singer model 15
10-11-2014, 05:11 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2010
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Posts: 468
singer model 15
I bought a singer 15 today at a garage sale. It is in a wooden cabinet. The treadle foot has been removed and a motor added. I am a little worried about plugging it in as it has been in storage for years. It's clean just old wiring. What is the first thing you experts and experienced would do? Would you keep it electric or remove it. Also, if I decide to remove the wiring where can I buy a treadle foot?
Thanks in advance
Fran
Thanks in advance
Fran
10-11-2014, 06:24 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
Pictures please? It will help with ideas, also we like them. 
Take a look at the stickies here on cleaning old machines and watch Muv's videos if you're new to vintage machines. Remember no harsh cleaners or solvents or you will destroy your decals. Sewing machine oil is safe and effective. I'd clean the machine, oil it and turn it over by hand a few times then make sure the wiring doesn't have any bare spots and looks safe then plug it in.
If the rest of the cabinet and irons are there it won't be too hard to find the parts you need to return it to treadle mode, but really it's your choice. Which do you prefer: treadle or electric?
Congrats on your new machine!
Rodney
Take a look at the stickies here on cleaning old machines and watch Muv's videos if you're new to vintage machines. Remember no harsh cleaners or solvents or you will destroy your decals. Sewing machine oil is safe and effective. I'd clean the machine, oil it and turn it over by hand a few times then make sure the wiring doesn't have any bare spots and looks safe then plug it in.If the rest of the cabinet and irons are there it won't be too hard to find the parts you need to return it to treadle mode, but really it's your choice. Which do you prefer: treadle or electric?
Congrats on your new machine!
Rodney
10-12-2014, 07:27 AM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
Fran,
Having restored an electrified treadle back to a treadle I can tell you it's not all cut and dried. There are several sizes of irons and they don't intermix well. So to start off with you have to take careful measurements and hope the parts seller can or will too.
As for the machine, first I check the cords. Are they brittle, cracked, with bare wires, bad connections, gooey insulation, taped up repairs ... that kind of things. If so it would be rewired before any use.
If the insulation is good, no bare wires, good connections and plugs, then I'd plug it into a cord block with a built in breaker and give it a try.
I've got lots of machines that have old wiring and they are OK. Others that needed rewired to be safe.
Joe
Having restored an electrified treadle back to a treadle I can tell you it's not all cut and dried. There are several sizes of irons and they don't intermix well. So to start off with you have to take careful measurements and hope the parts seller can or will too.
As for the machine, first I check the cords. Are they brittle, cracked, with bare wires, bad connections, gooey insulation, taped up repairs ... that kind of things. If so it would be rewired before any use.
If the insulation is good, no bare wires, good connections and plugs, then I'd plug it into a cord block with a built in breaker and give it a try.
I've got lots of machines that have old wiring and they are OK. Others that needed rewired to be safe.
Joe
10-12-2014, 08:36 AM
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 359
Singer 15 k 88
SINGER 15K 88 ... MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN. a friend called me yesterday and said that she was given a machine and would i come over and look at it.
It was a 15 k 88 with serial number EF085091 ,dated 1949, Pristine condition with all attachments and a coffin top with key. with a portable case. It did have some wiring bare spots. so I told her to have it rewired before use.anyone know anything about this model and what it is worth. I didnt have my Phone with me so no pictures yet, . no rust , clean as a whistle. It did work when i tried it. but bobbin a little slow.to fill. Probably needs oil
I have never seen a 15 altho I just bought a 99k a few weeks ago, that will not work yet, no light, no motor works, but every thing turns and moves freely. any info appreciated on the 15 and the 99 . maybe motor just needs brushes??? Thanks as alway for being my go to spot for help. Cmaras1234
It was a 15 k 88 with serial number EF085091 ,dated 1949, Pristine condition with all attachments and a coffin top with key. with a portable case. It did have some wiring bare spots. so I told her to have it rewired before use.anyone know anything about this model and what it is worth. I didnt have my Phone with me so no pictures yet, . no rust , clean as a whistle. It did work when i tried it. but bobbin a little slow.to fill. Probably needs oil
I have never seen a 15 altho I just bought a 99k a few weeks ago, that will not work yet, no light, no motor works, but every thing turns and moves freely. any info appreciated on the 15 and the 99 . maybe motor just needs brushes??? Thanks as alway for being my go to spot for help. Cmaras1234
Last edited by CMARAS1234; 10-12-2014 at 08:38 AM.
10-13-2014, 04:50 PM
#5
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I,m sorry I can't get a pic to download from my phone on my laptop. I am going to check out the wiring and give it all a good cleaning. It looks like it is in good condition. I only paid $50 for it and the cabinet. So I know it is worth that even if I just use it to look at. lol But I really am excited to use it for sewing.
10-13-2014, 09:54 PM
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 1,850
Originally Posted by CMARAS1234
It was a 15 k 88 with serial number EF085091 ,dated 1949, Pristine condition with all attachments and a coffin top with key.
Last edited by manicmike; 10-13-2014 at 09:57 PM.
10-13-2014, 10:53 PM
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
Some people use the terms interchangeably. From the description I'm assuming (always a mistake) it's a bentwood case.
It's really hard to give a value long distance. Too many variables. From what I've seen though $50 was anywhere from a fair price to a great deal. You certainly didn't get hurt.
The 99 in it's current condition isn't worth a whole lot. There's a couple in my local market on Craig's List that have been sitting for months and they're complete with bentwood cases. One is $30 and the other I think is $50.
I already have 3 and the one for $30 is a 2 hr drive from me so I haven't jumped on it.
Rodney
Rodney
It's really hard to give a value long distance. Too many variables. From what I've seen though $50 was anywhere from a fair price to a great deal. You certainly didn't get hurt.
The 99 in it's current condition isn't worth a whole lot. There's a couple in my local market on Craig's List that have been sitting for months and they're complete with bentwood cases. One is $30 and the other I think is $50.
I already have 3 and the one for $30 is a 2 hr drive from me so I haven't jumped on it.
Rodney
Rodney
10-14-2014, 02:33 PM
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 1,850
Originally Posted by manicmike
My picture was removed. Here's a different one (from my MOP Singer 12)
And the rest (before I cleaned it up):
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