Singer 66 Sewing Machine Extra Heavy Duty Upgraded

[@johnnytruck2009]

Thank you for your demonstration. Allot of good information. I just brought home today a #66. Given to me. As soon as I set my eyes on it, I was really impressed with the rugged look and texture. Well, after some time getting her parts to move. She’s a runner! And for a girl her age of 85 years old, she has a ton of life ahead of her. This should be fun!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great machine Johnny. Those are very forgiving when getting them to wake up after long periods of not being used.

[@robinbrooks3794]

I finally took out my 66 I inherited from my Great Aunt. I will be taking her (machine) to the shop soon. I pray she just need a good cleaning, oiling and belt replacement. I enjoy your shows. I also have a Kenmore that has to be over 50 years old. Thanks for your videos.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You're very welcome Robin. Those 66 models are some of the toughest machines Singer ever made. They were in production for a VERY long time so parts are easily found and not costly at all. Any issues it has should normally be easily addressed. It's a real tank of a machine! And yours came from family which makes it extra special!!

[@joycedenton2796]

Linked here from your craigslist ad and ... so glad I did. Very informative. I am just starting out and while I could use something a little more heavy duty (sewing some things for my husband who is a welder) I don't think I am at this level just yet. But when I am ... I feel like I have a little bit better idea what I'm looking for. Now to dig out my great grandmother's Singer lol Hmmm.

[@jesshothersall]

Informative video, and glad you made the point about them being such good quality but not industrial strength, thanks for demo

[@shelliecarlson7015]

I sewed 4 layers of webbing with my 1926 66, and it didn't even slow down. I ran a leather needle.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Howdy Vintage Sewing Machine Garage, Do you happen to have the model type/number for the updated motor?

[@trevorkinman1946]

Getting one just like this one today, its a 1941 one; I have another singer that is 1927 with the original electric motor, but the one I am getting today is purely treadle.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Both great choices Trevor. They literally don't make them like they used to!!

[@trevorkinman1946]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage got it yesterday, it's super awesome!

[@MissyJohnson1991]

Looks like you repair them I’m confused on what type of oil. Just bought singer 66 1951 gun metal

[@BladeforgerKLX]

Which motor do you use? Part no / specs? Thanks!!

[@femme1382]

Will a 1955 class 66 sew marine vinyl and duck cloth with the appropriate heavy duty needle using a treadle?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You can certainly try Angela. There are variables that impact whether any machine can sew heavy materials with success. Of all the top loading vintage home machines, the 66 (and its 3/4 versions like the 99 and 185) are the toughest for sewing heavy material. If you already have a 66, there is nothing wrong with trying it out on those materials. Proper needles help and some folks have retrofitted new higher amp motors to help. The 66 also has the advantage of having a wider throat space than most vintage domestic machines. However, keep in mind that side loading machines like the Singer 15 class are able to sew the heaviest fabrics for a domestic machine. The Singer 15-91, with the proper needle type, can sew the heaviest materials possible (for a domestic machine). This my own perspective based on testing machines out on materials for clients. But the mechanicals of the 66 are quite beefy and worth trying out. FYI, also remember that whatever machine you use, you will want to have a large flat surface for the fabric or leather since the weight of fabrics when draping over the edge of a sewing table can impact stitching significantly since the weight causes the fabric to pull against the needle. Some folks will place their sewing table next to a dining table or card table to help provide extra horizontal working space. Good luck with your sewing test.

[@SuperGokuSon]

What thickness of thread is that

[@theartofgoblintrash]

I recently picked up a 66 for bag making, and I've been trying to find a higher power motor as the one that came with my machine seems to be the original and isn't very strong. What motor did you use here ?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I used a 1.5 amp sewing motor that I found on Ebay. It came with the bracket that will retrofit vintage Singer straight stitchers such as the 66. Do note that while it includes a belt, I believe I recall adding an older Singer hand wheel that was larger and heavier than the original. So, the included belt might or might not fit; I don't recall. But its easy enough to get a different belt if needed. FYI, you don't 'have' to change the hand wheel so the new belt in this kit should fit. The seller here also offers a kit that includes a new dual block power cord and electronic foot controller so you have that option as well. There are other sellers of these motors online, but I think I recall using this seller. Be sure to get the kit with the bracket (L shaped) like for this one you see in the listing since not all brackets will retrofit your Singer. Here is the link to the seller I used and they've been selling for quite some time. I have no connection to them other than I've used them in the past. Here is the link: www.ebay.com/itm/380825487899?hash=item58aaf7ca1b:g:t4sAAOSwx3pe8nY1&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwPAhixHxLUwOulSaDFLrV05eB7hUmt%2FuHXdKh7f7EQo19XEQEIP%2F8JdV2M6sFrxhUkIedd3kIb1q%2BG%2Fon7CUPS0K4Y%2Bpo27725LAI6m7iSB0avVTt9ctR%2BtxF3%2BPNgyR6b5YfvAbjfMWc4djNOUGi%2BcpRzIRoAeNQgvfhInFVZCyAznnEbtb%2B%2FZgEWf0Wussznwjcu6D%2ByCOD1Dk3Jj7ZPafPBOGVk3nlek%2BLQwMpe13PEyCz7J%2FvqbT21X2BXftLA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_KuqMu9Yg

[@theartofgoblintrash]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you so much for the information.

[@бронза.вафля.конус]

I have a lot of jeans (most are very thick and pure cotton) that need to be altered, so a machine that can not handle heavy duty sewing doesn't fit my needs. Is it possible to get one of these that isnt attached to the sewing table? This looks fantastic, I'd probably spend up to $450 on one.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Oh yes, these machines can be installed in a sewing table but also in Carry Cases. They do not work when simple placed on a work bench or other non-sewing tables because the running gear underneath requires clearance. I am aware that there are those who have installed these (with some modifications to the tables) into industrial sewing tables.

[@бронза.вафля.конус]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage where would I look if I wanted to purchase this or something similar?

[@ricaneva3896]

I wonder if it can sew cordura 500d for my tactical mags jejejje

[@berthamadonna]

Great informative video. Thank you. What kind of thread are you using? I have a singer 66-16 and can’t find the right thread for it. Thanks again!

[@juancarlosestrada4617]

Hello. At this moment i'm restoring a Singer 66 model sewing machine and I need to know were I can get replacements parts, I lived in Guatemala and for this models are very dificult to get those... Thank you a lot

[@ΧρήστοςΜπακαλιδης-ζ8β]

0:16

[@ocoutdoors2355]

Which is heavier duty; a 66 with 1.5amp motor or a 15 with the same 1.5amp motor???

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Well, both of those are some of the strongest machines for home use ever made. As far as Top Loading bobbin machines such as the 66 goes, it is the strongest I've ever come across. However, when compared with a Singer 15, that 15 Class has the edge in how heavy of fabrics it can sew. The reason for this is not the motor power, but the fact that a 15 has a vertical axis bobbin and shuttle whereas the 66 uses a horizontal bobbin/shuttle and the thread has to turn 90 degrees to complete its path. This gives the 15 an edge but don't look down on the 66. It can sew lots of heavy duty projects and does have an advantage over the 15 in that it has around another inch of throat or harp space which is great when sewing large or bulky items.

[@ocoutdoors2355]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you for the clarification. I’ve got an opportunity to buy a Japanese 15 clone for a fairly good price. I’m still hoping for a 15-91 potted but they’re hard to come by in SoCal.

[@inannashu689]

We're these supposed to come with a motor? Mine is a treadle.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

This model was in production for a VERY long time. When it was first introduced, there were only treadle sewing machines. As electricity became more common, new 66 models came with electric motors and even older ones were sometimes retrofitted to allow them to sew under electric power.

[@brendamontes9450]

Hello. I found your videos. I have a vintage machine, and I liked to take it to you ( if you are near ☺️) I’m leaving in los Angeles.

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

Which is stronger? The 66 built up like this or a stock 15-91? I own a 15-91 but this machine looks like it may be easier to thread.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Its a close race between these 2 for strong needle power but I would give the edge to the 15-91.

[@ceciliaohman185]

That’s impressive

[@lindabridges445]

Is this available? Where on Craigslist are you - what part of the country. I am in Texas

[@danb316]

beautiful machine, but can you tell me anything about the lamp sitting in the background, ive collected / inherited a few treadle machines as well as a 66 very similar to yours, and im looking for that style lamp

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi. That lamp on the treadle table behind the machine I am showing in the video is a 1940's Art Moderne style office lamp. If you were to search on Ebay under key words like desk lamp, office lamp, Art Moderne, Art Deco, Machine Age, School House, you should find something similar! Thanks for asking.

[@TheJCars10s]

I run a fleet of Consew 206RB-5s at work. I'm looking at one of these as a home workshop, goof-around machine. Just can't take my girlfriend's plastic thing seriously. I'm worried I won't get along with it without the knee lift and ability to go full speed in reverse.

[@carmencolon3520]

Just go a model 66 "Treadle" ? Now I thought Treadle machine was the one that use human power. This one have a motor and came in a carry storage. Yes I am so confused 😕.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I don't blame you a bit for being confused Carmen. In the 1920's, as more homes were being upgraded with electricity, sewing machines were increasingly being sold with electric motors. Given the investment most folks had made with their manually powered treadle machines, Singer and other companies developed "retrofitting' solutions where they could drill holes in the sides of the sewing machine and attach brackets to hold motors. The earliest electric motor belts were sized to fit the grooves in the existing treadle machine hand wheels which is why they are sized the way they are. So, this is why your have a treadle tabled machine with a motor; assuming yours was always in a treadle table. Singer was especially careful to keep dimensions of machines and tables consistent and so even a later electric machine could often and still are installed into tables much older.

[@louisr7073]

I would love to chat with you about a few machines that I have. I am also looking for a bobbin winder assembly for a White model 455. I also have two Singer T&S that I would like your opinion on, as well. Is it possible to chat with you?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hello Louis. I can be reached at: [e-mail] In the meantime, you might search Ebay but also Bonanza where I find a nice selection of vintage sewing machine parts.

[@felipemartinez5323]

cuanto cuesta

[@FreakyScaryChannel]

Why on earth would you want an old straight stitch amateur home sewing machine...? Excellent condition used professional Industrial walking foot machines can be purchased for under $500 ever day (including machine head, stand and 750 watt 110v motor)...

[@jesshothersall]

We might just want a top quality machine that looks and performs superbly, and outperforms virtually all modern machines, without the need for an industrial hefty in the house?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is actually a fair question. Some people DO need industrial machines and I have referred people to those when I discover that their needs cannot be met with one of these heavy duty vintage domestic machines. However, Jessica has a good point about overkill by seeking an industrial machine when many folks do not need one. They are much larger, a LOT heavier to transport, and the old clutch style motors they come with are irritatingly loud and can be dangerously fast for people who have never sewn with one. You could replace the old clutch motors with a modern Servo style motor, but this would add to cost and require installation adapting depending on the machine model. Again, I have on occasion turned potential customers away because they genuinely had projects that required machines such as an industrial walking foot machine for sewing holster or bridle leathers as an example. For most home sewers, they are seeking a solid and strong (for home project use) sewing machine that they can count on to work reliably without breaking like most new plastic home machines will. I like both home and industrial machines but each has its limits. This is just my experience, but the vast majority of people who come to me for sewing machines are well served by vintage all metal domestic models.

[@MissyJohnson1991]

Like myself I sew thick dog webbings this why I bought one 😊

[@oldiowan]

How about because I found a 66-8, crinkle finish in great shape for less than $90.00 including the shipping!!!!