Singer 15-91 Sewing Machine Restored. "The Bulldozer of Sewing Machines"!!
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- Опубліковано 14 сер 2016
- Seen here is one of the most successful and copied sewing machine designs in history. A descendant of the Singer 115 (see my other videos on that model), this machine popularized the Class 15 bobbin which is still in use today. This machine was so admired that almost every post war Japanese sewing machine maker created a version of it. Even Pfaff had a version made for them that utilized this design. With its oscillating shuttle hook and left facing tension dial, this machine was often referred by its fans as "The Farmer's Machine" due to its rugged capability to sew heavy material. Also loved by sewers for its use in free motion embroidery and darning as well. Most American versions were outfitted with direct gear drive or "Potted Motors" and are some of the strongest sewing machines ever made for home use!!
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After learning of the magnificence of this machine I was able to find two more Centennials to join the one my father got my mother for only $40 and $45. The one I have from my mother I have sewn my sister's wedding dress and reupholstered a couch, loveseat, and recliner with it. I have a whole new respect for the purchase my parents made back in 1951.
i guess im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my password. I would love any assistance you can offer me!
@Arlo Ayaan Instablaster =)
@Martin Barrett I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process now.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Martin Barrett it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out :D
@Arlo Ayaan No problem :)
I restored a 15K88 last summer...and was amazed at how great it still works ( it had been left in a carport for years...).
Yes, its amazing how forgiving these old reliables can be. It can take time and patience, but they often come back better than ever.
I have my mother's 15 that treadle that she and I both learned to sew on. I love it. I think mine is a 15-88. It's still my favorite machine.
Those are rock solid Marianne. That machine's design is the most copied in history.
I just obtained a beautiful 15-91 that's a dream. It came in the cabinet with a knee control & I'm loving it. I've also got two other 15 that I'm restoring as well as a replica of the 15K treadle. I'm so blest.
I'm about to buy my first machine, a 15-91; your videos have been really helpful to me, really informative about the machine, the company, history, parts, etc.
Thank you !
I just bought this yesterday, my first vintage machine. WOW. Outperforms my industrial serger by another well-made brand. Extremely pleased with this machine. Great videos, thank you!
Great to hear!
I have two Singer 15 class machines. My 1948 Singer 15-91 treadle belonged to my husband's grandmother and holds a special place in both our hearts. We also have a centennial 15 class in a bentwood case that is quite amazing. The centennial has a belted motor.
I sew a lot of bags and wallets that require a machine to go through several layers of thick fabric and heavy interfacing. Many machines on the market today whine and groan when it comes this type of sewing, but not my vintage Singer's. I also love to embroider and quilt on these two. They really are hard to beat.
These beauties are wonderful. They are two of my favourites in my family of 18 vintage machines. I do not own a "modern," soulless, plastic machine. I cannot understand why anyone would!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with these machines. I love your videos.
I have restored a Singer 15-91 which has amazing performance. The gear driven motor has a quiet hum and the sewing machine has a distinctive sound which is very pleasant to sew by.
The ability of the Singer 15 to sew fine silk to denim material is a testament to its versatility.
Thank you for posting this video that extols the virtues of the Singer 15.
Mark.
ibsoarin where did you have your 15-91 restored? We live in San Diego, CA
@@barbaramccroskey1293 I restore sewing machines. It is a very rewarding and fun hobby. There are many UA-cam videos from Vintage Sewing Machine Garage that teach anyone how to restore their own vintage sewing machines. If you peruse his channel you can gather any information needed on how to restore a vintage sewing machine.
The Singer 15-91 is an excellent sewing machine to learn on.
I love your videos. I always learn so much about sewing machines. Thank you for sharing your love of sewing machines and your knowledge of them.
Thank you Donna. We all learn from each other and I enjoy sharing what I have found with these machines so others will avoid discarding them. Most are not broken when I get them. They are just way overdue for service.
I have one of these that I had professionally restored. I LOVE the sound mine makes. The stitch quality is fantastic for what I would have paid for a cheap plastic junky new machine, I had mine restored and it will last my lifetime. I also own a Singer 6268 electronic sewing machine from the late 80’s which is mostly metal and bought it way before my 15-91. I really love that too. Ive made so many draperies and clothes on it over the years. I still use it after all these years and it runs like a top. Nice demo!!
Janette Lavender where did you ave your 15-91 restored? We live in San Diego, CA.
I have a 15-30 and I love it.It's my favorite.
I think and know from experience that it’s the best sewing machine ever made. 1947 product still going in 2022. Which sewing machine company can make that claim. I will use mine till I die.
Recently bought one. Broke the bobbin mount completely off. Help
Another really good video! I am thinking about getting a 15-91 with a direct drive. I have my grandmothers 115J (Made in 1916) that I am restoring, the machine itself is ready to go now that I finally found a bobbin case because it was missing. That was a hard task to find. I have o refinish the cabinet for it yet. Then I found another 115J (made in 1924) that I went through and cleaned it all up and it runs really nice now. And also picked up a nice 15J88 (made in about 1946) and it's all cleaned up and running so sweet now, it is the handiest because it has reverse. I also bought a 319W and it replaced my Kenmore Zig Zag Deluxe in my sewing table. My mom loved Kenmore's so I started with hers that she bought new in 1979. I also have a second ZigZag Deluxe and a 158.1941. I have become obsessed almost with these vintage machines, it is just so satisfying having them all running. I am looking at getting the 15-91 with direct drive for portability because I'm thinking about taking some sewing classes this coming winter and if I make a case for the 15-91 im looking at it will be a bit more user-friendly to carry around. My one ZigZag Deluxe is in a case but it is considerably heavier than the 15-91 would be.
I sometimes think my shared fascination for these machines is because their quality of construction is extraordinary. Consumer items just are not made this well today. If they were, they would cost a lot more than what people have become used to paying.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I whole heartedly agree! I'm sure that is a big part of my love for these vintage machines too! We live in a disposable world today sadly.
Fantastic machine/video. I picked up one of those aforementioned Japanese copies yesterday. It's called a Bankoku, made by "The Saitama Sewing Machine Co.". It cost $30 and looks to be in excellent condition. (As it's in the process of being shipped, I can't say for certain.^^)
Sounds like a fun machine to learn on Christopher. Be sure when you receive the machine to not delay inspecting it and test sewing with it. Hopefully, your machine will arrive safe and sound.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thanks a lot for the kind reply. Except for the bobbin assembly retaining plate, it's ready to sew. Luckily, parts for these Showa era "HA" machines are easily found here in Japan. I may have to buy a whole other donor machine, but I look at that as a positive. :)
(As an aside, the name of the machine, Bankoku, is the Japanese pronunciation of Bangkok. I have no idea why it's named so, but as Bangkok's my favorite city, I had to have the machine.)
Can you show how the tension disk should be. Mine seem to be loose.. don't know where you are i would have you check mine out
Before this was a Singer, it was a Wheeler and Wilson 15!
I recently bought a perfect 'CROSSLEY' 15 series machine that has in addition a feed dog lowering dial for silk and embroidery ! I tried to find out where it was made and I think it was either Ireland or America...do you know ? It was in a horribly stained fabric case and I couldn't believe how wonderful the unmarked machine hidden inside was....and I don't think it had ever been used !
Hi David. While I've never seen a machine labeled Crosley, that brand was very large in consumer projects historically with everything from radios, TVs, Kitchen appliances, and even cars!! So, I'm not surprised to see that the name was used on a sewing machine. I can only speculate but it is quite possible that a 15 class machine with that name might have been a Japanese clone. I say this because almost all Japanese made sewing machines shipped to N. America, the UK, and Europe after WW II often used Anglicized names. Brands such as Jones, Reed's (Sailmaker) are just a few that would have been heritage brands that were available to buy the rights to for very little $$$. While Singer continued production in their global plants including N. America and their factory in Scotland, many of the smaller machine producers started sourcing their machines out of Japan not long after 1950 and this even included the once giant White Sewing Machine Co. Either way, it should be strong sewing machine and if it is a 15 class, you should be able to find parts that can be adapted to work with it should that be needed. I don't know enough of Crosley's history in sewing machines to know if they made them or licensed their name. It is also possible that the Crosley was originally made in Ireland but later was outsourced to cheaper labor in Japan while keeping the familiar Crosley name.
Could you please tell me when the 15-91was introduced.Was it before or after the 201 potted motor machine.Thanks Mike.
How can we locate restorers for 15-91 in our area, San Diego, CA?
dang im in columbia South Carolina and looking for a 15-91, too late being the video is a few years old now
I have the same finger and I have the same box cable that you have it's amazing I just have to redo the wood and I am having a little bit of problem with my stitches they seem little tight and sometimes they missed can you explain why
But I love my machine very much I rather have this one than a new modern one
I recently purchased this same machine, but I have no idea how to use the knee control.
I have the foot control. If you could show setting up the knee control that would be great.
Your machine looks great!
Hi there. Some machines came with foot pedals and they only can be put on the floor. But many Singer tables had a slot inside the table (almost always on the right side (inside) where you can insert the foot pedal into the slot. I think I may have demonstrated this before in one of my videos but I don't recall at the moment which one. If any of my viewers recall, please remind us! If not, I will make a point to do this on my next video where I have one of these since they are fairly common. Its important to install it properly since if the pedal drops, it can be ruined as they have porcelain parts inside.
Mine doesn't have a table it's small and has a flat arm i don't know what to call it ? it lifts up
Hello Again!
Can you tell me what you use to polish the black Singers? They always look so dark and rich looking!
Hi Louis. When it comes to cleaning/polishing sewing machines, I strongly feel that "Less is more". Color matters here because black machines had a difference paint process. Avoid household cleaners as they can cause the finish to dull. Some people have found some success with hand cleaner gels. They are sold under such brand names as "Go Jo" and "Permatex" etc. NOTE: DO NOT use any of these if they contain pumice as many have this ingredient to help clean grease off your hands, but would ruin a paint finish. They also sell non-pumice versions that you can try. ALWAYS try a small hidden area first to test the compatibility before cleaning the whole machine. With black machines, most all of them have a clear Lacquer finish that was used to seal the decals. Lacquer is extremely sensitive to chemicals and even mild cleaners can cause the gold decals to turn silver and this will harm the value of your machine. Honestly, the only thing that I mostly use is Sewing Machine oil. It is the one thing that the manufacturers knew would get on the finish and normally, if you buff lightly with it, it will keep the machine looking nice and you will see soiling lift from the paint finish as you rub in the oil. Its a slow and tedious thing, but just clean as much as you want and keep it buffed and thats it. No need for car wax or any special polishes for the painted surfaces. With nickel and chrome, you can use metal polishes, but be cautious and test first. Of all the things I do with restoring machines, making them shine is the least time consuming and most fun!!
What did this machine sell for in 1947?
Question. I have a 201 and now a 15 91 based off of your videos like this one. I have the manual and it says"Turn the machine back on its hinges and remove the two thumb screws from the two grease cups A and clean out the interior of the cups.Then insert the tip of the motor lubricant tube into the grease cups as shown and while holding the tube firmly against the bottom of the grease cups, SQUEEZE ENOUGH GREASE INTO EACH CUP TO FILL THEM.
First question I can't find this grease like in the picture anywhere?
Second question if there is an alternate grease do I just stick it up there and squeeze it out?
Hello Daniel. The only grease you need really is the Singer Lubricant grease that can be readily found online or in sewing supply stores. You want the one that is in the Red/Pink/White striped tube. Every 201 I have overhauled has screws that hold the grease cups in place, but none of those screws have been "Thumb Screws). I wish they were as that would streamline removal and reinstalling the cups. I do not find it necessary to fill the entire cup with grease as most of that would be a bit wasted. I simply apply a bead of grease to one of the two interlocked gears and I do this for each end of the machine where the gear sets are along with the gear set up top that you can access from the rear opening plate. This approach has worked quite well for the overhauls I have performed.
Many sources for the grease on ebay.
Available? I’m interested in purchasing a properly refurbished machine
I have my mother's 15-91, at first I couldn't really get it to sew very well. I watched several videos on UA-cam, including yours, to trouble shoot the machine. After watching the videos and educating myself on the machine I've gone through most of the machine and have oiled everything required. It was working fairly well, however I could not get it to sew very straight and consistent. Is there a way to contact you for help. I went to "About" link but it wouldn't provide me with contact information. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Great video! Can you tell me what, if any, base you use I the fiber gear on the handwheel? Everyone seems to have a different opinion, you seem to know what you're talking about! Thank you!
Hello Jeff and thanks for writing. Am I interpreting what you wrote here to mean to ask what kind of grease I use on the fiber gear hand wheel? The gear you are referring to was called "Textolite" and was developed by GE for use by Singer on hand wheels for Singer 201 and Singer 15 models that used direct gear drive motors ("Potted Motors"). This also applied to the later Slant-O-Matic machines such as the 301, 400 series, 500 series and possibly the 600 series (but I would need to verify that last model series). When I apply grease to that fiber gear, I always use "Singer Lubricant" #2129 which is sold in 1/2 oz. tubes with white, read, and pink stripes on the tube. Lots of sewing shops sell this lubricant which is really a thin grease. This lubricant is speced close to or the same as the traditional Singer grease that was used for decades. My reasoning for using this is that it was used for generations with that fiber gear with no apparent issues for compatibility. I would suggest using this since it is tried and true. Note that all lubricants are chemically varied and I prefer not to experiment with anything untested when applied with that fiber gear. On the other hand, whenever I am applying grease to "metal on metal" gears, I use Tri Flow synthetic grease since it is less likely to drip when warm and does not fling off as easily. The Singer Lubricant would also work with metal to metal parts of course. I hope this was helpful.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you so much! Yes you interpreted my typo properly. It is confusing as there is a company that supposedly tested all these greases and says the Singer is not the same as the original (featherweight shop). When I re-greased the wick tubes I noticed the grease finds its way into the worm gear cavity. So guessing the grease used in the wick tubes should be compatible with the fiber gear. I did find the Singer grease in the red and white tube on Amazon. There's also a purple tube (guessing that's not suitable as others have also surmised?)
That's for enduring me!
@@jeffdeluca1153 Hi Jeff. I cannot say about the purple tube for sure, but I do know that the red and white tube Singer Lubricant is the closest thing we have to the original grease. I have had no problems using THAT grease on the fiber gears. Thanks for writing!
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage That's great! Thanks again for responding!
What would be the cause of this machine to drop a stitch ever so often?
Love your videos! Couldn't figure out what was attached to the fly wheel...are they binoculars beside? 😂
It is a worm gear that the motor shaft attaches to. They are EXTREMELY time consuming to overhaul and require 4 hands to get properly taken apart and restored. But I think they are worth it. I have to charge more labor, but once its done, the machine is good to go!
Yes, they are binoculars for bird watching.
That's me an why i don't sew lol 😂
I have a singer sewing machine it's very very light it's definitely from the 50 's or earlier im trying to find out how old it is in excellent condition it has the green box with i guess the instructions ect lol i don't sew so i don't know ? it's hard to believe they call it a machine because it's very light.
I'm struggling to maintain good tension on my bottom stitches with my 15-125. Any tips? I'm not sure how to adjust the tension for it
Typically, bottom stitch tension issues are often a result of issues with the upper tension assembly.
@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Good to know! I appreciate the reply, lots to learn
Are you selling the machine?