wow! What amazing luck - or kismet - or good Karma, that you saw this. It appears to be in pretty good shape for an old, probably at one time well loved machine. Thanks for rescuing it!
I just acquired a 127 yesterday with the cabinet. It’s in very good condition. Need to find some one to replace the the belt, tension spring and a good cleaning and oiling. I am very fortunate, can’t wait to use it.
I'm sure that this was the machine my grandmother used and when we moved to CA in 1959, it was hopefully given away and not thrown away. I always wanted my own treadle machine and bought a White Rotary (only because it was cheaper), likely manufactured in 1918, many years ago. I've never used it, though now I am thinking of using it for quilting as it has a large harp. I have oiled it and am buying a new belt. It would be interesting to see what you have done with this Singer as I could not find a follow-up video.
I have a 1910 that I reconditioned that was completely frozen up and in terrible shape. It is now one of my favorite machines to use for free motion quilting.
I have a 127 that I was given from a woman at a garage sale. I cleaned and lubricated it and it runs smooth as satin. I put a hand crank on it, and am now working on making a wooden base for it. I quilt on a treadle Davis Vertical Feed because I live off grid and am trying to reduce my need for generator produced power.
that is very similar to the one I have. It is a 1912 Sphinx. A friend was going to toss it and gave it to me. The table is in great shape too - needs to be refinished but the details on the drawers are amazing.
We don’t look for them, but they find us anyway. 🙂. So nice that you saved this graceful Iron Lady! By the way, I was given a 1950s portable German Pfaff because I was the only person the owner knew who sewed!
I have the exact model! 1904 from a farm sale. I got it unstuck, oiled she runs beautifully! I totally agree with you, it is sad to see them just thrown out. Glad you rescued her!
I had one that was stuck also. Now sews great and runs smoother and quieter than my other machines. I wonder if it was stuck because it wasnt used much and runs better because of less wear.
I have 2 treadles. They were garage sale buys. $60 for the 1933 and $50 for the 1907. I love them. I also have one treadle table (no machine 😢). I sense a “problem” starting. My Ex almost brought me another one from 1901, but the owner changed their mind. Dang.
I just purchased a 1921 treadle from Craigslist in North Central Texas. On mine the identification number stated with a G indicating its from Germany, its got the art Nuevo paintings on it . Mine uses a round bobbin. The one you have is called a Bullet bobbin. It rocks back and forth or a side to side motion . If you need information on these old ladies please check with your local singer dealer and repair shop they can fix them or help you with manuals for repair and can order new or refurbished parts . Thank you for saving the grandma sewing machine ❤
I had thought you had a Singer 27, the earlier type a while ago? Good save!! My first one was a two times garbage save. My friends girlfriend saw a woman throwing out the machine and the woman throwing out the machine said she garbage picked it. My friend's girlfriend told the woman that she knew someone ( me ) that might like it. It was solid grey and in a tray thing. Turns out the grey was dust stuck to bear fat. It was coated with the stuff. It preserved the finish and metal land is one of the best 1906 "pheasant " decaled machines around. Ultra mint and looks brand new. Mine is from the same factory.
I have a singer 66, 1947, and a Kenmore 52 that were trash rescues. Both work great. The 127 has a long bobbin. The shuttle holds the bobbin. Also called a vibrating shuttle. I have reconditioned a few of these and they are simple to use and sew beautifully like all vintage singers.
@April Gallagher - You have 5! WOW! Now I dont feel so bad - just picked up a 2nd 127! One from 1888 and one from 1904! The older one has a much cleaner cabinet and better preserved decals but a lot more rust on the shiny metal parts. So hard to get those looking good! The cabinet from the first is so bad that I am spraying it black and will use gold rubbing paste for the detail parts - the machine is fine from a working standpoint. Both are built like tanks!
My mother has that exact machine from my grandmother back in her old country. I want it to be sent here so I can do a cleaning and maybe a restoration if anything broke.
What great find, I have just recently (this summer) got into the hobby of vintage sewing machine restoration/conservation and found a 15-91 potted motor leaning on a fence at a horse farm it had 3 legs and cabinet was half rotted the machine was inside seized . After 2 days of Pb Blaster it now works like new. I share your passion of rescuing these old machines I now have over 15 machines
I answered a Craigslist ad and got a free 127. I was afraid the iron base would be butchered so I took it home. I also have my great-grandmother's 27. So now she has a younger sister!
I'm so excited for your new find! I was given a Singer 27 in a similar treadle table to the one you have. It had been stored for years in a wet basement. Needless to say, the veneer is badly peeling & the cast iron is covered in surface rust. As to the machine; whatever had been oiled or greased was spared from harm. A few drops of oil and it's moving freely again. However, any metal that hadn't been oiled, including 3 shuttles & a handful of long bobbins, is covered in surface rust; even places on the machine where the paint had been chipped away is rusty. Such a bittersweet find.
Hello! That's a great find. It was meant to be. I wish someday I could have a great find like that. Looking forward to your follow up videos. Any update on the Kenmore? Be well.
I have just acquired my grandmother's singer. It looks exactly like that one. Serial number tells me it's from 1914. Do you have other videos that would explain servicing, replacing belt, and details about bobbin loading and threading? Any information would be amazing.
Hi Pamela. I have not yet made videos on this specific model regarding restoration. However, keep in mind that the vast majority of what this model requires for restoring can be seen in most any of my Singer straight stitch model videos. The primary difference would be the bobbin/shuttle design which I don't think I have covered in a video on my channel but there may be other channels you could access (especially for the bobbin/shuttle parts).
I have a 127 in a lovely cabinet from 1912. It was obviously used often as the decals are nearly gone/ silver. It belonged to the seller's grandmother, but no one in the family wanted her! I just found a very nice 127 head from 1900. She now lives in the table and the other head is now a hand crank. I still have to refurbish the motor of a 128 I got from a friend. Do I have other vintage machines? Maybe......
I have a 127. It needs some restoration, but it still stitches very nicely. I have a similar cabinet with a carving on it. I would really like to see a video on how to clean up a Singer 127. Mine was made in 1906.
Man I would love to find a treadle machine, last month I did find in very good shape a Taiwanese made Singer Nostalgia 15 NL-J, which at the time I thought is was a clone or an original until I got it home and searched the model number, I wasnt upset at all cause it was free, all original parts and in running condition, not as quiet or precisely machined as an my Japanese made HA-1(1953) Singer Empress, or my Singer Edison, but it runs and fills a gap for my collection of vintage machine, while not so vintage, but its a classic since its from 1985, I love vintage sewing machines.
congratulations on the great find!!! I picked one up, think it's a red eye in good condition but the lower left drawer is jammed and wont open. If you can help with how to disassemble so it can be fully cleaned. Mine appears to be a 1911
I rescued a 127 from an estate sale. It’s in bad shape but I really want to try to restore it if possible. Any additional videos or information on this machine would be really appreciated!
So sad when people don't know what a treasure they have. I just rescued a 1921 Singer 15 treadle, from the rain, but the table didn't make it. We rescued the irons, but the table was peeling. 😔 do you have any advice for water spots? I dried and oiled her as soon as I could.
I've used this product along with steel wool to unlock the moisture which causes the white spots you mentioned. The product also posts their own videos on how to remove white spots/water marks. ruclips.net/video/6s-45CmoiXQ/видео.html
I was given an singer 28k. It is in a very bad way but it does seem to work. The problem I have is that it doesn't pull up the shuttle thread. I don't know much about it. Just wondering if you can help any other way. In how to get it to work.
I have a 127! It’s a 1925 model…I think made in Elizabeth, NJ but it doesn’t appear to have changed much from the 1915 model. It runs great, but I can’t get the stitch length knob to budge.
That's quite a common problem - I've struggled with it a few times myself. But once they're working freely they are just fine. There are a few vids on youtube about these models (and the 66 and 99 models that, for the older ones, used the same stitch length adjuster). If VSMG doesn't cover it off as he works on this machine have a look around for those vids. I know there's one on taking it out and putting it in again that I found really useful.
Help! I lubricated the needle bar and it’s still seized but the *needle bar connecting link moves. did I just break it? It doesn’t have any set screws fixing it to the bar so I think it’s supposed to move? I think it’s a hand treadle sphinx F-34… Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!
Hi I Have a 117.740 Kenmore zigzag 1956 I need a part for it nobody services them I have had it 30 yrs it belonged to my Grandmother she bought it new in the late 50’S
It breaks my heart to see some so valuable to be in the garbage. You are an “gardian angel” for these machines. I am about to get 2 of this model. One looks to be missing parts and another had a motor adapted. One of them came for free. Would it be too dificult to find parts?
Given the vast numbers of these that were in production over the decades, it is not normally a challenge to find parts. Try sites such as Ebay, Etsy, and Bonanza.com for starters.
Sure. I was taking a class in grad school and the instructor assigned us a project where we were to find something we had always thought of doing, but had not tried. The goal of the assignment was to learn how people form habitual behavior. Well, the assignment worked for me as I've been at this over 10 years now!!
Do you have a video showing how to remove the bobbin winder on a treadle machine? I would love to be able to get all rust and dirt off but it isn't easy with it attached to the machine. also can the hand wheel be removed? thank yoU!!
Lost Mountain Restoration did a series on a Singer, doing the cabinet first, then cleaning up the machine; Bob Fowler has several specific to the bobbin winder 🙂
I found a 1910 Singer 31-20 complete with functioning treadle table abandoned in an alley. Everything is moving except for the stitch length adjuster. I have watched some videos and today screwed up my courage to begin taking it apart for cleaning and to find why my stitch length adjuster is frozen. I seem to be stuck at removing the balance wheel so it's back to RUclips for some ideas. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate any help.
Hi, check with a singer repair shop they have instruction manuals to disassemble and repair and they can order parts for you. Yes they still make parts for these machines. Amazing.
Sewing machines and pianos often fall into similar fates. No one learns how to use a sewing machine these days and no one knows how to transfer them to new owners effectively. Compared to 1950s-70s when Singer was training over four million new users every year.
So many stories like this. Just makes my heart cry. A Wurlitzer no less. Well, at least the ones that don't make it can inspire us to save those that remain!!
I have a question. There's the same machine & table I'm considering buying. The decals are in great condition but it's not operational--no belt for example. Would I be a heathen if I converted it to a hand crank? I don't have room for the table, except to store. My assumption is that the conversion would be straight forward. Going to find your video on removing the machine from it's table.
If the crank will fit onto the hand wheel of your machine, it should work. When the machines were new and before electric motors were offered, sewing tables WERE EXTRA!! A hand crank was common if the customer could not afford a table. And I'm sure you are no 'heathen', LOL.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I didn't know the table was extra. I let the machine, I wrote about, go--the table & machine were too nice, IMO, to break apart. Spring is nearly here in NH, I'm going to start haunting yard, barn, & garage sales for a treadle head. Must be plenty out there based on the number of converted tables around.
Hello, WE have one Like this - non electric with a Hand krank. My mothers aunt brought IT when moving Back from Madagascar Back to france. Singer Made in united kingdom
Does anyone know what this model is called? I recently bought the 1922 version with the coffin or Sphinx decals. I know mine was the first year it could have a motor or be used by treadle. I was able to look up the serial number. I bought a treadle base but I still need to clean everything out and attach the machine to the treadle. Any info would be very helpful. I can't wait to watch this video!!!!💖💖💖
I'm fairly sure it is a Singer model 127. The 27 and 28 were the earlier full and 3/4 size models, the 127 and 128 were the more modern versions of the same machine. Generally the later ones had ejector buttons for the shuttles and the bobbin winder mount high on the pillar rather than low). Early machines also tended to have a "spoon-shaped" thing you pressed on the bottom of the upper tension mechanism to release the tension. The later ones had a tension-release pin so that the tension was released automatically when you raise the presser foot. That's only a generalisation though because people could (and did) upgrade the older models to have the "ejector button" for their bobbins and during the crossover period some of the early ones still got the top-mounted bobbin winders during manufacture. Given the year yours was made, it's very likely a Singer 127 or 128 depending on whether it's the full or 3/4 size one. I have a few of them - they are all lovely machines and sew just as well as the more familiar round-bobbin machines. The way they work is very simple - mechanically speaking - making them fairly easy to learn to service for yourself. If you don't have one, ISMACS has the user's manual: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/127-128.pdf And I found an Adjuster's Manual for them online somewhere too - but I can't remember where. I hope all that helps! :-)
Thank you for all of videos so very helpful and great. I have a question,I was given a singer 66 treadle. Should the treadle belt be taken off each time after use? Thanks again.
I don't know of any reason why you would need to remove the belt unless adjusting its tension/triming it or if you were to switch the machine back and forth from treadle to electric. I would suggest leaving the belt on.
Oh, She is beautiful. It was meant to be. Those machines, they were meant to survive. You should check out Ms. Bernadette Banner, on the YT. Her new-to-her treadle is, I believe, the same model; only older. Maybe you could do a collaboration - the restoration of and maintenance of...? My own machine, courtesy of 1915, is a 99K Singer. As far as I understand I'm the fourth owner, and someone did a superb refurbishing job along the way. Sews like a dream. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I just got a Singer 201-2 for free from someone today. When my boyfriend came home tonight, I showed him my machine. He looked at me and said, "I just took one of those to the scrap yard today... we find them all the time." This breaks my heart!!!! I offered to pay them for any that they find from now on. People are literally throwing HISTORY in the trash!
Yes, this saddens me a great deal too. Its my hope that this channel and others like it help to draw attention to how valuable these machines are; whether rare or not!!
That's how I got my 1904 Singer machine. Left upside down out with a jumble of things lying by the dumpster in front of an apartment house. Bobbin and thread in place, still runs smoothly. Someone loved this machine. I am honored to have received it into my care by the hand of fate.
Amazing how some things go under appreciated. Glad it found its way to you!!
Love these old treadles! I've had mine for 50 years now. Still stitching like a dream. It was made in 1902.
Just got the rust off a 1922 one for a friend. It too produced perfect stitches on first try.
When no-one can afford electricity any more these machines will still do the job! Indeed, the treadle mechanism could be adapted to produce electricity!
Very cool!
That's so cool you could rescue that girl!
Lucky to be at the right place at the right time to save that beautiful treasure
What a lucky machine! I can't believe they put it out in the rain.
I have a 1916 Singer machine & I love having it.
I recently saw a Singer sewing machine on Market Place located about 8 miles from my home. I purchased for $25.00. We drove there there immediately. Machine and cabinet. I didn't even look at it, I got it home and looked it over. The cabinet was in poor shape. The power cord was missing, Imagine my surprise when I opened the cabinet. An almost perfect 1951 Century edition 66.16 with bobbins, attachments, and owners manual. Cleaned it up like you do, bought a new cord and WOW. My new favorite machine. It is beautiful and purrs.
Wow. It sounds like you made a good bet on that purchase!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I sure did. I love your videos. Please don't stop anytime soon.😀
What a beauty !,
Your story absolutely blew my mind because it is so very similar to what just happened to me! I just found an antique 1930 singer AD157392 at the curb 2 days ago! It was about 5 houses down from where I live. I ran home & got a hand truck but couldn't load it onto it by myself. Thankfully the man who tossed it out came out and asked if I wanted it and he helped me load it onto the hand truck. Being a small woman it was too heavy for me to lift it weighs A TON. The man told me he had also tried to throw it away one time previously {I guess I missed seeing it that time} but he said the garbage men wouldn't take it probably due to it's heavy weight. So it spent at least one night outdoors. Table is in good functional shape except for some scratches on top and a water mark stain, perhaps from a vase of flowers or something. The machine itself is missing a spool holder or maybe two, it's also missing a belt. I'm not sure if anything else is missing or not which is what brought me to your video. My grandmother had a similar one like the one I have now, I admired hers as a small child. I can't believe I have one of my own, I hope I can get it into working order! I feel the same way about saving things, especially beautiful old things from the trash!
I found mine used as a garage doorstopper! dissembled it and whashed all parts with degreaser and assembled it! found a cover plate at an old sewing store and VOILA! looking forward to your rescue mission and hope you enjoy it as I did mine! A feeling of achievement when it sews like it was designed to do! great on you!
That is awesome!
One man trash…… as they say, it was meant to be found and rescued , I was given a Kenmore model 15 with cabinet and chair, and upon opening the chair…..every beautiful attachment imaginable, she is my first conservation , I just got a 127 and inside the drawer the most beautiful Woden puzzle box, almost complete and in very good shape, if you loved them they just fall in your hands , thanks for saving another precious Iron Lady
Wow! What amazing luck - or kismet - or good Karma, that you saw this. It appears to be in pretty good shape for an old, probably at one time well loved machine. Thanks for rescuing it!
My thoughts exactly
I just acquired a 127 yesterday with the cabinet. It’s in very good condition. Need to find some one to replace the the belt, tension spring and a good cleaning and oiling.
I am very fortunate, can’t wait to use it.
I found one on the side of the road! She had been flooded and mudded. She runs. The cabinet, well, we'll see.
Lucky you!!
I’m so glad you saved it! These machines are amazing and I love mine!
Me too!!
I'm sure that this was the machine my grandmother used and when we moved to CA in 1959, it was hopefully given away and not thrown away. I always wanted my own treadle machine and bought a White Rotary (only because it was cheaper), likely manufactured in 1918, many years ago. I've never used it, though now I am thinking of using it for quilting as it has a large harp. I have oiled it and am buying a new belt. It would be interesting to see what you have done with this Singer as I could not find a follow-up video.
I have a 1910 that I reconditioned that was completely frozen up and in terrible shape. It is now one of my favorite machines to use for free motion quilting.
I have a 127 that I was given from a woman at a garage sale. I cleaned and lubricated it and it runs smooth as satin. I put a hand crank on it, and am now working on making a wooden base for it. I quilt on a treadle Davis Vertical Feed because I live off grid and am trying to reduce my need for generator produced power.
Amazing story!
that is very similar to the one I have. It is a 1912 Sphinx. A friend was going to toss it and gave it to me. The table is in great shape too - needs to be refinished but the details on the drawers are amazing.
Very cool!
We don’t look for them, but they find us anyway. 🙂. So nice that you saved this graceful Iron Lady!
By the way, I was given a 1950s portable German Pfaff because I was the only person the owner knew who sewed!
I have the exact model! 1904 from a farm sale. I got it unstuck, oiled she runs beautifully! I totally agree with you, it is sad to see them just thrown out. Glad you rescued her!
Very cool!
I had one that was stuck also. Now sews great and runs smoother and quieter than my other machines. I wonder if it was stuck because it wasnt used much and runs better because of less wear.
I have 2 treadles. They were garage sale buys. $60 for the 1933 and $50 for the 1907. I love them. I also have one treadle table (no machine 😢). I sense a “problem” starting. My Ex almost brought me another one from 1901, but the owner changed their mind. Dang.
I just purchased a 1921 treadle from Craigslist in North Central Texas. On mine the identification number stated with a G indicating its from Germany, its got the art Nuevo paintings on it . Mine uses a round bobbin. The one you have is called a Bullet bobbin. It rocks back and forth or a side to side motion . If you need information on these old ladies please check with your local singer dealer and repair shop they can fix them or help you with manuals for repair and can order new or refurbished parts . Thank you for saving the grandma sewing machine ❤
That is remarkable. The drawers are good. The table is solid. The veneer looks completely undamaged. Amazing! Thank you for saving it and showing us.
Glad you liked it!
What a find! I currently have 5 sewing machines, and my treadle is my absolute favourite. Congratulations!
Awesome! Thank you!
I had thought you had a Singer 27, the earlier type a while ago? Good save!! My first one was a two times garbage save. My friends girlfriend saw a woman throwing out the machine and the woman throwing out the machine said she garbage picked it. My friend's girlfriend told the woman that she knew someone ( me ) that might like it. It was solid grey and in a tray thing. Turns out the grey was dust stuck to bear fat. It was coated with the stuff. It preserved the finish and metal land is one of the best 1906 "pheasant " decaled machines around. Ultra mint and looks brand new. Mine is from the same factory.
I have a singer 66, 1947, and a Kenmore 52 that were trash rescues. Both work great.
The 127 has a long bobbin. The shuttle holds the bobbin. Also called a vibrating shuttle. I have reconditioned a few of these and they are simple to use and sew beautifully like all vintage singers.
@April Gallagher - You have 5! WOW! Now I dont feel so bad - just picked up a 2nd 127! One from 1888 and one from 1904! The older one has a much cleaner cabinet and better preserved decals but a lot more rust on the shiny metal parts. So hard to get those looking good! The cabinet from the first is so bad that I am spraying it black and will use gold rubbing paste for the detail parts - the machine is fine from a working standpoint. Both are built like tanks!
I have a 127 Sphinx too. I put a hand crank on mine. love it
My mother has that exact machine from my grandmother back in her old country. I want it to be sent here so I can do a cleaning and maybe a restoration if anything broke.
What great find, I have just recently (this summer) got into the hobby of vintage sewing machine restoration/conservation and found a 15-91 potted motor leaning on a fence at a horse farm it had 3 legs and cabinet was half rotted the machine was inside seized .
After 2 days of Pb Blaster it now works like new.
I share your passion of rescuing these old machines I now have over 15 machines
Great save on the 15-91 Dennis.
I answered a Craigslist ad and got a free 127. I was afraid the iron base would be butchered so I took it home. I also have my great-grandmother's 27. So now she has a younger sister!
OMG! It was wanting for you. What an awesome find.
I think so too!
I'm so excited for your new find! I was given a Singer 27 in a similar treadle table to the one you have. It had been stored for years in a wet basement. Needless to say, the veneer is badly peeling & the cast iron is covered in surface rust. As to the machine; whatever had been oiled or greased was spared from harm. A few drops of oil and it's moving freely again. However, any metal that hadn't been oiled, including 3 shuttles & a handful of long bobbins, is covered in surface rust; even places on the machine where the paint had been chipped away is rusty. Such a bittersweet find.
I picked one up without the base, I'm hoping to use my white brand treadle base. I'm looking forward to seeing you get this one all cleaned up.
Hello! That's a great find. It was meant to be. I wish someday I could have a great find like that.
Looking forward to your follow up videos.
Any update on the Kenmore?
Be well.
I also have a Singer 127 from 1923 though. I love it. I put a hand crank on it. Sews beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
That is awesome!
Wow! I got my 66 from a steampunk who was going to scrap it for other projects!
I picked up a couple of machines that way this summer. I’m fixing them up and passing them on the my sewist student at school 😊
That is awesome!
I miss my treadle and tipi and cabin life.
I have just acquired my grandmother's singer. It looks exactly like that one. Serial number tells me it's from 1914. Do you have other videos that would explain servicing, replacing belt, and details about bobbin loading and threading? Any information would be amazing.
Hi Pamela. I have not yet made videos on this specific model regarding restoration. However, keep in mind that the vast majority of what this model requires for restoring can be seen in most any of my Singer straight stitch model videos. The primary difference would be the bobbin/shuttle design which I don't think I have covered in a video on my channel but there may be other channels you could access (especially for the bobbin/shuttle parts).
I have a 127 in a lovely cabinet from 1912. It was obviously used often as the decals are nearly gone/ silver. It belonged to the seller's grandmother, but no one in the family wanted her! I just found a very nice 127 head from 1900. She now lives in the table and the other head is now a hand crank. I still have to refurbish the motor of a 128 I got from a friend. Do I have other vintage machines? Maybe......
Very cool!
I have a 127. It needs some restoration, but it still stitches very nicely. I have a similar cabinet with a carving on it. I would really like to see a video on how to clean up a Singer 127. Mine was made in 1906.
Very nice!
Man I would love to find a treadle machine, last month I did find in very good shape a Taiwanese made Singer Nostalgia 15 NL-J, which at the time I thought is was a clone or an original until I got it home and searched the model number, I wasnt upset at all cause it was free, all original parts and in running condition, not as quiet or precisely machined as an my Japanese made HA-1(1953) Singer Empress, or my Singer Edison, but it runs and fills a gap for my collection of vintage machine, while not so vintage, but its a classic since its from 1985, I love vintage sewing machines.
congratulations on the great find!!! I picked one up, think it's a red eye in good condition but the lower left drawer is jammed and wont open.
If you can help with how to disassemble so it can be fully cleaned. Mine appears to be a 1911
Thanks for the info!
When I saw this video I thought it was model 27 from 1903. I was so excited because my machine is in bad condition with lots of rust.
I rescued a 127 from an estate sale. It’s in bad shape but I really want to try to restore it if possible. Any additional videos or information on this machine would be really appreciated!
So sad when people don't know what a treasure they have. I just rescued a 1921 Singer 15 treadle, from the rain, but the table didn't make it. We rescued the irons, but the table was peeling. 😔 do you have any advice for water spots? I dried and oiled her as soon as I could.
I've used this product along with steel wool to unlock the moisture which causes the white spots you mentioned. The product also posts their own videos on how to remove white spots/water marks.
ruclips.net/video/6s-45CmoiXQ/видео.html
I was given an singer 28k. It is in a very bad way but it does seem to work. The problem I have is that it doesn't pull up the shuttle thread. I don't know much about it. Just wondering if you can help any other way. In how to get it to work.
I have a 127! It’s a 1925 model…I think made in Elizabeth, NJ but it doesn’t appear to have changed much from the 1915 model. It runs great, but I can’t get the stitch length knob to budge.
I had the same problem, I kept Applying oil inside the machine onto the screw. It eventually broke loose.
That's quite a common problem - I've struggled with it a few times myself. But once they're working freely they are just fine. There are a few vids on youtube about these models (and the 66 and 99 models that, for the older ones, used the same stitch length adjuster). If VSMG doesn't cover it off as he works on this machine have a look around for those vids. I know there's one on taking it out and putting it in again that I found really useful.
Help! I lubricated the needle bar and it’s still seized but the *needle bar connecting link moves. did I just break it? It doesn’t have any set screws fixing it to the bar so I think it’s supposed to move? I think it’s a hand treadle sphinx F-34… Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!
I've been looking for a machine like this. Mom used to have one exactly but it disappeared one day.
Hi I Have a 117.740 Kenmore zigzag 1956 I need a part for it nobody services them I have had it 30 yrs it belonged to my Grandmother she bought it new in the late 50’S
I have many machines and tables that have followed me home hoping for a new place. This was meant for you!
It breaks my heart to see some so valuable to be in the garbage. You are an “gardian angel” for these machines. I am about to get 2 of this model. One looks to be missing parts and another had a motor adapted. One of them came for free. Would it be too dificult to find parts?
Given the vast numbers of these that were in production over the decades, it is not normally a challenge to find parts. Try sites such as Ebay, Etsy, and Bonanza.com for starters.
May I ask how you got started in vintage sewing machine restoration?
Sure. I was taking a class in grad school and the instructor assigned us a project where we were to find something we had always thought of doing, but had not tried. The goal of the assignment was to learn how people form habitual behavior. Well, the assignment worked for me as I've been at this over 10 years now!!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage
Wow! You mean you didn't train/work under someone first? That's amazing!!!
Do you have a video showing how to remove the bobbin winder on a treadle machine? I would love to be able to get all rust and dirt off but it isn't easy with it attached to the machine. also can the hand wheel be removed? thank yoU!!
Lost Mountain Restoration did a series on a Singer, doing the cabinet first, then cleaning up the machine; Bob Fowler has several specific to the bobbin winder 🙂
I found a 1910 Singer 31-20 complete with functioning treadle table abandoned in an alley. Everything is moving except for the stitch length adjuster. I have watched some videos and today screwed up my courage to begin taking it apart for cleaning and to find why my stitch length adjuster is frozen. I seem to be stuck at removing the balance wheel so it's back to RUclips for some ideas. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate any help.
Hi, check with a singer repair shop they have instruction manuals to disassemble and repair and they can order parts for you. Yes they still make parts for these machines. Amazing.
Sewing machines and pianos often fall into similar fates. No one learns how to use a sewing machine these days and no one knows how to transfer them to new owners effectively. Compared to 1950s-70s when Singer was training over four million new users every year.
So many stories like this. Just makes my heart cry. A Wurlitzer no less. Well, at least the ones that don't make it can inspire us to save those that remain!!
I have a question. There's the same machine & table I'm considering buying. The decals are in great condition but it's not operational--no belt for example. Would I be a heathen if I converted it to a hand crank? I don't have room for the table, except to store. My assumption is that the conversion would be straight forward. Going to find your video on removing the machine from it's table.
If the crank will fit onto the hand wheel of your machine, it should work. When the machines were new and before electric motors were offered, sewing tables WERE EXTRA!! A hand crank was common if the customer could not afford a table. And I'm sure you are no 'heathen', LOL.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I didn't know the table was extra. I let the machine, I wrote about, go--the table & machine were too nice, IMO, to break apart. Spring is nearly here in NH, I'm going to start haunting yard, barn, & garage sales for a treadle head. Must be plenty out there based on the number of converted tables around.
Hello, WE have one Like this - non electric with a Hand krank. My mothers aunt brought IT when moving Back from Madagascar Back to france. Singer Made in united kingdom
Does anyone know what this model is called? I recently bought the 1922 version with the coffin or Sphinx decals. I know mine was the first year it could have a motor or be used by treadle. I was able to look up the serial number. I bought a treadle base but I still need to clean everything out and attach the machine to the treadle. Any info would be very helpful. I can't wait to watch this video!!!!💖💖💖
I'm fairly sure it is a Singer model 127. The 27 and 28 were the earlier full and 3/4 size models, the 127 and 128 were the more modern versions of the same machine.
Generally the later ones had ejector buttons for the shuttles and the bobbin winder mount high on the pillar rather than low). Early machines also tended to have a "spoon-shaped" thing you pressed on the bottom of the upper tension mechanism to release the tension. The later ones had a tension-release pin so that the tension was released automatically when you raise the presser foot.
That's only a generalisation though because people could (and did) upgrade the older models to have the "ejector button" for their bobbins and during the crossover period some of the early ones still got the top-mounted bobbin winders during manufacture.
Given the year yours was made, it's very likely a Singer 127 or 128 depending on whether it's the full or 3/4 size one. I have a few of them - they are all lovely machines and sew just as well as the more familiar round-bobbin machines. The way they work is very simple - mechanically speaking - making them fairly easy to learn to service for yourself.
If you don't have one, ISMACS has the user's manual:
ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/127-128.pdf
And I found an Adjuster's Manual for them online somewhere too - but I can't remember where. I hope all that helps! :-)
Thank you for all of videos so very helpful and great. I have a question,I was given a singer 66 treadle. Should the treadle belt be taken off each time after use? Thanks again.
I don't know of any reason why you would need to remove the belt unless adjusting its tension/triming it or if you were to switch the machine back and forth from treadle to electric. I would suggest leaving the belt on.
👌👌👌👌👌
I am looking for a Singer 201-1 for my homestead. Perhaps you'd have one or can find one? How can we get in contact?
Hi Thomas. What geographic area are you in? We service and sell locally.
I would be more than happy to pay for the machine and for shipping. I live near Asheville, NC.
Oh, She is beautiful. It was meant to be. Those machines, they were meant to survive.
You should check out Ms. Bernadette Banner, on the YT. Her new-to-her treadle is, I believe, the same model; only older. Maybe you could do a collaboration - the restoration of and maintenance of...?
My own machine, courtesy of 1915, is a 99K Singer. As far as I understand I'm the fourth owner, and someone did a superb refurbishing job along the way. Sews like a dream.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi