1919 Singer Model 66 Red Eye

Gertrude in table
with hand crank

Well its tough to beat getting married for a new blog post. Although I do have some interesting news. I have another working Vintage Singer Model 66 Red Eye Sewing Machine!  This particular machine is the one that came along with the treadle table, that now holds my 1923 model. 

This machine was not in good shape, she was dirty, quite rusty and stiff operating at best. So I set the included machine aside since it also had an aftermarket electric engine added. Which didn't make sense having an electric machine in table meant for treadle operation.  Recently, I decided to take another look over in more detail. When I set her aside her presser foot lever was not working, which at the time I thought that meant there was something wrong on the inside of the machine.

Key to Treadle Table

Turns out cleaning and some oil works wonders! Wish that worked on people. Since I had recently researched and practiced with in 1923 model. I oiled up the various points, and worked it through although the presser foot still was frozen. I cleaned gently the painted portions and oiled the top part of the foot mechanism. After working in the oil, voila it works! Moved up and down with ease. The drop of the presser foot can be adjusted, so will work out the correct adjustment for it. I added the hand crank I originally purchased for "Margaret" my 1923 model. Put that crank on "Gertrude" my 1919 model and it fits fine. I removed the electric motor first for this change out.  Plus I will re-oil, and my next step is to adjust the tension for linen fabric on this machine.

I have a bobbin winder for both machines but I do have to work out some operating ticks with each. So that is to come as well. Least I have plenty of presser feet and accessories for both machines. There parts are interchangeable since they are the same model. Helps becoming familiar with this as compared to relearning a new model, serendipitous. 

Since tension takes some adjustment on these, I plan on having Margaret 1923 for wool and thicker fabrics is and keep Gertrude 1919 for linen and thinner if she can be adjusted to the correct tension for these. So still more work to be done, although significant progress already. I feel like a mechanic almost, proud of myself for taking on a possibly not easy challenge. I have to take steel wool to the metal parts to gently rub out the rust if possible. My LED clamp lamps is perfect option for my two machines, since I can move it for lighting each machine as I work with them individually.

Since Margaret 1923 likes to have cotton thicker thread, I purchased some Gutermann's quilting thread in various colors, while it was on sale at Joann this weekend. I am hoping to see if I can have a thinner cotton to be agreeable with Gertrude, fingers crossed. Hoping to use Gutermann's natural cotton thread for her, wanting to keep quality to keep these two running for a long time. 

Hoping to make a video for my YouTube channel on the operating differences between these two sets ups of non electrified sewing. Well another week in the books. Lots to keep busy. Keep on keeping on!

Marrin