Vibrating Shuttle Driver Pivot Point

The importance of the VS driver pivot point is often overlooked. When I am trying to ID a badged machine, it is the first thing I look for. I can also tell by the position of the pivot if a Singer # 83505 shuttle is likely to be compatible as the swing of the arm defines the shape of the shuttle


In this diagram you can see clearly the importance of the swing of the carrier and how a longer swing would require the nose of the shuttle to be a different shape. I have highlighted the arc of the swing in green. For a lock stitch to form neatly the needle thread must pass smoothly around the shuttle (highlighted in yellow) with the nose if the shuttle gliding against the wall of the arc. This is why the nose of the shuttle requires lubrication.
The shuttle carrier is highlighted in turquoise; the position of the carrier can be adjusted by loosening screw "A".

Because of the Singer Manufacturing Company’s international market dominance, it did to some extent set the standard for the position of the pivot point. This is not to be confused with “copying” any more than the standardisation of micro USB/charger port is copying. When making a consumer product you need to consider the convenience of the end user, and conforming to the shuttle, needle, presser foot etc used by a similar Singer model will prove to be more convenient to your customers.
Gritzner circa early 1930s. Like most German made VS models, it conforms to the Singer standard
Pfaff circa 1930 (badged by Bebarfald Sydney as a Blue-Bird)
Pfaff circa 1930 (badged by Bebarfald Sydney as a Blue-Bird)
Even the USA manufactured Free Model E with its unique rotary oscillating coupling at the pivot point, did not deviate from the position. Meaning with a small caveat affecting the shuttle lifter, the Singer # 83505 shuttle can be used.
Wertheim originally specialised in reciprocating transverse shuttle machines. This early 20th century Wertheim Planet was one of the company’s first VS models and also conforms to the Singer standard for the pivot point position.
However, this is the bed of another Wertheim from around the same time. While the upper part of the machine is almost identical to the Wertheim Planet in the previous picture, the pivot point.
Compare the mystery Wertheim VS to the bed of this US manufactured machine by the Standard Sewing Machine Company.
USA made National Reversew circa 1930s (badged by Bebarfald Sydney as a Blue-Bird C)

Canadian made Raymond badged as a Bebarfald
circa late 1910s
Canadian made Raymond circa late 1910s
British made Jones Family (date uncertain)
USA made White circa 1910s

While the position of the VS pivot point doesn't mean everything, the fact that its position can be seen in most photos which show the top face of the bed, does help in deciding whether it is worth trying a # 83505 shuttle if the original is lost and is important when trying to identify a machine


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