Willcox & Gibbs Industrial
A few months ago Ann got a call from a seamstress who was retiring and she wanted to get rid of her industrial machine, so Ann picked it up for me (thanks Ann!) Turns out its a Willcox & Gibbs, and well-regarded company that made machines from 1868 to 1973. After I got it home I took it to Reliable Sewing Machine in Randolph, Mass. They sell and service industrial machines and incredibly they were the original dealer back when this machine was new in 1940′s; you can see their name and old Boston address on the front of the table! The guys at Reliable told me this model was really popular for sewing blouses because it sews a nice flat seam on silky fabrics.
There is one big caveat though in terms of how long I can use it; Reliable warned me that parts for this machine are no longer available, so when the timing belt goes the party is over, hence her being named Cinderella. Fortunately I can still get needles so I figure I might as well enjoy it as long as I can. It did come with a few feet too and Reliable can retro fit a regular foot to make it non-stick for leather, this machine will sew upholstery grade leather like its batiste cotton and that’s one reason I decided to take it. Reliable actually had a manual for this machine, so I have a threading diagram. I may need to head back down there to see if they will let me photocopy the whole thing so I know how to oil it. I also can’t quite figure out how to change the stitch length. This is a really simple machine; it does only a basic lockstitch and it does not even go in reverse; however, like all industrials it has a huge motor and this baby is fast; it easily runs at 3,000-4,000 stitches a minute. At full speed the needle is a blur and the feet are small for precise production sewing; this is definitely the kind of machine that will sew your finger to the table.
Phyllis…congratulations on your new blog!
…this machine looks sensational!
Congrats on your new machine.
So does this mean that there are no parts available at all? I think I missed something?!
You would think the dealer would have something stored in a box somewhere that you could purchase and hold onto for future emergencies.
Great to see the new blog.
I used a similiar Wilcox back when I was contructing costumes, and we loved the little narrow ‘rolled’ hems that baby could stitch! p.s. When you find you need to replace a part no longer available, there are some guys here in SoCal that might help you out…just let me know
What a beauty! Love her as long as you can. If you ever do need anything let me know – my friend’s shop has been in business since 1967 and he has a lot of obscure parts available.
I have a friend wih one of these machines and the leather timing belt is broken. As mentioned above they are no producing the belt. If anyone can come up with one for her, that would be great. Unfortunately she gave the broken belt to someont to attempt a repair, which did not work, and the old belt was thrown away. Please email me if any on reading this has an old one laying around or if anyone knows how to make a replacement one. Thanks.
I am looking for any information on machines like this one, as I have been given one which I can’t thread.. Mine is in a funny grey formica box but otherwise looks like yours. I do have lots of needles and bobbins and a few feet with it, but no instructions at all. Would you be willing to copy the threading diagram you mention? Did you ever get hold of the rest of the manual? I can tell you how to oil it if that’s helpful…
Helen Howes
http://www.helenhowestextiles.co.uk
[...] few weeks ago a comment was left on a post about my 1928 Willcox & Gibbs industrial. Helen Howes, who is a textile artist in the UK, has one very similar to mine and and she asked [...]
I am making my kids stockings For Christmas. I have my mother’s Wilcox and Gibbs industrial – the same as the one featured. Where can I find a threading diagram?
I used it 10 years ago – i’m very foggy about it.
Can you help a sewing Dad?
I just received one of the same machines. Mine has an oiler attachment which distributes oil throughout the machine. Do you know how to change the stich length? I figured out how to thread it – trial & error.
Yes! I did a blog post about it:
http://coudremode.com/mccalls-5525-solved-technical-difficulties-of-a-different-sort
Hi everyone. I have a willcox industrial machine looking for a new home, it’s not man enough for what i need, i am keeping the motor but if anyone can use the machine as spares you are more than welcome. i also have various needles for this machine. i am in suffolk england.
hey out there. having the same problems as others, cant find a threading diagram. looking for help! nice machine, like to get it running.
great machine my wife has one of those dont know how to thread it though any info would help thanks send to goldburg1972@yahoo.com
need a threading guide and anything else someone has on this machine mine runs like a dream but I cant get it threaded right anyone know were to get a manual for this machine as well
Malene I’ll add the threading diagram and a manual to a downloads page just keep checking back. The manual I have from the late 1920′a is very brief, just 2-3 pages.
This help ?
HTTP://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollections/Trade-Literature/Sewing-Machines/NMAHTEX/0227/?CFID=669644&CFTOKEN=30074310