We picked up a 99K recently & it needs work. We hope to do it ourselves to learn the process - & I've just watched a good part of this video to see what we're in for. You are a good teacher, & we'll refer to this video when we get started. Thanks!
I’m UK based and have no issue finding the products. Swarfega is available at tool station or screwfix at a reasonable price. Autosol is from Halfords or The Range.
Brilliant! I’ve just picked up a Singer 99K from the local tip. It looks like it’s in good condition albeit very dirty and is missing a couple of things like the bobbin plate and tool box cover. Thank you for sharing this 2 part tutorial. I’m very excited to start cleaning it and bringing it back to its beauty and working order.
@@teresabourke7551 Yes you can. If the spring that holds the felt in is there, cut a piece of felt into a V shape (a spool pin felt is great for this) and twist it into the spring.
Wow as a TH-cam content creator myself I can appreciate the time and trouble you have taken to help others, and I have learned so much from your videos, thank you, kind regards. Jox Vox
Thank you for a very interesting and reassuring video. I've just acquired a 1933 Singer99 and I'm grateful for any information regarding its restoration. Fingers crossed!
Isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you’ve bought 99%, not 70% which also contains water. I’ve known parts go rusty in the alcohol because I left it too long I suppose. But the less water in the mixture the better.
I really appreciate your videos, and I just might have to get a turntable. I usually put a towel under a baking sheet so that it spins, but I like your idea. I have three 99's now, and two are K's (one being a hand-crank model from 1915). Thanks for your thorough and informative videos.
I would like to say i love all the education i get here , did not know about that capacitor in the pedal , very informative, thanks for making such good videos and quality too , one day i may do as well 👍👍im going to pick up a 99 today hopefully , its the older version with no reverse but its what i want , it will match my 66 ....thanks again for such great videos......
Another 👍 great upload. Straight to the point. A few days ago, I acquired an EM322XXX 99K (1957) in the little two-tone case with the adjustable stitch length lever that can be tightened. I've cleaned and oiled him. I'm waiting for the auto touch up paint to arrive this coming Tues. to touch up a few areas. The person didn't pack the foot control properly after I'd sent thorough instruction on how to properly pack a sewing machine for shipping. The did only half of suggested. There's a gouge down to the bare iron back by the pillar. The wooden supports underneath the machine came unglued and were rattling around under the machine. Otherwise, the machine didn't appear to have been used much, as the decals are pristine. Pity really. I did get a partial refund due to the piss poor packing job. Hope you're doing well. Always excited to see a new upload from you. Best wishes --- Rich in Texas USA ✌🇺🇸 *edited to correct serial number
I work for a parcels company so I know how roughly they can be handled. I'm not sure I would risk sending anything! Fortunately The UK is a small country so most places are a relatively short drive away. I have a lovely 99 in a 2-tone case. I can't bear to part with that one. Looking for another of those cases so I can do a video showing an easy way to restore them.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Yes, they're quite rough with packages. (Especially heavier ones.) I didn't want to risk it but this machine looked like it'd hardly been used. Hope you do find another case to restore. Love to watch you do that, too. I'd like to tackle this one's case and the case to my Singer 226U at a later date. The 226U is one of the more rarer machines here in the U.S. (The 'U' denotes Japan.) Their craftsmanship is second to none on older sewing machines. It's a swing needle machine that takes the flat cams. Makes a gorgeous satin stitch and has the needle position lever, much like the 306 and 319. Got lucky that it included an original manual (226U) and the purchase receipt from 1965. Has interchangeable needle plates and plenty of the solid 15-class bobbins. It's weighs in at 48 lbs without the case. 💪😊 Take care and thanks for the reply.
@@rich-f-in-tx6388 I'd love a 226U. They're very rare here too, I've just acquired a 319, swing needle machines, so looking forward to getting around to that too!
I just bought a singer 99k from a house clearance shop and it works but it needs some love. I'm so glad I found this channel! I will follow all your tips, my only questions are that it came with lots of different feet and they seem to be covered in rust. Should I try and clean them with sewing machine oil before trying anything else? Thank you so much!
I am a learner. My machine has not been used or serviced for a long time but does work. I just wound my first Bobbin. I disengaged the needle mechanism by turning the smaller inner wheel to do this. I have since learnt I only need to turn that wheel a small amount to disengage the needle. I turned it a good few times to make sure the needle mech was disengaged (probably too much if that is possible). After when I re-tighten it the needle mechanism does not always work now. Any ideas on this? I have started to oil the various recommended moving parts. Maybe I should attempt to take the wheel off as you did in your video to check inside?
I'd take the wheel off and check that you have the washer with the three tabs on. It could be missing. Take the handwheel off and give everything a good cleaning and a drop of oil.
Bobbin case removal:- Apart from moving that lever to one side, does the machine have to be in a particular position of it's operating cycle? Thanks for the vid.
Love the video, so detailed. One question though, when you clean the bobbin case area with a Q-tip, are you using alcohol, the rubbing compound, or nothing at all? Thank you in advance for your response.
Honestly the best tutorial! Thank you. Can I ask can I put the paraffin on the cogs of the bobbin winder to clean them up? I am trying to clean up a 66-66k (not sure) treadle... she's beautiful and I'm so keen to get her up and running.
Thank you! Yes you can. I would try to keep it off the black japanned parts but the shiny metal will be fine. I've used isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud to clean the cogs too.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thanks so much for the fast reply! I've trawled TH-cam for such a while and your just so great at explaining the steps. If I sent a picture do you think you could identify my machine? I'm getting conflicting information as to model and age! One site says made in Scotland (Where I live ) and one says New Jersey 1919 or 1918. I would be very grateful. Thanks
Yes. You can sent it to my Facebook page - Having problems with my email account at the moment. If you have the serial number I can look it up for you.
This is a very helpful video! I have my Great Grandma's sewing machine, it is a 99k, and it is attached to a table that can be folded down to look like a regular side table. The machine has not been used since she died, which was over 25 years ago. I am just learning to sew now, and I would love to be able to use her machine. I haven't taken anything apart yet, though I did get some dritz sewing machine oil. It is pretty dusty and grimy from old oil, I suppose. I want to do a good job in taking it apart, so I can hopefully preserve it and get many more years of use out of it! Can I yse water on the body of the machine to get the initial layer of dust off? Or would plain water damage it? Thank you for your help!
Hi. Never use water on an old machine (or water based products). Water will find its way under the shellac that protects the decals and damage them. If you only have sewing machine oil, use that. Have fun!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly! I really appreciate it. I will use the sewing machine oil . Can I ask you more questions if I have any issues when I clean the machine?
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns hello again! I have taken my sewing machine apart as you instructed, and I had no issues! I am going to brush, vacuum, and clean it next. I wanted to ask you about the belt. Once I was able to take the belt off I could see that it is dry and has little cracks/splits. What kind of replacement belt should I get? Thank you!
I am restoring a 99. It has DREADFUL wiring that needs to be replaced. I can see how to renew and rewire taking out the supressor but what is the box that is bolted below the motor. It has 3 leads coming out one attached to each of the 3 posts. It is solid black bitumen. The box is curved to the fit the underside of the motor. What is it? Can I remove it? None of my other 99 or 201 has one.
I suppose it depends where in the world you are. If you join some Facebook vintage sewing machine groups you will soon find out the best suppliers in your area.
I just bought a Singer 99k and it is quite crusty! I appreciate what you’ve have shown here and will try to utilize at least some of what you’ve explained! Were you saying that the USA equivalent of your cleaner was GoJo?
@@JesusisKing222 There are many methods - depending on the type of case - a bowl of bicarbonate of soda can often get rid of smells after cleaning of course.
im stuck on the bobbin case removal... the retaining finger doesn't go out as far over the screw in my model. It also has one screw in the arm, but its higher up and there is no rivett. help
Yes. 3 in 1 is too thick and WD40 is not a lubricant, it's a water displacer. WD40 can be good as a penetrating oil to loosen up stuck screws but should be flushed out with sewing machine oil.
I have just bought a hand crank 66, I want to restore it when it arrives. Is there a list of the products you use so I can get them ready for when it arrives?
Swarfega - original formula, if the body is really dirty, if not clean with just sewing machine oil. Autosol metal polish for the shiny bits, Fine steel wool, also for the shiny bits. Carnauba wax to shine the body.
I can't remember to be honest, but it would have been at one of the larger tool retailers. I bought the set several years ago to do some awkward work on an RV.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you so much. I have a 99K as well as a featherweight and a 15-91. Love them all and always looking to learn more about them all.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns You have a very nice voice. I think that's a common thing. I've never cared for the sound of my own voice, either. The old saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the holder" might apply here but in my version: Sonic beauty is in the ear of the listener. Cheers. 😊
We picked up a 99K recently & it needs work. We hope to do it ourselves to learn the process - & I've just watched a good part of this video to see what we're in for. You are a good teacher, & we'll refer to this video when we get started. Thanks!
I'm glad to be of help!
So useful to have every stage explained in detail, hopefully the stuff is readily available in the UK, many thanks.
I’m UK based and have no issue finding the products. Swarfega is available at tool station or screwfix at a reasonable price. Autosol is from Halfords or The Range.
Brilliant! I’ve just picked up a Singer 99K from the local tip. It looks like it’s in good condition albeit very dirty and is missing a couple of things like the bobbin plate and tool box cover. Thank you for sharing this 2 part tutorial. I’m very excited to start cleaning it and bringing it back to its beauty and working order.
I'm glad to see you're inspired - let me know how you get on!
Thank you for reply. Just wondering if the little red oil piece is missing from the bobbin area can I replace it with a piece of felt?
@@teresabourke7551 Yes you can. If the spring that holds the felt in is there, cut a piece of felt into a V shape (a spool pin felt is great for this) and twist it into the spring.
Wow as a TH-cam content creator myself I can appreciate the time and trouble you have taken to help others, and I have learned so much from your videos, thank you, kind regards. Jox Vox
Thank you for your kind words. The videos are very time consuming to produce!
Thank you for a very interesting and reassuring video. I've just acquired a 1933 Singer99 and I'm grateful for any information regarding its restoration. Fingers crossed!
Have fun with it!
Isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you’ve bought 99%, not 70% which also contains water. I’ve known parts go rusty in the alcohol because I left it too long I suppose. But the less water in the mixture the better.
I really appreciate your videos, and I just might have to get a turntable. I usually put a towel under a baking sheet so that it spins, but I like your idea. I have three 99's now, and two are K's (one being a hand-crank model from 1915). Thanks for your thorough and informative videos.
You're welcome! The turntable was quite inexpensive.
I would like to say i love all the education i get here , did not know about that capacitor in the pedal , very informative, thanks for making such good videos and quality too , one day i may do as well 👍👍im going to pick up a 99 today hopefully , its the older version with no reverse but its what i want , it will match my 66 ....thanks again for such great videos......
You are more than welcome! I enjoy your videos too - I subscribed! I think the capacitors may have only been in machines for the UK and Europe.
Another 👍 great upload. Straight to the point. A few days ago, I acquired an EM322XXX 99K (1957) in the little two-tone case with the adjustable stitch length lever that can be tightened. I've cleaned and oiled him. I'm waiting for the auto touch up paint to arrive this coming Tues. to touch up a few areas. The person didn't pack the foot control properly after I'd sent thorough instruction on how to properly pack a sewing machine for shipping. The did only half of suggested. There's a gouge down to the bare iron back by the pillar. The wooden supports underneath the machine came unglued and were rattling around under the machine. Otherwise, the machine didn't appear to have been used much, as the decals are pristine. Pity really. I did get a partial refund due to the piss poor packing job. Hope you're doing well. Always excited to see a new upload from you. Best wishes --- Rich in Texas USA ✌🇺🇸 *edited to correct serial number
I work for a parcels company so I know how roughly they can be handled. I'm not sure I would risk sending anything! Fortunately The UK is a small country so most places are a relatively short drive away. I have a lovely 99 in a 2-tone case. I can't bear to part with that one. Looking for another of those cases so I can do a video showing an easy way to restore them.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Yes, they're quite rough with packages. (Especially heavier ones.) I didn't want to risk it but this machine looked like it'd hardly been used. Hope you do find another case to restore. Love to watch you do that, too. I'd like to tackle this one's case and the case to my Singer 226U at a later date. The 226U is one of the more rarer machines here in the U.S. (The 'U' denotes Japan.) Their craftsmanship is second to none on older sewing machines. It's a swing needle machine that takes the flat cams. Makes a gorgeous satin stitch and has the needle position lever, much like the 306 and 319. Got lucky that it included an original manual (226U) and the purchase receipt from 1965. Has interchangeable needle plates and plenty of the solid 15-class bobbins. It's weighs in at 48 lbs without the case. 💪😊 Take care and thanks for the reply.
@@rich-f-in-tx6388 I'd love a 226U. They're very rare here too, I've just acquired a 319, swing needle machines, so looking forward to getting around to that too!
Very good video…I just bought one from 1928,,,,,no knee pedal, but I’m thinking of making it a hand crank.
Great tutorial...I learn something new or a new technique with each of your uploads 👍
a tip : watch movies on Kaldrostream. Me and my gf have been using it for watching lots of of movies lately.
@Nathan Emiliano Definitely, I've been watching on Kaldrostream for years myself =)
@Nathan Emiliano yea, have been using kaldrostream for since november myself =)
I just bought a singer 99k from a house clearance shop and it works but it needs some love. I'm so glad I found this channel!
I will follow all your tips, my only questions are that it came with lots of different feet and they seem to be covered in rust. Should I try and clean them with sewing machine oil before trying anything else? Thank you so much!
fine wire wool and Autosol metal polish is great for feet.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you so much x
I am a learner. My machine has not been used or serviced for a long time but does work. I just wound my first Bobbin. I disengaged the needle mechanism by turning the smaller inner wheel to do this. I have since learnt I only need to turn that wheel a small amount to disengage the needle. I turned it a good few times to make sure the needle mech was disengaged (probably too much if that is possible). After when I re-tighten it the needle mechanism does not always work now. Any ideas on this? I have started to oil the various recommended moving parts. Maybe I should attempt to take the wheel off as you did in your video to check inside?
I'd take the wheel off and check that you have the washer with the three tabs on. It could be missing. Take the handwheel off and give everything a good cleaning and a drop of oil.
Thanks for the great info, I will do that to my 99, elton
cool name!
Bobbin case removal:- Apart from moving that lever to one side, does the machine have to be in a particular position of it's operating cycle?
Thanks for the vid.
good point, yes it does. Generally the feed dogs should be high.
I have a 99k but with a hand crank, do you have any videos showing how to clean the hand crank ?
Do you know the year, give or take, when they changed from the earlier vulnerable clear coat (shallac?) to something you dare put swarfega on? Thanks
I think it was over a period of years, I have safely used Swarfega on very old machines but I always patch test first
Love the video, so detailed. One question though, when you clean the bobbin case area with a Q-tip, are you using alcohol, the rubbing compound, or nothing at all? Thank you in advance for your response.
Just sewing machine oil. You can use paraffin/kerosene if it is really gummy.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you
Honestly the best tutorial! Thank you. Can I ask can I put the paraffin on the cogs of the bobbin winder to clean them up? I am trying to clean up a 66-66k (not sure) treadle... she's beautiful and I'm so keen to get her up and running.
Thank you! Yes you can. I would try to keep it off the black japanned parts but the shiny metal will be fine. I've used isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud to clean the cogs too.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thanks so much for the fast reply!
I've trawled TH-cam for such a while and your just so great at explaining the steps.
If I sent a picture do you think you could identify my machine? I'm getting conflicting information as to model and age! One site says made in Scotland (Where I live ) and one says New Jersey 1919 or 1918.
I would be very grateful. Thanks
Yes. You can sent it to my Facebook page - Having problems with my email account at the moment. If you have the serial number I can look it up for you.
Can you tell me if you put bumper feet like cutting board feet on the 99 k would it stand alone without a box.
no I'm pretty sure they need a base as the mechanism underneath will foul on the table surface.
This is a very helpful video! I have my Great Grandma's sewing machine, it is a 99k, and it is attached to a table that can be folded down to look like a regular side table. The machine has not been used since she died, which was over 25 years ago. I am just learning to sew now, and I would love to be able to use her machine. I haven't taken anything apart yet, though I did get some dritz sewing machine oil. It is pretty dusty and grimy from old oil, I suppose. I want to do a good job in taking it apart, so I can hopefully preserve it and get many more years of use out of it! Can I yse water on the body of the machine to get the initial layer of dust off? Or would plain water damage it? Thank you for your help!
Hi. Never use water on an old machine (or water based products). Water will find its way under the shellac that protects the decals and damage them. If you only have sewing machine oil, use that. Have fun!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly! I really appreciate it. I will use the sewing machine oil . Can I ask you more questions if I have any issues when I clean the machine?
@@melinalack6224 of course!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you so much!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns hello again! I have taken my sewing machine apart as you instructed, and I had no issues! I am going to brush, vacuum, and clean it next. I wanted to ask you about the belt. Once I was able to take the belt off I could see that it is dry and has little cracks/splits. What kind of replacement belt should I get? Thank you!
I am restoring a 99. It has DREADFUL wiring that needs to be replaced. I can see how to renew and rewire taking out the supressor but what is the box that is bolted below the motor. It has 3 leads coming out one attached to each of the 3 posts. It is solid black bitumen. The box is curved to the fit the underside of the motor. What is it? Can I remove it?
None of my other 99 or 201 has one.
That could be a capacitor as well.
My red felt in my bobbin case is pretty much nonexistent. Is there a way to replace it? Love your tutorials. 🙂🙂🙂
Yes, there are several videos on youtube showing how to replace the felt - use a triangle of wool felt from a spool pin.
I really like your turntable idea…I am assuming you are using sewing machine oil for all the oiling??
Yes, regular sewing machine oil.
Is there some place you would recommend buying parts. I need a bobbin case plate. Any recommendations are appreciated.
I suppose it depends where in the world you are. If you join some Facebook vintage sewing machine groups you will soon find out the best suppliers in your area.
Hollow ground screwdriver- is that the larger of the two that are provided with the machine?
had to explain. If you google them you'll see they have concave sides not sloping
I just bought a Singer 99k and it is quite crusty! I appreciate what you’ve have shown here and will try to utilize at least some of what you’ve explained! Were you saying that the USA equivalent of your cleaner was GoJo?
Also, the original case base and cover mine is in is terribly musty! Can you suggest any way to lessen or eliminate that?
Gojo - non pumice hand cleaner.
@@JesusisKing222 There are many methods - depending on the type of case - a bowl of bicarbonate of soda can often get rid of smells after cleaning of course.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns thank you so much for both replies!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns the case feels like leather covered wood.
im stuck on the bobbin case removal... the retaining finger doesn't go out as far over the screw in my model. It also has one screw in the arm, but its higher up and there is no rivett. help
There is a version of the bobbin case with just the one screw. With this one you have to remove the screw.
I’ve heard that we should only use sewing machine oil, not anything like 3in1. And that WD40 leaves a residue. Do you agree?
Yes. 3 in 1 is too thick and WD40 is not a lubricant, it's a water displacer. WD40 can be good as a penetrating oil to loosen up stuck screws but should be flushed out with sewing machine oil.
I have just bought a hand crank 66, I want to restore it when it arrives. Is there a list of the products you use so I can get them ready for when it arrives?
Swarfega - original formula, if the body is really dirty, if not clean with just sewing machine oil. Autosol metal polish for the shiny bits, Fine steel wool, also for the shiny bits. Carnauba wax to shine the body.
Im in the US. what gel cleaner would you recommend? I have a 99 and a 66 red-eye labeled
If sewing machine oil is not strong enough to clean the machine, you can use Gojo, the non pumice type.
Oh my gosh! I so need a ratchet like that. Please tell me where i can get one. Thank you so much.
I can't remember to be honest, but it would have been at one of the larger tool retailers. I bought the set several years ago to do some awkward work on an RV.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thank you so much. I have a 99K as well as a featherweight and a 15-91. Love them all and always looking to learn more about them all.
Thanks for the clear video and delivery of content. What or how do I replace the red Lint in the bobbin casing if it is missing?
You will need to take the bobbin case out, cut a small triangle of wool felt and screw it into the cone shaped spring.
I am new to commenting and the last comment whizzes off before I could say the motor is a BRK2-12
Unrelated to restoring a sewing machine..... but they should hire you to narrate all those worldly nature documentaries.
Thank you! I really do not like the sound of my own voice at all!
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns You have a very nice voice. I think that's a common thing. I've never cared for the sound of my own voice, either. The old saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the holder" might apply here but in my version: Sonic beauty is in the ear of the listener. Cheers. 😊
I found a singer 99 but I want to use the machine. Is it a good bet the machine can be repaired?
Yes, these are robust little machines and easily repaired
I just bought one of these machines at an auction in amazing condition. However, I’m so intimidated. Afraid if I take it apart I’ll ruin it.
Only do as much as you are comfortable with. When your confidence grows, do more. They are pretty robust.
Might be a silly question, but isn't the main ingredient in Swarfega water?
if it is it is in a gel that doesn't penetrate the shellac
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Cheers :) I will have to give it a go
The stuff you use to clean
What are you planning on doing here ? It says restore this machine looks awesome what part needs to be restored ?
To be honest, it wasn't as bad as I first thought
Main ingredient of Swarfega is water :)
same as Gojo - it still works without damaging the decals as long as you don't let it sit too long
Surely this is "maintain" a sewing machine, NOT "restore".
No mention of how to take out and clean old oil off the insides.
If you flush the old oil out with Paraffin there's n ot need to fully disassemble.