Can a Singer 15-91 (1951 model year) be converted to a treadle?
 

I recently acquired a 1951 Singer 15-91 that I would like to convert to a treadle. I have read other opinions that they can not be converted. Just wondering if I would be wasting my time. Cabinet is in really bad shape. Machine turns, and runs when plugged in, but the cords are pretty much shot so not interested in keeping it electric.
Thanks for any help.
bbsewbusy

First, welcome to the QB.

To answer your question; Maybe yes and maybe no.

IF your 15-91 has four threaded holes in the right end of the housing, under the potted motor housing, it can be converted. If not, it can't be converted.
My 15-91 and some others I've seen have two mounting holes for the potted motor, and two slightly smaller holes for the belt guard / bobbin winder of the external motor version.

If it has the 4 holes you'll need a spoked hand wheel with stop motion knob and clutch washer, a BG / BW assembly and the two screws to attach them to the head. I've been told those two screws can't be found for sale, but when I did my experiment on my 15-91 I just used parts from a 15 Clone and they worked perfectly.

If you can find the two screws, Sew-Classic has the hand wheel and belt guard.

Joe

Joe do you have any photos? I am confused when you say FOUR holes. I am thinking I have only seen a motor boss with two holes.

I think it's easier to rewire the 15-91 and find a non-potted motor 15 to turn into a treadle.

Thank you!
 

Thanks for your opinions! I will think about this more while cleaning it up!

bbsewbusy,

No, I don't have any pics of the front of the machine.

I did make a thread about rewiring my 15-91 { http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...r-t205360.html }, but I don't think there is any photos of the front of the machine. And since the machine is assembled and useable I can't take it apart just to take pics.
There are other threads here where someone has taken such pics, but I don't remember who did them.
The second picture does show the two potted motor mounting screw holes. My machine has the threaded holes for them and a second set of smaller threaded holes above these.

To rewire and check your motor you'll need to take it off anyway so you'll see what I mean then.


Cathy,
If the parts are available It would take about 10 minutes to convert a 15-91 to a treadle machine. It really is that easy.

Joe