I Just Bought Out Singer :-)

[DoubleC]

This obsession started when I bought the Green Goddess, the 185J with everything original, green everything, belt, winder foot pedal, case. It was love at first sight, not so much at first touch. I don't know how to sew and I was afraid of messing it up. So I went searching for another vintage or antique machine I couldn't hurt. I found a great 128 vibrating shuttle. But man that machine was so nice. So off it went to a friend so I didn't mess it up. Then I found Rusty, the sphinx 27 treadle machine. Finally something even I couldn't hurt. Actually I wasn't sure there was a machine head under the rust. It cleaned up so well and had everything original rusted to and in it. I took it apart, cleaned and oiled it and put it back together in two days. Of course then there were the two 99s, too good a deal to turn down. And then I found it....the 15-91 in a cabinet and I kept thinking I had to be confused because I was getting the whole tamale shipping and all for 54.00. But they didn't know it was a 15-91 or even what a 15-91 was. neither did I until researched it. Of course it suddenly dawned on me I was beyond broke:-)

But i did some selling and horse trading, and I'm going to survive. The Goddess is on eBay, so is Rusty with all the treadle parts I got, and now a 99. But I raised Rusty up so high no one would buy him. You take a machine apart and totally service it, you know what you have. Now I'll hear these aren't really leather machines. and I thought, yes, I'm sure in 1887 if something broke in the stable, they ran it down to someone with an adler or juki, LOL. Maybe a cobra 1/2. I kinda think that part was brought in the house and sewn right up on a treadle. So I have rehabbed 3 so far, and working on the 15-91 right now. I have two really for sale on eBay and a third going on tomorrow. I have the 15-91 torn apart and wire, grease, etc. ordered. I think I could have missed my calling. I plugged the 15-91 in and tried it (said it worked) with sneaks on so I'd be grounded. Man the chatter of that potted motor was like an odd type of music. I have two more I'm just going to sell for parts, and two huge lots of parts I'm putting up too, 27s and 99s. So I'm going to have two, a treadle and a cabinet model 15-91. I also have someone here that's going to teach me a few more skills besides speed rehabbing :-) Minor things like sewing. It was a wild ride, but it was fun and i don't think I'll ever be afraid of a sewing machine again.

[Sylvia]

LOL I've been wondering where you were. Scrubbing old machines.

How are your displays working in the stores? Any sales yet?

[CowboyBob]

The 15-91 is one of Singers heaviest home machine they ever bbuilt.If you interested in sewing leather it will use #69 with some minor tension tightening.The gear drive on the motor gives it the power to punch through leather over 1/4" it would make a great low priced wallet,purse or chap machine

Bob

[DoubleC]

Sylvia if you knew the paperwork, and research, and more paperwork I've done. No sales calls yet, but I just met with George yesterday, and he is getting Voc involved now, and it seems I can get a daily stipend while a friend of his teaches me. Also may lead to contract work for his friend, but basically we're looking to her as a mentor. She's a ,local business person. I am researching my 'market' and costs per mare stare for BROC who is helping me make up a professional business plan also for VOC for the grant. I have so many people helping me they're gonna have to start wearing name tags, LOL. but I am in agreement with everything that's being done because I'm in this for the long haul, and not wanting to switch careers to sewing machines :-) Good seeing you.

[DoubleC]

The 15-91 is one of Singers heaviest home machine they ever bbuilt.If you interested in sewing leather it will use #69 with some minor tension tightening.The gear drive on the motor gives it the power to punch through leather over 1/4" it would make a great low priced wallet,purse or chap machine

Bob

I know Bob. I'm so excited about it. I didn't even know what kind it was when i bid, but started online research. When I figured out it was a 15-91 I was sure i really wasn't getting it. But I did, it, cabinet all shipped for $54.00. and it's really in good shape. I broke it down and the worm gear isn't all clogged and gunky. It's just old and the wiring needed replaced, and well I am going to clean and regrease everything while it's apart. I want this to last longer than I do. But the cord is really in good shape. OK, 54 in the machine and $18.00 today for grease, bobbin cover, bobbin holder, two kinds of wire, and a grease can. I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. But thank you for saying so. It's nice to have someone like you that makes their living from sewing machines validate all the info I could find on the net. Cheryl

[CowboyBob]

Years ago we used to put welting feet & sell them to people for a cheap upholstery machine.

[DoubleC]

Years ago we used to put welting feet & sell them to people for a cheap upholstery machine.

When you said I could put '69' in it and do my leather sewing, did you mean the thread? 'cause when I got the 185J I went to Joann's and was told to try and get denim thread if I could or if not, then get machine quilting thread. And they sure don't carry anything heavy enough for any leather work there. had two colors of denim, and the quilting thread breaks every time I turn around. Is that something you folks sell, or who does sell a heavier thread? Thanks, Cheryl

[CowboyBob]

I meant #69 nylon thread which is what alot of upholstery people use,yes we sell that thread.

Bob

[DoubleC]

I meant #69 nylon thread which is what alot of upholstery people use,yes we sell that thread.

Bob

Thanks Bob, I'll order some then. Cheryl

[Wizcrafts]

I also have a Singer 15-91, in very good condition. I rebuilt the motor and replaced the drive gear. Most recently I added a solid state control pedal, which I got from Bob Kovar.

The machine does sew with #69 bonded nylon thread, up to 1/4 inch. But, it has trouble feeding sticky material. I bought a so-called walking foot attachment, but it only made a marginal improvement, while losing at least 1/16" of available clearance under the foot. I believe that a Teflon foot would be more useful and wouldn't reduce the sewing clearance.

After rebuilding it I packed it in its case and there is has sat, since 2009. I have already invested $160 between buying and rebuilding it. I consider it a waste of money compared to my industrial sewing machines, which have big industrial motors. Still, I could use it to sew wallet interiors or put in a new zipper in a jacket, or to hem pants.