Which machine would you buy?
 

I have the bug to buy a working vintage straight stitch machine and on the weekend visited a local shop that carries lots of used items and a few machines . One that caught my eye is a Singer 227M , in excellent condition but I did not try it out so not sure how it stitches . The second one is a Singer 15-91 in not as good condition , it would need to be rewired and a new pedal as that was quite bad . I did try this one and the stitches were horrid so obviously needs attention . Any feedback would be appreciated .I have tried to add photos but this is my first time posting here . Hope it worked .

I like the looks of the second one best, but you get the one you like best and what works best for you, and good luck

I keep a test kit with me at all times. Denim square that you can fold over and over and thread to test the stitches and small pair of scissors . I would go back and test the stitches. Good luck!!

I don't know anything about the first one (although it is "pretty") but the 15-91 is a nice machine. You can drop the feed dogs if you want to free motion quilt and assuming it just needs oiling or tweaking, it is a workhorse of a machine. Apparently most of those older machines need rewiring due to age. But then again, I could use some "rewiring" on myself personally due to age so I cannot fault an older machine that needs it done also.

Does the 227 use a vertical bobbin? I checked ISMACS and Singerco for a manual and got nowhere.
If the 227 is a class 15 bobbin I would go with it. It's in nice shape and I don't think it's a common machine compared to other Singers. At least I don't think I've seen many.
The 15 is a great machine and they do FMQ quite well. If the 227 has a vertical bobbin it should be good for FMQ too. If it uses a drop in bobbin I would go with the 15-91.
My indecisive answer,
Rodney

I just did a little more looking around. I think the 227 is a class 15 machine.
Rodney

i'd get the 15-91 because it looks pretty, and theres a very detailed blogged tutorial on how to rewire these beauties. i also liked the throat space of the 15.

My opinion is 15-91. I feel the 15s and their clones are second only to the 201. However, The 15 has advantages in FMQ and efficiently handling heavier threads. No question in my mind, the 15-91. But why limit to just one machine. ;-)

Are you saying get both? That probably is the correct answer around here. ;)
Rodney

227 would be an adequate machine but the 15 would be my choice. Rodney????????????