khogue

A couple of days ago I found an online auction for this machine and I'm finding No info on it online. Does someone here have one in their collection? The photo for the serial number has the spool pin partially blocking the first letter but it appears to be JD218858. It's currently in a portable case and I'm thinking about buying it, taking it from case, removing the motor (not a potted motor) and sticking it in my treadle. Good idea or not? Since I'm having NO luck finding a 15-88 this seems to be a good plan B.

OurWorkbench

Those machines were made in Canada 1954 - 1961. Since it has an external (not potted) motor, it should work in the treadle if remove the motor. You may need/want to get a spoked hand wheel as most electric machines have the smaller solid hand wheel.


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

khogue

Thanks for the production info Janey. I have a spoked wheel but I wonder about the bobbin winder being an issue in switching them out. For anyone curious about the 15J, the opening bid is $25 and the machine looks clean.
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/56314923

Mickey2

I payed around the equivalent of $80 (US dollar) for my 201, at least with todays currency. I don't know if you need to replace any of the winder or belt guard parts for the spoked hand wheel. I am keeping my 201K with motor and lights, that's what I end up using the most. It's my favorite machine and it's a joy to work on. A Singer 15 will turn up sooner or later, here various Pfaffs (30 and 31), Husqvarna CB turn up at a good price. They tend to be just as good as a Singer and have much the same bobbin case, race and hook as 15s. The ones with simpler gold decals usually have the reverse lever, and feed dog drop. The earlier ones with elaborate flowers and guildings usually doesn't have revers stitching.

OurWorkbench

You might be okay with the bobbin winder. A 1937 parts list http://parts.singerco.com/IPpartCharts/15-88_89_90.pdf seems to indicate that the bobbin winder is the same for the 15-88 as the 15-90. I don't know if it would have changed much by 1954.

Good luck.

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

khogue

I've noticed a couple of Pfaff machines pop up in the last few months I'll look at them a little close the next time I see one. I want that reverse and feed drop feature for sure, I'm getting better at being about to spot some of those features now thanks to reading here.

khogue

Janey it might switch out fine I'm just not sure I'm willing to take the chance of buying/shipping it and then it not working the way I want. It's funny how certain machines are in abundance in the area where you live, there is no shortage of 15-91s in cabinets, most treadles have a 27/127 or a 66 in them.

miriam

The bobbin winder is indeed an issue. You can buy a bobbin winder but the screws are a very odd size and nearly impossible to find.

khogue

Miriam I bought a reproduction bobbin winder on Ebay and it only came with 1 screw, it works but nothing beats original parts. A few days after I found this auction I was given a 15-88 that needs a good but of TLC but I'm glad I waited. The auction went over $80, more than I was willing to spend anyway.

miriam

Did you know that some of the older Singer 15’s have a heavier balance wheel? I knew it but I didn’t know some of the 66’s do too. Much to my surprise I found one in my herd today.