Yes, I posted this photo again. After I cleaned up the shop I set to work servicing this machine. I don't know how many of you are familiar with these machines. Singer made them in the 50s. The 206 was the first zig zag, I believe. The 306 and the 319 were later versions. They all take a 206X13 needle. And they all have this funny cleated belt that drives the machine
This belt is in good shape but it seems a bit loose to me. I compared it to the 306W parts machine and my other 319W.
The "keys" at the top of the machine select the stitch.
The horizontal camstack looks suspiciously similar to the "fashion discs" that offer more selection in decorative stitches
You have to tip the machine up to get to the bobbin and shuttle. It is neither a class 15 nor a class 66 bobbin. It is an L bobbin and bobbin case. They are still available, though, as are the needles. (No bobbin case in this photo. I did check it and it seems to be in good shape) There are gears driving the shuttle, too.
It is cleaning up very nicely, I think.
I am never going to sew with this machine. I have to face it. I adore it, none the less. I bought it because I wanted to save it from the dump. I thought I would clean it up and sell it. The loose belt worries me, though. I doubt it will break anytime soon. But when I sell a machine, I like to know it is working. So I will keep this one for the museum and sell my "Good" 319W. Its belt is fine and it is in better cosmetic shape. Plus it comes with a very nice base. It also has the original light green wiring. I also have an original manual. Am I sad? Not really. I have too many machines.
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| Singer 391W vintage 1956? |
you are correct--I was not familiar with this machine. Very interesting. Sure looks heavy duty!! I liked reading about this. thanks for the interested post!
ReplyDeleteConcerning those stitch selector keys.........
ReplyDelete"Is that an adding machine in your stash, or are you happy to have a sewing machine?"
It does look like an adding machine; part of the appeal.
DeleteI have one of these, and with it came all 24 fashion cams, the accessory box with several feet, and the original sales receipt dated 1953. Mine came in a cabinet with matching chair at an estate sale. Purchased for $20! The motor wouldn't turn the machine when I purchased it due to totally gummed up dried out oil, but after cleaning runs like a top now.
ReplyDeleteWell now YOU SCORED !!! Do you sew with it?
DeleteMy Grandmother gave this model to my Mother when she married in 1958.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I learned to sew on it as teenagers before it was replaced with a spiffy New Home.
I believe there is (or used to be) an example in the Science Museum in London. Maybe it is time to bring it out of retirement?
I love your blog and your helpful pictures, thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Valerie
What is in the white tub next to the 319W in the first photo?
ReplyDeleteSome sort of waterless hand cleaner. It is pumice free. I use it to clean machines. Sometimes...
ReplyDeleteI have two of these, my first the black 1956, my second the green 1957. This is my favorite vintage machines to sew on.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty straight forward, easy to use, not the easiest to install the bobbin. The special Needles are easy to find on Allbrands.com I have all the cams.
My 21 yr old niece has sewn on my black 319 and fell in love with it. She has since picked up other vintage machines of her own, but remains a true admirer of the 319w. It inspires you to want more, but in my hunt for the other machines, I can never duplicate the feel of the 319.
I am giving her the black one next week, keeping the cool green for myself. I have a lot of machines, this is the one that started it all. I had every singer made, treadles also. Name it, I have had or still have one. Still, this one has my heart. It is smooth and so retro...I love it. Glad to see your photos.
I know what you mean. I do like the music the 306/319s make. But as of today, the 201 is still may favorite.(But the 15-91 is a pretty close second)
DeleteI just inherited a 319W when my mother passed away. The made my sister and I twin outfits every Easter. Since my sister is older I had to wear the same outfit twice. Just had the machine oiled and I am cleaning the outside. I am looking forward to using this machine and adding it to my collection.
ReplyDeleteI know this post is a few months old but I have a question. I just bought a 319. some parts will clean up. Other parts are chipped and paint missing and rusty. Should I just clean the 319 and leave it as is or repaint the bad areas. The bad parts are the hand wheel, belt guard, the thread spool pins/ bracket and the thumb selector on the front of the machine. the body is just dirty but should clean up. Paint or not??
ReplyDeleteIt is entirely up to you.
DeleteI was thinking out loud about the 319. Wondering what real collectors want. original attic shape or restored. I've decided to keep it, restore and start collecting.
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew on this, and still have it (Mom gave it to me when she went Bernina). In fact, it's my only straight stitch machine (I have to admit, all the new fancy machines intimidate me!)
ReplyDeleteWill you help us. My 85 yr old mom has the green 319W Singer machine and is still sewing on it. Recently the manual was misplaced when we installed new flooring and she is unable to remember how to thread the needle and bobbin. Our internet search has turned up manuals for the K, W2 and 319 but not the 319W. just enough difference she has not been able to figure it out. The rest of us are clueless when it comes to sewing and not able to figure it out either. Would you share the pages on threading the needle and bobbin? please. we would really appreciate the help.
ReplyDeleteThe 319 is the same machine. Threading will be the same.
DeleteI have a 319w that I love to sew on. It is my only sewing machine. My mother bought it about 1965 from our school when they bought new ones. I just had to replace the power cord and the rubber wheel for the bobbin winder, other than that she sings right along. I don't think I will ever replace it.
ReplyDeleteWhere can i find that belt. I have 319w black that my found on the side of the road, lightbulb is working, but the belt is broken any ideas where i can find that belt.
ReplyDeleteGoogle Singer 319 timing belt.
DeleteThanks. I will edit the post to update the information. I must have had a glass of wine when I wrote that post.
ReplyDeleteI learned to sew on a 319W; my Mom still uses it. I purchased one also because I really liked sewing on it. We both use regular 15 x 1 needles in our machines. I wouldn't trade it for any other machine.
ReplyDeleteYou’ll eventually mess up your bobbin case. 206x13 is the correct size that should be used in the 319z
DeleteI was given a 319W - though it is black it looks similar to yours. It needs a good cleaning as well. I was looking for the serial number and can't find it. Where is it? I have a manual, some parts but don't think I have the discs.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, the SN is under the bed of the machine. Tip it up and look along the front edge.
Delete