I just bought a Riccar sewing machine from a thrift store for 20 $. It works, but has no attachments or more importantly, a manual. Model number is 12. It is I believe from 60s or so, it is avacado green and a yellowish cream.
See, I really need to know how to thread it. I want to use it, so any thoughts on where I could get the manual, either downloaded, or buy it?
Riccar the website does not have model numbers that go that far back.
Thank you
Emily

Here is a picture of almost the exact machine if not the exact http://cgi.ebay.com/RICCAR-SEWING-MA...0.l1116on ebay

Emily, I looked at my 2 go-to sources for manuals and couldn't find that model either. I checked http://www.sewingmanuals.com/ and http://sewinglinks.com/Riccarmanuals.html You may want to e-mail Riccar with the serial number of the machine and see if they can direct you to a manual for either that machine or one similar.

Sorry I couldn't be more help :cry:

Thank you for all the help you have been. I didn't think about contacting them.

Good luck on your search! I have a Juki TL 98E that I lost the manual for. Found it online but the charge $45 for it!!!!! If anyone else has this machine & a manual maybe we can visit about a problem I'm having with it now? It would be greatly appreciated. I just know if I bought another manual I would find the one I all ready have somewhere! I sure can't afford to throw away $45!

Here is one for $14.95
https://www.sew4less.com/product/6704/Juki_TL98E_Instruction_Manual]https://www.sew4less.com/product/670...ruction_Manual[/url]

Thank you Judy!

WWW.SewUSA.com has Riccar manuals . I couldn't find your model # but you might want to take a look . Annie

I have a machine similar to that one.....I would thread it similar to the way you thread your machine now.........from spool to guide to tension wheel to up take lever back to a guide then threw needle.....what do you got to lose ......so give it a try.....might save you the cost of a book....good luck

Singer made some machines with the thread tension on the
face of the machine instead of on the side like we are use to in today's time.

The 15 series have the tension on the faceplate. Maybe you could also look
for the manual for a 15-91. That may help with the top threading of your
machine.

I bought a 15-91 a few weeks ago, and found an online copy of a manual here:
http://www.ismacs.net/singer/manuals/15-91.pdf while doing my research

Your machine does appear to be a class 15 machine. The feed dogs will drop for free motion work, but you will probably need the manual to find the correct screw to loosen on the underside. It takes standard 15 class needles, like Schmetz, and low shank presser feet. I've only bought the feet for FMQ, so I haven't had to worry about making sure they work with the more narrowly spaced feed dogs of a straight stitch machine. The bobbins are easy to find, also called class 15.

Have fun sewing on your "new" machine!
Elizabeth

Finally figured out how to thread it and everything works even though the motor smells a bit, am going to take it in.
Thanks for all your help.
Scmetz needles universal fit it, so does the bobbin case and bobbins of my singer 1027. Go figure.

Hi love your machine. someday I will stop lurking and really get involved here. Famous last words. I only read when the newletter comes into my box. Just too busy somehow.
Anyway what you have is called by some a class 15 clone. Thats why your bobbins etc from other machines fit. If you can find a manual that the threading layout is the same even some Singers will be the same just look for the tension knob on the front it will tell you everything you need to know. I found the machine below that is another name but the same machine. And below that is a Singer with the same layout.
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-CHALLENG...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Singer-S...QQcmdZViewItem

So I hope this makes it a little easier for you.
Good luck with it
Sheila

I want to post a BIG thank you to the person who told me that it was a class 15 clone, and to the person who posted the 15-91 Manual.. It is practically indentical, just one other question, would I need to oil it like the book said? I have heard somewhere that riccars do not need to be oiled much - is this true?
Thanks
Emily

Yes do oil just like in the book. The oil holes may be a little different but its easy to figure out. I have never owned a Riccar but I do have a Brother that is very similar.
As for oil there is a product called Triflow that comes in a bottle or spray can . It can be found at auto supply places or if not there, a bicycle shop. It does not dry into that brown gunk you sometimes see on old machines.
Never use WD 40 on a machine after a while it will dry into the brown gunk and the machine will freeze up if it sits. Those old machines are work horses and will last forever just about if taken care of.