Bantam hand crank sewing machine

[Circuit Rider]

Is there anyone on the forum that has a Chinese made Bantam hand crank machine? I really need some advise. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. CR p.s. Don't tell me not to purchase one, it's too late.

[abunaitoo]

Sounds interesting.
How about some pictures.

[1989toddm]

Yes I'm interested in seeing this machine. No I don't have one, sorry!


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[Circuit Rider]

I'll try to post some pics, from what I am reading I may have wasted my money, but couldn't justify an electric machine. CR

[Artful]

Is this it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsDP0G35_Bg

[MaryB]

Interesting, but I don't like the marks it leaves on the leather...

[Circuit Rider]

Yes Artful that's it, I hope I didn't waste money on it. I don't do enough sewing to justify a more expensive machine, but may not have a choice. CR

[Artful]

Yes Artful that's it, I hope I didn't waste money on it. I don't do enough sewing to justify a more expensive machine, but may not have a choice. CR

So what's the problem your having with it?

[Circuit Rider]

It won't pick up the bobbin thread. I've seen on a couple of sites that some other people are having the same problem. CR

[Artful]

Looks like it's a rotary for chain stitch
https://materialmama.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/ani_lockstitch2.gif?w=371&h=387
So you made sure it's wound correctly (counter clockwise)
and did you check that the timing is correct - hook part
coming by when the needle is down?

Have you looked at the manual?
http://www.bootmaker.com/29-4.pdf

[Sasquatch-1]

If you can't solve your problem look at yard sales this summer. Find a very old Singer. The black metal machines from the earlier part of the 1900's not the newer ones. You should be able to pick one up for about $25.00 (for electric not pedal). As long as you are not going through to much leather it should do the trick. I have one that is about 105 years old that I made sand bags for the club I belong to with. Or check Craig's list for your area.

[Artful]

Man, I'm not seeing any Singers for sale for $25 out in Arizona. I did buy a '70's era Kenmore for $5 but had to replace the motor. Fortunately found another $5 machine with busted plastic gears but a good motor - so the wife's green machine is only $10 in parts but a few six packs in labor.

[Circuit Rider]

Artful, Thanks for the illustration, and info. There was no instructions with it. I think the problem is with the needle not picking up the thread, it goes out side the bobbin and binds up. CR

[leeggen]

Get a couple 8 yr old grand kids and you will have plenty of power to run that thing, atleast for short periods.
CD

[Artful]

Artful, Thanks for the illustration, and info. There was no instructions with it. I think the problem is with the needle not picking up the thread, it goes out side the bobbin and binds up. CR

Can you post a picture?

[Artful]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQLre-l5RkU

Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9omOuto_Mk

[Artful]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RmAW8eV7gw

[Circuit Rider]

Artful, Sorry I haven't responded. I had to fill in driving a special needs bus for a friend who was having surgery. The video on the lady with the Singer is what mine is doing. LaMar PM'd me with his number and I haven't had time to call and talk with him. I'm going to try and get hold of him this weekend. CR

[dkf]

The women in the video says she is using polyester thread and that is not the problem. I have found polyester threads to be a big problem with old Singers. People think thread is thread bu that is not the case. When these Singers were designed there was no polyester thread. Use a cotton/poly blend, strong and not as stretchy as poly. Ad slop from years of use and parts that probably are not timed right and it is not a wonder why they don't sew right. Trying to troubleshoot a sewing problem with a machine over the phone is a lot like banging your head against the wall, been there done that with customers.

[Artful]

Ok, I'll wait my turn after you and Lamar get done banging you heads against the wall :kidding:

Did you watch both parts of the video from \
the lady with the Singer?

[shaper]

That is very interesting. Never saw one before. I have two old singer treadle machines, one made in 1897 the other in 1925. One came with a wood box that folds out and lays flat. It is filled with assures.