Singer 127 Sewing Machine Refresh

Refreshing a filthy Singer model 127 from 1922. Cleaning and adjusting the mechanism, and a few helpful tips. I didn't go into cleaning and polishing the body of the machine in this video, that one is coming soon, and it will be a lot shorter.
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[@davidnash8586]

I've just acquired one of these machines and as it's tight and in need of a good clean it was BRILLIANT to discover this video !

[@annschaub3696]

Hi Just purchased a 1912 or 1915 from a thift store with 3 drawer cabinet. Thank you 😊. Your video was very helpful.

[@thereseclemens4461]

“Schmoey” is my new favorite word! I have just acquired and begun cleaning a 1902 Singer 27. It’s completely seized up and I am hoping to have her running again. Your reactions to the “schmoo” in this 127 is cracking me up while I am learning your cleaning steps along the way. Fun stuff!😂

[@Isabel-of4wq]

You’re my hero. I really appreciate the extra care you took to point out tips for beginners. This will be my next pandemic project - first I have to find a 27 worthy of this much attention!

[@Peppermint1]

Not only good work, but also amazing filming and editing - for those of you who are not into video editing, there is a LOT of work into the filming and editing of such video.

[@131dyana]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

My pleasure!

[@4486xxdawson]

I just ripped apart a 15-91 the only 2 pieces well 3 i cant get off or out is the main crankshaft and the hook shatf and thats stopping me from being able to remove the feed dog arm , i did remove the pin for the balance wheel bearing i will call it lol , and removed the screw on the cam inside on the crank and it comes forward but thats all i can get to , now im not planning on reassembling it as i got it for parts but wanted to see if i could tear one down all the way to the body no parts attached at all , i failed lol but got close , now ive never watched or accually seen any videos on a 15 91 tear down so wanted to give it a try , i restore vintage machines , mainly singer but own a dozen with a couple necchi bu,s and a pfaff332 and found this very interesting thank you ..

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I have a 15-91 here that is pretty much a parts machine. I will try to shoot a video soon to help you.

[@stevefrey2990]

I recently started restoring a 1925 model 128. I have learned so much from your video. Your explanations are clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to put together such an excellent video!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad to help

[@dawnloya8523]

I just picked up my grandmothers 127 from 1926 and thought oh I'll just take it apart and clean it up because how hard can it be...first I thought I'd watch a video on how to clean it. Thank God I did!!! I learned how to sew on this when I was about 4 years old and waited almost my whole life to own it! I thought I could just replace the belt and get to sewing. I now know I will need to find a professional in my area to clean it properly. Thank you so much for your videos!!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad it helped!

[@roseschroeder9660]

So happy you do what you do & share. I’ve received my family gem, Singer 127, needs some attention. It’s been in our family over 60 years. I learned to sew on it. Glad to have come across your videos.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I hope they are useful to you. I love the vibrating shuttle machines, I have a bunch of them!

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Just got a Singer model 27 from an estate sale. The husband's mom had bought it in 1906. Took me a couple of days to learn the model #. Ordered a cleaning kit from the treadle lady (includes a new belt) . Figured out how to load the bobbin. I'm excited to get it working. It does move but has spider webs growing in it. It has 3 drawers on each side, nicely decorated and intact. The wood is all in great shape - there's little damage from moisture in Arizona! I'm very happy to have a manual machine. Alongside my 301A that was my mom's. She taught me to sew on it.

[@clairehalloin4111]

Thanks for all the excellent videos! They take a lot of the fear out of disassembling the 127 I'm working on now. Much less afraid of having mystery parts left over lol!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

You can do it!

[@mtoddvan]

Eccentric blot (Cambered blot) Liking the videos! Must say like the honest practical approach to your tools! To many people think that you need expensive tools to do repairs, cleaning & disassembly, assembly. Thank you for your service!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Thanks Mark!

[@nick4855]

I have a singer 128. Going to try to fix my first machine. This video was so helpful. Much more confident to try it now.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

That's great! I love the 128 machines...

[@nick4855]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop I’ve been knitting for +20 years. Got into sewing recently. Got a fat quarter of Filson tin cloth… had to learn how to sew to make something with it. Fascinated by this vintage machines. Picking up a 201 soon. And got a wheeler and Wilson d9 recently.

[@johnbroadbent2158]

My wife, daughter, and I recently began a restoration/overhaul of my mother-in-laws old mode 127. Your video was very helpful, especially the brief comment regarding the eccentric screw holding the cam bobbin winder onto the housing. Thank you very much.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad it helped you out!

[@susanresha8107]

Just got my first treadle machine and this is just what I needed! Thank you very much.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad I could help!

[@makaylaisenor8320]

I have been restoring a 128 electric! I’m just finishing the case up now, I’ve been deep diving into the actual sewing machine mechanics, thank you so much for all your work and time explaining the inner workings! Much appreciated!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

That's awesome! I wish KZbin let people post pix in the comments...

[@makaylaisenor8320]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop if you’d like I can email them to you !

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

@@makaylaisenor8320 That would be great! [e-mail]

[@makaylaisenor8320]

www.reddit.com/r/SingerSewing/ I’ve created a subreddit to hold all of the useful information I’ve found during this project! Please contribute any information you would like regarding singer! Restoration photos are encouraged, as well as show and tell! Hope to see some of you on there! :)

[@madamesasquatch]

Last night I fell down a rabbit hole trying to determine what model my 99 year old singer is...could find the place and date of origin but I am very new to the vintage/antique singer world! Low and behold she is a 1924 Model 127, and completely identical to this machine! Thanks so much for this video because hot damn I have no clue of anything and now I feel I am off to a fairly decent start....Thanks!

[@thisbasicstitch]

I've just acquired this machine from a Craigslist posting (with the treadle table that still functions) and in the process of cleaning it up ... Still stitches like a dream but got some pretty good gunk on it. Thank you for sharing this video, it was very helpful to me.

[@baire702]

Oh my goodness, she sounds so happy!

[@amysbees6686]

Thank you for an hour+ well spent! I just acquired a 1916 127 Sphinx in a treadle cabinet. I have yet to clean and oil, so this was very informative and helpful!

[@amysbees6686]

Btw your shop kitty is adorable! I'm allergic (slightly) as well, and I have more than 6! Lol!

[@sewterie]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a 127 scattered in pieces here and your video is very timely, as I do not know a thing about this machine.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@moeytoo]

I'm watching this video to find out how to replace the tension assembly! I'll keep looking. I can't figure out the tiny spring.

[@sabrina206]

Thankyou so much for this video! I have a 1920's 127 and I gave it a clean and oil when I got it and it's not too bad. But between you and The Sewing Machine Repair Guy I have the confidence to take the plates off and service it properly as my bobbins don't tension enough, and I can't change the stitch length.

[@alospm]

Thank you so much for these videos! I’m not a mechanic by any means, but (to my partner’s dismay) I have a collection of vintage singers and I’m looking to do a better job with their maintenance. They all work pretty well! My favourite by far is my great grandmother’s 128 treadle machine. I’ve used it many times for small projects but I’m going to tune it up a bit over the next few weeks and I find the details in your videos to be helpful!

[@angelschneider4180]

Great video. Thank you so much for posting. It is very helpful for newbies such as me and my hubby!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mzamnesia7190]

TYSM. i found a Singer 127 OUT OF THE blue at a local antique store and she deff looks rough around the edges but I got her for 100$ and im hoping with some TLC I'll have a lifelong sewing machine :)

[@jomercer21113]

I'm sooo jealous that the screws on this machine seem to turn pretty easily, My 1906 27 didn't have a single threaded part that would turn. The pressure foot pressure knob and the bobbin winder are frozen tight. Not due to rust, but due to schmoo.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Don't be jealous, that took a lot of Kroil to loosen stuff up!

[@jomercer21113]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop BTW, I still haven't been able to get the hand wheel off.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

@@jomercer21113 watch tomorrow's Sunday Quickies video. I cover something, while not exactly the same, is applicable...

[@snickerbuckle]

We call it “Percussive Maintenance”. And there’s something so satisfying about dropping gooey parts into kerosene or rubbing alcohol and watching all that grime dissolve away.

[@alyssapeters6271]

I just purchased this, 1927. Excited to learn! 😂 "it's covered in shmooo"

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@debcarroll8192]

New subscriber here-- Right now, I would actually give anything to have a vile, schmooey machine like yours instead of the totally rusted one I'm trying to take apart. Thanks for the video. I am learning a lot.

[@ThatisSewSilvia]

Come to Germany, I have one and I am kinda afraid to take it apart…

[@karinbentvelzen9655]

Wauw thank you, learned a lot .

[@TheWoodburningWarrior]

Smoo...the word of the day lol just have been freely given a 127 but I've named it Lazarus but not sure if I can raise "him"...we'll see...

[@lblundell55]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I am new to this hobby and you have taught me so much! I just purchased a Singer 128 and am getting ready to start cleaning her up. Can you point me to the adjusters manual please? Its a beautiful 1951 cenntenial in a bentwood case. They lost the front and back cover plates, so i need to find those as well. Thank you for all you do.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Drop me an email at [e-mail] and I can fatten you up with an adjusters manual.

[@jomercer21113]

BTW, the Vintage Singer Sewing Machines FBgroup doesn't have 27/28 adjusters manuals, only the 127/128--and most of it is applicable to my 27. I have never seen a 27/28 adjusters manual.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Yeah, I don't have one either, just the 127. The important stuff is identical, it's a case of don't sweat the small stuff...

[@KeithDoesThings]

Grrrr I stripped the set screw on the needle bar. Any idea where to get a replacement or a work around? Model 27-2 Edit saw your repley to Sophia.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I'm glad you found the response!

[@annschaub3696]

Questions if you don't mind. 😊 where are you located? Where can I order parts needed ? Do you sell parts ? Thank you. Appreciate your dedication and hard work. I am learning so much from your video.

[@susanresha8107]

It becomes really hard to see what you are doing with the tarnished metal peaces against the black machine. I use a flexable sewing light when working that might help the parts show up better on camera. You might also want to show/link some stills of part diagrams.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I know, and I do apologize. This was shot before I bought my current lighting setup (a 14" ring light) which really improves the lighting issue. I plan on reshooting a 127 series in the future.

[@susanresha8107]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop Sorry, I was sleep deprived when I typed up that comment. I did not mean for that to come off as critisism for the video. I meant the first part as more of a general statement/advice since I am personaly having trouble as the insides of my pet project are so filthy you can barely see the larger mechanisms much less the screws. While the last sentence is more of a sugestion for the viddo format. By including both moving and still representations you are catering to diffrent types of learning styles and the repitition of the same information in diffrent ways makes it stand out as important. Having stills edited in periodically could also make it esier to identify certian parts of the video for people who are jumping around while working with their own machines. PS. Congradulations on the new lighting set up. I am supreamly jellous and will be looking forward to seeing it in action!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

@@susanresha8107 no worries, I took it the way you meant it. I am very aware that my early videos have some technical issues that are rather glaring. I really do intend to reshoot many of them. I'm very much a "give it to me with the bark on" kinda guy. I really DO appreciate criticism as that helps me make my videos better... I also changed my editing capabilities after that was shot, and you'll see in most of my newer videos there are still images inserted to make things clearer, as well as a lot of text.

[@viviennebolton4358]

Hello Bob the singer spoked wheels on these VSM's are they chrome plated? My old 99k girl seems to have most of the chrome flaking off - it was obviously well used! Someone told me that it will just polish up as it's only cosmetic rust, but I can't get a glossy finish no matter what I do - am I doing something wrong?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I don't believe Singer used chrome plate, I believe it was all nickel plated

[@rook9714]

During reassembly, I notice that the take-up lever is dipping too low and striking the bottom of the slot in the face plate. It does not appear to be bent - is there any way to adjust the height of the take-up lever?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Ordinarily, no. Are you sure the takeup lever is properly seated within its screw?

[@rook9714]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop i think it actually is just bent. Is there any difference between the 55525 and 55526 take-up arms? I see both advertised as being for the 127

[@josealdrich973]

Gracias, buen video, Iniciando con una maquina Nacional, mi nuevo pasatiempo.

[@oldgrump99]

I’m doing the same restoration on my 127. The set screw on that block in the presser bar is stripped out. How bad off am I ? Is there a fix? Should I try to drill it out ?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

When you say the screw is stripped out... Do you mean the threads are damaged or is the slot on the screw broken? email me at [e-mail]...

[@jeanmaynard6564]

Got mine partially disassembled and some of the gunk off bt it is dirt or mud and coal dust grime. I know all the decals will be destroyed but I’m ok with that if I get her to work. I do have her moving and lots more work to go. I don’t have a bobbin, bobbin covers but lots of gunk and some rust. I’m thinking I may end up giving her a complete dunking as in years ago.

[@jeanmaynard6564]

Wish I could see those parts he’s removing. I need all that out of mine but fear never getting it back . Also the small screw that loosens on my wheel was so rusted that it’s top broke off as soon as I touched it. How do I get it out now?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Jean - email me at [e-mail]. We can take this off line and get you all fixed up.

[@CampfireExploring]

Any tips on making the front slide plate on a 127 a bit tighter? Thanks for the awesome video!

[@debraclogston9379]

I found one by the side of the road. I'm gonna leave her with her as she is. The scars are her history of use.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I have a couple that were sitting out on trash day that became fine stitchers. Road kill or not, they're worth the effort!

[@Nick_Graham_Woodwork]

Hey Bob, I linked your channel in my recent video as the expert on these machines. I hope you don’t mind.

[@KatherinaSophia]

Thanks for this great video. Other than looking on ebay, is there someplace that you know of that sells reproduction screws? I'm working on a 127-3 that has been neglected for many years and is pretty rusty and crusty. As I was removing the set screw on the needle bar it crumbled. Luckily I was able to finish removing the screw but now I'm one screw down.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Sophia, I feel your pain. I don't know where you live, nor the hardware store situation, but I can help you out if you're in the States and are willing to mail order. I just measured the part, hoping that we would get lucky and it would be a common size, but all the while knowing deep down that there was a next to zero chance of that being the case. I took my machine apart and measured, and sure enough, it wasn't the size I had hoped for. Fortunately, there IS a source! McMaster-Carr has the correct diameter and thread size! You need #12x28TPI. They have one listed, in three lengths, all of which are longer than you require, but the shortest (1/4") should work just fine. They are sold in a package of 10, so you have a few extra top play around with. They use a 1/8" allen wrench instead of a slotted screwdriver, and there is absolutely nothing stopping you from using a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel to shorten one down a little bit if it rubs against the end cover. Here's the link: www.mcmaster.com/91375A297/ I hope this helps.

[@alyssapeters6271]

I love this video! I have the same machine from 1927. I am trying to find out what I need to clean the machine. What are you using to clean the parts? Alcohol? Oil? I am not very interested in preserving the decals unless I sell it. For now, my plan is to have the paint updated and keep. BUT, I have an 1882 fiddleback Model 12 that I AM interested in preserving the Mother-of-Pearl decals. I would like to know if you have any videos on fixing chipped enamel and what to use to preserve the decals/paint? Also, where would I find parts? Ebay seems to be the cheapest but if I am not sure of the exact part number? Thank you, Mr. Fowler!

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Hi Alyssa, I did a video on how I clean parts (and machine bodies) that may help you. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqQkJ6Qotira8U&ab_channel=BobFowler

[@alyssapeters6271]

I am watching one. 👀☺ Thank you! 😊

[@sheilajones4491]

Thank you for your videos - very helpful. I have acquired a singer 201k electric and plan to attempt rewire- it is working but outer coat of wires from motor and light to switch have disintegrated (eek) I don't want to get fried, and black goo has got on the badge. How should I clean that - I think it is only rubber - but have seen that I should be careful and not apply singer sewing oil to that area. It is the gold coloured original badge not the centenary coloured one. Also any tips on restoring the walnut queen Ann style table

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Getting rubber goo off can be a challenge. I had a 66 cross my path last summer that had the goo problem. It left permanent marks on the clear coat.

[@SewTexas]

Very nice

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Thanks

[@mesusanlee4781]

Hi! I am trying to replace my presser foot lifter. I have been attempting the tap, tap method of the little block that engages the lifter. I removed both of the little screws but the block is just not moving. Any ideas as to why (I can't get this spring out) without removing the block or proceed with replacing the lifter. Thanks in advance for any guidance :)

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Sorry I'm late in answering.... I use a lot of AeroKroil to loosen that stuff up.

[@mesusanlee4781]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop thank you😊

[@dawnloya8523]

What did you clean the rods underneath the machine with?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

When they were out of the machine, they were cleaned with hot water and Dawn dish soap. Dried thoroughly, of course.

[@tinanorwood5557]

Hi, Do you have a video showing how to remove the bobbin winder and to reinstall? I just bought a 127 and the cam and gear really need to be cleaned. Thank you

[@ranazico]

What is the difference between this method of polishing and if we re-nickel the parts again ?

[@alessandrahayes8544]

What would you recommend cleaning all the little bits in if you didn't have an ultrasonic cleaner?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Honestly, I like using a rotary tool with a very fine, stainless steel circular wire brush. Make sure to wear safety glasses if you go that route!

[@meganmills6545]

If you're in the US and can get Krud Kutter cleaner/degreaser then try it at a 10, 20 or 25% solution (go up if the weaker solutions aren't quite doing it, start with weaker solutions first). You can soak in it, swish it round (in an old peanut butter style plastic jar is good with the lid on, or in old ice cream tub etc for larger pieces) and then use something like a toothbrush to scrub at them a bit with the solution. Wear gloves, of course. I've seen other vids doing this and the stuff looks waaay better than anything I can find here in NZ. Of course rinse off with plain water and dry thoroughly before oiling where necessary etc. BUT please DON'T try this on any painted/shellacked parts.

[@onamissionize]

can you provide a link to the manuals?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Drop me an email to [e-mail] and I'll send it off to you as a pdf.

[@jennyfoxworth8878]

Thanks for this video. I learned a lot. I was wondering if you have a video, or could point to one, showing the disassembly and reassembly of the bobbin winding mechanism. Thanks so much.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

Jenny, if you look at my channel, I am the undisputed King of Singer bobbin winder videos! :-) Here's the one you need... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GqZ5VpmclmkNU&ab_channel=BobFowler

[@jennyfoxworth8878]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop Thanks a bunch.

[@jennyfoxworth8878]

May I bug you one more time? I used your wonderful videos to fully clean and restore a 127 but now I’m looking for the presser foot adjustment (and feed dog adjustment) video you mentioned. I’ve looked in the “vibrating shuttle” playlist. Perhaps it’s the same for all singers and I can just use my stack of quarters? Thanks again.

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

@@jennyfoxworth8878 The feed dog adjustment is relatively simple, with the dogs UP and in the middle of their travel, loosen the screw that secures the feed dogs to the rock shaft and move the dog up or down until approximately 80% of the height of the teeth are above the needle plate. As for the presser foot, you can use the stack of quarters, just make sure your feed dogs are below the needle plate when making the adjustment. I'm pretty sure it's in one of my videos, but that's the Reader's Digest version...

[@jennyfoxworth8878]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop Thanks a whole big bunch.

[@emmycon4514]

Hello Bob , from the Netherlands. I heard you can use cleaning vinegar on the metal parts for the rust. Can you please give me a second opinion?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I'm not a fan of using vinegar. Which parts are rusty, interior or exterior?

[@rambette6580]

What should I use to remove rust?

[@danl4480]

Great video! I am starting to clean up my 128. In the adjusters manual it states to lubricate the motor but doesn't specify how much. Do you have any recommendations on doing this?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

I use a syringe to inject grease into the motor wicks. My advise is to fill them up, but don't try to overload them as you'll make a mess. It doesn't take much at all. I know that's not a specific answer, but I never measured it.

[@martagoncalvesvilela6878]

Enchedor de bubina emperrou como fazer para consertar

[@randaaboelmagd4752]

كيف تاخذ خيط الابره لمكوك

[@darussianping61]

where do get this adjuster manual?

[@BobFowlerWorkshop]

send me an email at [e-mail] and I'll fire it off to you.

[@davev3557]

@@BobFowlerWorkshop bob do you have an adjuster manual for a singer, 66-16? I would bet very appreciative if you could email a copy to me at [e-mail]. Enjoy your videos much. I have my mother’s machine which I remember running 75 years ago. I vividly remember my mother’s admonition when I put her scissors down on the decals or the wood cabinet. The little can of Singer oil which snapped into the little clip under the machine was also the only oil we had and would also incur mom’s wrath should I borrow a drop or two for some needy toy. Thanks again.

[@mrsweirdfantastictoys3361]

lol that is the name of my cat Roscoe pico train

[@azulpermak2866]

salaam sewing

[@martagoncalvesvilela6878]

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