Class 15 metal bobbins inconsistant
 

I like using metal bobbins. The plastic ones bug me the way I can hear them moving. It's like nails on chalkboard. I've noticed inconsistencies in the metal bobbins though and I've read on Sew Classic where she mentions the same and recommends her plastic bobbins for the Singer 15's.

What exactly IS the inconsistancy? The one part I Have noticed, is that the little slot where they fit on the bobbin winder..some aren't cut deep enough and the bobbin doesn't sit all the way over like it should.

Has anyone else noticed anything? What do you use in your vintage machines that take class 15 bobbins?

The clamoring about bad bobbins started about 5 years ago. The distributors got a big batch of bad bobbins and sent them out to all the suppliers without knowing they were bad. Luckily, people like Cindy Peters and Jenny at Sew Classic caught it very early and started testing all the metal bobbins before selling them. Guess where all those bobbins ended up being sold? At JoAnns, Walmart, and anywhere else you buy the carded bobbins. Quality improved for a few years but evidently there just aren't good ones being made any more, that's why Sew Classic won't sell them. It's not just the notch, the center of the hub can be too high or very rough, and lots of them are so out of round they're unusable. I could just kick myself now for all the old bobbins I used to throw away because I could buy new ones.

Cari

I've noticed, too. Brewer carries 2 different quality 15 class bobbins, and I just ordered the more expensive ones (we're talking pennies difference in price). We've been carrying the cheapest for a few years, and I just don't like them. I'll let you know if I see any difference. You could always go with the generic Bernina bobbins, which are definitely a better quality bobbin. They sew well with other machines, but they don't usually fit the bobbin winder (post hole is a little tighter).

The problem I have is that I have various bobbins on hand that have come in with machines or buys I have made and I am not sure what is usable and what is not.

Do you have a good method for sorting them out?

Cari, I totally understand what you are saying. I threw away a lot also. My 1973 Singer used plastic bobbins but I had gotten some metal bobbins since I had so many problems with that machine. So they were old and didn't think I needed that many bobbins any more. My sister tried to talk me into the pre-filled bobbins - those were a total waste of money. The thread wasn't even good enough to use for basting. Then I bought some new bobbins. The plastic bobbins for my Singer machines felt cheap and when I bought the metal ones some didn't even fit the machine, even though they were in the same package. Luckily, my mom still had quite a few bobbins when she gave me the 15-91.

My Janome and Viking only use plastic bobbins - but they are from the dealer, so if they do fail, they know I am brining them right back. So far, now problem.

I would appreciate it if you'd let me know how you like them. Thank you.

Sort of. If they're old and have thread on them, then I figure they must be good because they've been used. I haven't run into an old bobbin yet that's bad, only new ones. Luckily I bought a bunch of good new ones a few years ago when Jenny was still testing hers, plus with all the old ones I've gotten with machines and fiddly bits I've bought I should be set for life as long as I don't give away a handful like I used to with each machine I flip.

Cari

It's not just the 15 bobbins that are bad. Singer branded class 66 bobbins sold at Walmart are garbage too. They're visibly narrower at the rim than vintage class 66 bobbins and they tend to be inconsistent too. Quality control is nearly non-existent on them I think. I haven't had to buy any new class 15 bobbins yet so can't say whether I've had any problems with those ones.
I hold onto my vintage bobbins. Usually a visual inspection for rough spots or bent ones is all it takes.
Rodney

sew-classic recommends just the class 15 plastic bobbins these days because of the holes
I bought some metal class 15 from WM or somewhere and they were very light weight and flimsy.
I've had a few bobbins fall apart - use them to make crafts - earrings anybody?
When I find old bobbins, I remove the thread and if they are rusty I soak them in something to remove the rust then I brush them up and they are ok again most of the time - if not ok they get thrown away. I have seen a few old bent bobbins that really don't work and should be thrown away.

We looked through our new ones - and they were not even distance all the way around between the two sides. It was easy to see. Caused problems with winding, don't know about sewing as we tossed them.

Rodney, I've had the reverse luck. I've adopted a couple machines that came with boxes filled with class 66 bobbins so no worries there but I haven't been as lucky with the 15's.

Cari, I did the same and gave away bobbins with machines that go re-homed but now I am feeling more protective of the few I have that work!

To sort bobbins I test run them on machines. You don't have to fill them with thread, just pop them on the winder (checks the shaft hole), then engage the little peg (checks the depth of the notch), then watch as they rotate (checks for run out). That's all it takes.

As for getting new Class 15 bobbins, the last ones I bought from Sew-Classic were the metal ones and they've been good. I haven't bought any in a long while but I have enough for us.

Most of our machines use the Class 66 bobbins and the metal ones I've gotten from Sew-Classic have been wonderful.

I also dislike plastic bobbins of any type, although I do use them if handy and already filled with thread. We usually keep them around for the machines that are supposed to use them.

As for getting rid of bobbins with machines that are re-homed, I give out two usually. Or if the machine came with a complete set of attachments and had it's original bobbins I send those out with it.

As for quality control, there isn't any. Especially if the product is made in China.

Joe

My Singer 201-2 came with a plastic bobbin - I don't know how old it was - and seems to prefer that bobbin. I had bobbins from my treadle 66 that I tried and it didn't seem to like them for some reason. The 'new' 201-2 I bought has some dark metal bobbins - almost black - and I'm looking forward to trying them. I never liked plastic, and since I often manage to drop the bobbin so it rolls behind the machine and under the radiator, the metal bobbins are easier to retrieve with a magnet.

I guess I was lucky when I bought some class 15 metal bobbins, Dritz brand, at Joann's several months back -- no problems or else my two machines aren't picky -- my 1978 Kenmore 158.19142 and my 1932 Singer 15-91 sew nicely with them and aren't complaining

Linda,
The dark bobbins may be the old machined bobbins. I have some that are the same way and if you look close at them they were turned out on a lathe. VERY EXCELLENT bobbins. I grab them when ever I see them.

Try better quality Class 66 metal bobbins in your 201, it was made for them. The plastic ones usually work as good as the metal ones but not always. Try scrubbing your bobbin case and check the bobbins it didn't like for defects.
The problem may be the bobbins, not the machine.

Diane,
The Dritz bobbins sold by JoAnn Fabrics are kind of a double level thing. The bobbins sold in the little plastic 10 unit box have been JUNK, while those sold on the blister cards have been better. At least that was our experiances a couple years ago when we tried them. I ended up junking about half of those we bought then and I haven't bought any more from JoAnn since.

Joe

It seems every machine has its quirks. My 201-2 doesn't like a completely full bobbin so I have to wind them just short of being full. I'm not a big fan of plastic bobbins either, luckily the only machines I have that need them are my embroidery machines and my Singer 630(which I still haven't gotten around to yet).

Cari

I realize this is an old thread but I am having a terrible time with bobbins right now! I have a 66, 99, and a 201 and between the three machines I have maybe two bobbins that are usable. I bought some new bobbins at Joann's and they unusable because I can't get the bobbin winder to close down to engage. I am so frustrated because I looked on eBay and they wanted something like $15.00 for three or four vintage bobbins. Any ideas on where I can find some decently priced vintage bobbins? Over here in Yakima I find only the cheap plastic reproductions.

ChevyDude65, I totally agree with you. Even on the FB selling pages anything for vintage machines is outrageously priced. Try emailing Cindy Peters, [email protected]. She sells good bobbins(along with anything else a person might need) but she doesn't have a website. She's a great vendor.

Cari

A side winder will wind those Chinese bobbins. Look them over for flaws, bends, warps, nicks, etc.