Singer 111W153. Will it Sew? Watch Me Set Up a Classic Triple Feed Sewing Machine

[@johnbessey9105]

So few people seem to share my interest in old, heavy duty sewing machines. Even though I’ve never met Mr. Dyer, I consider him a friend with whom I can share my hobby. 😌

[@AlexanderDyer]

You are not alone. 🙏

[@JeffreyVCraig]

I just realized that I stop whatever it is that I'm doing when I get a notification from Alex's channel. I tune in, and tune everything else out. Keep em coming Mr. Dyer!

[@AlexanderDyer]

Copy, loud and clear, will do. Thank you.

[@myronhorvathsk]

That’s a good video explaining things well. Something I do when putting those screws back in is I set them in place is that I slowly turn them counter clockwise and listen and feel for the screw to click. When it does that it shows that is where the threads line up and then you can turn it clockwise and you’re not cross threaded. Another point that many people don’t know is that vintage Singer machines have a proprietary thread on all of their screw, bolts etc. So make sure you use original screws etc. They are not imperial, any variant of metric or British standard.

[@AlexanderDyer]

This is great information, thank you.

[@dannyl2598]

Thank you. You taught me a lot in this video. I too, enjoy saving old machines. I recently picked up a Singer 306 M. It's made in Italy, all cast iron and one of the earlier zigzags. It's a bit of an odd duck but I think it's cool.

[@rndea100]

does it have the knee lift an how wel does the m do over heavy fabric i use the 320k an 319

[@DusktillDawn2024]

Absolute Gold your channel is

[@alp-1960]

Great job! I doubt I'll ever own a machine like this, but it's really interesting to hear all the details involved in getting it in top condition. Thank you.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thank you.

[@michaeldurling793]

Watching you give that old beauty some love was 1 educational 2 inspirational and 3 enjoyable. I would love to find an old gem like that, I don't sew much but when I do my home Singer just struggles with the fabrics I'm using Cordura, Gore-Tex and cotton duck's. Spend a lot of time hand wheeling the machine just to get through it.

[@AlexanderDyer]

I have so many videos featuring triple feed sewing machines and servo motors for folks just like you. This style of machine just works like you want a machine to work making the process enjoyable and satisfying. Check out one of my bag making videos to see them in real world applications.

[@AlexKall]

Had a (still do) Singer Heavy Duty as first machine and bought some heavier Cordura trying to first make small bags hoping to evolve and eventually make a hiking backpack (still evolving 1,5 years later, procrastination at its finest 😒😉) and while making some of these smaller bags I started noticing how the machine just stopped dead in its track. It took a few goes before I noticed that the needle simply bent and hit the throat plate, digging small holes in it. Especially when sewing zippers, it just struggled too much as well as being hard to get the thick fabric under the presser foot so I didn't enjoy it that much any more. Eventually I got an industrial triple feed sewing machine and a new world opened up and the joy of creating came back. I even started doing some leather works which I couldn't even have dreamt about on the domestic singer. I still have the singer for if I need something zigzagged or similar and also have my mom's "old" Husqvarna she bought in the 1989ies, it's still as smooth and quiet and sews like a dream. Would be fun to buy and restore old sewing machines like Alexander does but don't have that much knowledge nor any space to do it in but I get to enjoy watching the videos when AD does it instead 👍

[@ksgjlg]

I have this same machine. Resurrected it from the dead. Put a 220v servo motor on it. Great machine

[@AlexanderDyer]

That's cool.

[@disoldsoul]

I just got one of these today from my 90 year old neighbor 🎉

[@AlexanderDyer]

Cool how these things continue to serve generations.

[@billedgar1920]

A very enjoyable video. I love my 111w153, the thing is bulletproof and built like a tank.

[@AlexanderDyer]

💪🔫🙏

[@thewestendwoodworker]

I was a parachute rigger in the Navy in early 70’s. We had a 153 machine. One of my favorites for patching parachutes.

[@DavidGonzalez-kz4bz]

This was a great video I would love to know the part number for the motor . Mine has the original monster motor on it would love to switch it out

[@AlexanderDyer]

There is a link in the description. It is here too. amzn.to/49yOVOo

[@DavidGonzalez-kz4bz]

Thank You for very much Ordered today This was very helpful Great information video

[@scottysimino8914]

Cool! reminds me of my Consew 225. Thanks for the video of an old work horse. I never knew how to adjust the case opener.

[@guitarfreak122]

Your 225 is a 1:1 direct copy of the 111W 155

[@braddobson2060]

Iam picking up my new to me 111w155 on Saturday your vidios will be extremely helpful. Thanks

[@AlexanderDyer]

Have fun!

[@home8046]

Such a comprehensive video. I watched the Servo motor upgrade section in this video in the past. I have a PFAFF similar to this one in a similar table. I plan to do the Servo upgrade at the 1st of the rear. You sold me on it from the video segment you released in the past. The screws on the hook are the smallest I have ever dealt with. I bought a lighted magnification headset back in the past for working on my machines (must have). A beautiful job on this one, Jason. Please if you get some time, start posting a few more leather projects. The yoga mat was a great one. A lot of us men who watch your videos got into sewing due to leather, canvas, and vinyl projects. You are the guy to show us the tips, tricks, and hacks we need to advance our skills. Thank you so much for your channel. Sincerely, Rich and Sarah.

[@rmcdaniel423]

I'm just getting started with workbench time, disassembling to refurbish, on my own old 111. Mine is the old earlier grandpa to the machines in the w150's . . . it's a 111w103 with a generally hated and quickly abandoned stitch length regulator dial at the hand wheel. As I learned after buying it. And there is astonishingly little that I can find online for the model I have. Regardless, this looks like it will be a good hour spent in my learning. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jimhuskins8506]

Thanks again. I learn something every time I watch one of your presentations.

[@garylozowski1419]

I have one of these and I use it for boat canvas work. It has been a great sewer. If you can fit it under the foot, it will sew it. Excellent video! Thanks

[@AlexanderDyer]

💪🏇

[@timothyheckler173]

Love this video! Just got my first 154! All cleaned up and SERVO ordered! But she’s fighting me to get timed in!

[@mikemurel1917]

Excellent video. I've had a Consew 226r-1 that I got at an auction for about 2 yrs now. The design is virtually the same except it has reverse and the stitch length is on the hand wheel. I just upgraded to a servo motor. A huge improvement. I'm into the learning as much as sewing. I can't handle the high speed though, hence the servo motor. I got 2 old Singer tailor models and more than 100 spools of industrial thread in the same auction.

[@adolforosado]

The bobbin case area of my Juki LU 1114-4 is also like this and I learned quite a bit today. Thanks again!

[@AlexanderDyer]

👍

[@marigonzalez2607]

Thank you so much for your generosity, I've learned alot in this video, diesel does work wonders in cleaning metal parts on my old Consew, I've always wondered why Singer machines get such a bad reputation, every singer I've had has been great. On a side note, you have beautiful hands.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Especially black singers, the engineering and manufacturing in them is top notch. 🙏

[@carlmauro4813]

Glad to see you bring this one back to life. I make bags out of 1000D Cordura and run 2, 111w153's and a 111w101. I put servo motors on 2 of them and the other has a clutch. The best needles I've found for these are Schmetz SERV7. They never skip. Good luck.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thanks for the tip! 💥

[@nickjan67]

A wonderful learning experience, this video. My complements for your calm pedagogical style.

[@AlexanderDyer]

🎓✏️📒🍎

[@valerystclair4022]

Thank you for clear and detailed information, your teaching approach is much appreciated!

[@amirmendezjimenez3630]

Excellent video. Thank you so much. I think the same as you. There are many old machines of excellent quality that are worth giving a second chance.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@tave9011]

Hi there I just picked up this same model machine, with a clutch motor, what someone in its previous life did was put a 2x4 block under the foot pedal to limit its travel thus barely letting the machine run. I thought it a good work around, I still prefer the servo motor

[@jdschuet18]

Great video! You have inspired me to clean my 111W and table.

[@kimboDragon]

Great Video thankyou from Australia Mate

[@bobbyhilliard1108]

very good video i have two machines consew 206 rb and a pfaff 1445 i have picked up a lot from your videos thank you

[@AlexanderDyer]

I am glad you find value in my videos. Thank you so much for your support.🙏

[@joycedollar1198]

Your videos are excellent. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@AlexanderDyer]

So nice of you

[@cambenedict1204]

Great video and lots of tips! Thank you!

[@genedyer87]

That was awesome - thanks for all your hard work.

[@AlexanderDyer]

🙏

[@soulbot119]

I got a 211 that had sat in an old upholstery shop for at least 30 years, covered in grime and tarnished oil, I referred to some of your older videos while cleaning it up. It has the same hook as this 111 and it was sewing very poorly, found about 5' of thread wound around under the hook somehow, I have no idea how you could get thread wound tightly under the shuttle like that. After that was cleaned up and the whole machine was cleaned and lubed, it was still sewing bad and I couldn't figure it out. It seemed to have bad bobbin tension but no amount of tightening would help. I finally took out the bobbin case and took out those two tiny screws, took the spring off and there was a tiny little fluff of thread jammed all the way up in between the spring and the case. It was like a micro-speck, the tiniest little fluff of thread. I took that out and put it back together and it sewed perfectly after that. It's like you say, it doesn't take much at all to make the machine mis-perform. A half mm speck of thread can do it if it winds up in the wrong spot.

[@AlexanderDyer]

It is amazing but true. I have seen tiny specks of contaminant put Caterpillar Earth Movers out of service..

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

Another excellent, educational video! Great job!!

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@carolynweaver178]

This is a beautiful machine and you did a great job!

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thanks

[@CraigTalbot-u9d]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@AlexanderDyer]

😃👍

[@AlexKall]

Very helpful and thorough video!

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thank you.

[@edge1289]

I have a 111w155 that’s areal work horse, I love the machine!

[@AlexanderDyer]

💪🐎

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

My favorite industrial

[@AlexanderDyer]

😎

[@jdimeo1966]

Thanks for doing this video. Looking for an older machine and now feel like I can approach one with less apprehension. Would like to see more videos like this one.

[@billmaguire6216]

I enjoyed this. Very interesting. Thank you.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Nice, Thank you.

[@jimhuskins8506]

I love your videos.

[@samhenderson2947]

Great video. Hope I find one this will be a great help.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelthompson9127]

Thank you for putting these videos out they are very helpful. Are you familiar with the procedure for increasing the stitch length on a Consew 226? Im working on one that is only getting 7 spi it is supposed to get 5spi and I cannot find much info on it. I am aware of how the stitch length is changed by pushing the button and rotating the handwheel and how to set to show the proper number in the window I am talking about the adjustment I would need to make to lengthen the stitch to 5spi its longest stitch. Thank you there is no service manual for this machine there is a close sister machine that is a singer

[@eatngoodtv]

Awesome video

[@TJMartinek]

My used Consew 205rb-1 came with the same assortment of gigantic needles. I only just now learned they are upholstery needles. The've been serving as general use pointy things in my maker kit for years now....

[@AlexanderDyer]

😄

[@rmcdaniel423]

6:08 That's where ChrisFix would tell you to get out your bottle of "Soapy Wooder". LOL

[@BattleAx342]

That is a nice old sewing machine...

[@AlexanderDyer]

💥

[@walterholmes4609]

I have a 111w151 that came to me ready to go some years ago. I recently was gifted a 154 in an unknown condition, head only, and am installing a servo (1k Watt reliant). This vid is the best! I'm pretty handy but relying on the old manual is confusing. You make it so clear. Thanks. The original manual basically states the only difference between a 151 and a 154 is the height of the lift. In other words, for thicker materials. It also implies larger needles. Is there really any functional difference between the models 151 thru 154?

[@andrewderocle]

I think 151, 152 are needle feed/with feed dogs. 153-155 are triple feed walking foot. There may be a high lift model in there can't remember

[@AlexanderDyer]

The 151 is drop feed and needle feed with no alternating presser feet (walking foot). I have a video of a Singer 111W151 you may enjoy.

[@Sugarkryptonite]

Have the same machine, learned some new things about adjusting it. Thanks Alex. I've run 3/8 material through mine but that is about the limit of what it will do.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thank you for the insightful comment. Much appreciated.🙏

[@jasongreiner8136]

nice one

[@rp4609]

Thank you Alexander. Great video as a visual aid to the operator manual. I have noticed that some people thread the 111W, with the thread going around the outside of the first piece with the 3 holes in it (After the pin). The singer manual says you go "downward through the hole (5), up through the hole (6), and down through the hole (7)". Is there some advantage to only using two of the holes and going around the outside ?

[@AlexanderDyer]

I have seen people do it both ways. I like this way cause it seems a little bit quicker. I think it does not make much difference either way, go with the way you like best and you'll be good.🙏

[@fatkorn]

Good things

[@mikekay8328]

Great video! I bought a 111w155 and had to rebuild it including replacing the upper shaft bushing. How would you describe how the machine spins by hand? Mine seems to be just slightly tight to turn. From your experience is this normal? Doesn’t effect the sewing at all. I use 135 thread, sews perfectly. I believe it is from 1941 or 44’ thanks for another awesome video 👍🏻

[@AlexanderDyer]

It should spin freely. Make sure you are not feeling the brake of the motor by releasing the brake or disconnecting the belt.

[@pontiusrodandcustoms8298]

Great Video Alexander!! I really enjoyed it. I do have a question on the motor upgrade. My 111W153 has a small leather belt, is there a way to update it to the V belt so it will work with the upgraded servo motor?

[@AlexanderDyer]

You can use the leather belt or you can go to the auto parts store and get a new v belt there if you prefer.

[@pontiusrodandcustoms8298]

@@AlexanderDyer ok thanks!

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

Btw, the faux woodgrain on your table top is quartersawn sycamore. That machine could have very well come with s sycamore top, some of ours are.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Sycamore. Cool, those grow around here. I have had several of those old tops. If I can't sell them as a full table which is my preference, I'll cut them up on the table saw for various woodworking projects. Thank you for the information.

[@mrleeal]

thanks found out my 132k6 is 1940

[@benkeeling1935]

You might have answered this question before but what thread do you use?

[@jimhuskins8506]

Earlier this year I bought a Consew 29BL patcher. I’m running size 69 bonded nylon. It works fine, but the color options are limited. In researching thread, I have encountered an option called D/E. It is available to me in many colors, but I’ve not been able to find out how it compares in size to #69 or what size needle to use. Can you shed any light on D/E thread. Thanks.

[@AlexanderDyer]

There is so much to know about thread. I am no expert on thread. I don't know what D/E means.

[@jimhuskins8506]

That makes me feel better about my ignorance.

[@slowsmooth3440]

Great content. What do you do with the old clutch style motor and system? I want one. How do I buy one from you?

[@AlexanderDyer]

Thanks. These old clutch motors are so heavy it cost more to ship them than they are worth. Sometimes you can find them second hand in the classified ads in your area. I can't sell them even locally and so they get sold as scrap motors at the scrap yard.

[@JesusCliment]

Any hints on where to get the thread you use? I have been using Mara (recently purchased Mara 30) but with the projects I have in mind the Tex105 thread you use may be a better choice and more visually appealing.

[@AlexanderDyer]

www.calthread.com/Default.asp

[@JesusCliment]

@@AlexanderDyer I cannot find Core spun poly tex 105 thread on that shop... Maybe the are out of it?

[@slowsmooth3440]

What is a good price for this machine?

[@Dahna_]

I didn’t know the bobbin winder had an oil reservoir!

[@Dahna_]

Are these enamel coated or is it cast iron? Paint? I’m wondering how you would refinish it

[@AlexanderDyer]

These are painted and the old paint is know for its softness but I am not the one to ask about refinishing, I never do that.

[@mygreenheaven7743]

anyways Fantastic

[@cosmoelbrujo7829]

"That dude is fast" ahaha, yes indeed

[@slavikmarinin7786]

👍

[@AlexanderDyer]

😃

[@r.duroucher225]

What a great video, thank you. I'm very curious about the method and products you used to wash down this machine. It looks like you sprayed it with water, I would have thought that it would rust.

[@AlexanderDyer]

I use diesel.

[@r.duroucher225]

@@AlexanderDyer Thanks, I guess I somehow missed your comment in the video that you use diesel.

[@jeremiahtinsley8048]

How can I make my stitch length longer or adjust it if I set it on 5 they are not that long like yours

[@AlexanderDyer]

The indicator on mine had to be reset. I adjusted the stitch length while ignoring the indicator and just went until the adjustment hit its physical limit. Now that I had made the setting as long as it would go then I loosened the set screw on the indicator and rotated those numbers (not the machine) until it showed 5 and then locked it down.

[@jeremiahtinsley8048]

@@AlexanderDyer where is the indicator located at can you do a video on if you don't mind I really appreciate it it bothers me that I can't get a longer stitch

[@BoDesiTLB]

For Sale?

[@gavinballard6985]

Would anybody recommend this machine for marine upholstery?

[@AlexanderDyer]

This is a great machine for upholstery.

[@JohnSantos-y7e]

That brass tag shows it was a government machine. They kept track of them with their own tags. I have one regular one and a government machine and although I'm not an expert, the military one seems to have slightly better components.

[@FiddleyBits]

Since Singer bought out Wheeler & Wilson in 1905, then continued to sell W&W's machines with the Singer name one them, I think you have what was originally a W&W machine. It has the typical W&W cover plates, too. Singer included a "W" in the serial and model numbers to indicate these machines were original W&W machines. I think I'm right on this...but maybe not. 🤔

[@terrigelbaum8066]

My gosh, where do you find them. You're an amazing guy. Hey....what kind of watch is that?Did you find that in a pawn shop too and fix that it up yourself. You're a handy guy....lol

[@czarekp3552]

easy, 1085 on the brass tag says the year, when the machine was made.... how could you not know that?

[@chrismontoya4266]

My goodness but that looks just like my juki lu 563🧐😂!

[@AlexanderDyer]

Indeed. That is a great machine.

[@tinarytting3799]

What all materials is this kind of machine used for?

[@AlexanderDyer]

Denim, canvas, leather, vinyl, tents, upholstery ........

[@RonaldoGarcia502]

Why a servo motor?

[@AlexanderDyer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3vKeHyhbLx1e5Ysi=a0SUNrTgehrn9KqZ

[@documetricsinc.6135]

Don't you want to put a bit of grease on the gears?

[@AlexanderDyer]

You could and I have. Sewing machine oil is good too.

[@jeffdouglas1730]

I like the idea of using diesel to clean the innards, but doesn't the smell linger and stink up your shop?

[@AlexanderDyer]

"I love the smell of diesel in the morning ... It smells like victory." Robert Duvall

[@scottwalker9371]

I doubt I could handle a machine that smelled like diesel. I use naphtha as it dries quickly without smell.

[@AlexanderDyer]

"You Can't Handle The Diesel" Jack Nicholson in a Few Good Men. 😄👍

[@scottwalker9371]

Hahaha! Great reply. I guess it's "The War of the Noses"

[@tave9011]

I can start to hear the “flight of the valkery”

[@anandamore6375]

Praice kai hai

[@macswanton9622]

I have a Japanese/Chinese knockoff. 80lb Headache.

[@AlexanderDyer]

Well it is not both. In that era the Japanese clones where excellent.

[@LucilleCarmichaelPDX]

VSM porn, pure and simple. I need a cigarette, now.

[@denisedeane8218]

I’m just getting started working with vinyls and leather. I need a triple feed (walking foot) machine. Can you recommend the best one with price in mind? Much appreciated

[@AlexanderDyer]

Yes, absolutely. There is no one best. I have produced two videos on the topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opPLiKF_rNprqM0si=ShL-vJlv-tkU_nXo kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXPEp56cltmUn68si=4l7479j383svDXpu