Singer model 15 - AJ?

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Old 03-19-2022, 06:36 AM
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Default Singer model 15 - AJ?

First off I want to preface this by saying I am completely new to vintage machines and have very little knowledge, other than what I've read up on the internet. I'm also new to QB and I'm not sure if I'm using this forum correctly and apologize in advance if not. Just don't know where else to turn.

I recently purchased a Singer 15, 1949 model. It has an AJ model # and I'm not exactly sure how to tell what it is. I'm assuming it's a 15-91 but I could be completely wrong.

I could tell the wiring needs to be redone, which wasn't hard seeing how the guy had a mountain of electrical tape over exposed wires. He did plug it in at his house and the machine sewed beautifully so I assume the motor is in good condition as it worked and sounded gorgeous.

My model # is AJ296747.

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Old 03-19-2022, 07:23 AM
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Welcome. There were several different domestic models of the 15. Frequently someone will think they have a 15-91 when they actually have a 15-90 or one of the other domestic models. The 15-91 has a potted motor as seen at https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mac...g-machine.html There is an excellent tutorial on rewiring a potted motor at http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/12/ho...rt-1-wire.html

The 15-90 has an external motor and uses a belt.

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Old 03-19-2022, 11:01 AM
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Welcome to the QB! I have found this page helpful in distinguishing among variations of a given model:

https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mac...sses-1-99.html
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Old 03-19-2022, 12:20 PM
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singer.jpgsinger-2.0.jpg

I compared 15-90 and 15-91 images online and I think I can safely say it's a 15-91? Sorry if the images are too small.
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:04 PM
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I would say a 15-91. I'm not going to lie to you, those wires hanging off the side make me a little nervous. They should all run to the back side of the plug under the hand wheel.

You can find lots of information on fixing the wiring on these potted motors, and that light too. Invest in some soldering tools and heat shrink tubing.
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:10 PM
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And please do me a favor and unscrew the presser foot pressure screw over on the other end of the machine. I don't know what it is, but on almost every machine I've picked up the pressure foot pressure is maxed out, i.e. on the black Singers the screw is all the way down. I am not sure what was being sewn which might require that kind of pressure.
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeJr View Post
I would say a 15-91. I'm not going to lie to you, those wires hanging off the side make me a little nervous. They should all run to the back side of the plug under the hand wheel.

You can find lots of information on fixing the wiring on these potted motors, and that light too. Invest in some soldering tools and heat shrink tubing.
I'm currently rewiring the motor, lamp and presser foot as we speak. I'm surprised the guy who sold it to me didn't destroy the motor or electrocute himself with the way he slapped together this wiring. No terminals at the end of any of them. Loose wires covered in just electric tape not even heat shrink. Smh. But a fun Saturday project.

The plug is actually broken but I found a replacement part for it. I'm debating on adding a ground connection just incase there's a power surge or anything. My building is old and the electric is weird here.

Also the wiring in the pics are after I started taking things apart.
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeJr View Post
And please do me a favor and unscrew the presser foot pressure screw over on the other end of the machine. I don't know what it is, but on almost every machine I've picked up the pressure foot pressure is maxed out, i.e. on the black Singers the screw is all the way down. I am not sure what was being sewn which might require that kind of pressure.
Not exactly sure what you mean.
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:25 PM
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See blue arrow in the photo. I know they used quality steel in these machines, and the springs are tough, but I don't like having them under tension for maybe...say...20 or 30 years before I get them.
Attached Thumbnails inkedsinger_li.jpg  
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Old 03-19-2022, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeJr View Post
See blue arrow in the photo. I know they used quality steel in these machines, and the springs are tough, but I don't like having them under tension for maybe...say...20 or 30 years before I get them.
Should I completely remove it? Or just unscrew it a bit? Sorry I sound like such a noooob!
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