Can someone tell me what this machine is?

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05-23-2015, 06:19 PM

#21

ArchaicArcane

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Not Here

Posts: 3,817

Quote:

Originally Posted by manicmike

The 3s are 201K3 made in Scotland. It's probably because of the British connection to Canada and I imagine you find the later (much lighter) 201Ks in Canada too. The one I use the most has a converted (re-wound for 240V) Canadian motor and is a 201K23. I assumed someone brought it with them to Australia and had the motor re-wound (not knowing there are a million of them here!) but I've never even seen a 201-2 or a potted motor Singer 15.
I'd think that Canada mostly got Scottish machines, as we did. I believe 222Ks are also more common there.
Someone in Canada: Are most of your pre-1960s machines from Scotland?

EDIT: Just noticed ISMACS mentions a 201-3. Maybe they were made in the U.S. too, but I haven't heard of many.

Most of the machines we're talking about here that I've seen in Alberta are made in Scotland, yes. I have a 15-90 that's Canadian built and I'm sure others but I'm too lazy to get my database opened up to see how many. The thing about a lot of the machines that came from "Abroad" is that at that point - a machine wasn't complete without a motor - so they were shipped across the sea as "incomplete" machines - allowing them to get around some of the tariffs and then motors were put on them at the St Jean sur Richelieu plant in Quebec - which is likely part of the reason so many machines are assumed to be Canadian when they aren't - because their motors say Made In Canada.

I've yet to see (or maybe recognise?) one of the Aluminum 201s here. I'd love to get my mitts on one. I find 222s relatively often but the prices on them are more all over the board than anything else I've seen. I recently missed a 222 for $50. Yes, five zero. That one still burns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macybaby

There is a WAY more obvious way to tell the difference between a 201 and a 15 than the light switch.

It's where the tension is. They are significantly different machines.

There's also the fact that the 15 is a vertical hook and the 201 is horizontal. Also, only the 201-2 has the switch on the front, as well as the light on the front. The 201-3 has the light on the back and the switch in the usual place, just like the 15.

Quote:

Originally Posted by greywuuf

Is the 201 a Ball Bearing machine ?

The 201 uses 2 sets of helical gears, the 15 uses rocker shafts for its oscillating motion.

05-23-2015, 09:25 PM

#22

greywuuf

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2012

Location: middle of nowhere Alaska

Posts: 719

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchaicArcane

The 201 uses 2 sets of helical gears, the 15 uses rocker shafts for its oscillating motion.

Thank you, I knew I had read there was something "Special" and desirable about them from an everyday working standpoint. I think I also read they were the higher priced machines that Singer sold at the time.

05-23-2015, 09:40 PM

#23

ArchaicArcane

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Not Here

Posts: 3,817

You're welcome! Back in the day, these were the "cadillac" of the Singer line up. They were the top of the line and showed it. They're possibly as close as you can get to silent, very strong and then add that perfect straight stitch you get from a "fixed" needlebar that straight stitches only. They were also the most expensive machine by a lot.

This is a good reference site. There are some notable errors and some really noticeable grammar problems but the history is good: http://www.sewalot.com/singer_201k_sewalot.htm