Singer 48K - English (1900) — User manual

1
                To Oil the Machine

 The places where the machine should be oiled are indicated in Figs. 3
and 4.
 To oil the bearing of the balance-wheel, first loosen the wheel by holding it
with the left hand while with the right you turn the stop-motion friction screw
(see Fig. 3) towards you. Then turn the balance -wheel to bring the small hole
in the hub at the right of the wheel uppermost, and put a drop of oil in this
hole. The wheel should then be worked slightly forward and backward to
                                             allow the oil to work into
                                                 the bearing.
                                         Apply   an   occasional
                                            drop of oil to the needle-
                                               bar cam and roller through
                                                 the oil hole near the top, at
                                                 the back of the head, and
                                                    to the oil hole just back of
                                                 the  shuttle  slide.  Put  a
                                            drop of oil on the thread
                                               take-up bearing at the slot
                                                    in the back of the head,
                                                  also   at  the  needle-bar
                                               bearing on the top of the
                                               head, and remember that a
                                                   single  drop  of   oil   is
                                                      sufficient at any point. The
                                            bobbin-winder    spindle
                                               bearing and worm must be
                                                  oiled  occasionally;  also
the cam wheel which operates the thread guide. The point of the bobbin
placed in the left centre of the winder should be slightly moistened with oil.
 To reach the parts to be
oiled under the bed of the
machine, turn the machine
over backward. To  effect
this, the belt must be first
thrown off the band-wheel,
which is done (the machine
being in motion) by turning
the    belt-shifter   handle
(shown in Fig. 2) to the left.

2
 After oiling, turn the machine up again, and operate the treadle as in sewing
(with the wheel turning towards you), which will automatically replace the
                                              belt on the band-wheel.
                                  The points requiring oil in the
                                         stand are the bearings at each end
                                         of the band-wheel crank, treadle
                                    and treadle pitman. After oiling,
                                       run the machine rapidly for a few
                                 moments (with the presser-foot
                                       up)  to work  the  oil  into  the
                                           bearings.
                                   Then  carefully  wipe  off  the
surplus oil. All places where one part of the machine rubs against another,
producing friction, require oiling, and if, after oiling, the machine runs hard,
it is certain that some place has been overlooked.
  If the machine runs hard after standing for some time, use a little paraffin or
benzine in the usual way, run rapidly, wipe clean, and then oil with our extra
quality machine oil, which should always be used. The machine should be
oiled once a day if in constant use, and after standing for some time should
always be cleaned and oiled before using.
 To make sure of good oil, always buy it at any of the Company's offices from
their authorized agents. The genuine oil is put up in bottles, with "The Singer
Manufacturing Company" moulded in relief upon the bottle, and each cork
sealed with the Company's trade mark.
               The Stop Motion
 The object of the stop motion is to enable the operator to wind a bobbin by
running the balance-wheel without running the machine, which not only
saves labour but permits the rewinding of a bobbin when a seam is partially
sewn, without removing the goods from the machine or interfering with the
upper or needle thread.
 To operate the stop-motion, turn the stop motion friction-screw outside the
balance-wheel over towards you to release the balance-wheel, and in the
opposite direction to clamp it. (See Fig. 3).
        To Operate the Treadle and Machine
  First loosen the balance-wheel by turning the stop motion friction screw (see
Fig. 3) towards you, then place your feet upon the treadle with the instep
directly over the centre; turn the balance-wheel towards you with the right
hand, allowing the feet to move freely with the motion thus commenced, and
continue this motion by an alternate pressure of the wheel and toe until a
regular and easy motion is acquired.

3
 Do not attempt to learn anything else until you are proficient in the use of
the treadle, so that you can start and stop the machine without turning the
balance wheel in the wrong direction.
 After becoming familiar with the treadle movement, connect the balance-
wheel with the machine by turning the stop motion friction-screw from you.
Raise the presser foot by the presser-bar  lifter,  start the balance-wheel
towards you and continue the motion with the feet as above described. After
becoming proficient in this motion, place a piece of cloth between the feed
and presser-foot, let the foot down upon it, and operate the machine in this
way until you have become accustomed to guiding the material.

Caution
  1.  Never run the machine with the presser-foot resting on the feed and no
      cloth between.
  2.  Do not try to help the machine by pulling the fabric, lest you bend the
      needle; the machine feeds without any assistance.
  3.  Never run the machine, with both shuttle and needle threaded, except
     while you are sewing.
  4.  Do not allow lint or dust to accumulate in the shuttle or under the
      shuttle-tension spring, as any foreign substance inside the shuttle
      (particularly in the inner end) will prevent the proper action of the
     bobbin; and under the tension spring, will render the shuttle-tension
      inoperative.
                To Set the Needle
 Hold the needle in the left hand with the flat side of the shank towards the
back of the machine and the long groove towards the operator; raise the
needle-bar to its highest point, put the needle up in
the clamp as far as  it will go, and tighten the
thumb-screw.

To Thread the Needle
 Pass the thread from the spool through the eyelet
(1)  at  the top of  the  front of  the  face-plate,
downward between the tension discs (2) from front
to back, up and through the eyelet hole (3) in the
end of the take-up, from the front; down into the
thread guide (4) on the front of the face-plate, then
under the thread guide (5) on the lower end of the
needle-bar, and from front to back through the eye
(6) of the needle, leaving a free end about three
inches long with which to commence sewing.

4
              To Thread the Shuttle




                               Take the shuttle between the thumb and
                                      fingers of the left hand, with its point
                                 towards you, put the bobbin in the
                                       shuttle with the thread drawing from it
                                         at the top side towards the right as
                            shown in Fig. 6





When the bobbin is in its place, put a
slight pressure on the end of it with
the forefinger of the left hand, and
draw the free end of the thread into
the slot in the shuttle body in the
direction of the point of the shuttle as
far as it will go, as shown in Fig. 7.





                        Then draw towards the butt again as
                        shown in Fig. 8, until the bobbin
                        commences to revolve, leaving a free
                          end about three inches long.

5
    To Replace the Shuttle and Prepare for Sewing
 Lower the needle-bar to its lowest point, open the front slid and place the
shuttle in the carrier with the point towards the needle and the flat side
towards the operator. Always be sure that both front and back slides are
CLOSED before commencing to sew.
 With the left hand take hold of the needle thread (leaving it slack from the
end to the needle), turn the balance-wheel towards you until the needle moves
down and up again to its highest point, thus catching the shuttle thread: draw
up gently the free end of the needle thread and the shuttle thread will appear;
then draw the shuttle thread up through the hole in the throat-plate, lay the
needle, lower the presser-foot upon it, and commence to sew, turning the
wheel towards you.
     Be sure that every part is clean before you commence to sew.

             To Regulate the Tension
 The tension of the needle thread is regulated by turning the thumb-screw at
the back of the face-plate (see Fig. 3) towards the operator to diminish the
tension and in the opposite direction to increase it. The tension of the shuttle
thread is regulated by the small screw-driver; turn to the right to increase, or
to the left to diminish, the tension. (See Caution 4) The tension of the needle
thread should be a very little stiffer than that of the hole at the end of the
thread take-up lever. the tensions should be regulated so as to lock the stitch
in the centre of the goods.
  If there are loops or a straight
thread on the under side of the
material, it shows that the upper
or needle-tension is too loose,
and  should  be  increased,  as
explained above.
  If loops or a straight thread
appear on the upper side of the
goods,  it shows that the upper
tension is too tight, and it should
be diminished so that the lock
will be  in  the  centre  of  the
material and the stitch alike on
both sides.
 Care should be also taken to select thread suitable to the material to be sewn
(see Table) for which too coarse a thread the lock of the stitch may not be
hidden in the centre of the fabric.

6
              To Remove the Work
 Raise the needle-bar to its highest point. Raise the presser-bar lifter with the
forefinger of the right hand, and at the same time press slightly with the thumb
upon the tension thumb-nut at the back of the face-plate (see Fig. 3). Continue
the pressure while with the left hand the work is drawn backwards and to the
left about two inches; then cut the threads close to the goods, leaving two or
three inches of thread with which to re-commence sewing.
           To Alter the Length of Stitch
 On the front of the bed below the trade-mark is the Feed Regulating
Indicator Plate and Thumb-Screw. Loosen the thumb-screw and move it to
the right to lengthen the stitch and to the left to shorten it. When the requisite
length of stitch is obtained be sure to tighten the thumb-screw.
        To Change the Pressure on Material
 Turn the thumb-screw through which the presser-bar passes at the top of the
head of the machine, to the right to increase, and to the left to decrease the
pressure. For ordinary family sewing this pressure rarely needs to be changed.
                 General Remarks
 The leather belt, which gives motion to the machine, should always be tight
enough not to slip, but not so tight as to prevent the easy motion of the
machine. If the belt is too long, uncouple it and cut off squarely from one end,
say half and inch.
 Be sure that the slides over the shuttle-race are kept closed. THIS IS
IMPORTANT.
  If the machine does not work well, it will be because some of the foregoing
directions have not been followed; but users who cannot discover the cause
should not alter the adjustments of the machine, but obtain the necessary
assistance from the nearest office of the Company.
                 Tools and Accessories
 We send with each Machine a set of Attachments, also all necessary Tools
and Accessories, and a Machine Instruction Book.

7
            Needles, Silks, Threads, and Oil
 The Company keep in stock, at all their Branch offices, superior Needles of
their own manufacture, the best quality of Silk Twist and Linen Thread,
SUPERIOR GLACE and soft finished Cottons manufactured expressly for
the Company, and highly refined extra quality machine oil.
 Detailed Price List of Needles, Silk, Linen and Cotton Threads, send
Post Free.

 WHEN ORDERING PARTS, PLEASE STATE FOR 48K MACHINE
                          Instruction free to all.
   Price Lists Gratis by Post. Printed directions in foreign languages.
   Every Description of Sewing Machines Repaired or Exchanged.



       48K Machine, Fitted to Work by Hand





 The above illustration shows the 48K Machine on wood base fitted with
hand-driving attachment. Thus fitted, these machines can be worked by hand
upon an ordinary table.
  It is also supplied with a wood cover, which, with the base, forms a most
convenient portable case.
 The hand motion is communicated by the handle acting upon the balance-
wheel by a radial arm and spring catch. When working by foot, turn the spring
catch out of contact with the wheel.

8
 Singer's Stand Brace (with Belt thrown off). Patented.





          Fig. 10 shows our Stand Brace, with dress-guard and belt-shifter.

 The band-wheel and treadle have their bearings entirely independent of the
stand (or legs), thereby assuring a correct adjustment and easy action. This
distinctive feature of Singer's Stand is of great importance to the health and
comfort of the  operator. The band-wheel and  treadle also work upon
adjustable centers, by means of which the friction is reduced to a minimum,
while lost motion can be readily taken up. These devices render Singer's
Stand the lightest running of any sewing machine stand ever constructed.

9
                  Singer's Belt Shifter





 This invention simplifies and makes easy the often  irritating task of
throwing off and replacing the belt.
 To throw off the belt, press the small lever at the top of the dress-guard to
the left with the forefinger, keeping up the motion of the treadle meanwhile.
 To put on the belt, allow the lever to spring back in its place, and operate the
treadle as in sewing (with the wheel turning towards you), when a single
revolution of the wheel will bring the belt back in place.

                    Singer's Pitman





Fig. 12 shows our adjustable Pitman. The block which forms one half of the
journal is adjusted to the crank or pin by means of the screw, shown at the top
of the cut.
When taking up lost motion, be careful not to make the journal so close as to
prevent the free motion of the band-wheel.

10


     INSTRUCTIONS


                             FOR

   THE ATTACHMENTS


                         FOR USING ON

The Singer Manufacturing Company's
     48 K

                          ( R E C I P R O C A T I N G S H U T T L E )

  S E W I N G M A C H I N E S



  The  Singer  Manufacturing  Co.

                          SOLE MANUFACTURE OF THE CELEBRATED

         SINGER’S SEWING MACHINES.





                                       EXECUTIVE OFFICES

      149, BROADWAY, NEW YORK.

11





 This is an illustration of the Ruffler (26156) in the condition
required for use on the 48 K Machines. Note particularly that the
spring plate is below the in the stop in the ruffling blade arm. In this
position the spring plate in inoperative, it not being required with
the 48 K Machines.

     The Ruffler is not included in the price of the Machine.

12
               The Tuck-Marker

                                        Attach the tuck-marker to the
                                    machine by  the  guide thumb-
                                         screw, as here shown, passing the
                                        needle through the eyelet upon
                                          the   marker-lever.  Adjust   the
                                    gauge to the desired width for the
                                            tuck, and the marker-slide to the
                                          distance required from the needle
                                            to the fold of the next tuck. Fix
                                          the  thumb-screws  firmly,  then         Fig. 13 The Tuck-Marker
                                               stitch  the  tuck  folded, and  the
action of the marker will gauge and mark the next one ready for folding. If
more space is wanted between the tucks, move the marker from the needle; if
less, move it towards the needle, being careful not to move the gauge.



                 The Braider

                                         Raise  the  presser-foot  to  its
                                           highest point, loosen the screw
                                               that holds  the  presser-foot  in
                                             place,  and  slip  off  the  foot
                                    downward. Put on in its place
                                            the extra presser-foot (which is
                                            also  the  braider), and  before
                                            tightening the screw push the
                                            foot as far up on the foot-bar as
                                                                it will go. Pass the braid through
                                            the hole in the braider, in front of
               Fig. 14 The Braider            the needle, as shown above, and
                                             carefully follow the pattern to
                                      be braided.

13
                 Set of Wide Hemmers
                                    These  hemmers  are  of  four
                                            different widths. Adjust the extra
                                          presser-foot (as explained on under
                                          Braider), and attach the hemmer to
                                         the presser-foot by means of the
                                   thumb-screw  at the back of the
                                             foot. The edge of the scroll will
                                 them be in a line with the needle,
                                   and the attachment ready for use.
                                     Pass the right hand edge of the
                                           fabric into the hemmer, turning it
                                     over and drawing it backward and
                                     forward until it fills the scroll; then
          Fig. 15 Set of Wide Hemmers         lower    the    presser-foot   and
commence to sew, being careful to guide the edge of the fabric so as to keep
the scroll full.
                 The Binder

                                       Attach the binder in the same way
                                        as the wide hemmer. Then cut the
                                   end of the binding to a point and
                                       pass it into the scrolls as far as the
                                         needle. Then place the material to
                                   be bound in the recess of the binder,
                                    lower the presser-foot and proceed
                                           to sew, guiding the material so as to
                                   keep its edge within the recess and
                                        close to the binding. If the sewing
                                                  is too close to, or too far from, the
               Fig. 16 The Binder                                   edge of  the binding, loosen  the
screw and adjust the binder to the desired position. The binding should be of
sufficient width to fill the scroll, and should be cut on the bias, if convenient.
 To bind a scalloped edge, fold the material at the point where two scallops
meet, so that an almost straight edge is presented; then bind past the point
and partly round the outer curve, and repeat the operation for each
successive scallop.

         The binder sent out with machines is of the size most generally required,
                 but other sizes can be obtained from the Company if desired.

14
                 The Quilter

                                         Attach the quilter to the extra
                                             presser-foot (see Braider), and
                                             adjust the guide to space the
                                           required distance between the
                                               lines     of     stitching.     In
                                  commencing  to  quilt, use the
                                           outer edge of the cloth, a crease
                                     formed by folding, or a chalk
                                               line for the first line of stitching.
                                    Each succeeding row may be
                                 made equidistant (or otherwise
                                           as desired) by keeping the last
             Fig. 17 The Quilter                                  row  of  stitching  under  the
                                              quilter-guide.


             The Ruffler - Ruffling

                                 Remove the presser-foot and
                                             attach the Ruffler, in its place,
                                        connecting the lever with the
                                       needle-clamp as shown in the
                                                  illustration.

                                          Place the goods to be ruffled
                                     between the lower or separator
                                              plate and the ruffling blade,
                                      push forward until under the
                                           needle, lower the presser-bar
                                     and proceed.
        Fig. 18 The Ruffler - Ruffling
                                   The stroke of the ruffling
blade is governed by the regulating nut in the lever. To make a fine gather,
shorten the stitch and the stroke of the ruffling blade. A full gather requires a
longer stroke of the ruffler blade.

15
              To Ruffle and Sew on
                                      Place the band below the separator
                                           plate, the piece to be ruffled between
                                       the separator plate and ruffling
                                       blade, and proceed as in "Ruffling."


                           CAUTION - The Ruffler should
                                        never, under any circumstances, be
                                    operated without cloth between the
                                       blades.

                                     The Ruffler is not included in the price of
                                             the Machine.

        Fig. 18 The Ruffler - Ruffling
              The Ruffler - Puffing

 Cut the goods as wide as the puff is wanted, allowing for seams, and ruffle
each edge alternatively as shown.

 The puff may be made and stitched to a band at one operation by following
instructions "To Ruffle and Sew on."
      The Foot-Hemmer, for Narrow Hemming
                                    Adjust the foot-hemmer in the same
                               manner as explained for the braider.

                                 Trim a corner of the cloth and fold it
                                   over for about half-an-inch; insert it in
                                      the mouth of the hemmer and draw or
                                 push  it along  until  it  reaches  the
                                      needle. Then let down the presser-bar,
                                and when starting to sew, pull gentle
                               on the ends of the threads to help the
                              work along a few stitches until the
         Fig. 20 The Foot-Hemmer
                                    feed catches it. Hold the edge of the
goods between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, taking care that the
mouth of the hemmer is just full. Should the edge of the cloth begin to run out
of the hemmer, raise the hand slightly to the right; should too much cloth run
in, lower the hand slightly to the left.

  The Foot-hemmers, Figs. 20, 21, and 22, are not included in the price of the Machine.

16
  Hemming and Sewing on Lace in One Operation

                                           Start a narrow hem, as explained
                                   under  Foot-Hemmer. When  the
                            hem  is  well  started,  raise  the
                                       presser-bar and the needle. Pass the
                                 end of the lace through the slot in
                                       the right side of hemmer, carrying it
                                 backwards under the needle and the
                                  back of the hemmer, but on top of
                                       the hem.
                                  Take care  that the hem  is not
        Fig. 18 The Ruffler - Ruffling        displaced in the hemmer, and that the
needle will go down through the lace and hem together. Then let down the
presser-bar and guide the lace over the front of the hemmer, taking care that
the lace is well in the slot, and follow the instructions for hemming.
                 The Feller

                                To make a fell seam first sew the
                                two  pieces  of  material  together
                                    about one-fourth of an inch from
                                       the edges. The foot-hemmer(which
                                                is also the feller) can be used as an
                                     ordinary presser-foot in making this
                                       joining seam. Proceed, as in hand-
                                            felling, to trim one of the edges as
                                       close  to  the  line  of sewing  as
                                        security permits, the wider edge
         Fig. 18 The Ruffler - Ruffling       being left of just sufficient width to
fill the scroll of the feller. Then open the work flat, wrong side up, the two
edges standing up straight, and taking the work near the beginning of the
first seam in the left hand and the ends of the thread in the right hand,
introduce the edges of the material into the feller. let down the presser-bar
and commence to sew the second seam - taking care that the first seam
passes close to the left hand edge of the mouth of the feller over which both
edges of the material should be made to pass.
 The Foot-hemmer, Figs. 20, 21, and 22, are not included in the price of the Machine.

Reproduction 48 K Manual by Tammy Tatum
This is a reproduction of a public domain work. All new contributions and formatting
   are released under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International