The gear that's at the sewing machine side of the motor meshes with it. It's basically where that "collar" is on the 15-91. Pretty similar to the 301/401/500 style. I've often wondered if the fiber gear is the same, but haven't ever looked it up.

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Back in the day, when the machines were new, and the fiber gear still available, I'd say run that puppy through whatever you want, but the gears can be brittle with lack of grease, etc, and I "worry" about them now.

I don't know what that "fiber" is, or how it ages. Maybe if I knew that, I wouldn't worry about it as much. Or maybe I'd worry more ;)

One of the OSMG's on another group, and who is very well respected, made the comment that he has never seen one fail. I believe if failure was to become a problem with the machines someone would figure out a way to replace the gear with 3D printing. The 301, 400, and 500 series machines have a little bit of play built into them to prevent sudden failure which is a good thing!

I'm with you Joe. The top loader is better for my old fingers. I use my Janome Horizon for quilting and keep the 201-2 and 15-91 as pets just in case.
Just like I would like a hand crank for non-electric quilting, just in case.
Donna

Joe, I agree. I would like to have a hand crank for my 66 Redeye though, but not really for FMQ. Steve doesn't have one and I am still looking.
Donna

I agree. I have both and have them both set up, upstairs. The tension seems a little touchy on the 15-91 though. I am looking for a Singer hand crank for my 66 Redeye. Have always wanted one for off grid use. Don't really need it, just want one.
Donna

Can anyone tell me the throat space of a 15-91? All I've read here makes me want one, maybe, to go along with my Featherweights. I thought I saw somewhere that their throat was 8", which would give me 2" more than my Janome I use for FMQ, which would be helpful. And is a 15-90 the same?

i measured mine and it's about 8" (top part) on the bottom part it's about 7". 15-90 is the model with regular motor (not potted).

I just measured too and got the same. I will say my 201-2 has a bit more available throat space (nearly 9") than the 15-91 but I haven't quilted on either so I can't compare.

My modern Janome is closer to 7" as well.

I remember the difference between the 15-90 and the 15-91 by saying the 0 from the 90 is the visible belt and the oval it makes.

If you're using it for FMQ, the only benefit of the 15-91 vs the 15-90 is the 15-91 has the potted motor, which is mounted higher on the arm, and doesn't intrude into the harp space. The 15-90 is just fine for FMQ. I used mine to FMQ a lap quilt and it didn't even burp. It's often over looked for some reason, but I really like the 15-90. Hence why I don't have my 15-91 anymore. I have the 15-90 (belted motor) and the 201-2 (potted motor)

In theory, the potted motor (gear driven) is supposed to have more piercing power. In practice, my 15-90 did better with the old nasty naugahyde someone brought me to try than the 15-91 did. Same needle, both full serviced, etc.

To help gain a little quilting space for FMQ, turn the machine so the nose faces you (like it would be if it was on a frame) and quilt that way. Harp space is way less of a problem...