Jassinc6

Saw one of these today at a local thrift store and passed it by because I had never seen or heard of this model before. Then I started looking on the auction site and saw this one and thought, really? I know better than to trust the prices, but I'm more interested in whether or not I should have popped that puppy in my cart or not? Any thoughts about this particular model? Thanks.http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Singer-...item3cd7eebb70

tessagin

Go back see what the price is and what all is with it. Then decide.

barny

Is this machine for a left-handed sewer? Or am I going nuts?

Jassinc6

The one that I linked to looks like it, but the one I saw in person was definitely built for a right-handed person.

Jennifer23

The photo in the eBay listing is reversed (note the Singer lettering - it's backwards). I would also say that eBay seller is a hopeless optimist; that machine might be worth $35, but not $350. A quick Google search suggests that the 615U has all metal innards, and can do a chain stitch, but otherwise it seems pretty unexceptional.

Does anyone else know anything about this model? I read that the U was for machines sold through military depots only. If anyone can confirm/deny this, I'd be interested to hear about it.

barny

Okay, Yes Jennifer I see it is reversed. the lettering is backwards. How'd they do that?

miriam

plastic gears - stamped metal parts - I have plastic gears if it needs some...

amcatanzaro

Front facing camera phone.

Sandra in Minnesota

Whew- I looked at this one, and back to my machine - Am I going crazy?? Thanks for setting me straight, it is not a left handed machine.

Jassinc6

I went back and the 615U was still sitting there. It has a beautiful and unusual case (which I really liked). It had the instruction manual, the foot controller (which was in its own zippered case), and a leather(ette) holder connected to the inside flap of the case that has an extension bed in it. I paid $30 for it and brought it home. I figured at the very worst, I'd end up with a really fine case to put my 401A in which does not have a home of its own right now. The machine was locked up and that kind of worried me a little, so I took the bottom drip pan off and saturated it with Tri-Flow and turned it back over and did the same thing for the things that I could get to. (Seems like I need hex keys to remove screws? I let it sit for about 15 minutes or so and then I tried the hand wheel and it slowly began to move and then I heard a pop and now it turns freely. I'm letting it simmer in the Tri-flow for awhile before I attempt to try the foot pedal. I am pleased though that it is a slant shank. I already own two 301s and a 401 so I don't have to worry about trying to find attachments and it seems to use the same top-hat cam as the 401; another plus. This machine is just as heavy (maybe even a bit more) than my 401, so I don't think it's innards has much plastic in it; something is giving it weight and the works underneath are made of metal. It is a JA-8 and says it was Made in Japan. The instruction manual is dated 1968 (Japan). Here are some photos I took of it. Any tips on what to do to get her in running shape (if possible) would be most appreciated. Tried to load pictures, but I can't seem to get it.