Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   What is a Singer 15-91 vintage machine? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/what-singer-15-91-vintage-machine-t128168.html)

MaryAnna 06-05-2011 05:37 AM

I've come across this machine and it's listed as an industrial machine. Anyone have any info on this model?
Thanks!
MaryAnna

sueisallaboutquilts 06-05-2011 05:41 AM

I have one but it's not an industrial. It's an amazing machine though!
Our virtual machine shop on the board is the place for answers.

erstan947 06-05-2011 05:41 AM

I just got a 15.....I love it. It is a little larger than the FW and much heavier. I don't think I would call it an industrial but it is a work horse. I is quiet and sew a straight seam. If you can get the serial no you can look it up here. http://www.singerco.com/support/machine-serial-numbers

Painiacs 06-05-2011 11:00 AM

I have one suppose to last forever. They are labeled industrial but they are not. They were used in shops and suppose to be able to sew heavy stuff and light stuff I'm still learning mine!! Hoping to find a cabinet and them will have room to go to town!!!
Good luck!!

Shelbie 06-05-2011 11:15 AM

They are a powerful straight stitch machine that will not complain about sewing over seam junctions, stitching zippers in coveralls or hemming denim jeans. This was a very popular Singer model for many years known as the Farmer's Wife's Special. I guess they figured that any farmer's wife would be mending jeans and coveralls. They are similar to the Singer 201 but were less expensive. They have a relatively large harp so it is easier to stuff bulky garments (think snowmobile coat zipper repairs)through them. They only do a straight stitch but do have a reverse.

thepolyparrot 06-05-2011 11:31 AM

Like others have said, it is not an industrial machine - an industrial or commercial machine will usually have that 5# coffee can sized motor hanging from the underside of the table. Not always the case, but it gives you an idea. :) Industrial machines are intended to sew thousands of stitches per minute for hours and hours at a time.

But, the 15-91 is about the most wonderful domestic sewing machine you can own if you like to make quilts, tote bags, clothing, home decor - anything, really. It will sew through anything and sing you a jingly little straight-stitcher song while it's doing it. :mrgreen:

There is a ton of info on this board about this model.

You can pick them up on craigslist pretty cheap. If it has a good set of attachments, a nice cabinet and bench and perfect/near perfect paint and decals, I would pay up to $200 for it. I don't care about the condition of the electrical because I'm going to replace it anyway. (unless it's already been done recently)

I'll strip it down, clean every part that I can reach, get the motor cleaned and re-wired and buy replacement light, power cord and electronic foot control. That will cost about $120, so for $120-320, I have a gorgeous, smooth-running, easy maintenance machine that's clean and safe and housed in a good heavy cabinet, which makes free-motion work easier and provides storage of all the machine's paraphrenalia.

It will sew long after I'm gone, with only the least little bit of care. :)

MaryAnna 06-05-2011 06:11 PM

Thanks everyone! Once again the QB members have all the answers! I suppose I should have a 2nd looksy at the 15-91, sounds too good to be true! I do a lot of heavy duty type sewing, so this just might be my answer!
Thanks again everyone!
Blessings,
MaryAnna

montanajan 06-06-2011 12:11 AM

Ebay (& other) sellers often call the machines "industrial". Most of them are NOT industrial, simply good ol' workhorses. True industrial machines have a large motor, often under the cabinet.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:02 PM.