PURCHASING SERIES #8: Singer 99: All the Power of a Full Size But With 25 % Less Weight!

[@ellenamckennon2951]

Just watched your video on Singer 99 K. My 92 yr old aunt gifted me hers a few months ago. I love it, I had it serviced by an old time Singer sales man who by the way only had to oil it. My aunt bought hers in the early 1950's and it is soo beautiful. She says she paid 100.00 for it at Sears. This is and will be a cherished heirloom in our family. Thanks for your wonderful videos.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

What a cool story Ellena. And its helpful to note that $100 was quite a bit of money back then. It todays dollars, that machine would cost well over $1000 and that is with a carry case; not a table. Tables would have been as much or more than the machine!!

[@renitageorge9007]

I really enjoy your videos. When I first started collecting and using these vintage beauties, I referred to your videos. I am the proud owner of three 99's, two of which are 99K's, one being a hand crank model from 1915. My very first vintage machine is a 1930 99, in a cabinet, with the foot control that looks like the sole of a shoe. Very cool. My latest acquisition is a 1949 99K, in a cabinet, and is now my youngest vintage cast iron machine. I haven't gone through and cleaned up the 1915 or the 1949 machines yet, as I'm in the process of moving. I can't wait to get back to them. Cleaning up the machines is my Zen. It's so relaxing and rewarding! I also have a 1941 Singer 128, with the wrinkle finish, and blackside covers and slide plates. The face plate and rear cover have the grapevine design. Though it doesn't have many decals, it is a beautiful machine. I haven't cleaned that one yet either. Sigh! I'm addicted to vintage sewing machines, what can I say. You obviously are too, hence the name of your business. :) Keep up the great videos. They're always very helpful and informative, and I like that you include some history.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Thanks for watching Renita. I'm sure you will get around to getting the rest of your machines back to their full beauty again.

[@williamcannon2825]

my 1928, 99 has 2 plugs on the side, one is for the light and the other for the motor. Recently had it serviced at Singer and it works perfectly.!

[@melodyb100]

Thank you for this video! I recently had a 1949 99-13 in a bentwood case and a 1956 99k in a table come into my possession. Both needed a lot of work. Thanks to your videos, I’ve got the 99k running and am sewing with it. Love it! 99-13 needs work on electrics as cords were all frayed. I’m asking my local semi-retired sewing machine repair guy to look at just the motor because I don’t have soldering equipment and don’t wish to get into that side of things (yet?). I’ve been able to overhaul everything else myself. It’s a lot of fun!

[@j_filippo]

I bought a 99K from Goodwill online here a few months ago for $60 and paid another $26 to have it shipped to me. They don't give much info on the auction listings so you have to look closely at the pictures and make a decision that way. The one I bid on looked nice and it came with the original hard case but no attachments except for a zipper foot and some bobbins. I received it and took to polishing the paint and chrome(?) and did a little DIY repair on the case. I was so pleased to see how beautifully it sewed. You can tell it's a workhorse and was well loved by someone who took good care of it.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Congratulations on your 99k purchase. The good news on attachments is that almost all vintage attachments for your machine (and most any Singer) are not costly while being fairly plentiful. While you can certainly purchase new attachments/feet for any vintage machine, I prefer the original vintage parts as I feel they are made better. Thankfully, Singer made so many machines and parts that its not difficult at all to find what you need at very reasonable cost.

[@yurixyooj]

I just bought my 99k for $40, comes with table and stool. I love it so much and plan to use it for a long time. :)

[@carolbrooks4598]

I have a 99-13 with the Centennial Badge dated 1950 which I am currently piecing on. I tuned in to find out how to adjust the thumb screw stitch length control. I oiled 'her' last night and have replaced the belt and bobbin wheel after watching one of your videos! Thank you for offering these informative videos.

[@magic_sjs5623]

I just bought a 99! It is one with a knee controller! I absolutely love it and it still has its original case and the electrical looks good with only one small part (the connection from the motor to the knee switch compartment) that has electrical tape! The place where I got it from says it's from 1926 and looking at the singer database that looks like the case, but the exact number isn't there.

[@valerienovak1361]

I have a 1953 99K in a cabinet (with no drawers) that I bought two years ago for $50 from a local collector who'd restored it. It's easier for me to move, than a 66 in a wooden case. It doesn't have all of that silver-colored metal around the bobbin winder, though. The stitch length lever would slide up occasionally, so I had to learn how to tighten it.

[@brandimr23]

I bought a Singer 66 per the serial number from 1950. I only paid 60 for it along with the cabinet. The cabinet is very scratched up and discolored. I don't really want to repaint it but I don't think the varnish can be saved. The machine is supposed to work. Was clean and the gold decals are still on it and perfect. Has flowers and scroll work on both sides of Singer. I have a foot controller like that as well. I had to order a new power cord b/c that was missing. It came with a bunch of feet and the bobbins and it has the thread spool holder. The machine is beautiful and I can't believe how the decals are perfect and not even worn.

[@dlc5276]

Thank you for all the information! I love my Singer 99. 😊

[@kaelynharris1895]

I've got a lovely 99k from 1956 who came with a rather dilapidated, splintery case, for $50 at an estate sale. Luckily, she works just fine, and I was able to find a new base for her. Her foot pedal looks a little different--it doesn't have two buttons, but a not-very-sensitive lever. She's sewn through several layers of faux suede without breaking a sweat.

[@Mascotal]

I have a 99k like your older model. Mine was originally purchased in the U.K. and then brought to Canada as it has a 230volt motor. Somebody put on a North American plug on it so it doesn't run, but it looks like it's still new. It was a knee lever model, however I'm turning it into hand crank.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hand crank is a great idea for a machine whose original voltage was not for N. America.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

My 99K came in a table. I've heard the table was more rare than the machine. Mine is a 57 model and sews like budda... now. It took forever getting the thread tension release rocker free enough to work right. I paid 45 dollars and traveled 100 plus miles to get her.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Yes, most of these were sold in carry cases. There were marketed as 'Portable' if you consider this heavy beast to be portable. You have a lot of machine in that little worker. I restored one of these and gave as a surprise gift to a good friend as a housewarming present.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Can I be your friend? Lol

[@naseerahvj]

I have an old 99 that was my great grandmothers, my grandmothers, my mum learned to sew on it, and now it's mine. I'm thinking of converting it to treadle as my mum has a treadle iron

[@trevorkinman1946]

I just got a 1926 Singer 99 from Value Village for $30 that looks identical to your 1923 one, it was missing the wooden cover and the knee bar, but I just made a knee bar by cutting a notch out of some metal pipe and using a right angle elbow. So far, it has had no issues (the motor works perfectly!) and I absolutely love it; I sew lots of canvas and heavy fabric, so this machine is just what I need. I just got some size 18 needles and tried some leather, and it worked quite well as long as I turned it by hand.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

That is so great to hear Trevor. Not sure if your size 18 needles were universal tips or Leather tips. Leather tipped sewing needles will give the machine extra chances to stitch for you.

[@trevorkinman1946]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Nice! I just got the singer size 18 needles, so I'm betting they weren't leather specific; that's something I will have to try! Even just turning by hand, it does exactly what I need and want, especially because I'm not very good at sewing perfect straight lines quickly, so with leather I like going extra slow

[@jenadams5103]

I love my 99. It is so easy to service and so much lighter than my 201 which s a workout to pick up.

[@jenadams5103]

Mine is like the one on the right with the knob stitch length adjuster. Mine is a 1951 centennial edition.

[@maryellenrenteria5832]

I got the 99K and it beautiful and sews like butter!

[@shirley1413]

Just found you,,love the old singers! Great video,,,and very informative. New subscriber,, I am looking to get an old machine. I m thinking a 99 might be a good fit for my needs. Thanks

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Welcome aboard!

[@angiejones3350]

I have a 99 in a cabinet that was given to me by my great aunt. I'm doing as much research as I can to learn about it, and hopefully get it cleaned up and use it soon. It has the foot pedal like you showed, I think you called it a button style. Anyway, thank you for all of the information...I can't wait to try her out!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

What a great family heirloom Angie. These are great machines.

[@angiejones3350]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I've learned so much from researching them the last few days that I actually went out and bought another one! It's in the same style table as my aunt's, and had all of the attachments and original manual and everything! I'm super excited!!

[@renitageorge9007]

@@angiejones3350 That's funny, Angie! I got my first vintage machine (Singer 99) in November of 2018, but didn't get around to cleaning it until March of 2020. After sewing a few things on it, I was hooked. I decided I "needed" a full-sized vintage machine, with reverse, and not in a cabinet. I found it a half mile from my house! It's a 1948 201-2, and needed new cords, but the decals are in good shape. So continues my obsession, and I now have 7 Vintage cast iron Singers, one Western Electric from 1917, and an APEX vintage cast iron industrial chainstitch machine that was brought to me. Not sure if I'll do anything with that one, as there is very little info on it, and it's missing a few parts. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying "all" of your machines (in case you've acquired a few more since your post) lol.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!.

[@sherrypeck4062]

Im picking up a 99K with cabinet tomorrow… 60. Dollars… they say it works… I will restore it!!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Great machine and when restored, should sew for many more generations.

[@ChocolateGirrafe44]

Can you do a video with the zigzagger and buttonholer attachments

[@joeschueler8587]

for the second time in two days, I bought a 99k in a carrying case and it is one of those equipped with a knee bar control lever. There are, of course, lots of electrical components in the box. I ripped out all that stuff but felt a little guilty for doing so. What do you do when you find yourself in this situation?

[@rommyrajvinder1508]

Can you make one video singer machine for bobincase setting?

[@tappy007]

The stitch on my 99 is poor I’ve changed needle, thread etc. what else do you suggest?

[@nicolasmith1460]

I have just bought a crank one. Can you put a motor on a crank? If so can you do a vid on that please?! Secondly can you advise me on how to reduce a spot of rust. Someone dropped my old 201 and a bit of enamel must have come off. Only cm in diameter. So how do a deal with that without undermining the rest of the black which is perfect. Thank you for the vids. Keep them going. There’s so many of us using these machines!

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

See my videos on paint touchup and restoration; steps 1 and 2. 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfch4mgaNOZqck 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqCYZWeqirmkobM

[@lisalepore3973]

thanks for the video,,and some history of this machine. I have one I need to rewire foot pedal on. If anyone knows of a video with this footpedal rewire done,I'd love to see it.An "electrician" thought he'd help me by wiring the wall plug to the footpedal,not much help at all,I'd say.

[@margable3141]

Just won a bid on a 99k. Will follow along as you restore yours. Just wish you shipped to the U.S. Do you have a source to get a new case. Mine is really beat up. Thanks.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I have found that on Kijiji , Craigslist, and thrift stores, they do show up on occasion. They are not that rare. Less common are tables that Singer made to fit these since a small number of customers wanted a table for their 99s and 185js

[@margable3141]

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks. I will start searching for one.

[@elyumadecuba683]

THE strange thing in THE cable were capacitor to avoid interference with the old system of television is nowadays not necessary

[@billiesplattstoesser2198]

Your tutorials have been very helpful. In fact I could not have done the work on my featherweight without it. Thank you so much for giving us such a valuable tool. I have a question... what’s the difference between the featherweight 221, 221-1 and the 221 k?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Billie. The Featherweight was in production for over 36 years! This explains why most of them are not rare, but in high demand none-the-less. Here is a link to one of the sites that has a nice synopsis of the models and their production locations. You can verify any of this summary at ISMACS which shows production years/models. singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/86521475-timeline-history-of-the-singer-featherweight

[@131dyana]

Love this.

[@carlabythelake8162]

I just bought a beautiful 1924 99 in its case with some attachments, oil can, tube of lube and such, but no foot pedal. Wiring is shot and looks like yours. It sounds like your opinion is leaning towards a new motor. I purchased 3 different books on servicing/ rewiring vintage machines, but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to tackle it. Can they be made to work as treadles? I have a lovely table and treadle, but the head needs a lot of work.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Carla. The Singer 66 models started out as treadle machines before electric versions were introduced. Although Singer 99s have the necessary groove in their hand wheels to allow for treadle use, one obstacle might be the width. If the hinge pins of your treadle table align with those in the 99, it might be possible.

[@carlabythelake8162]

Thanks for your answer, I guess I should have checked that before I bothered you. The hinge pins on the 99 are closer together than on the treadle table. I am determined however to use this machine, so I will try to move forward. I really would like to use the original motor, but would rather not be electrocuted while sewing. It's uncanny how much alike our two machines are. They could be twins except my machine is missing the big decal on the inside of the post area. All of the other decals are gorgeous. Oh, how much movement should be in the Stitch length knob? Mine feels very odd. I looked through your other videos, but didn't see that issue directly addressed nor is it mentioned in any of my books. I don't even know if that knob can be removed for cleaning.

[@dianaruffini8794]

Do you know of a walking foot that would work on my 99 ? The shank seems a little to my right and the foot that works with my other vintage machine doesn’t fit. I bought it sight unseen( couldn’t get the bentwood case open) case looked good so I figured the machine would be. I wasn’t disappointed! Does this addiction ever go away? Just wondering ...

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

No, once you are hooked, its a life long thing I'm afraid, LOL. You can search for walking foot attachments online (new ones) and see if they list the 99 as a compatible model. (Don't assume unless they claim it is). FWIW, I have tried walking foot attachments before and was unimpressed. However, some folks have found them useful and like them. Just don't expect it to fully reproduce what a true industrial walking foot machine can. But if it works for you, no harm in trying.

[@renitageorge9007]

I would have to agree that this addiction doesn't go away, nor do I want it to. :)

[@ChocolateGirrafe44]

I have a Singer Touch and Sew 606... I cannot find ANYTHING about this model, and it has no power cord, yet looks BRAND NEW

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Hi Deanna. You can find a manual for your machine here. Well, this is the 600 model which is very similar. www.singer.com/search/support?lp=support&title=600

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Also, if you visit Sew-Classic, you can find Singer cords for sale. They list multiple Touch & Sew model cords. Although it did not list the 606, I would contact the business and ask them if their cords are compatible with your machine. Singer was good about not changing things very often so its possible they have a cord for you and they are not that expensive. shop.sew-classic.com/main.sc

[@ChocolateGirrafe44]

Vintage Sewing Machine Garage thanks so much! I love your videos, and hope to be doing all of this more often. Your work is valued and appreciated!

[@billiesplattstoesser2198]

Hello, this is Billie again. Does my belt need to be replaced if my machine just makes the noise (like a humming) without actually sewing? The small wheel is tightened, just FYI. 😊. Thanks again.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

You can inspect the belt for cracks to see if it is dryrotted. You might also check the tension since if its too loose, the motor pulley will spin but the handwheel wont turn.

[@billiesplattstoesser2198]

Thanks so much for responding to my question. I will check those things when I get the chance. Hopefully. Real soon. 😁

[@ckim5134]

How much does it weigh compared to the 66?

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

I have never weighed these vs. the Singer 66 they are based on. But they are 3/4 the length of the 66 so likely they weight somewhere around 75 % of the 66.

[@apiecemaker1163]

I heard the 99 weighs 22 lbs. 🤷‍♀️

[@scottdavis1549]

When I say longer I mean width. What?

[@ShellyParchman]

My 99 has a knee controller, never realized that was in the side compartment