Is This a 15-91?
06-26-2018, 07:52 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,828
The wiring could be bad. My 1948 American made 15-91 needs rewiring from the motor to the plug. It was in storage for many years in Texas, so the plastic covering on the wires appears to be partially melted. Look for places where the bare wires are showing. My Canadian 15-91 has the original wiring and is still in good condition. I coudln't find the serial number in Singers' databases, either.
It's unlikely the motor is bad. What would make the motor go bad is extensive use. Use wears down the "innards" of the motor. The parts are not expensive, but the labor might be. Your decals are still pristine, so it's unlikely that the machine has seen a lot of use. (On well used machines, the decals are usually worn in the front where you push the fabric through.)
It's also unlikely that it is out of time. Most of these old black machines are idiot proof. If they are not rusty, they will almost always work.
The wire to the wall and the wire to the foot pedal are connected. So, it would be unusual to have the pedal and not the wall plug. However, it would save money if you have the original pedal/controller. Here's what the original would look like. lLINK Non-original replacements are less expensive.
Good luck.
bkay
It's unlikely the motor is bad. What would make the motor go bad is extensive use. Use wears down the "innards" of the motor. The parts are not expensive, but the labor might be. Your decals are still pristine, so it's unlikely that the machine has seen a lot of use. (On well used machines, the decals are usually worn in the front where you push the fabric through.)
It's also unlikely that it is out of time. Most of these old black machines are idiot proof. If they are not rusty, they will almost always work.
The wire to the wall and the wire to the foot pedal are connected. So, it would be unusual to have the pedal and not the wall plug. However, it would save money if you have the original pedal/controller. Here's what the original would look like. lLINK Non-original replacements are less expensive.
Good luck.
bkay
06-26-2018, 07:55 AM
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 26
Originally Posted by leonf
Knee controls rarely show up in the pics. one has to get low to shoot it.
alas, a turning handwheel gives hope, but not a guarantee about the motor. It still could need brushes, have broken wires, etc.
alas, a turning handwheel gives hope, but not a guarantee about the motor. It still could need brushes, have broken wires, etc.
06-26-2018, 07:57 AM
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 26
Originally Posted by WIChix
Leon, thanks for clarifying.
Timing could be off, as well. These old machines have a lot to offer, and the one in your photo appears gently used.
The knee lever is hinged, and it is often tucked up when not in use.
Timing could be off, as well. These old machines have a lot to offer, and the one in your photo appears gently used.
The knee lever is hinged, and it is often tucked up when not in use.
06-26-2018, 08:00 AM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 26
Originally Posted by bkay
The wiring could be bad. My 1948 American made 15-91 needs rewiring from the motor to the plug. It was in storage for many years in Texas, so the plastic covering on the wires appears to be partially melted. Look for places where the bare wires are showing. My Canadian 15-91 has the original wiring and is still in good condition. I coudln't find the serial number in Singers' databases, either.
It's unlikely the motor is bad. What would make the motor go bad is extensive use. Use wears down the "innards" of the motor. The parts are not expensive, but the labor might be. Your decals are still pristine, so it's unlikely that the machine has seen a lot of use. (On well used machines, the decals are usually worn in the front where you push the fabric through.)
It's also unlikely that it is out of time. Most of these old black machines are idiot proof. If they are not rusty, they will almost always work.
The wire to the wall and the wire to the foot pedal are connected. So, it would be unusual to have the pedal and not the wall plug. However, it would save money if you have the original pedal/controller. Here's what the original would look like. lLINK Non-original replacements are less expensive.
Good luck.
bkay
It's unlikely the motor is bad. What would make the motor go bad is extensive use. Use wears down the "innards" of the motor. The parts are not expensive, but the labor might be. Your decals are still pristine, so it's unlikely that the machine has seen a lot of use. (On well used machines, the decals are usually worn in the front where you push the fabric through.)
It's also unlikely that it is out of time. Most of these old black machines are idiot proof. If they are not rusty, they will almost always work.
The wire to the wall and the wire to the foot pedal are connected. So, it would be unusual to have the pedal and not the wall plug. However, it would save money if you have the original pedal/controller. Here's what the original would look like. lLINK Non-original replacements are less expensive.
Good luck.
bkay
06-26-2018, 05:05 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 673
The drop-in bobbin of the 201 means the thread takes a 90-degree turn at the needle, and people say that can cause a problem with FMQ. (The 15 bobbin is mounted vertically, so the thread travels in a straight line.) I can't confirm or deny this claim; I've only done a little FMQ. I can, however, vouch for the 15 as a user-friendly machine. Thread capacity is a wee bit better, too - fewer bobbin changes when doing FMQ.
06-27-2018, 05:24 AM
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 26
Originally Posted by Manalto
The drop-in bobbin of the 201 means the thread takes a 90-degree turn at the needle, and people say that can cause a problem with FMQ. (The 15 bobbin is mounted vertically, so the thread travels in a straight line.) I can't confirm or deny this claim; I've only done a little FMQ. I can, however, vouch for the 15 as a user-friendly machine. Thread capacity is a wee bit better, too - fewer bobbin changes when doing FMQ.
