My new baby is back from Johnny’s shop and she’s running like a D-R-E-A-M! This man is such a sweetie! Apparently, he got word that I mentioned him in this post so he cleaned and polished all the chrome parts and restored the Godzilla (black crinkle) finish on the machine…. for FREE! She looks like a brand new machine. I could not be happier! See for yourself with this before and after picture.
AMAZING work he did, eh?! If you are in the North Central Florida area and are looking to have a vintage machine serviced or are on the market for one check him out at The Old Sewing Machine Man website. He also sells parts and accessories for machines and ships worldwide. He does great work and it’s very affordable!
We’ve sewn on it a bit and W-O-W! First, you can barely hear the machine running! Definitely cannot compare it to any of my newer machines. This baby just purrs. It sounds like a treadle machine. Which is kinda crazy to me since it has a motor! But yeah, so so quiet.
The stitch quality on this machine is RIDICULOUS! And it sews through so many layers of fabric! I plan to do a video review of the machine soon and will show you what it can sew through.
Well, I’m off to work in the garden with the kids so I’ll leave you with some pictures of my new baby!
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| BEFORE |
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| AFTER! YAY! |
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| My 1938 Singer 66-18 {electric} sewing machine. |
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| Love the scrolling detail on the front plate! GORGEOUS! |
Anonymous
you are toooo nice to me, thanks your for the wonderful write up, jj
Kathy
Wow! Nice job! The cabinet looks great all refinished too. If I had the space, I would be a collector of vintage machines too. One day I will inherit my mom’s (her mom’s before) Singer treadle. It will have to reside in my living room though, as my sewing room is tiny. It too is a work horse!
nahidworld
Those who love to create will find sewing a worthwhile hobby to pursue. You can work with items as simple as cross stitch designs, or even make your own clothing. The type of sewing supplies that you will need depend on the area of sewing that you intend to pursue.
Anonymous
I have two old ones that sit in old sewing machine tables!!
Clever Blonde -Donna G
Just dropped by for a second time to look at your gorgeous sewing machine. You must be so glad! It’s truely lovely.
Delia15
Hi, can you put some labels on this, I had a ‘tiny’ hard time finding it again. I needed the repairman’s addy. Thanks and the machine looks great. Your mom and you are great bargain finders! I’m inspired. Delia
Anonymous
Very nice! Those old timers are far superior to the junk on the market today. Most of your projects only require a straight stitch and these vintage Singers are the best. You can pick up attachments to do most other jobs that you need. Enjoy many happy hours of stitching.
The Mom Bomb
I just found your blog because I came across a 66-18 to purchase. I just brought it home today and you were one of the deciding factors. I am planning on using it for leather and some heavy duty things for making costumes and other random things. Additionally, when I go to visit my grandparents down in Florida (we are in Boston area, MA) I’m going to try to bring the machine with me to get it fixed up by Johnny’s Shop. Ironically my family name is the same as Johnny’s (Johnston). Now I just need time to figure out the ins and outs of the machine – I’m sure I’ll learn lots from your tutorials! Glad I found ya.
JJ
Your Singer is a MODEL 66-8, a 66-18 has REVERSE.
Your 66-8 has a long history. Write me if your still out there ?
Sue Kaiser
I just picked up one of these at a second hand store. I cleaned and polished her up and she runs great. I am looking for some bobbins and other accessories for her now. I would love to hear the history.
JJ
EBAY is where you can find parts for your MODEL 66-8.
Bobbins for the Model 66 or 99 will fit your machine..
eBay item number:
252385574521 << here is where you can find a MODEL 66-8 Manual.
DATED Rev.(438) = REVISED APRIL-1938..
Your 66-8 Should have a 910 MOTOR and a Chrome SEWHANDY Light..
It Will Have a Solid OR Spoke Balance Wheel.. EITHER way they will be WRINKLE, Finished
IF they are Original to the machine..
BEWARE Many of these old machines have been Altered. If you want it Original, pay attention ??
C&T
JJ,
Only 66-18’s had reverse after 1940. I have an identical machine that is a 1939 66-18 without reverse. Beautiful machine, none the less.
Cheers,
Ryan
JJ
RYAN, IF you have the identical machine, that is pictured above, you have a MODEL 66-8 ?
There were NO, 66-18 built before 1940.. & They All had Reverse.
ON EBAY NOW ( 1-15-2019) E BAY SEARCH #
This is a 66-8 Manual Dated (438) = APRIL-1938 Ebay Search # 333012408193
The MODEL 66-8 was the First Singer machine to wear the WRINKLE, Finish.
This is the FIRST Printed 66-18 Manual, With Reverse. Dated (640) = JUNE-1940
Ebay Search # 332969377489..
TAKE CARE JJ