Caroline S

My DD has finally gotten our 1911 Singer 29-4 treadle leather machine working. We had to buy a few missing parts and special needles. However, she is have problems getting the thread to take up from the bobbin. I asked her all of the pertinent questions such as is the needle in correctly, is it threaded correctly. She says yes. But I am wondering if the timing could be off. Any suggestions?

I am posting a picture of "Stanley" Singer for those of you who have not seen one of these vintage/antique machines. The picture was taken while we were waiting for some "manly" help to unload him.

Candace

Cool machine. Yes, timing could be an issue. Do you have a manual that shows you, you have it threaded right and have the needle in correctly?

janeite

Hello Stanley, what a handsome man you are!

Caroline S

Yes, we have a manual and my DD has assured me that Stanley is threaded correctly and the needle is in correctly. Stanley is at her house to I may have to go over this afternoon and double check. We did find a local OSMG and if we can't figure out the problem Stanley may have to go visit George the OSMG.

We are also going to build a sewing platform for the front of Stanley that we have seen on some of the 29-4s.

ThayerRags

If you’re using a 29x3 or 29x4 needle, I’d double-check the needle orientation once more before looking into hook timing. Sometimes, turning the needle a tiny bit one way or the other can make a big difference, especially on old well-used machines.

Tip: On my Industrial machines that have round-shank needles, I use a short broom straw inserted in the needle eye when I change needles. It helps me to see how I’m getting the needle oriented better.

CD in Oklahoma

Caroline S

Thanks CD. Will try your hint.

Nanamoms

Stanley is a "hunk"!

BETTY62

It is very different from anything I have seen. Thanks for sharing.

js3830

I would think that all Singers are the same but try turning the wheel the other direction. I couldn't get my Kenmore the take up the bobbin thread because I needed to turn the wheel away from the front of the machine. I took me a day and a half to figure it out. Just a thought. Sandy

Phyllis nm

There are 2 screws above the needle. The bottom screw is for needle changing. The top screw is for needle adjusting. It may need to be moved closer to the hook. It may be set for a different size needle. I use 29x3 SY3741 DIX1-110-18 in mine.
It threads left to right. And the wheel turns forward.