Singer 42-5

1952 Singer 42-5, Serial number AL135198. Deck mounted bobbin winder and bobbin.

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/images0-99/42-5.jpg

This machine was another Craigslist find. Previous owner bought it as a "pretty" for his wife around 1990. It is mounted on a White Sit Straight Treadle with a glued pine top. These wide White treadles work great for industrials. Clicking on the pictures to the left will bring them up full size.

The machine seems to have been repainted and decals replaced. It does not seem to have seen hard use as the various screw heads do not seem to have been abused.

16 layers of #10 duck fit under the foot, and it sewed nicely with a manually turned balance wheel. The treadle drive seemed to work ok up to about 8 layers.

From the Singer Class 42 manual ..

Machine 42-5, for stitching automobile and carriage tops, curtains, cushions, wagon covers, horse blankets and heavy textiles, has a drop feed at the left of the needle, alternating pressers and long beak cylinder shuttle. Speed 1000

http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/42_CLASS.pdf

42-5 Features

• • Needles: Class 42 sizes 14-25.

    • Readily accepts 29x3 needles (my choice).

    • Can use the slightly shorter 135x16 needle by sliding it down or adjusting the needlebar?

    • Ismacs suggests 16x63 .. too short?

    • http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-1-99.html

  • Bobbin: Very scarce. Similar to Class 45?

    • 20mm dia x 27mm long. Large capacity

    • Simple bed mouted bobbin winder driven by balance wheel.

  • Bed: 8.5" by 19", rounded at the left end.

  • Weight: 51 lbs

  • Balance Wheel: Huge, 9" diameter

  • Thread released by knee lift. (?)

  • Alternating presser: Effectively a simplified walking foot.

    • The left foot snaps forward under spring pressure when the foot lifts and then follows the movement of the feed dog.. the foot exerts more pressure as it follows the feed dog to the rear.

    • The very small right foot holds the material down while the needle raises.

  • Thread lubrication cup native to top of the machine.

  • Vertical Oscillatory hook.

  • Dual speed balance wheel observed on one example.

  • Rotating Tension Disks and unusual tension assembly.

  • One source estimates total production of 15,650 for all class 45 machines, http://needlebar.org/main/industrial/index.html

• Flat hinge plates were riveted to the under-deck.

Links

Manual http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/42_CLASS.pdf

Feed Dogs to the left and behind needle.

Alternating Feed.. All the way back, then kick forward.

Screwdriver at the release latch for the shuttle, and the shuttle rotated out for accessing the bobbin. Good thing the bobbins are large since it would help to have 3 hands when pulling out the bobbin.