Had a 111w153 that was built in Bpt. The same year I was born,1954. I had a shop about a mile from the old Singer factory. It was agree at machine,could easily last 100 years.As I made some money I bought a much newer Consew, had reverse and easier stitch length change with a bigger bobbin,but I wouldn't be suprised if the old one lasts longer. Good luck and enjoy
I had one for making Leather jackets,handbags etc. in a Provincetown leather shop. Since I've had many other brands (Japan copies) all based on this machine. I now run a fully automated Juki which I love.. But I found a 111w156 (has reverse) as a basket case.. you know I had to buy it to fix it up and reminisce. I got it running so sweet....I did paint the machine bed as rust can form fast and get on fine materials I sew with now. I used Rustoleum Hammered Grey..works and blends in well. Enjoy it.
I think it dates back to the early to mid 1950s. I'm fairly certain the 211Gs were on the scene by 1963. One of the places I worked at when I was young had a couple of 111w155s and a 211G156 that they bought new in 1958. 111w155s were one of the best machines singer made.
Hi Ed, I started out just like you with the same model. A bit scary watching you and brought back memories. Toughest made machine I've found for a cheap price. I bought some pulleys, pillow block bearings, and stainless steel shaft to fab up a 2:1 gear reduction to reduce the speed to around 1500 spm. The thing is crazy fast from the factory(I think 3000 spm). After a couple years now and a few projects I have learned to feather the clutch to the point of going as slow as I need. I can go stitch by stitch as slow as I want now. If you bump the pedal lightly you can get to where you can place the needle in nearly any position without having to crank the wheel by hand. It just takes time to get the right feel. The manual was difficult to find also. Best I found was a PDF that was compiled from scanned pages which was pretty helpful after I understood all the mechanics of the machine. Reverse would be nice but I manage just fine without it. I have done mostly boat, camper vinyl seating, and tonneau covers with mine. Just for giggles I was able to stitch right through 1/4" Luan plywood and it laid a perfect stitch doing it! These machines will last an easy 100 yeas if maintained. Good luck with your projects.
Its not completely threaded right in this video. The thread isn't completely lined up in the lubricator and there is a small hoop high up on the needle that the thread is supposed to go through also. I picked up just the "head" of one of these about 6 months ago for $13 at the place I work at. I'm working on building a table and getting a servo motor for it.
Post another, an update...I bought a Singer 111wsv63 and am learning also....same table, but I did a Servo motor on her. I love this machine, can't figure out some things about her, as Singer lost all 111w records. All I know is it was a military "special variance" machine, from WWII. She is not like any of the 111w's I've seen, there is no stitch indicator. Extra push p=buttons in the bed, like yours, though! I also got a 143w1, she has a clutch motor....it's all a learning curve!
I haven't been practicing as much as I should. My serial number makes my casting from Germany but I have been told that no 111w for US sale was ever completely made oversees. Best we can figure is since this machine is from the end of the production line it could be a hodgepodge of parts. Not sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
I have the same machine 111w155 got it used, lucky me the motor was burned out so i had to get a new motor and decided on the servo motor and it has the control of your mom's machine with the power of the industrial one.it will sew as slow as one stitch at a time to as fast as you set it up for. I loveit and would not go back to the clutch one. and its 1 hp compare to the 1/3 hp one. and a fraction of its size and weight
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
john doe Ihave been doing upholstery for About30 years started training at15 all3 of my machines singer211-155) singer144-305) cansew206 rb) run3/4 hp Servo motors improves work amazingly will never go back to clutch motor wish I had one years ago also the144 is a30 inch long from needle to casting the3/4 horse actully works great on it the motor weighs less then10 pounds compared to about 40 onthe original the servos make a word of differance
@@rustyedmoore When I was 20 I went to a trade school that had a comerial sewing class. They had Singer machines with the 3600 RPM clutch motors. I never ran one but I thought it was too fast.
We used this machine extensively in the rigger shop at Fort Bragg, North Carolina during my parachute rigger days. You don't mention that it is also a walking needle machine. Wish I had one.
Where can I get the name and number of the parts for a machine like this? I have one like this and I messed up the long bar in the top of the machine trying to get the wheel off so I could change the belt. I would like to get a new bar but don't know what it is called. Can you help me?
There is a very good internet forum called Leatherworker.com. There was a guy by the name UWE he was very helpful, but that was back in 2016. There are a bunch of people who have way more knowledge than me. I know other manufacturers copied this design for many years and I was told parts are pretty easy to find. Hope this helps, thanks for watching commenting and subscribing
I have never changed the belt on mine but I've heard its a Pain. Try this forum. Bunch of really knowledgeable people who will be able to help you out. leatherworker.net/forum/ thanks for watching subscribing and commenting.
Thanks for watching, I think it is 3600 rpm, but I could be wrong. I have learned to pulse my foot and this has improved my control. I will definitely look at making the arm modification. Thanks -Ed
How thick of material are you sewing? If standard vinyl upholstery you won't need the oiler. If your sewing several layers of thick leather than the oiler would be nice. I would check around on eBay. Also " The Leather Worker" online forum. Thanks for watching commenting and best of luck with your machine. They are awesome!
Hi Ed, I just got one like yours but unfortunately did not came with the instruction manual, I try to get it from the web but is not to clear an is hard to see the pictures. I ask you, if you can sale me a copy of yours, thank you.
Hi Raul, if you go to docs.uwe.net/Singer-Class-111-Instructions.pdf I have uploaded my instruction manual in PDF. I don't know if you need to register on the website, but it is a great resource of many people who use our machines and will answer questions on the forum. Thanks for watching, Commenting and Subscribing.
That link didn't seam to work, if you type it in it should work...maybe. Try this one! leatherworker.net/forum/topic/68164-singer-111w1555-serial-number-year-id/?page=2&tab=comments#comment-445594
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
Had a 111w153 that was built in Bpt. The same year I was born,1954. I had a shop about a mile from the old Singer factory. It was agree at machine,could easily last 100 years.As I made some money I bought a much newer Consew, had reverse and easier stitch length change with a bigger bobbin,but I wouldn't be suprised if the old one lasts longer. Good luck and enjoy
I had one for making Leather jackets,handbags etc. in a Provincetown leather shop. Since I've had many other brands (Japan copies) all based on this machine. I now run a fully automated Juki which I love..
But I found a 111w156 (has reverse) as a basket case.. you know I had to buy it to fix it up and reminisce. I got it running so sweet....I did paint the machine bed as rust can form fast and get on fine materials I sew with now. I used Rustoleum Hammered Grey..works and blends in well. Enjoy it.
I think it dates back to the early to mid 1950s. I'm fairly certain the 211Gs were on the scene by 1963. One of the places I worked at when I was young had a couple of 111w155s and a 211G156 that they bought new in 1958. 111w155s were one of the best machines singer made.
Absolutely! A great machine!
Hi Ed,
I started out just like you with the same model. A bit scary watching you and brought back memories. Toughest made machine I've found for a cheap price. I bought some pulleys, pillow block bearings, and stainless steel shaft to fab up a 2:1 gear reduction to reduce the speed to around 1500 spm. The thing is crazy fast from the factory(I think 3000 spm). After a couple years now and a few projects I have learned to feather the clutch to the point of going as slow as I need. I can go stitch by stitch as slow as I want now. If you bump the pedal lightly you can get to where you can place the needle in nearly any position without having to crank the wheel by hand. It just takes time to get the right feel. The manual was difficult to find also. Best I found was a PDF that was compiled from scanned pages which was pretty helpful after I understood all the mechanics of the machine. Reverse would be nice but I manage just fine without it. I have done mostly boat, camper vinyl seating, and tonneau covers with mine. Just for giggles I was able to stitch right through 1/4" Luan plywood and it laid a perfect stitch doing it! These machines will last an easy 100 yeas if maintained. Good luck with your projects.
I have been thinking about a servo motor but a reduction box would work to. Thanks for watching and commenting.
What a marvelous find .
There's no way I could get through a project with it sewing that fast.
I added a servo motor in a later video. Much better! Thanks for watching and commenting
I SIOWED DOWN WITH A SEVEN INCH CONGRESS WHEEL AND IT WORKS PERFECT.
Practice mate I got the 151k1 29k53 a 201 mjc patched and a Mitsubishi clone with back stitch
Its not completely threaded right in this video. The thread isn't completely lined up in the lubricator and there is a small hoop high up on the needle that the thread is supposed to go through also. I picked up just the "head" of one of these about 6 months ago for $13 at the place I work at. I'm working on building a table and getting a servo motor for it.
Nice presentation! I'm loving my decision to change out all my clutch motors with servo motors from Neal's sadlery.
Thanks for watching commenting and Subscribing.
Post another, an update...I bought a Singer 111wsv63 and am learning also....same table, but I did a Servo motor on her. I love this machine, can't figure out some things about her, as Singer lost all 111w records. All I know is it was a military "special variance" machine, from WWII. She is not like any of the 111w's I've seen, there is no stitch indicator. Extra push p=buttons in the bed, like yours, though! I also got a 143w1, she has a clutch motor....it's all a learning curve!
I haven't been practicing as much as I should. My serial number makes my casting from Germany but I have been told that no 111w for US sale was ever completely made oversees. Best we can figure is since this machine is from the end of the production line it could be a hodgepodge of parts. Not sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Ed Moore
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
Install a brushless DC servo motor!! A world of difference!
I did just a few months ago. Here's a link. ua-cam.com/video/V8UIh_7N-kY/v-deo.html
I have the same machine 111w155 got it used, lucky me the motor was burned out so i had to get a new motor and decided on the servo motor and it has the control of your mom's machine with the power of the industrial one.it will sew as slow as one stitch at a time to as fast as you set it up for. I loveit and would not go back to the clutch one. and its 1 hp compare to the 1/3 hp one. and a fraction of its size and weight
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
john doe Ihave been doing upholstery for About30 years started training at15 all3 of my machines singer211-155) singer144-305) cansew206 rb) run3/4 hp Servo motors improves work amazingly will never go back to clutch motor wish I had one years ago also the144 is a30 inch long from needle to casting the3/4 horse actully works great on it the motor weighs less then10 pounds compared to about 40 onthe original the servos make a word of differance
There is a pad to the right of the machine under that you push with your knee that raises the foot.
Good luck
That's funny! 😂 Cool machine!
Its got a servo motor now...much easier to use
@@rustyedmoore When I was 20 I went to a trade school that had a comerial sewing class. They had Singer machines with the 3600 RPM clutch motors. I never ran one but I thought it was too fast.
We used this machine extensively in the rigger shop at Fort Bragg, North Carolina during my parachute rigger days. You don't mention that it is also a walking needle machine. Wish I had one.
svsparta Thanks for watching. It is truly an awesome machine. I have got better with it since this video, but there is a lot to learn.
She's a beauty. Super fast, Takes some practice, but I'm learning... Slowly. Thanks for the comment.
I was worried you getting them fingers draw into that thing,
Yes, could be very dangerous. Thanks for watching and commenting
Where can I get the name and number of the parts for a machine like this? I have one like this and I messed up the long bar in the top of the machine trying to get the wheel off so I could change the belt. I would like to get a new bar but don't know what it is called. Can you help me?
There is a very good internet forum called Leatherworker.com. There was a guy by the name UWE he was very helpful, but that was back in 2016. There are a bunch of people who have way more knowledge than me. I know other manufacturers copied this design for many years and I was told parts are pretty easy to find. Hope this helps, thanks for watching commenting and subscribing
Have just replaced timing belt, but having trouble getting timing right again. Have followed instructions but still having trouble.
I have never changed the belt on mine but I've heard its a Pain. Try this forum. Bunch of really knowledgeable people who will be able to help you out. leatherworker.net/forum/ thanks for watching subscribing and commenting.
check to see if you have 1750 rpm motor sure looks fast put an extender on clutch handle and move to left side of pedal more fulcrum and control
Thanks for watching, I think it is 3600 rpm, but I could be wrong. I have learned to pulse my foot and this has improved my control. I will definitely look at making the arm modification. Thanks -Ed
Me puedes decir qué número de aujas son señor
nice. practice using the knee lift to raise the pressure foot.
Cómo graduar la artura del prensatelas
Ed, just finished cleaning and oiling my 'new' 111w155. I do not have a thread lubricator cup on my machine. Where would you suggest I go?
How thick of material are you sewing? If standard vinyl upholstery you won't need the oiler. If your sewing several layers of thick leather than the oiler would be nice. I would check around on eBay. Also " The Leather Worker" online forum. Thanks for watching commenting and best of luck with your machine. They are awesome!
Hi Ed, I just got one like yours
but unfortunately did not came with the instruction manual, I try to get it from the web but is not to clear an is hard to see the pictures.
I ask you, if you can sale me a copy of yours, thank you.
Hi Raul, if you go to docs.uwe.net/Singer-Class-111-Instructions.pdf I have uploaded my instruction manual in PDF. I don't know if you need to register on the website, but it is a great resource of many people who use our machines and will answer questions on the forum. Thanks for watching, Commenting and Subscribing.
That link didn't seam to work, if you type it in it should work...maybe. Try this one! leatherworker.net/forum/topic/68164-singer-111w1555-serial-number-year-id/?page=2&tab=comments#comment-445594
OH by the way down load this navy manual it is the best manual for this machine that i could fine it starts in chapter 4 . webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/virtual_disk_library/index.cgi/3677392/FID1278/traman/PR_1_C.PDF
I might bear with you, not gonna bare with you.
How’s the machine holding up?
Great! I just changed out to servo motor last month. I have added 2 videos of the installation. Thanks for watching
😂😂😂