singer 17w15

[catskin]

I have done a search and got nothing so I am wondering if anyone can tell me anything about this machine.  There is one for sale within driving distance.  Does it do straight stitch or is it a special machine for some non leather job.  Could it sew leather for example mitts ?  And if so what would its limit be thickness and thread size.

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, catskin said:

I have done a search and got nothing so I am wondering if anyone can tell me anything about this machine.  There is one for sale within driving distance.  Does it do straight stitch or is it a special machine for some non leather job.  Could it sew leather for example mitts ?  And if so what would its limit be thickness and thread size.

A google search finds these links plus many more (singer 17w15 sewing machine):

http://www.usa-dealer.net/SINGER-17W15-heavy-duty-zig-zag-sewing-machine_p_1694.html

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/364455/Singer-17w15.html

Tom

[catskin]

Thank you Tom, I looked at some of those sites before I posted here but so far none I have found tell me if it can be used for straight stitching or what thickness it can sew.  Also the pictures I have of it show a flat plate at the feed dog not the one with the half round groove as the ones on those sites show. I am hoping someone that has or has seen or used one can give me a bit more info.

[ojd]

Singer industrial has most manuals and part lists online.

[Matt S]

ISMACS is my go-to reference for Singer machines. Very handy resource. It lists the 17w15 as "For tacking the ends of rope and electric lamp cord in sizes 1/8" - 1/4" and stitching rope onto grain bags, etc. Makes two stitch tack; length of tack is contriolled by the operator. Speed <1000."

The Singer 17-class is generally a drop-feed 2" cylinder-bed machine for straight-stitching lighter leather goods under 1/4" (6mm) thick using thread no larger than TKT40 (v69). Uses an obsolescent long-beak shuttle with disappointingly small bobbins. Popular for closing shoe uppers, even to this day still produced as the Seiko TE.

It might be possible to convert this specially modified machine to a regular straight-stitcher. I think though that it would not be worth the time, effort and cost. Even if it did work all you'd end up with is a machine that sells for £200.