15-91 help
 

I found a 15-91 at a restore shop for 30.00. Great machine, great for FMQ. I see why you board members love them. But I noticed when cleaning that the needle is really close to the hole. Off center towards the outside of the hole. Is there a way to reset it so it is more in the center of the hole? I downloaded an adjusters manual but I do not se anything there about the needle adjustment. Any suggestions.

Is that actually a new needle, and is the slot it fits in free of debris?

I remember one of my 15-91s having the needle kind of off center when I brought it home. The needle was slightly bent and when I put a new one in, everything was fine. I hope that's the solution for yours.

It can sometimes just be the casting of the machine. As long as the needle doesn't hit, just make sure you don't pull the fabric. You can double check if the needle bar is bent, but I suspect it's just the casting.

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes I put in a new needle and yes I used a pipe cleaner to get out any gunk. Since I do a lot of FMQ I do pull the fabric which is what concerns me but I do FMQ with dog feeds down. It has not been a problem and I have not broken a needle by hitting the plate so maybe I am worrying about nothing. Just thought if there was an easy fix...... Thanks again all

I had one machine that the issue was the needle plate had gunk between it and the body so once removed and cleaned it re positioned about 1/32 to the right.

The size of the needle also affects how close the needle to plate ratio is. What size needle are you using?

I had a needle in one backwards and it hit the hole pretty good... LOL

Something else to consider it taking off the needleplate and cleaning the edge of the D shaped recess that the needleplate sits in with a toothpick. Over time dirt gets into that area and can move the plate out of position. You would be surprised at how much gunk comes out of some machines there.
~G~

Good point - I have a real old (1902) Singer 15-30 with a stuck needle plate. It is the last stuck part on that machine... ugly, but it sews just as sweet as can be.