Modifying old industrial sewing machine
 

I've got an old Singer 241-13 which I use only infrequently. It's a clutch operated motor and very high speed making it hard to control for an amateur like me who doesn't spend hours in front of it. Been sewing the last few days and decided it needed some modifications. Did this guy's two mods. What a difference. About half the speed and twice the distance for your foot to move in controlling the clutch. Much more user friendly. If you've got an industrial sewing machine and don't have the skills of the full time industrial seamster, these changes are great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaVDiZGi9js

What did you pay for the machine and did I need any fix up? That is, beyond what you posted in the video...

I have need for a similar machine from time to time.

Ive had it a while so I can't remember the exact price. It was $100 or less which was a very good deal at the time. I had to do nothing to it apart from plug it in. It is well worth it. The difference between the power of this machine and the home machines I used to sew with is very substantial. I think I saw this exact model on Ebay recently for around $200. This model is substantially cheaper than other models since it was designed for garment production and not sewing leather although I'm sure it will sew thin leather. It's the heaviest of their garment production machines of the 1929 era. (241-11, 241-12 and 241-13). It only sews straight stitches has no reverse and no walking foot. Add the additional features and used ones got for about $1500 on Craigslist. This has an oil sump. It's a serious machine. Singer 241-13 - Album on Imgur

Here's a link which explains all the Singer models and what they do if you end up finding a Singer industrial machine

Comprehensive Singer Sewing Machine Model List Classes 200-299

Kerry - did you say 1929???

I have a Model 221 Featherweight and case with the original Singer owner's manual. We bought it in Atlanta at a Singer store in 1974 for $50. It still runs like new and we have never had any problem with it. You are correct about leather; this one will not sew through leather unless you "help" each stitch by easing the needle through the leather.

We also have a fancy double needle machine that was a gift from about four years ago. Does zigzags and all kinds of things. So far I have not even used it. The little Singer has a sentimental value and does all I need.

My guess is that quality wise they are not made now like the earlier ones. Think Singer told it us it was a 1957 model when we bought it and they tried their best to sell us up to a new machine; glad we did not succumb .

Or is Singer even still in business?

Singer is still in business I believe. The model I have was designed in 1929. I'm not sure how long they built it and how old mine is, but just looking at it you can see it's very old. I wouldn't be surprised if it's from 1929 or the early 30's. It's had to have seen tens of thousands of hours of industrial production.
One thing about clutch motor sewing machines is that they are very powerful. The motor runs at full rpm's all the time. The treadle controls the clutch and if you fully engage the clutch immediately it asserts a lot of torque. Before I modified mine, it sewed 75 stitches PER SECOND.

Kerry, thank you for the information. I will definitely look into something along those lines in the not too distant future. A quick view on CL and ebay shows there are many variants available.

This is a great site, but what do you do if you own an ols Model 300W? I'm one number too many! :(

very funny

I thought at one time to get the speed really down. To create a separate intermediate shaft and pulleys. The max speed is 3,500 stiches per minute or about 60 per second as is.

The only thing I ever did with my old singer industrial model 196K5 was new floormats for a 114 coupe. I think really slowed down enough it would have seen more use.

It has sat under a pile of stuff for years now. I think about a tenth the speed it has now would be about right for me. Or perhaps even less. Lots of power and will not handle heavy leather but almost useless at my skill level speed wise as it is. I also have no ideal of the machines background. The table appears as new and no noticeable wear on the machine but I feel the machine was in another table at one time.

There are three sewing machines here. My grandmother's 1910 White pedal, a 40's vintage New Home "portable" that was my mother's, and a Singer something or other in a nice solid cherry cabinet that now functions as a night stand. All are functional and I oil them periodically, but nobody knows how to sew any more.
Kerry, curious what you're sewing?

Yes sewing has died pretty much at home levels. During summer yard sales domestic machines are almost continually offered with few takers. I was just looking at various lists and never realized how many variations of industrial machines singer made. Basically hundreds. At one time they were a massive company obviously.

I believe at one point they even had their own railroad equipment around their factory. I remember seeing this in a picture years ago.

All I can say is that if a guy with my limited sewing skills can turn out a decent looking set of replacement floor mats most members could. Sewing on the edge binding was not that bad really except the machine I have was far too fast.

Had quite a few of these type machines back when I had my business. Virtually indestructible. Used them for aviation and industrial textile sewing.

I'm sewing parts of an enclosure for the cockpit of my Albin 25, although most of the construction is gluing. I'm sewing the zippers to the vinyl fabric so I can glue them in. I like sewing.
There is a company which sells an intermediate shaft system. About $200. Available on Ebay. You can also buy servo motors which have adjustable rpm's. About $135. Both require a lot of disassembly of the machine to install. My changes cost me $18 and very little work--an hour or so.