Getting old machine out of the shed

I bought a used 1957 Singer 111 w 155 about a year ago to do some canvas awning work. It's time to get it out and see if and how it works. I downloaded the manual, crude as it did come across. Anyone know where I can get a really clear one?

What would be a good combination of thread, needle, and material to test it on? I do have some Raven Mills Sunbrella,and the sunshade material they sell at Home Depot, which is the same thing I would be making some of the items out of.

Things to watch for? Tips appreciated. Should I tip it up and put some light oil on the friction points, or just try it first?

I have a 100' run of 10/3 AWG solid copper wire to my shop. Will this cause any substantial voltage drop that would affect the performance or life of the motor?

Lastly, what makes good tables? Some of those cheap fold up jobbies, or make some good ones out of square tube legs and Masonite tops? Advantage to cheap plastic as they are easier to store, for my vote. Probably not much more than small awnings, with an occasional big piece.

Thanks.

Steve

Am printing it now. The last one was scanned, and it has the corners and sides obstructed where they folded the book and put it in the scanner. This one looks a little clearer.

Steve

It's in there twice, which may mean that they uploaded two different versions - or the same one twice. If the first doesn't turn out well, check out the second.

The answer to that is that it depends on what your old beastie needs as a power supply!

Now, being in the UK, AWG is a little strange to me, but I have at least come across it before ;).

I'm guessing from the 10/3 AWG that you have a 3 wire three phase supply to your shop and are hence running on 208V? My research tonight shows your cable is rated for at least 15A and maybe up to 30A (per phase) depending which internet source you go for.

Shows the volt drop (dependent on your load) might be OK - well - that is by the limits we normally work to in the UK - I have no idea what the equivalent USA limits are!

So.... I've not been so helpful there have I? Still, I've found you a nice link that does the math for you. I'm sure one of the USA posters will know what the acceptable volt drop for the USA is.

If you found out what your machine was rated at, we might be able to help further ;-)

Regards,

Sarah