Date: 11/22/09 11:26 AM

I just bought a crank handle on EBay listed as 'for a Singer treadle machine'. I've always wanted a hand powered Singer, no room for a treadle. Does anyone out there know which Singer models this will fit? Thanks-

Reply to johnr55
Date: 11/22/09 11:47 AM

An incredibly common machine head out there is the 66. You can use those either as a treadle, and some used them as handcrank models, and some people even later motorized them by adding an external motor and belt and used them as tabletop models.

Or, you could look for a 99, which is very similar to the 66, but smaller.

You could see if it would work on one of those.

Given how common they are, it would be easy and inexpensive to find a head.

Here is a picture of a 99 with a handcrank: link

Here is a picture of a 66 with a handcrank: link
-- Edited on 11/22/09 11:52 AM --

------
Michelle

http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/

Date: 11/22/09 2:51 PM

The key considerations are that the machine needs a spoked handwheel and it needs to be belt-driven by an external motor.

I converted a Singer 128 vibrating shuttle to hand crank with a reproduction spoked handwheel and the crank such as you purchased. The machine originally had a solid handwheel, so no place for the little arm of the crank to fit through to turn the wheel.

It is reasonably easy to switch back and forth between motor-driven operation and hand cranking. In other words, the switch is not at all permanent.

It has been said that some people find cranking the 3/4 sized machines (such as the 99, Spartan, 128 and 185) to be more comfortable and less tiring than cranking the full-sized machines (like the 66).

------
Virginia
http://asewinglife.blogspot.com

Date: 11/22/09 3:03 PM

You can also fit that crank to many post WWII Japanese made machines. You will need a spoked wheel, and the machine must have a mounting boss under the wheel to which the will crank attach (motors also mount onto this boss). I know some folks who have done this to achieve a hand-cranked zig-zag machine.

Jennifer Hill
--
'Winds of inspiration. . .'
Quilt Canada 2010
Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, AB
April 26 - May 1 2010

Reply to johnr55
Date: 11/22/09 7:00 PM

I recently bought a handcrank Singer 66. It runs smoothly and is so easy to turn.
Like you, I don't really have room for a treadle; this machine is beautiful to look at, takes up no more room than my other machines, and, as soon as I grow that 3rd hand, I will be able to sew everything I will ever need on it!

Date: 11/22/09 9:51 PM

Thank you all very much! I have a direction to head, now.