Quiltingboard Forums - Can someone tell me what this machine is?

Quote:

Originally Posted by manicmike (Post 7204588)

The 3s are 201K3 made in Scotland. It's probably because of the British connection to Canada and I imagine you find the later (much lighter) 201Ks in Canada too. The one I use the most has a converted (re-wound for 240V) Canadian motor and is a 201K23. I assumed someone brought it with them to Australia and had the motor re-wound (not knowing there are a million of them here!) but I've never even seen a 201-2 or a potted motor Singer 15.
I'd think that Canada mostly got Scottish machines, as we did. I believe 222Ks are also more common there.
Someone in Canada: Are most of your pre-1960s machines from Scotland?

EDIT: Just noticed ISMACS mentions a 201-3. Maybe they were made in the U.S. too, but I haven't heard of many.

Most of the machines we're talking about here that I've seen in Alberta are made in Scotland, yes. I have a 15-90 that's Canadian built and I'm sure others but I'm too lazy to get my database opened up to see how many. The thing about a lot of the machines that came from "Abroad" is that at that point - a machine wasn't complete without a motor - so they were shipped across the sea as "incomplete" machines - allowing them to get around some of the tariffs and then motors were put on them at the St Jean sur Richelieu plant in Quebec - which is likely part of the reason so many machines are assumed to be Canadian when they aren't - because their motors say Made In Canada.

I've yet to see (or maybe recognise?) one of the Aluminum 201s here. I'd love to get my mitts on one. I find 222s relatively often but the prices on them are more all over the board than anything else I've seen. I recently missed a 222 for $50. Yes, five zero. That one still burns.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macybaby (Post 7204743)

There is a WAY more obvious way to tell the difference between a 201 and a 15 than the light switch.

It's where the tension is. They are significantly different machines.

There's also the fact that the 15 is a vertical hook and the 201 is horizontal. Also, only the 201-2 has the switch on the front, as well as the light on the front. The 201-3 has the light on the back and the switch in the usual place, just like the 15.

Quote:

Originally Posted by greywuuf (Post 7204759)

Is the 201 a Ball Bearing machine ?

The 201 uses 2 sets of helical gears, the 15 uses rocker shafts for its oscillating motion.