Hi Erik! Super helpful, and I hope to be able to do this. I've got an old Singer Style-O-Matic 348. Was able to get the housing and the "cage" off but the bulb appears stuck. REALLY stuck! I can't push it in at all and am afraid if I use any more force it will break. I am quite certain the bulb has never been changed on this 1969 machine!
It happens often, that a bulb is stuck. Dont apply too much force since the bulb can break. Have you tried carefully tapping the metal/tin bottom casing of the bulb, sideways? Only slightly. Maybe that helps. Unfortunately I don't know any other way. I'm so sorry I can't help you.
This video saved me! Thank you so much for making it!! I just picked up a beautiful 99k with this style of light (the Singer Simanco light). I have never seen this type of fitting and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to get the burnt bulb out! I could see that locking mechanism but didn't think to push the bulb in then turn to unlock it!! I think there's a joke about how many people it takes to change a light bulb. LOL. Do you have any videos on wiring these machines? I noticed after I got mine home that there is an old power cord that seems to power the light but there is no electric foot pedal with the usual combined power cord. It's like at one time this was in a treadle and then the light was added but it was still foot powered Yet, there is a motor so I would assume that was for the electric pedal. The power cord doesn't look damaged like maybe the pedal was accidentally pulled off. Have you seen this? I wish I could attach a pic.
Hi Karen. I'm so glad I was able to help you with this video. I recently made a video on which color bulb you can/should buy. The 99k is an excellent machine. Capable yet small. My 99k is a hand crank version. Unfortunately you cannot sent pictures in YT comments, that's correct. But there is a FB group for Singer 66 and 99 owners/ enthousiasts. Maybe you want to join that group. I'm there too. I understand you have a 99k with an external bolt-on motor, but you are missing any cords. Correct? There are power cords available online, but you need to check the connections of your motor first. Or maybe I did not understand you correctly and you have a motor AND a cord, but missing a foot pedal? If so, you might have a 99k with a knee lever instead of a foot pedal. My advise: Join that FB group and/or contact me via messenger. Good luck and enjoy your 99k!!!
@@erikneek Thanks for the speedy reply Erik. After I msg'd you I went down the rabbit hole of researching my machine and was up until about 4am. LOL It is the 99-13 (with a turn screw to adjust the stitch length instead of a lever). In doing my research I found out this has a hole in the case where a knee lever goes to power the needle and feed dogs. It also doesn't have a reverse function for tacking (so odd). This is definitely a whole new world of machine for me. LOL. Now I'm on the hunt for the lever (it's the round end type not the flat end). I found some people who have done reproductions but I hope to find an original. The only other thing I need is the lid. How do lids go missing?! Haha. So other than those two things it's in pristine condition. If you get a lead on the lid and/or lever let me know. I will just have to clean it and oil it and most likely add some motor oil. I found the owners manual on the singer site. Do you know if the accessories listed in the manual are the ones that should've come with it? I will have to look for those but I think the accessories I have for my 1950's machine will fit regardless but it's always nice to have a complete unit even if accessories can be used on multiple models. :-)
@@nortok00 Hi. Researching can be addictive 🙂 One of my first videos on a Singer was on the 99. And I mispronounced 'sewing machine' over and over. LOL! So I acquired a new 99 to redo that video. But I have to write the script first. I have so many projects going on... I love the 99. And the 201. And the 78. And the 221. Recently I saw multiple lids in a thrift store in my home town. That's not an option for you I think, I live in the kingdom of The Netherlands. The knee lever can be difficult to find. Try Helen Howes in the UK. There are multiple dealers in the USA to selling old Singer gear. Oiling the Singer 99 is a good idea. Don't use grease, only sewing machine oil. In all my years working with vintage Singer machines I have NEVER oiled the motor. So I cannot advise you on that. (Recently I saw a video by Alex Askarov where he said he also havent oiled a motor.) The accessoires shown in the manual are the same as were being sold with the machine. Good luck!!!
@@erikneek Not only is researching addictive but collecting sewings machines is as well. Friends that come into my home think I'm starting up a sewing business. LOL. Thanks for the recommendations on where to find the parts I need. I love going to thrift stores but have yet to see the lids or cases in general but one day I might get lucky and maybe find the knee lever as well although I want to get the lever right away so I can start sewing with it. :-) Alternatively if you find a lid and and/or lever in your neck of the woods I will happily pay for shipping! :-) It's interesting you mention not doing anything with the motor. I have never had to add oil/lubricant on my other machines and I don't even remember that being referenced in the manuals. With the 99 manual it says to do it every 3 (or maybe it was 6) months if the machine is used a lot. Maybe that was a way to keep the motor oil guys in business. LOL. Hopefully you get the video of the 99 done. I would love to see that. Supposedly the machine can do embroidery but the feed dogs need to be covered which is another piece I have to buy and the thread setup is done slightly different. The cover was originally sold separately so didn't come with the accessories. I think my manual mentioned a separate guide for doing embroidery and darning so that is another thing to track down. You will have to research the embroidery/darning part and add it to your video. LOL The rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper. Haha.
HI Eric, thanks for the video. I have a Singer 628 series Touch and Sew. The lamp housing flips down. We were able to remove the old bulb but are having difficulty installing the new LED bulb. Any suggestions? I've replayed the end of your video numerous times and am confused. Thanks for your time and expertise.
Hi Kristin. Thank you for your message. What kind of difficulties are you having? Problems inserting the new bulb? Or twist/lock? I have had many Singer sewing machines and some had problems with corroding connectors. Is that the issue you have too? In MOST cases the installation of a new bulb is very straight forward: Twist and remove the old one. Lining up the new bulb, and then push and twist to lock the new one. By the way: I had another issue - once. For some reason that specific bulb was not long enough to turn and lock it. It was only a few millimeters too short. So I had to buy a second LED-bulb that did fit. Please describe the problems you're having. I hope I can help you. Take care, Erik
@@erikneek Good evening Eric, Thanks so much for your response. The good news is that the original bulb came out smoothly. The bad news is that we're having difficulty with the twist/lock of the new LED bulb. Upon closer look, it appears there is a lip between the bayonet and the bulb part that is not on the original bulb.( I wish I could attach photos ) Maybe this is prohibiting the bulb from being inserted completely. The photo of the LED bulb in your video doesn't have this characteristic. I think I'll try and find a bulb on line that resembles the one in your video. Hopefully that's the cause.
@@Travelwithopenmind Hi. I have a difficult time making a picture in my head of your problem. Indeed, there is no way of sharing pictures. BUT you can upload a video and post me a link. Or contact me via Facebook if you need to. Yes, there is a possibility you have a wrong bulb. Are you sure you have the BA15 type bulb? Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek Thank you for your time, I'm throwing in the towel. I now have a bulb that is exactly like the burnt out one and am unable to lock it into place. I really don't have it in me anymore to keep trying. I'll just use the machine with no light.
@@Travelwithopenmind So sorry to hear that. If you want (in the future) you can also reach out to members of the vintage sewing machine community on FB. Perhaps there's someone in you area who can help you. Just a thought... Have a great weekend! Erik
In case someone has the same issue as I did: I replaced the bulb but it still didn't turn ON, it turns out I just had to bend the 2 metal contacts outwards with a flat screwdriver so they touched the new bulb. Good as new
Hello Erik! Thanks for your video. I am an owner of old sewing machine Singer 347. Can you help me, what type of led lamp can suit it? The old one is with bayonet bulb(i have next info on it 220 30V 20 W 4620 A7) thanks in advance and greetings from Germany
Did you have the oppertunity to remove the current bulb? If it looks like a bayonet you might consider ordering one from amazon, ebay or aliexpress for only a few euro's.
You mean where can you buy this light? At your local sewing machine store (or maybe even your local hardware store). Or socialized vendors online such as the Featherweight Shop. Also Amazon, Ebay, Aliexpress and so on. Good luck!
Like when surgery doesn't help you can always use a hammer. :-) Did you try to push it in? When you pushed it in, try to keep the pressure on (=still keep pushing the bulb in) and turn it at the same time. Should work... Or maybe you have a later bulb with a screwhead? Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek I got this vintage sewing machine from a friend, wasn't a fan of the hot bulb. So maybe someone put a weird bulb in that they shouldn't have? I push down and twist, the glass bulb twists but not the foot (I wonder if it's broken now). I can't find my pliers :( that may be what I need to do...
I ended up breaking the glass bulb, and I had to hammer into the little holes where the foot notches lock into the holder to loosen the rest of it, and then it came out all crunched up from the pliers but I finally got it out.
@@estycki OMG that was really an ordeal! (Is that the correct English term to use?) The big question: Can you replace it with a LED bulb or is the unit... toast?
@cc-iq2bs Have you tried another color LED light? I have a separate video on the color you might need, want… or don’t want 😉 Take care and have a lovely day
@ hi. Please always do what is right for you. The old bulbs are still available so you can use them as long as you’d like. Personally I like the daylight LED bulbs. Yes they are bright as hell but my brain works better with daylight compared to the red tungsten light. Enjoy your Singer (with your trusty bulb)!
Thank you for telling me to push down while turning! Grandma was very confused but I’m all set now!! 👵🏻👵🏻🎉
I appreciate the angles and filming quality. Thank you!
Thank you!
Hi Erik! Super helpful, and I hope to be able to do this. I've got an old Singer Style-O-Matic 348. Was able to get the housing and the "cage" off but the bulb appears stuck. REALLY stuck! I can't push it in at all and am afraid if I use any more force it will break. I am quite certain the bulb has never been changed on this 1969 machine!
It happens often, that a bulb is stuck. Dont apply too much force since the bulb can break.
Have you tried carefully tapping the metal/tin bottom casing of the bulb, sideways? Only slightly. Maybe that helps.
Unfortunately I don't know any other way.
I'm so sorry I can't help you.
This video saved me! Thank you so much for making it!! I just picked up a beautiful 99k with this style of light (the Singer Simanco light). I have never seen this type of fitting and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to get the burnt bulb out! I could see that locking mechanism but didn't think to push the bulb in then turn to unlock it!! I think there's a joke about how many people it takes to change a light bulb. LOL. Do you have any videos on wiring these machines? I noticed after I got mine home that there is an old power cord that seems to power the light but there is no electric foot pedal with the usual combined power cord. It's like at one time this was in a treadle and then the light was added but it was still foot powered Yet, there is a motor so I would assume that was for the electric pedal. The power cord doesn't look damaged like maybe the pedal was accidentally pulled off. Have you seen this? I wish I could attach a pic.
Hi Karen. I'm so glad I was able to help you with this video. I recently made a video on which color bulb you can/should buy.
The 99k is an excellent machine. Capable yet small. My 99k is a hand crank version.
Unfortunately you cannot sent pictures in YT comments, that's correct. But there is a FB group for Singer 66 and 99 owners/ enthousiasts. Maybe you want to join that group. I'm there too.
I understand you have a 99k with an external bolt-on motor, but you are missing any cords. Correct?
There are power cords available online, but you need to check the connections of your motor first.
Or maybe I did not understand you correctly and you have a motor AND a cord, but missing a foot pedal? If so, you might have a 99k with a knee lever instead of a foot pedal.
My advise: Join that FB group and/or contact me via messenger.
Good luck and enjoy your 99k!!!
@@erikneek Thanks for the speedy reply Erik. After I msg'd you I went down the rabbit hole of researching my machine and was up until about 4am. LOL It is the 99-13 (with a turn screw to adjust the stitch length instead of a lever). In doing my research I found out this has a hole in the case where a knee lever goes to power the needle and feed dogs. It also doesn't have a reverse function for tacking (so odd). This is definitely a whole new world of machine for me. LOL. Now I'm on the hunt for the lever (it's the round end type not the flat end). I found some people who have done reproductions but I hope to find an original. The only other thing I need is the lid. How do lids go missing?! Haha. So other than those two things it's in pristine condition. If you get a lead on the lid and/or lever let me know. I will just have to clean it and oil it and most likely add some motor oil. I found the owners manual on the singer site. Do you know if the accessories listed in the manual are the ones that should've come with it? I will have to look for those but I think the accessories I have for my 1950's machine will fit regardless but it's always nice to have a complete unit even if accessories can be used on multiple models. :-)
@@nortok00 Hi. Researching can be addictive 🙂
One of my first videos on a Singer was on the 99. And I mispronounced 'sewing machine' over and over. LOL! So I acquired a new 99 to redo that video. But I have to write the script first. I have so many projects going on...
I love the 99. And the 201. And the 78. And the 221.
Recently I saw multiple lids in a thrift store in my home town. That's not an option for you I think, I live in the kingdom of The Netherlands.
The knee lever can be difficult to find. Try Helen Howes in the UK. There are multiple dealers in the USA to selling old Singer gear.
Oiling the Singer 99 is a good idea. Don't use grease, only sewing machine oil.
In all my years working with vintage Singer machines I have NEVER oiled the motor. So I cannot advise you on that. (Recently I saw a video by Alex Askarov where he said he also havent oiled a motor.)
The accessoires shown in the manual are the same as were being sold with the machine.
Good luck!!!
@@erikneek Not only is researching addictive but collecting sewings machines is as well. Friends that come into my home think I'm starting up a sewing business. LOL. Thanks for the recommendations on where to find the parts I need. I love going to thrift stores but have yet to see the lids or cases in general but one day I might get lucky and maybe find the knee lever as well although I want to get the lever right away so I can start sewing with it. :-) Alternatively if you find a lid and and/or lever in your neck of the woods I will happily pay for shipping! :-) It's interesting you mention not doing anything with the motor. I have never had to add oil/lubricant on my other machines and I don't even remember that being referenced in the manuals. With the 99 manual it says to do it every 3 (or maybe it was 6) months if the machine is used a lot. Maybe that was a way to keep the motor oil guys in business. LOL. Hopefully you get the video of the 99 done. I would love to see that. Supposedly the machine can do embroidery but the feed dogs need to be covered which is another piece I have to buy and the thread setup is done slightly different. The cover was originally sold separately so didn't come with the accessories. I think my manual mentioned a separate guide for doing embroidery and darning so that is another thing to track down. You will have to research the embroidery/darning part and add it to your video. LOL The rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper. Haha.
@@nortok00 I had one of those plates with my Singer 66. But I'm not so familiar with that so I didnt film it. ;-)
HI Eric, thanks for the video. I have a Singer 628 series Touch and Sew. The lamp housing flips down. We were able to remove the old bulb but are having difficulty installing the new LED bulb. Any suggestions? I've replayed the end of your video numerous times and am confused. Thanks for your time and expertise.
Hi Kristin. Thank you for your message.
What kind of difficulties are you having? Problems inserting the new bulb? Or twist/lock?
I have had many Singer sewing machines and some had problems with corroding connectors. Is that the issue you have too?
In MOST cases the installation of a new bulb is very straight forward: Twist and remove the old one. Lining up the new bulb, and then push and twist to lock the new one.
By the way: I had another issue - once. For some reason that specific bulb was not long enough to turn and lock it. It was only a few millimeters too short. So I had to buy a second LED-bulb that did fit.
Please describe the problems you're having. I hope I can help you.
Take care, Erik
@@erikneek Good evening Eric, Thanks so much for your response. The good news is that the original bulb came out smoothly. The bad news is that we're having difficulty with the twist/lock of the new LED bulb. Upon closer look, it appears there is a lip between the bayonet and the bulb part that is not on the original bulb.( I wish I could attach photos ) Maybe this is prohibiting the bulb from being inserted completely. The photo of the LED bulb in your video doesn't have this characteristic. I think I'll try and find a bulb on line that resembles the one in your video. Hopefully that's the cause.
@@Travelwithopenmind Hi. I have a difficult time making a picture in my head of your problem. Indeed, there is no way of sharing pictures. BUT you can upload a video and post me a link. Or contact me via Facebook if you need to.
Yes, there is a possibility you have a wrong bulb. Are you sure you have the BA15 type bulb?
Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek Thank you for your time, I'm throwing in the towel. I now have a bulb that is exactly like the burnt out one and am unable to lock it into place. I really don't have it in me anymore to keep trying. I'll just use the machine with no light.
@@Travelwithopenmind So sorry to hear that.
If you want (in the future) you can also reach out to members of the vintage sewing machine community on FB. Perhaps there's someone in you area who can help you. Just a thought...
Have a great weekend! Erik
Great stuff!
In case someone has the same issue as I did: I replaced the bulb but it still didn't turn ON, it turns out I just had to bend the 2 metal contacts outwards with a flat screwdriver so they touched the new bulb. Good as new
Hello Erik! Thanks for your video. I am an owner of old sewing machine Singer 347. Can you help me, what type of led lamp can suit it? The old one is with bayonet bulb(i have next info on it 220 30V 20 W 4620 A7) thanks in advance and greetings from Germany
Did you have the oppertunity to remove the current bulb? If it looks like a bayonet you might consider ordering one from amazon, ebay or aliexpress for only a few euro's.
What is the bulb type for screw singer 8280?
The Featherweight Shop has a screw in LED light bulb.
where i bought this light.
You mean where can you buy this light? At your local sewing machine store (or maybe even your local hardware store). Or socialized vendors online such as the Featherweight Shop. Also Amazon, Ebay, Aliexpress and so on.
Good luck!
I can’t get the bulb out >:( I just removed the whole thing
Like when surgery doesn't help you can always use a hammer. :-)
Did you try to push it in? When you pushed it in, try to keep the pressure on (=still keep pushing the bulb in) and turn it at the same time. Should work...
Or maybe you have a later bulb with a screwhead?
Good luck, Erik
@@erikneek I got this vintage sewing machine from a friend, wasn't a fan of the hot bulb. So maybe someone put a weird bulb in that they shouldn't have? I push down and twist, the glass bulb twists but not the foot (I wonder if it's broken now). I can't find my pliers :( that may be what I need to do...
I ended up breaking the glass bulb, and I had to hammer into the little holes where the foot notches lock into the holder to loosen the rest of it, and then it came out all crunched up from the pliers but I finally got it out.
@@estycki OMG that was really an ordeal! (Is that the correct English term to use?)
The big question: Can you replace it with a LED bulb or is the unit... toast?
@@erikneek It looks okay :D we'll see, I will try to get an LED bulb
Erik Neek
Can't stand led light bulbs horrible lights and horrible type of over bright , hate them
@cc-iq2bs Have you tried another color LED light? I have a separate video on the color you might need, want… or don’t want 😉
Take care and have a lovely day
@erikneek Just can,t stand over the top too bright led light bulbs.
I kept the old style , better and softer on the eyes and don't blind you
@ hi. Please always do what is right for you. The old bulbs are still available so you can use them as long as you’d like.
Personally I like the daylight LED bulbs. Yes they are bright as hell but my brain works better with daylight compared to the red tungsten light.
Enjoy your Singer (with your trusty bulb)!