6000 Series Husqvarna Viking

Pre 1980 Viking Husqvarna. The 6000 series

 

 

6430 Pictured above

 

I have had the opportunity to work on several 6000 series Viking machines in the past year.



They are in a class of their own and do require some special handeling.

Every one that I have delt with has had a crack in the internal cam and needed to be replaced.

Other common problems are slugish operation, stuck in reverse and no zigzag.

Whatever Viking used for lubricant back then turned to glue over the years and needs to be completely cleaned and re-lubed. 

These machines are extremely popular to many seasoned sewers.

 

 

 

 

Just another Singer Model 66 Treadle Restoration

Here is another project that I just finished. Nothing fancy, just another classic Singer Treadle machine. I just love these machines. I was able to do this in 2 weeks. I am still trying to find the "before Pictures".
These are the "After Pictures".













Singer 31-15 Industrial Machine, I think........

Here is a very old industrial machine that now sews some awsome stitches. Even though I couldn't find a serial number, It does appear to be a Singer 31-15.

It was in bad shape! The finish was chipped and repainted. A good clean and lube and this "Ugly Duckling" is sewing like a champ.

Sorry about the pictures. I hope you can see the great stitches here.

The first Singer Zigzag: Model 206

1953, Singer 206K

I will continue to research this Singer machine and although I called it a "Zigzag", originally, Singer called it a
"Swing Needle"  machine. The term "Zigzag" was coined at some point after it's introduction in 1937 but I don't know the details. The 206 was in a family of machines consisting of the 306 and the 319. I wish I knew more but I will continue to research this family of machines and post any new information.. This is the first "206"  I have come across. Originally, singer used their industrial bobbin case for these machines but changed it sometime before the end of production in 1953. The 206k, which is the only machine in this class that I have experience with, appears to be a work-horse of a machine. I hope I just have a "Lemon" because I had a horrible time getting this baby going. First of all, these machines use the 206X13 needle.
Next, way too many issues. The needlebar was at the wrong height. The needle was hitting the hook. I finally realized that the needlebar holder "hinge screw" was missing. What?

( Needlebar holder lined up but hinge screw missing at top)

I finally found a screw in South Dakota, wow.........Duane at http://www.singeroriginalvintageproducts.com/

had one.(Great Guy)  I really tried hard to fall in love with this machine. I finally got it sewing well with regular thread. The owner of this machine wants to use upholstry thread to sew horse blankets. I could not get it to sew consistently with the thick thread. It did show up with a new, aftermarket, bobbin case. I have no idea if it is the correct one for this machine.

Looks very similiar to a class 15 machine from this side except for the "Pfaff looking" zigzag width control.

It is hard to see from this picture but the needle swing bar controller is on the outside of the machine.

The motor, bobbin case and portable carrying case are all new to this machine. Someone had worked long and hard on this machine before I got it. I have now found out that some owners/techs are modifying these machines to work with the more traditional 15X1 needle. This causes additional problems. When you raise the needle bar to compensate for the longer needle, it throws the needle out of time with the hook, then when you advance the hook to compensate for this, it throws the hook out of time with the feed dog, which causes tension problems. Then, one must run the upper tension high to compensate for the loose stitches. Could this be the problem with the machine from the start? I couldn't get the owner to admit to anything.
This was an adventure and I do look forward to the next 206, 306, 319 Singer just for reference purposes.

Singer 15-91 time again!

All of a sudden, the 15-91's are back. Models seem to go in a cycle. I haven't seen a 15-91 in almost a year.

1951

Below is a garage sale find and it is cleaning up very nice.

what year is this? Go HERE and find out







1916, Singer Model 66 "Red Eye", Treadle Refurb

I recently had the chance to work on an old treadle machine. This machine was in pretty good shape.
The table and stand were also in pretty good shape. I cleaned the machine up and refinished only the top of the table. I also cleaned and repainted the iron treadle stand. I thought it turned out beautiful and it sews a perfect stitch.

 I kept the refurb cost low by just working on the table top and the stand.

I just love these old machines. The engineering and wood work is amazing. 











1958 Singer Ad

Not a lot of new stuff this summer.
I did open up a Featherweight Case, in for service, and discovered this newspaper ad inside.

This ad is from a 1958, Pontiac, IL newspaper. No credit cards back then so "Singer" the manufacturer, had to carry the note. At $1.33/week, how long did you pay? 2 years , or 110 weeks would make the total pay-off with intrest  $146.30. That is my guess. Does that sound correct to you?
It looks like you had your choice between a Singer Model 221, or a Singer Model 99.
What was the down payment ? Even back in 1958 we had "Fictitious List Prices". (now called MSRP)
What does "NO EXTRAS!" mean? It sounds sort of harsh for an advertisement.

This ad was hand ripped out of a newspaper and saved for all these years. Here is what is on the back side.
Was the ad taken for the Sewing machine info or the cookies?

Some one should follow this recipe and post a comment on it.

Ruthie has made zillions of cookies including "Molasses Cookies"

and has never seen anything like this.