Singer 99 Vs. 221 Featherweight
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- I know full well that this could be like throwing raw meat into a pit of hungry Honey Badgers, but here goes... Why I prefer the 99 to the Featherweight. Discuss, but please, be nice to each other.
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My mother had one of these. She bought it in 1934 or 35. My father had an auto accident and rolled his car flattening the top. My mother sewed a new canvas top for the car using her model 99, with the knee bar controller. It was the first electric machine I used. Mom is no longer with us but my mom's 99 is.
Wow! Great story! That 99 will be around for generations to come.
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Both are great machines. Both are different. They are both valuable parts of our VSM heritage. Both have a seat in my 🧵 room and both get some love. My 66 is special to me for different reasons. All are wonderful examples of great engineering and of things made to last. 💕
Yeah Jennifer, I get that, and as I mentioned in the video, we have 3 model 221 machines in our arsenal. We're in the process of restoring our vintage 20' Airstream camping trailer, and I suspect a 221 will become part of the camping gear...
Same here. I have my Mom’s old 66 treadle. LOVE IT. It’s a great machine. I have a Featherweight which I love and a 99K that I would never part with.
I think a whole lot of us love them both, love them all, for that matter, as long as it has metal gears and more metal than plastic on the rest of it.
Love the 99K
my 99K has adjustable stitch length and back stitch
bought it in spotless like new condition for only 50 dollars
Featherweight has a cult following and collectors price
I found a 99k at a yard sale this morning for $5! It’s in a table instead of a travel case. Glad I found your channel & website, I’m your new #1 fan ;).
That’s an EXCELLENT deal! I paid about $70 for mine.
I've never seen a featherweight in the flesh and I refuse to buy one at the price they are - i'm stubborn like that! But I am more than content with my two 99's and have no desire to get the former. The extra weight is not really a problem if you are just using them at home. If you need a machine to take out to quilting class you might want the featherweight, but even then I would rock up with a 99 just to be different 🤣
I restored a 66 Red Eye for a guy who wanted to also use it at quilting class. I set him up with a new #40 cabinet and a travel case. It's a bit heavy, but he's a big guy and the machine is a major hit!
I dream of taking my 66 Red Eye to class. I think everyone would love to see her run, especially if I put on the hand crank.
I've been taking a 201K23 with the required power transformer (it's a 240 volt machine) to my quilting class!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop I picked up a 201k23 for £5 here in England. The seller said "are you sure you want this? it's old" I had to laugh as I scurried up the street with it!
@@janevacani6789 the 201k23 is pretty rare around here. Mine is two toned brown, and it is, IMNSHO, the most beautiful machine Singer ever created.
Actually, you CAN back tack on your 99. Just stitch very slowly and gently lift the presser foot a teen tiny bit with your right hand, move the fabric a tiny bit with your left hand. Takes a bit of practice but definitely doable.
I think it's very good to own a couple of each! I even have a Singer 201. 😀
That's how I wound up with over 50 machines... :-)
I own three Featherweights, a bunch of other vintage machines, and recently acquired two 99s. They are sweet! I agree with you 100%.
Love the video! The 99's are a great value for the money and punch power. I have used my 99, 66 and 15-91 for corset making and some upholstery work. That's what initially started me down this VSM addiction. These machines are real work horses, if maintained and serviced. Still hanging on to my 4 featherweights, even though I haven't sewn with them for years, they are too cute!
Thanks Mary!
Which do you prefer your 66 or 15-91?
Thank you Bob, I have recently got my treadle. 66 going again and she sees beautifully. Biggest issue was me re-learning how to treadle. Beautiful stich formation and smooth as silk to operate. Having fun using various attachments.
I have several 99/99k models from 1928-1955 and have never paid more than $50 each with bentwood cases or cabinets. Even found a great, working 192k Spartan for only $10! They work beautifully, parts are easy to find and cheap, plus they look so darned industrial, not to mention a great upper body workout to move around!
This is one case where gravity is our friend! They're stable on the table...
I'm looking to add a 99 to my collection. I'd love to get a featherweight because I quilt but my trusty 201 makes just as beautiful stitches & I've made clothes to blockout curtains with no problems. My portable machine is the Elna Lotus, which is perfect for classes.
I'm rewiring a 99 right now can't wait to try it!
Good luck, keep me posted!
We had this box in the basement for a decade in which I thought was a kids play sewing machine but it happened to be the featherweight! I didn’t bring it home and my wife can’t remember where it came from. Well well, not to bad of a find😂 great looking stitch but so does also my old Kenmore rotary have. Featherweights seems very overpriced to me for what they do. Gotta add a 99 to my collection now after watching this. Thanks for all the very interesting videos that contains that extra information that is vital to restore these old gems!
I pick up every 99 I find, knowing I can ALWAYS find a good home for them...
Yes 99k machines are the best for me as well ,I have two 99s,and one of them has the reverse lever/stitch length adjuster,as I often make clothes of heavy cloth I use the 99k more than other types,and set up different machines for button holes,and leave the attachment permanently fixed on.
I actually have a hand cranked 128 that is dedicated to a button hole attachment
Just found you, and enjoyed this video very much.
No hate from me, I have a 99k, 1948, that I bought about 48 years ago, when I was looking for a machine that I could use to make bike bags & knapsacks. My mom’s machine would not control the slippery nylon thread properly, so I took thread, needles, and scraps of the ripstop nylon fabric, and went looking. In a little shop selling used machines, I found and bought that pretty little machine. I think I paid $15 for it, and I talked the guy into selling me a cabinet that had a different machine in it for $8. My granddad refinished the cabinet for me. The machine didn’t need a single thing, and ran beautifully. It kept perfect control of that slippery thread. And though I didn’t know it at the time, it totally sparked my love for vintage sewing machines. The Featherweight machines are very cute, but by the time I noticed them, it was too late; prices were already out of my reach.
My best vintage machine was free; an Adlermatic 189A left to me by my third grandma (not a blood relative, but totally my grandma), when she died in 1979. It’s the most amazing sewing machine I’ve ever seen or used. And beautiful. But so they all are, these old machines that really, to me, represent some of the best-designed machines, integrating practicality & beauty so perfectly, that modern industry has ever produced.
I was recently gifted a Singer 201K23 in two tone brown. It is, without a doubt, my favorite and is so very, very beautiful. I had to buy a power conversion transformer to run her 240 volt motor here in the120 volt USA, but I don't care, she runs so well and is so bloody gorgeous!
Everyone has a personal preference. Thank you for this video, I really learned a lot from it. Keep up the good work!
Mr. Fowler, thanks so much for your great videos. I recently purchased a 192k Spartan from Goodwill for $37. Still in its original black base which is in great shape as is the machine. I’ve learned so much from all of your videos and am so happy to have found your no punches, just honesty site. Looking forward to learning more and more from you!!
I pulled a 99k out of the rubbish tip 15yrs ago. I wasn’t interested in sewing then but now I am. I regularly sew on my hand crank 28k and love it, and brought it back to life with a good soaking of oil. I will have to give the 99k some love its a bit rusty and electrics look knackered.
I just bought a 😊99- I thought I got a deal at 400😮 I’m new and green yes but I’m in love with this girl !she’s a beast.
Another great video Bob ... thanks for sharing there is lots of value with other models. I have several VSMs and love 'em all for different reasons. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to get such great sewing equipment on the 2nd hand market. Back when these gems were new most people would be thrilled to have just one machine. Got my first 99 in a cabinet last weekend for just $25. It had been in storage so it was in need of cleaning, a new belt and the finish on the cabinet lid and work surface had damage. What caught my eye was it came with a bunch of presser feet, a buttonholer and the extra templates too. While I wait for the belt to arrive, I got the damaged wood sanded down now and working to restore the finish. It's coming along great and will be as good as new soon. Thanks for sharing your knowledge ... it's definitely making a difference so many of these machines can live on! Best wishes for the new year!
Great video!! I actually wondered about that. Thanks you again for great info.
Glad it was helpful!
I’m enjoying the comments and the discussion on this video. I own both machines and love them both. If I had to pick only one (Lord forbid), I’d probably pick a 99 simply because the price of Featherweight now is outrageous!
If I absolutely HAD to use a machine with that bobbin system, I'd take a 301, otherwise, a 66 class of almost any flavor (and I did say ALMOST)...
I just bought a 99k at my favorite thrift shop for $45, all pieces there. Case is kinda rough, but body and paint in excellent condition. Boy, do I feel lucky!
Excellent video thank you 😊
Bob, your videos are always interesting and info. Okay, you’ve sold me on the 99. Let the hunt for one begin!
I can help...
Depending on your area, you shouldn’t have any trouble. On any given day, I swear 30% of the vintage singers on classifieds are 99s, 25% are 66s, 25% are 201s and 20% are everything else!
@@madelinejanemusic Well, Desi lives just down the road from me, so she won't have any problems finding one! :-)
My phone must have been listening to my discussion of my love for my 99K with a friend who has 2 or 3 lovely Featherweights. My sweet 99K (Zadie) has sewn through anything I've given her. I have both Rocketeers, a couple of Kenmores, and a couple of modern Millies. I use and love them all, but Zadie sat in a barn unloved and unused for long enough to get quite a smell in her case. She's such a faithful, powerful machine and deserves to be loved and used.
I send you best wishes for staying strong and healing.
I now have three 99's. My first one (and first vintage machine) is from 1930 and has the very cool foot controller shaped like the sole of a shoe. One is a 1915 99K with a hand crank. That one has some play in the needle bar linkage, and I watched your video on that. Thank you. It should help me. My third 99, and most recently acquired machine (and my youngest vintage one) is a 1949 99K. I also have a fabulous 1948 201-2, which is very heavy, a 1920 66, a 1941 128 with the Wrinkle finish and blackside parts and covers, a 27 treacle machine from 1895 (which sews beautifully, operated with an Amish-made rubber treadle belt), and finally, a 1917 Western Electric machine, which has a motor that swings up, and down again to store. The rubber-bound pulley on the motor rides on the hand wheel. Am
I obsessed? You bet I am! I do love sewing on my first 99. I haven't cleaned up my other two 99's yet, but I just ordered some things for them today. My neighbor has and loves her two Featherweight machines, and tells me that I should get one. They're not really on my wish list. I know they have their issues, and The Featherweight Shop has tutorials on those issues. I haven't heard of any common issues with 99's.
Anyway, I love mine, and can't wait to get my other two cleaned up so I can sew on them. Sorry this is so long, but I'm addicted to these wonderful machines!
Just discovered you..awesome stuff. I started down the rabbit hole of these old machines 4 or 5 years ago. I love studying the workings and bringing a machine back to working and refurbishing. I just dabble. I found a 1938 featherweight locally for about $125. Worked on it, found the featherweight table to match and love the extra work space. I do piece quilts and sew baby clothes for the grandkids. My hubby then found an old 99 and gifted it to me to work on. It was in rough shape, but it had the bent case. And the antique dealer finally found the knee bar. It actually ended up having a severed drive shaft. How that happened is a mystery. I found this guy up in North..or maybe South Dakota that stocked a gazillion singer parts. I took a pic of what what broken and he sent the right part. The hard part was getting the old shaft out. I was just figuring out stuff as I was going...I am not a mechanic..but I got it out and put the new one in. I shined everything up. And it runs for probably the 1st time in 50 years. The last part is fixing the timing. I had not done that part yet. The machine has been sitting for about a year. You have inspired me to figure that last part out. I am sure I will love it every bit as much as my featherweight.
Well, I can help you with the timing, it's in this video I did on my International Harvester Red 66. The 99 adjusts the same way!
ruclips.net/video/4mNGk3Ujii4/видео.html&ab_channel=BobFowler
@@BobFowlerWorkshop How awesome is that? Just what I needed. My machine is made in 1928. A decade earlier than my featherweight. And I also refurbished a 127 made in 1925...a treadle with a 5 drawer extended leaf cabinet. I learned how to redo the shellac on that one. So each one I learn new skills. Will let you know how I do with the timing.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for posting your thoughts on this. I picked up my 99 last week and she is a beauty. Still working on her but I held out for one that had good decals and was only owned by one family so she is pretty sweet. I'm going to put a hand crank on her.
I'm sure I'm still going to love my Featherweight too but this 99 is going to be a great addition to my herd.
Love your videos.
Thanks for the kind words. A hand crank on a 99 or a 128 is a beautiful thing! I have a hand crank on a 128 that is dedicated to a buttonhole attachment!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop I’ve never used a hand crank. Can you tell me what kinds of things they are useful for, and why? Thank you!
I agree 100% never wanted a featherweight but they have the cute factor and kinda a fad. I tried out a little green Elna grasshopper and boy I was impressed so smooth and quiet and the free arm is a bonus. I did not want to stop sewing with it big grin on my face. Yes I have a 99 and boy is it smooth also you could turn the wheel with a chicken feather so free wheeling. Well let the ladies have their little featherweight they like to boast and they may haul it to a quilting session so need the lightness
It is a lovely machine, you did a beautiful job polishing it.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for sharing your experience!!! I like the 66 also
I am new to your channel and am enjoying it. I have a 1925 -99-13 with the knee case and it came with the combination table # 301. Nice cherry machine but it has the pin rash on the neck. Runs great I love it. The ones in cases are usually in better shape, I find. Thanks for sharing.
It's a shame about the pin rash, but that just proves she was worked hard!
Another great video, Bob. Excellent points made. I have a 221K with 0.3 amps (230v UK... it was a gift) that I use with a transformer. It's 🐢 slow.
Along with 2 USA 221-1 ('51 Centennial & a '53 both w/120v & lastly a '56 222K w/Canadian motor & foot control) The '28 99-13 I have with the knee control and all original wiring that's in beautiful condition in the bentwood case has that great punching power you mentioned. Also have a '56 99K w/back tack and that 0.8 amp motor makes her hum right along with plenty of punching power. (The above-mentioned all came with their cases and manuals and attachments.) Love these comparison vids. Heck, you haven't made a stinker yet. These machines will undoubtedly outlast us all if cleaned, lubed and treated correctly. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Best wishes, my friend. 🖖🇺🇸
Thanks Rich! You're absolutely right, these machines, with normal maintenance, will out live us all...
Yes indeed those are the advantages and excellent ones. The two things that people especially love about the 221 is the weight when moving about alot and so compact and cute of course. Otherwise the 99 food size. The 201 and 66 on the other hand are bigger and have even more room inside the arm but not transportable really. That's why I love all the old Singers because of their power and the under the arm space.
Cuteness is one of the reasons that the 221 prices are so dang high ! :-)
Hey, Bob. I so appreciate your videos. They've been so helpful.
Do you have a video explaining the difference between oscillating and rotary hook design? Pros and cons of each. And how to identify quickly what type a machine has?
Thanks. Hoping your wrist gets better soon. 🙂
Thanks Robin, I'm glad the videos are helpful. I'll put making a video about rotary vs oscillating hook on the list!
Makes sence. I need to rewire my 99. Can't wait to use it.
My husband just picked one up for me. I am So excited! Could you do a video on how they work?
You have convinced me to buy Singer 99. I like the top loading bobbin. My three featherweights (1 white, 2 black) have been properly serviced, beautiful original condition, sew nice, but not enjoyable.
I have a Featherweight from 1951. And a Singer 99K hand-crank from 1915. I love them both. Don't make me choose.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thank you !
I have a Featherweight and love it for small piece work. I quilt. Hubby has a 99K portable
that he refurbished and it works awesomely. I still like my little machine!! We did see
a Featherweight in an antique shop in Sisters, OR. It was priced at $850. Bet it's still there!!
$850? Ha! It's going to gather a lot of dust at the price...
Lot of great points here , i agree and funny thing is i got a featherweight over a year ago and just now got a 99 , ya i guess i save the best for last , just got my 66 red eye a week ago , lol
I agree Bob. I love a 99. And I’m selling the 2 FW machines. They cost more to buy and we’re pretty trashed. Took More money to fix them. They were finicky. But compared to the 99, sure, cute and little. But I do have a portable 99 or a 185 I’d take to a class
I have a 66, a 99 and a 201 - as with children you shouldn’t have favourites. I love them all equally.
I have both. I agree piecing on the featherweight is good. And the cute factor. But I do love my powerful 99.
Oh this was so helpful and yet it left me in a bit of a dilemma. I have a hand crank 201k which is the model my Mum sewed with when I was a child. Last week I came across a 1956 99k in a reclamation yard which I got for £20. It was dirty but in mint condition underneath the grime and still worked. Apart from the hand crank that wasn't a singer addition all other issues were minor and I haven't needed to spend a penny on it so far. I will need a replacement hand crank that's going to cost £25. However I am all set to buy a 221k featherweight for £300 from a local guy who services vsm's. Now I'm wondering if I should ask him to service and fit a motor on my 99k instead, so I have both a motor and a hand crank. I don't go to a quilting class and only sew book covers using leather and material so am not sure a featherweight will be strong enough for that. What would you do if you were me? I am 70 years old and have been caught up with the aesthetic beauty of these machines but don't have a lot of space.
I just got my 99k. I got her along with a 66 treadle machine. I’m working on getting them up and running! My question is, is the 99k up to sewing through vinyl material? Not super thick, typically I work with thinner vinyls. But it’s something I’ve been curious about since I bought it. I’m new to the vintage world and while my extremely expensive janome works flawlessly, I do love the 99k and the fact that I could take it outside if I wanted to
Hello! I just got my first 99 and I'm trying to learn how to use it and what I need to do for it. I have no idea how to use a knee bar controller. Do you have a video for that? Thank you!
Yes! 99's, Spartans, and mechanically identical 185's are the strongest 3/4 size machines out there. The 128 vibrating shuttle machines will also sew heavy materials and are the same size
I have several 99's and 128s . There is nothing being sold today that compares to them in a price v performance value.
I just got a featherweight from the UK just for the price of shipping and import fees to NL which Im pretty excited about, since I only own a 28 and its my only machine having a back tack feels pretty cool! But I will be honest and say I got it really because I want to mess around with more machines and maybe learn how to repair them.
Just bought a 285 for $15. Waiting for delivery. I hear they are essentially the same, but louder. Love my Featherweight and my Spartan. More comparisons, please.
$15 is a good price for a 285. They're a bit different underneath than the 99, using a rack and pinion drive for the hook. Look back in my library for a couple of videos on the 285.
I love both the featherweights & the 99. My own personal 99, that I intend to keep, is in a bentwood case with a hand crank mounted to it. It's a 1960 model & so has "back tack" on it. It works like a charm with the hand crank - both forward & in reverse. I had the hand crank on a 99 from the 1930's previously & can tell you from my own experience, turning the crank backwards - on either machine - will feed the fabric from back to front, but it _will not_ form proper stitches. Cranking backwards on a 99 with or without back tack capabilities will only make a bird's nest underneath your fabric.
Thanks for the inspiration for the segment on Sunday Morning Quickies #16!
That's funny... I, too, wanted to see if my 99 would go in reverse if
I turned the hand wheel backwards. Nope. So, I just turn my work around, which is easy enough if it's not too cumbersome. They sure do sew beautiful stitches! I love the sound of those old machines as well. Much better sound than the beeps and blips of my computerized machine, which I got earlier in the same year that I got my first vintage machine, my first of three 99's...so far😅
Loved this video! Would love to hear what you think about the 221 compared to the 301, too. I love the machines that are direct drive.
Oh, you don't want to know my opinion on that one... :-)
@@BobFowlerWorkshop yes we do!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop c'mon...we can take it! 😊
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Boy you kept those two below waiting and waiting it has been a year Bob? I need to know also haha oh wait I would like to know about the 191 direct drive I just saw one for sale never heard of them before
@@lindamorgan2678 OK, but ONLY because you insisted... I happen to like the 301 a lot more than the 221. It's because I like larger machines, they both make equally nice stitches. IMO, the person who is best qualified to talk about the mechanics of the 301 vs the 221 is my friend Jen at Sewing Machine Rehab (www.youtube.com/@SewingMachineRehab). Jen is an outstanding restorer and everyone should check her out and subscribe!
As for the 191... I have never seen one in the flesh (aluminum?) They appear to be a very improved model 15 straight stitch machine with a lot of features that the Japanese incorporated many years ahead of Singer. I like the front mounted upper thread tension unit. If I were to come across one, I would definitely give it a home.
I have an early 99 made in Scotland
I don’t have enough clearance space under the pressure foot to be able ti sew a couple of fabric layers
What can I do?
No flames here! First, thanks so much for what you do. I have two 99s in beautiful bentwood cases and LOVE using them. Wish I knew how to restore them as well as you, but I’m learning. Wouldn’t mind having a featherweight, but need to win the lotto first. 😉. However, as a quilter, I am a big fan of the 301s. I have two; one with an original bobbin case, one that came with an aftermarket that is awfully tight. Can you please supply the source for the bobbin case you found to work well? Would very much appreciate it!
Oops! Should have checked the comments first. I see the link and have ordered one. Thanks again!
I get why quilters love the 301, it's a fine machine indeed!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop 301 better choice than the Featherweight too. That is my portable sewing vintage.
Hi Bob: I saw comments from other people about the current 66 style bobbins not fitting on vintage 99s. I took a chance and bought some and sure enough they didn't fit. I had to drill out the center hole of the new bobbins as they were too small. I used a "C" letter drill bit and got a good fit. Then the locking pin wouldn't fit the new bobbins. I had to mill out the bobbin's hole closer to center to line up. I'm fortunate to have a mini lathe and mini mill so the modifications were easy. Just saying.
This is my class 66 bobbin source:
tinyurl.com/5fbfnutp
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Thank you for the link. I'll check them out.
I get people love their featherwieght singers , but its not a do everything machine and thats the nice thing with singers , so many great models for all different uses , i think if your looking for a machine you first need to know what kind of material your going to be running threw it most times , then decide what machine to get , dont get a machine and expect it to do everything just because its vintage , i own a feather and i would never run leather threw it , i have a collection of other machines for that , great topic here , and good to see people talking good sence . I seen others run all kinds of stuff threw feathers and all i can think is ya it can do it but it doesnt mean its good for the machine . Hell i can lift 200 pounds but its not good for my back i can tell ya that ....love the videos , glad i subscribed 👍👍
We are reading from the same sheet of music...
I’m low-key looking for a 99 with reverse stitch in a Bentwood case. Hope one day to find a pretty one!
I agree! I like the 99 better than the featherweight. I like my potted 15-91 better than the 99.. but it isn’t as portable… great machines!
Portability issues aside, and knowing what kind of projects you sew, yes, a 15-91 is a better fit than a 99 for you! You are an amazing maker...
@@BobFowlerWorkshop thanks!
Equally as portable and perhaps a little lighter depending on the case/bag you can muster up, the beefy Singer 404 has all the benefits that you brought up except some of the 99s have an 8 amp motor and the 404 has a 7 amp motor. It is full rotary similiar to the Featherweight and yet has the convenience and ease of the 66 bobbins. The 301 is an awesome machine and BETTER than the Featherweight and the 404 has it beat. The metal gearing and transfer on the 404 wins out with the 99 and the 66.
I wish I could find a 404, but picking have been slim around here for a long, long time. I have a 403A and absolutely love it, but it's heavy for a "portable".
The 403A is the queen of Singers.
I was given a Singer 99k. I had it serviced, got a copy of the manual and have not used it yet. I have a few questions, do I need to oil often and do I need to purchase singer needles for the 99k. Thank you
99 just hit my bucket list of machines. You don’t see many here in north GA.
Well, all I can say is try one. It doesn't matter if it's an early model with a screw type stitch length regulator or a later model with a lever, they're great machines.
Hey Bob, great video. Mine sew thru 8 layers of denim which I could not believe. The light on my machine which looks exactly like yours flops around too much. The screw that holds it looks ok but I am wondering if there isn’t a better way to stabilize the light. Would you have any suggestions? Thanks Bob.
Yeah, that light leaves a bit much to be desired. There is an aftermarket light that works so much better.
I'm not a quilter that goes to quilting gatherings so the featherweight or the 99 isn't something I need. BTW, I got two 201-2, one 66 and a 15 all for $120 yesterday, even one featherweight would cost more than that. I mainly want a machine to sew canvas for awnings so I'm satisfied with what I have.
I have been and love them both.
Be careful with new 66 bobbins... The spool pin hole is too small to wind on the machine. I guess it's ok if you use a separate bobbin winder.
I had to order the right ones from Featherweight Shop. (They sell bobbins for both machines.)
I found a source of new 66 class bobbins that work just fine.
tinyurl.com/xt332m28
Sir, I followed your link to the site -Etsy-to purchase some-10 or more-featherweight bobbins and found about 100 offers. Which is your preferred vendor with perfect bobbins? Also, any recommendations on bobbin tray parts?
Why choose? Find one of each!
Which is why my living room looks like a Singer warehouse!
You know I've had my 99 longer than just about any other machine. I think that's the one I got for free, my first VSM. I'm much more comfy on that then the featherweight. I'd have to vote for the 99 also. I like the larger harp space etc.
99, 192, you've got 'em all! :-)
It's all good I like all machines it's like motorcycles in a way there isn't one that I don't like they all have their uses. Good and bad I think of a 99 as a little 66 and I love them all
Exactly!
I didn't get the featherweight hype until I saw one in person. Photos do not capture how tiny they are. I was like "Oh it's so cute!!!😍" They're like the Funko Pops of sewing machines.
I'm not going to get one, but I can see why people go nuts over them.
I agree with you. I have two 99's and a featherweight and just purchased a treadle to restore. I have taken all of them apart for cleaning etc with no problems until now and I am at a loss. I am hoping you can help me. I had taken one of my 99's apart for cleaning and became ill and not able to complete the job for a while. I recently finished cleaning and I can't for the life of me figure out what I have done or not done. I can't get it to sew. There is no top stitch or bottom. I have thought I would take it aparat and start all over and maybe I could figure it our. Can you give me some suggestions of where to look to see what I have failed to do for it to work. It has always done a good job and have had no problems. Hoping you have some suggestions. Really did enjoy your video and looking forward to many more.
Email me at argosybob@gmail.com
For years, I wanted a Featherweight 221. My wife bought me one for my birthday, and while it is fun to sew on and has a great stitch, it's so tiny. (I'm only 6' tall, but I suspect the 221 was designed for people of a smaller stature.) I prefer my 301 to the 221. Easier to transport, and easier for me to see the needle area. I think all 3, the 99, 221, and 301 have great stitches. For sewing at home, I do like the size of the class 66 bobbin. Did I help muddy the water?
I believe Talullah Bankhead was the one that coined the phrase "Pure as the driven slush"... She also said "It's the good girls who keep diaries; the bad girls never have the time."
I've had both and kept the Featherweight for travel, gave the 99 to my son. I think the current price for them is outrageous.
What aftermarket bobbincase are you using for the featherweight I need one for a 1934 I need the one ending in 50 not the 51 I believe. I don't want to pay $80 at the featherweight store if I don't have to. Thanks
I have found that this one from YEQIN works quite well.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0824Q2W38/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just purchased a second 99 so educate me. 😊
I just picked up a 99K , EJ516xxx. Inside the case lid, is a bracket. What is that bracket's intended task?
You can’t really talk about a 66 being strong. It’s not a 15-91 or a 201. They were beginner level in the early days. I just happened upon another site like this… Didn’t think people were interested in it. My dad was the Director of Product Service and I had a dealership. I can’t count how many 66’s I have thrown out… They were only worth $20 at the time.
The comparisons here is the 99 vs the 221 (the 66 is by extension via the 99). The 221 is not anywhere near as strong as a 99 (66). Most of my customers are quilters and crafters, and they love them. If you want to look even further down the timeline, the old 66's, while many considered them as "beginner" machines, had one hell of a long production run in the various incarnations. While one may be tempted to compare the 66 with a "modern" machine, there are VERY few straight stitch only domestic machines available today. While they may have been discarded as "trash" in the past, I assure you that there are a LOT of people who would prefer an old 66 or 99 to any of the "destined for the landfill" plastic pieces of crap being sold today as "beginner" or "intermediate" machines - from Singer or anyone else. Yes, the 201 and some flavors of the 15 are superior machines, but everything is relative. Remember. not everyone needs the the rotary hook of a 201, nor the fully proportional reverse of the 201 and higher end 15's. I see very few 66's with any worn out internal parts. The worse things I see are bent main shafts, which are always caused by abuse (as in being dropped). The materials choices that Singer made, coupled with the precision of their manufacture, as well as the fit & finish, mean that even 66's that are over 100 years old can still provide marvelous service.
I dig your rat fink tattoo!!!
The Featherweight main feature is that is cute and portable. Modern machines are lightweight, they are plastic so since that is what people are used you can understand why the Featherweight is so liked. Do you prefer a heavy cast iron pan or a lightweight one? That's all there is to it. I would only get a Featherweight if I ever found out of luck in a thrift shop for a super deal. Other than that I love my 301 which I think it's better than the Feather on any level and it's portable as well.
I own a bunch of Featherweights, so don't get me wrong, I just think the 99 is the better machine is all. The weight of the 99 isn't a disadvantage in my opinion. That extra weight gives it a lot more stability.
I have a featherweight and a 99 but my fave Machine is my 201
I'm real partial to my 201K23...
Can you tell me where I can buy a reliable motor and foot pedal for my 99k Singer? Thanks
If you don't mind an aftermarket motor, I like the Alphasew .9 amp, 9000 RPM motor you can find on Amazon
Two hours, Bob? I take longer than that just to polish up the bobbin winder. Thank goodness you don't show us things at your normal full-speed ahead, we might just see a blur! :-)
Honestly, two hours is really all I need to do a 66 or 99 - I've done so many. Plus, my method of cleaning and polishing goes very, very fast (with practice). That will change in the near future, I need to move buffing operations out to the other shop - the buffing dirt is getting out of control
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@@BobFowlerWorkshop Oh yes - I knew you were telling the absolute truth, I watched you put a bobbin winder together and then put mine together right afterwards - I was so much slower than you - that practice and experience really shows.
I find that repetition builds speed. It reduces the hesitation to stop and admire/contemplate along the way. Bob is a great technician. He stays focused on the finish line and experience has taught him the fastest way to great results with minimal time. He's also not afraid to try something different which could improve his performance. I've seen some of your work Megan and it is absolutely gorgeous and very professional. In Bob's case I believe you are seeing the result of repetition and plenty of it. Thankfully it is not a race. All the best.
How difficult is it to rewire a 99? My electrical experience is limited but I used to teach STEM programs? My son is a new electrician? I would like to keep the knee pedal but whatever is easiest!
Well Jennifer, a whole lot depends on the type of motor, its age, and general condition. In all honesty, I have had mixed levels of success. It's NOT just the wiring that can be problematic, often, the bushings which support the shaft of the motor have become very worn to the point of making the motor less than stellar in operation. The potted motors of the 201-2 and 15-91 etc. don't have the same issue as they are running a gear drive and don't get excessive side loads applied by people who don't know how tight a belt should be set. Also, some motors used by Singer just are horrible to rewire - some are very difficult to get apart, some have extremely tight clearances, and some are just plain lousy motors. The same can be said for some of the lights Singer used on some machines. The light situation is compounded by the fact that the plastics are now at least 60 years old and have become very brittle with age and heat. Some light units, such as the on early 99's, have an absolutely awful switch design. In many of these cases, I use a new lamp, new Alphasew .9 amp motor, and an electronic foot controller. The investment in new electrics often exceed the purchase price of the machine, but I wind up with the best of both worlds, a rock solid machine that will stitch long after I've left this world, with modern electrics consisting of a foot controller that doesn't get hot, a more powerful motor, and a lamp that has a switch that works every time...
No 99's in Brasil. I was lucky to find a 66, although the bobbin case is broken. And have 4 221s. Vengeance!
I have a 99 & 99k ♥️ Simple black tie elegance.
They are one of my favorite machines of all time
I have four, one in each color and a 222.......they are my pride and joy.
Ooooo.... A 222! I have never owned one of those...
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Well, it's a beauty and came with a ton of goodies. Helped take the sting out of the cost. I got a transformer to run it. Works beautifully. Hey, have fun this week.
I prefer my 222K as it has a tubular bed facilitating in the sewing of cuffs etc
Could you give us your opinions on direct drive vs belt drive motors? Which is stronger, quieter etc.
"Strength" of an electric motor is largely determined by the amount of power it consumes, however, torque can be increased by gearing (to include belts and pulleys), so it's difficult to say which type of power transmission system is better. Both direct drive and belt drive systems have advantages and disadvantages. Using the Singer 201 series as an example, the 201-2 with its direct drive motor has an advantage over the belt driven 201-3 that the gear train won't slip like a belt can. The belt driven 201-3 has the advantage that different amperage motors can be easily substituted while the 201-2 has only one motor available. The motor noise largely depends on the amount of wear to the shaft bearings/bushings. The 201-2 motors tend to experience less wear to the bushings because the worm is driving the Textolite gear on the balance wheel, thus there is minimal side loads to the motor bushings resulting in longer life. The belted motor of the 201-3 is quite often subjected to "operator error" when someone over tightens the motor belt, which results in excess side loads and uneven wear on the motor bushings, thus shortening its useful service life. The potted motor of the 201-2 is considerably easier to service (read that as rewire) than the "can" type motor of the 201-3, but new, "can" type sewing machine motors are readily available, and for relatively low cost, whereas new motors for a 201-2 are non-existent. So... Take your pick... Like I said, each has advantages and disadvantages. Please don't read into anything by the fact I no longer have a personal 201-2 and instead have a 201-3 (my wife has her 201-2 and loves it). I have a 201-3 because I wish to power it with a commercial type servo motor, but that's another story all together...
Thanks Bob. I have much to learn it seems perhaps I should get the same machine in each drive system and test them out? Then there are hand cranks and treadles to consider...
Will you share your source for 221 bobbin case?
I have found that the YEQIN Bobbin Case 45751 works pretty well. They're not always perfect, but I know how to tweak them into working perfectly if they don't do so out of the package. They currently cost about $18.00. Note that the tweaking is very finicky and varies from case to case, if it's even necessary...
Does it need the case. Can I sew with it on a flat surface (no base case)?
A 66 or 99 will require, at minimum, a base for the machine. Cabinets, of course, are fine, but without a base, the mechanism will run up against the table surface.
@@BobFowlerWorkshop and now I find out It is actually a 15-91. I think base case required. And dummy me, i had already ordered a base case for a 99😵💫☹️
Agree!
They ARE sweet machines! :-)
I never see a Featherweight for $300 and if I do, they're snatched up! Usually $700 are near me and no thanks! I'm look for a 99! One day I'll find a FW but it's not something I need, just a want. Thank you for this! I have 2 66's in my arsenal, an older and a 40's. So really, I don't need a 99 either, but if I find one cheap enough, I'll grab it!
$700 is an insane amount of money! BTW - You have a third 66 on the way soon as well!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop oh yes! I'm working on the 329 today. for something not very dirty, I'm finding dirt 😂
@@alyssapeters6271 how does the saying go? "Seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall open, ask and it shall be given..."
@@BobFowlerWorkshop well, I do have a question 🤔 what is the secret to removing light bulbs 💡 🤔 😳
@@alyssapeters6271 Patience and persistence certainly helps. I use a short length of plastic tube that is about 1" inside diameter to grip the bulb. I'll show that in a video...
What is that source for a decent aftermarket FW bobbin case?
Jo, I was wondering if anyone would have picked that up and asked... I bought one from the Featherweight ship and paid WAY too much money. I then tried these:
tinyurl.com/mhxnbrkc
I bought two, and both work perfectly in 5 different Featherweights I have tried them in.
And they’re sold out😣🤨
@@cynthiaj2785 they cone back in stock pretty regularly
I think it’s a great machine
No gonna kick a dead dog cause nothing moves but the fleas 😂😂😂😂
Can these 99's sew thin leathers
With leather, any leather, selection of needle is critical - even more so than with cloth fabric. The problem most domestic machines have with leathers isn't as much punching power (I experimented last night with a 192K Spartan and it punched through 6 ounce veg tan) rather it's feeding. The style of feed dog used on most domestic machines will badly mar a lot of leathers, or the dog won't grip the leather to feed it correctly. The short answer is yes, a 99 with the proper needle will punch through thin garment leather, but I can't vouch for how well it will feed under the presser foot.
Paid $24 for my 99. One of my Featherweight was $50, but the other was $400!
$24 for a 99 is a great deal! $50 for a 221 is unheard of!
@@BobFowlerWorkshop Yes, I realize that. I found the $50 221 at a thrift store in Wisconsin. The store was having a special yarn sale and woman were lined up outside before the store opened. We were in the store for about a half hour when I noticed the black Featherweight case in plain view under a table. I couldn't believe it either. It's from 1936 so it has the pretty face plate. I reconditioned it and it sews great. I still feel the 99 is underappreciated, though.