MusicMan1942

Hi, I am new to this board and really glad I found it. I recently added a new/old machine to my collection and have been totally unable to learn anytime about it. It was made by Janome in Japan. I am guessing it dates from the 1950-1960s. There are two model numbers on it and neither one shows up on any of the sites listing old machines. The first model number "Model 170" is stenciled on the front of the casting. The other one is stamped into the casing. It is JA30. There is a also a serial number of C992958. I have attached some photos and hope someone can tell me a little about the machine. The color is goldish, pink. The paint and all the chrome is in perfect condition. When I brought it home all I did was oil it and let it sit for a day. It now runs great. The machine is in a small floor cabinet which is also in good shape. It needed a bulb and a bobbin winder tire. Got both of those with no problem. The problem is that I don't know the real model number. In the archives to this site there is a photo of a light green machine which appears to be the same as mine. Unfortunately there is no model number listed.
I would like to obtain an owners manual and repair manual if possible. The machine did not come with any attachments but I think Singer attachments may work. I have a bunch of those for my Singer 66.
If anyone can help me with information I would sincerely appreciate it.
Jeff Taylor

Mickey2

These are variants on Singer's later model 15. The Japanese 15 clones have a few added features, a knob for the feed dog settings and a bit into the 50s some of them were given a stitch length lever with a new design, but with exactly the same mechanism behind. These machines used the same bobbin and bobbin case as a Singer 15. If you look up "15 clones" a long with search words like sewing machine and Japanese, occupied Japan, etc. you will find a lot of info. There's blog posts various places and there's a few threads on this forum. I don't think there are any records kept on the Japanese production, nothing like there are for Singer serial numbers.

As far as a I know they are all low shank and use the same attachments as Singer model 15 and 66.

Mickey2

On ismacs there's a generic manual for the 15 clones, it will work for your machine. This one looks pretty close to yours. There are slight variations on them, and when you clean and oil the machine an intuitive approach is the best; all moving parts where metal touches metal needs oil. Take out the bobbin case, bobbin cover, face plate and round lid in the back, there's losts of oil points there. Have the stitch length lever on maximum; turn the hand wheel and you will easily find the oil points by observing the moving parts; hinges, joints, end of rods, and the back side of the stitch length lever. Both the presser bar and needle bar needs oil.

OurWorkbench

Welcome,

The JA30 is just confirming that it was actually made by Janome. The Japanese machines usually have a JA and/or JC number that indicate which Japanese manufacturer made the machine. As Mickey indicated, the Japanese did not have records that would indicate the exact year it was made.

I like the hot links that can be included as text, however, with the links that show up as hot and take you to ebay or somewhere else, I am adding the link address for the generic manual -> http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...ion-manual.pdf

Some other threads for 15 clones are:
Will the Real 15 clone please stand up
Class 15 clone maintenance
Janie Doe, the 15 Clone - make over

I like the clones as they sometimes come in neat colors and have the drop feed on the bed of the machine. Of course, I like the Singer 15s, too.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

ETA: unless your 66 is a 66-1 or 66-3, as those use back clamping feet, the rest of the 66s and a whole lot of other machines take a 'regular' low shank foot.

Cari-in-Oly

Unless you get extremely lucky you're unlikely to find a manual with your model number on it. Most manuals for the clones are "generic"; that is, they won't have a name or model number on them because all the clones are basically the same no matter the manufacturer. The differences will be the color and the cosmetics of the stitch length lever. You have a beautiful Japanese made Free Westinghouse model 170. Probably imported at the tail end of the Free company's existence. Several American manufacturers did the same thing in the 50s and 60s, started importing Japanese machines when they stopped making them here in an effort to stay in business and compete with the ever growing popularity(and prices) of Japanese machines.

Cari

Mickey2

Do yous till get those? I don't but I'm not sure why. I'm back on Firefox on my laptop, I have an add blocker (uBlock Origin), it might prevent some, but I might have tagged off for these auto links not to appear. They are the most annoying thing in the text.

SusieQOH

I have limited knowledge of vintage machines but that one looks a lot like a Singer I have. Mine's black.
Really nice!

Mickey2

Does yours have a stitch length lever with reverse or a turn knob?

SusieQOH

Mickey2- mine has the stitch length lever with reverse.

Mickey2

Does it have the potted motor (gear driven) or a belt driven motor? I think model 15 was given a stitch length lever and potted motor around the same time model 201 was introduced, which I think was just before 1930. The stitch length lever makes it very handy and easy to use. These days we are almost surprised when we have to turn the fabric to stitch the other way.