mcadwell

I just purchased a Singer 27-4 treadle machine, with desk, for a good price. I've wanted one for awhile and, when this fell in my lap, jumped at it. The desk has some water damage on the top right but otherwise it's in great shape - all the drawers are present and none stick. The machine looks good with some wear and tear.

However, I know little to nothing about the machine and I'm afraid to touch the paper manuals - to put it bluntly, they're extremely fragile and not in good shape. I think I've found the correct manual online (for just a 27 model). The serial number is B203012. It was born on March 18, 1904 and has the Tiffany decal (so guess what her name will be?)

It needs a belt. And some of the attachments are missing. But I need lots more info before i can start using it. What kind of oil should I use? Can it take any modern needle? Where do I go for parts?

Any help would be appreciated.

Egads, what have I gotten myself into?

Otherwise YAY ME!

quiltedsunshine

She's beautiful!

sewbizgirl

Beautiful machine in fabulous condition! Lucky you!

OurWorkbench

Congratulations. My favorite decals and yours are beautiful.

There are a couple of manuals for the 27 at manualslib. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/36...ger-No-27.html and https://www.manualslib.com/manual/12...Singer-27.html

It looks like you have most of the attachments - Most puzzle boxes are missing the screwdrivers and stiletto. It looks like you are probably missing the seam guide. I believe it is a Style 11 and some images can be found at http://needlebar.org/main/puzzles/style11/index.html A couple of attachment manuals can be found at https://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollec...0528/index.htm and https://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollec...0675/index.htm

You want to use sewing machine oil - Not 3-in-1 nor WD-40. Some here have used Tri-Flow.oil.

Belts can be found many places online, as can long shuttle bobbins. I can't remember where bkay has done business with. Where I used to get my parts for vintage machines, is no longer in business.

Needles for the 27 are the same as modern machines. Most are Universal point, which are supposed to be for knits or wovens. However, I think if you are working with woven quilting cotton you will probably be better off with "Sharp" point needles. From my understanding, the part number for Singer 'regular point' are numbered 2020. Schmetz needle system is 130/705 and/or HAx1. Of course, match needle size to the thread you are using.

Do not use cleaners or water on the machine as it can (probably will) ruin the decals. It is suggested to wipe down the machine with sewing machine oil and cotton balls or old cotton t-shirts. Then after letting it sit a bit, can wipe down with a clean old cotton t-shirt.

Have fun with your machine.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

mcadwell

Oh, THANK YOU for all this information! You don't know how I appreciate it.

I'm excited to have the machine but reticent to use it yet since it's still so unfamiliar. You know, what the belt goes around, how to wind and insert the bobbin in the shuttle, how to use the shuttle...all those things.

The manual links you provided are the same ones I'd found so I now know they're the right ones. I've watched several youtube videos and, you're right, they say to use sewing machine oil to clean it. I tried it and it worked a charm - the decals are much brighter looking now. It didn't look all that dirty until I cleaned it. I was truly surprised at how much dirt I was able to get off using oil.

Thank you again!

thepolyparrot

How wonderful! I have her older sister and I think I pieced my first bed-sized quilt on it.

If I remember correctly, the foot with the rounded bottom is called a "quilting foot." I used it for everything, because it was smoother than the normal foot that came with it.

Treadling is fun - hope you have a good time fixing it up and learning to sew with it.

OurWorkbench

Something I read, but don't remember where, was that one should stretch a leather belt by putting it around your back and pulling with both hands, which are holding the ends. Another way is to put one end under your foot and pulling it taut over your shoulder. I just found where I had read about stretching around your shoulders. https://www.treadleon.net/sewingmach...eadlebelt.html

There are a lot of youtube videos about installing a leather belt, as well as other materials to use instead of leather. I personally did an airline tubing belt for one of mine.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

Hooligan

Lovely looking machine, enjoy

OurWorkbench

Something I forgot to mention is that this machine does not automatically release the tension discs when one raises the presser foot. On page 12 or 13 of the pdfs, it has a section entitled "To Remove the Work" which tells how to release the tension so that one can pull the fabric to the back easily.

I edited your photo to put a red arrow to point to the part that you need to press to release the tension to draw that fabric out.



Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

mcadwell

What wonderful information you've given me. Thank you very much!

I never would've thought it wouldn't release the sewing when the pressure lever was up.You've potentially saved me from ripped fabric.