Singer mdl 15 vs the 115, what's the difference?
 

I was just perusing ISMACS Singer lists trying to figure out what the difference is between the Mdls 15 and 115.

I'm still trying. I'm obviously missing something. Can some one give me a basic idea of what the difference between these two machines is?

And they keep saying "CB shuttle", what is that?

Joe

Hi Joe, the Singer 115 is just an older version of the model 15. It lacks the stitch length regulator plate that you'd see on a 15-91, for instance, and features just a silver knob that you rotate (and guess at) to adjust the stitch length. The 115 also lacks reverse, features a bobbin winding assembly that you have to manually press with your finger while the bobbin is winding, and has the cool, larger spoked handwheel. Cosmetically the decals are a bit more garish (or beautiful, depending on your point of view) than a later 15, and you may find the faceplace is completely smooth, rather than having a textured pattern.

"CB shuttle" stands for Central Bobbin, and from what I understand this term was used to distinguish it from the older pointy shuttle system that it eventually replaced; but I can't really back that up or elaborate on this, as I'm parroting what I'd heard or read someplace else. I bet the Vintage Singers Yahoo Group will have more info on the "CB" distinction.

hope that helps,

Also, forgot to mention: I believe the 115 has a rotary hook--still vertical, as with the later 15s, but not oscillating, like the later 15s are.

Confirmed ... I just went and gave my 115 a spin :)

Rain, Sue,

Thanks for the clarification.

Joe

You can tell by looking at them because the 115 has a little snake like metal bar coming out in front of the bobbin case.

The 115 is lighter duty, or at least it seems it. The whole hook mechanism is less robust looking.

They also share a bobbin case and bobbins with a 20U and a 306 I tried hard to bond with the one I have here, I made a case for the lexan inserts for my custom desk, and I swore at the machine left and right. It's fully adjusted and working, but for some reason, it balked at everything I tried to sew. I suspect the motor, but I thought the motor was fine on another machine. *shrugs*

I'll get DH to pull the 115 down from its shelf (above my head) and post a pic of both if someone else doesn't get to it first.

According to Alex Askroff, http://www.sewalot.com/singer_through_the_ages.htm

The 15 was in production in 1879. The 115 I have here is a 1917. I think they ran concurrently, but I don't have a date for the beginning of production for the 115.

OK, 115 on the left of all photos.

It's the 115 with the "Wings" decal that I cleaned the paint from the bed.

Bobbin / Hook area (notice that the bed height is different on the 115. It looks strictly because the hook is smaller, the 15 rests on its hook assembly. The 115 does not. :
[ATTACH=CONFIG]404007[/ATTACH]

Tensioners (note the bar that was mentioned earlier, and the adorned faceplate (which my 1936 15 had also)):
[ATTACH=CONFIG]404009[/ATTACH]

Underbits (Sorry, camera was unwilling today)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]404010[/ATTACH]

A close up of the bobbin winder on the 115 (I don't have to manually hold it, adjusted correctly, it's "automatic" like the others - ie. disengages when the bobbin is full and everything) It's a hybrid between the 15 style, and a VS style with the "dial" that travels around. :
[ATTACH=CONFIG]404012[/ATTACH]

A shot of the stitch length. It pushes up and down to adjust. I can't figure out why the knob turns too, it's not in the manual IIRC. Also note, the 115 has a spoked wheel because it was a treadled (this is how it was when the previous owner got it) or hand crank model. Model 15s that are treadled or hand cranked will also have the spoked wheel. Ditto 201s, 66s, etc.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]404013[/ATTACH]

Tammi,

Thanks a bunch for the photo tutorial. I have learned something today. I will bookmark this thread for reference. So far I've not come across a 115, but if I do I'll know what I'm looking at.

Joe

My pleasure Joe, I'm glad I could help while I was avoiding a soldering project. ;)