braymond Report post Posted October 2, 2013 I am being given a singer 15-91 and am curious to see if it sew the things I need it too. I am needing it to sew belts and wallets. Nothing over about 10 oz leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted October 2, 2013 I'm pretty sure it won't sew what your wanting to sew. It looks like household machine to me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcox Report post Posted October 2, 2013 maybe but not for long good machines but not meant for sewing anything more than garment leather and cloth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
braymond Report post Posted October 3, 2013 Thanks for the reply's I found several of these machines on eBay that show pictures of them sewing some pretty touch tanned leather so I'm baffeled as to whether it's going to work or not Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian1783 Report post Posted October 3, 2013 Google just about any home machine model, and you're bound to find a Youtube video of it sewing leather and multi layers of denim. And they may, for a bit. But they are not the "industrial-strength" machines they are often said to be in these huckster videos. You'll hear advice here to stay away from these machines for serious leather sewing. I suggest one heed that advice. That said, the 15-91 is a great machine for home use on garment fabric. Ian SF Bay Area http://imcinnis.blogspot.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted October 3, 2013 I am being given a singer 15-91 and am curious to see if it sew the things I need it too. I am needing it to sew belts and wallets. Nothing over about 10 oz leather. There are lots of threads here on what is needed for a leather sewing machine. Go to the pinned topics in the sewing machine forum. Also do a couple searches for leather sewing machine Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 3, 2013 I have a Singer 15-91 and am here to tell you that is is too weak to penetrate 10 ounces of veg-tan. It can sew soft temper leather, like garment leather or soft chap, but is limited to no larger than size 69 bonded thread. Worse than that, it has trouble feeding leather. The stickier the top grain, the more it drags against the steel presser foot. A Teflon foot feeds leather better, but can get gouged if it is set down on the feed dog teeth. My assessment of the 15-91 is that is is best used for sewing cloth garments, pillow covers, stuffed animals and maybe the cuffs on soft jeans. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cascabel Report post Posted October 3, 2013 (edited) ALWAYS keep in mind that there is no such thing as an "Industrial Strength" sewing machine, no matter what the Craigslist or ebay listings say !! Just because a machine is made of cast iron and painted black does not make it an industrial machine. Back in the old days, ALL sewing machines were painted black and made of cast iron. Most machines on ebay including 15-91's and other old machines listed as "Industrial Strength" are simply old domestic machines. Many are in good shape if well cared for, but not suitable for leather or other heavy sewing such as canvas. For the newbies, the easiest thing to do is to look at the motor. If it's the size of a man's fist, and mounted of the back of the machine, it will be a domestic machine. A true industrial machine has a motor about the size of your head, and it's mounted underneath the table !! Edited October 3, 2013 by Cascabel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 3, 2013 Snip For the newbies, the easiest thing to do is to look at the motor. If it's the size of a man's fist, and mounted of the back of the machine, it will be a domestic machine. A true industrial machine has a motor about the size of your head, and it's mounted underneath the table !! Never eat anything bigger than your head! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
