Case/Cabinet for a Singer 15-91???
 

Yesterday I was at my local thrift store and found a beautiful Singer 15-91 in a cabinet for $35. It was a one owner machine and had the original manual and several boxes of attachments. I just couldn't leave it there!!! My problem is this...I have absolutely no place to put the cabinet. Our family of 6 has every square inch of our home filled up!!! I know some of these machines came in a "portable" type case with the wooden base. What are my options as to how to relocate my machine? Can I find a replacement portable case or can it be used without a cabinet/case and just put in my table when I plan to sew? Any help would be appreciated!!!

I'm sure someone here must have one in a portable case to show you, and maybe a case to sell because they are putting their machine in a table. I would suggest calling Singer. They should be able to tell you which cases it can fit into properly. Or- keep it in the car and watch Craigslist, visit thrift shops and hope for a cheap junker/donor with a good case and try the fit? Look at the machines on EBay and see what cases 15-91's come in. We Really need a separate section for buying/selling Vintage/Antique sewing machines and parts. Good Luck- I'm sure a case will appear soon!

Yes you can buy cases, unfortunately the run as much as the machine you purchased. I've not found one for less than $20, and they typically run more than that if you purchase via the internet (with shipping etc.). There are cheapo plastic ones at Target and Walmart that are a joke and don't fit the machines well. Allbrands.com carries some higher end plastic cases in the $30 range. The original, wood cases will be harder to find and I suspect even more expensive.

I do not turn away any sewing machine case, even if it looks like crap. I rebuild them. Right now I'm working on one that might just become a "one size fits all" type of case, and another that is repaired, but needs covered.

If I can find them, the generic wood cases in good shape they never go for less than $20.00, and OEM Singer wooden cases are $30.00 and up. So I fix 'em.

I'm also looking into the idea of a small table saw to cut parts to make my own. At the rate I'm going if I made 3 cases the saw would be paid for.

Allbrands does have one heavy duty wooden case, but it costs more than a $100.00. Too much for my budget.

Joe

I don't know whether anyone imports these separately into the US, but the Chinese factories producing Singer 15 clones also sell the wooden cases - the going rate is around 10$ ex works, but you'll often have to buy 100 or 200 as a minimum..

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/202849...ooden_case.jpg

Crumar,

There might be an importer, but I'm unaware of them. Here in the US Chinese sewing machines, parts and supplies are not of the quality level generally desired. And there is some backlash against Chinese products due to the number of American jobs lost to them over the last decade or so.



Joe

We have lost an immense amount of jobs to them, too.
That doesn't stop people buying Iphones and about 80% of all new sewing machines (here, at least).

Furthermore, I don't know the quality of these machines and supplies - otherwise, you can probably get cases from Singer India or other Indian manufacturers.

Furthermore, I was not at all looking to pick a quarrel. I just remembered seeing those cases for sale separately, and I considered them as a supplement to the discussion; nothing else :)

Crumar,

No attempts to start a quarrel was initiated by myself. I simply stated what's going on over here. My words were simple and to the point. Please do not read meanings into what I say that are not there.

I'm fully aware that much of the electronic equipment is made in China, as well as many sewing machines, both modern and retro, as well. Just because of that I make every attempt to buy American or non communist country made products if I can. Only buying Chinese when I have no other viable option.

Joe

I won't - and you are right, they were to the point. I endeavour (and sometimes fail) to do the same in my posts.

My 15-91 could not be used just sitting on a table because one of the moving parts hit the table. I had to prop it up on some boards to use it until I got a cabinet to put it in. They are such great machines I think a $30 investment in a case would be worth it if it is in your budget. Enjoy your machine!

If you have someone that is handy with tools here are some instructions for making simple wooden base:

http://www.treadleon.net/woodshop/bu...dingbases.html

The instructions at the top of the page are for 'displaying' your machines and further down the page are instructions for making the base for machines that you will be sewing with. The difference is that one type has a bottom to it.