Sewing machine question.

[TacAir]

I have an old (1940s) Singer Model 15-91 that was converted from treadle power to electric. Wonderful machine. It isn't worth retro-retro fitting for hand power.

Has anyone on the board used the newer (Henco en China) Singer reproductions of the model 15 (gear driven) or 221 machines? Esp the hand-powered versions?

I know 'real' Singer hand powered machines are out there, but I haven't had any luck here in AK. My local sewing machine mechanic tells me a used but working Model 15 is only worth about $100 USD.

Would like to know how they really work.

[nateted4]

I don't have an answer to your question, but would like further posts in this thread to show up in my egosearch.

[Sojourner1104]

I have an old (1940s) Singer Model 15-91 that was converted from treadle power to electric. Wonderful machine. It isn't worth retro-retro fitting for hand power.

Has anyone on the board used the newer (Henco en China) Singer reproductions of the model 15 (gear driven) or 221 machines? Esp the hand-powered versions?

I know 'real' Singer hand powered machines are out there, but I haven't had any luck here in AK. My local sewing machine mechanic tells me a used but working Model 15 is only worth about $100 USD.

Would like to know how they really work.

: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yo ... z1nbhjOeTU
try a google search TREADLE
FYI if your old Singer still works converting it back to treadle power is not that expensive, my Great Grand mother left us one and it was converted like yours it only took me a few dollars to convert it back. Unfortunately I gave it to an old girlfriend. Such is life.

[TacAir]

I have an old (1940s) Singer Model 15-91 that was converted from treadle power to electric. Wonderful machine. It isn't worth retro-retro fitting for hand power.

Has anyone on the board used the newer (Henco en China) Singer reproductions of the model 15 (gear driven) or 221 machines? Esp the hand-powered versions?

I know 'real' Singer hand powered machines are out there, but I haven't had any luck here in AK. My local sewing machine mechanic tells me a used but working Model 15 is only worth about $100 USD.

Would like to know how they really work.

: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yo ... z1nbhjOeTU
try a google search TREADLE
FYI if your old Singer still works converting it back to treadle power is not that expensive, my Great Grand mother left us one and it was converted like yours it only took me a few dollars to convert it back. Unfortunately I gave it to an old girlfriend. Such is life.

Thanks no really looking for a treadl desk - folks here (AK) want crazy crazy money for them.
I've seen early 70's Singers advertised as an 'antique'. Go figure.

They make a repordcution 15K series - Henco en China

Hand powered.

Was wondering if anyone on the board had one of thiese machines & if it worked worth a d**n, mostly for jean type material..

[Sojourner1104]

I have an old (1940s) Singer Model 15-91 that was converted from treadle power to electric. Wonderful machine. It isn't worth retro-retro fitting for hand power.

Has anyone on the board used the newer (Henco en China) Singer reproductions of the model 15 (gear driven) or 221 machines? Esp the hand-powered versions?

I know 'real' Singer hand powered machines are out there, but I haven't had any luck here in AK. My local sewing machine mechanic tells me a used but working Model 15 is only worth about $100 USD.

Would like to know how they really work.

: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yo ... z1nbhjOeTU
try a google search TREADLE
FYI if your old Singer still works converting it back to treadle power is not that expensive, my Great Grand mother left us one and it was converted like yours it only took me a few dollars to convert it back. Unfortunately I gave it to an old girlfriend. Such is life.

Thanks no really looking for a treadl desk - folks here (AK) want crazy crazy money for them.
I've seen early 70's Singers advertised as an 'antique'. Go figure.

They make a repordcution 15K series - Henco en China

Hand powered.

Was wondering if anyone on the board had one of thiese machines & if it worked worth a d**n, mostly for jean type material..

http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Mac ... ialty/712T I found it on a website for Amish it is made in Taiwan but I figure if the Amish use it?

http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Fin ... 0&state=AR is for Arkansas dealers in Janome machines

[TacAir]

THanks for the JAnome links.

Found my answer another site

Reproduction Singer part


Real Singer part


IOW, buy Hencho en China, you get the usual sloppy workmanship found so often. Note the rough casting and bubbled paint.

I'll keep looking for older one made in a Singer plant.

Thx again

[Crazy Wolf]

THanks for the JAnome links.

Found my answer another site

Reproduction Singer part...
Thx again

That's above and beyond just plain "shitty workmanship". How hard is it to center a hole? Was that done entirely by hand or something?

[TacAir]

THanks for the JAnome links.

Found my answer another site

Reproduction Singer part...
Thx again

That's above and beyond just plain "shitty workmanship". How hard is it to center a hole? Was that done entirely by hand or something?

I suspect some overworked drone, paid by the part, using a manual milling machine and drill press. I found a supplier who would provide me a "high qualty Singer Modle 221 Liteweight" complete in the box for 30 USD each in lots of 100, FOB Shanghi.

A 'real' Singer 15K99 weighs in at a hefty 37 pounds, a 221 Lightweight (later, Featherweight) is a petite 29 pounds. The Chinese reproduction is 'all metal' and a massive 17 pounds, in case. Ya, no thanks. Could just be they failed to call it a toy.

There are toys (sometimes mistakenly called travel machines) to be found on the web from time to time.

They only make a very simple single thread chain stitch, rather than a two thread lock stitch found in machine with a shuttle.
Cool looking though.

[IceWing]

Unfortunately I gave it to an old girlfriend. Such is life.

Is that because most young girlfriends have little\no interest in sewing?

I jest, but seriously, it does seems like a lot of 'household' skills are being lost. Was with a group of younger people about 7 years ago who actually were offended that my fiance (now wife) cooked and cleaned, (sewed when she needed to) and pretty much knew how to do everything her grandmother knew how to do.

One of them in fact made the comment that if anybody asked her to do anything around the house, she'd walk out.

I had to wonder what they would bring to a relationship... It obviously wasn't personality (nor looks).

Ice

[ZombieGranny]

Sewing used to be a way to save money, now it costs MORE to make it yourself.
Good fabric is very expensive.

[IceWing]

Sewing used to be a way to save money, now it costs MORE to make it yourself.
Good fabric is very expensive.

I think that depends... I, for one, am an odd side... My shoulders are 3XL, my waist is 2XL around, but somewhere between 2XLT and 3XLT in length...

So, what invariably happens is I get a shirt, it's way big at the waist, right at the shoulders, and close to about the right length to stay tucked in (when I buy a 3XL). But within a couple of months, they start to get shorter and are ALWAYS coming untucked, which makes me look like a slob at work.

I'd really rather spend the money for good fabric and have shirts that will last for years, fitting correctly.

We got a Juki, and soon may start making my shirts custom.

Ice

[TacAir]

Sewing used to be a way to save money, now it costs MORE to make it yourself.
Good fabric is very expensive.

I think that depends... I, for one, am an odd side... My shoulders are 3XL, my waist is 2XL around, but somewhere between 2XLT and 3XLT in length...

So, what invariably happens is I get a shirt, it's way big at the waist, right at the shoulders, and close to about the right length to stay tucked in (when I buy a 3XL). But within a couple of months, they start to get shorter and are ALWAYS coming untucked, which makes me look like a slob at work.

I'd really rather spend the money for good fabric and have shirts that will last for years, fitting correctly.

We got a Juki, and soon may start making my shirts custom.

Ice

looked at the Juki - 250 pounds ship weight!! that's a machine,...

[Crimson Phoenix]

Unfortunately I gave it to an old girlfriend. Such is life.

Is that because most young girlfriends have little\no interest in sewing?

I jest, but seriously, it does seems like a lot of 'household' skills are being lost. Was with a group of younger people about 7 years ago who actually were offended that my fiance (now wife) cooked and cleaned, (sewed when she needed to) and pretty much knew how to do everything her grandmother knew how to do.

One of them in fact made the comment that if anybody asked her to do anything around the house, she'd walk out.

I had to wonder what they would bring to a relationship... It obviously wasn't personality (nor looks).

Ice

I get an alternate extreme. I'm male, yet I'm the one with all the life skills. I cook, clean, pick up after myself, and even do some hand-mending from time to time. My sewing kit has gotten some use in the dorm and I've taken my kitchen in a box and bookshelf pantry with me to the last two dorms I've lived in. That being said, only two of the last four women I've dated could take care of themselves. Sadly, when people who don't know me too well find out about these skills, they openly question my sexuality. Apparently being able to take care of yourself without needing mommy and daddy all the time once you're a 20-something is a gender-specific stereotype or worse. These are strange times we live in.

Anyway, I'm in the process of trying to force Mom to teach me as much as she can about this archaic lost art called sewing to the point I could trust myself to make my own quilted blankets, alterations, and clothes if need be, just like she's done for 30-some years. So far, all I can trust myself doing is just mend tears and stitches and replace buttons. Still looking for a good general purpose machine and one that can handle cordura nylon and upholstery fabric. I do want to make some custom cushions for a deck chair or bench someday.

[IceWing]

looked at the Juki - 250 pounds ship weight!! that's a machine,...

It's a BEAST. It'll go through pretty much anything. I've sewn 2 layers of quarter inch horsehide scrap together with it, and it did it like it was NOTHING (make sure to use a leather needle though)

The 250 lbs is likely the whole enchilada. Machine, motor and table. And that table is HEAVY. I had to slide ours up the hill to the backdoor on a sheet of cardboard while there was snow on the ground.

You may want to look around your area for industrial sewing machine places.. The one we got it from is an commercial sewing shop that sells gear as a sideline... They had one set up and showed us everything, and offer service (onsite) as well.

Ice

[TacAir]

looked at the Juki - 250 pounds ship weight!! that's a machine,...

It's a BEAST. It'll go through pretty much anything. I've sewn 2 layers of quarter inch horsehide scrap together with it, and it did it like it was NOTHING (make sure to use a leather needle though)

The 250 lbs is likely the whole enchilada. Machine, motor and table. And that table is HEAVY. I had to slide ours up the hill to the backdoor on a sheet of cardboard while there was snow on the ground.

You may want to look around your area for industrial sewing machine places.. The one we got it from is an commercial sewing shop that sells gear as a sideline... They had one set up and showed us everything, and offer service (onsite) as well.

Ice

Anchorage is a 'one' kind of town. One shop that is. For heavy sewing, the directory shows 5 places. One is a music shop (I don't know, ask the phone people)
another is a tattoo shop (canvas = skin,, I guess)
One 'serves your area', call our 888 number...
One heavy sewing shop works near the car repair district - I assume it works auto related things, and Alaska Tent and Tarp - a full service shop that will make custom tarps and they taking in sewing. Love them to death - but AFAIK, no heavy machines here in town.

I so see stuff pop up on Craigslist, but the person placing the ad wants about the same as new...
So here we are, still looking for a decent machine. The 15K series is not industrial, despite the many ebray ads to that effect - but is a nice, heavy duty machine.

So, now we scan the ads, looking for Juki, White, Singer, Janome, or other QUALITY machine. I'm jealous of those who line in an area where old sewing machine show up at non-crazy prices....

I love to find another 15K or even a 221 for about $100 and pay for shipping - but that is just a dream.

Thanks -

[sgthammers]

I make tactical gear as a sideline, and currently use a Sailrite LSZ-1 and have a LS-1 at home. They cost between 600-800 each and are "semi-industrial" walking foot machines. They will go through about 8-10 layers of webbing and cordura. If it fits under the foot then it will sew it. I started on a Singer 201K from the 60's, then "upgraded" to a 1930's Singer 15-91 (motorized). Both machines were good for making tactical gear, and pretty much went through what I needed them to. You just have to be smart when laying things out so you don't get too many layers.

As for the cheap Chinese knockoffs, I have had the opportunity to mess with one (I'm currently in Afghanistan). For about 30 bucks you can get a hand wheel powered 15-91 clone, it's rough, is a jam-o-matic, and breaks thread like you wouldn't believe. When I head home on leave i'll bring back some stuff to see if I can get it to work, if so then I might ship it home just to have around. As it is , I wouldn't rely on it other than a paper weight.

[Dawgboy]

I'll sell you this for a good price, if you cover shipping... It's a 1951 Centennial edition...

It's going to go on Ebay as I have too many machines...

[TacAir]

I'll sell you this for a good price, if you cover shipping... It's a 1951 Centennial edition...

It's going to go on Ebay as I have too many machines...

Check your PMs
thx

[TacAir]

I make tactical gear as a sideline, and currently use a Sailrite LSZ-1 and have a LS-1 at home. They cost between 600-800 each and are "semi-industrial" walking foot machines. They will go through about 8-10 layers of webbing and cordura. If it fits under the foot then it will sew it. I started on a Singer 201K from the 60's, then "upgraded" to a 1930's Singer 15-91 (motorized). Both machines were good for making tactical gear, and pretty much went through what I needed them to. You just have to be smart when laying things out so you don't get too many layers.

As for the cheap Chinese knockoffs, I have had the opportunity to mess with one (I'm currently in Afghanistan). For about 30 bucks you can get a hand wheel powered 15-91 clone, it's rough, is a jam-o-matic, and breaks thread like you wouldn't believe. When I head home on leave i'll bring back some stuff to see if I can get it to work, if so then I might ship it home just to have around. As it is , I wouldn't rely on it other than a paper weight.

Yup love my 15K -99 I have eyt to hear anything positive about the Henco en China Singers, other than they make a good paperweight as you noted.

[KnightoftheRoc]

If you have any kind of sewing mill, even a closed one, in your area (within a day's drive), it would serve you well to shop around in person. Many of the older commercial machines were converted treadle powered jobs they simply slapped a motor and clutch under. They even re-tasked the treadle to operate the clutch! Just keep an eye open for a machine with an older looking treadle plate, and where the large under-table pulley is still there. These can be had in the NYC garment district for around 3-400 dollars, in really good condition, complete. Just add thread! They ARE heavy old bears, so you'll want some help, or the tools to dismantle it for taking it home. The motors alone are around 100 pounds on some of them. I'd recommend bringing an empty milk jug, a roll of paper towel, and a turkey baster- you'll need some way to remove the oil sitting in the bottom of the machine, or risk it getting all over your car. Everything else is just basic tools, really, and attention to how it goes together before taking it apart.

Get a commercial unit of you can, it's built as robust as they come, and I've used units that were 100 years old or more, and still ran fine. They also usually have a knee pad to the right for lifting the foot hands-free, or a second treadle pedal for that- I prefer the knee pad, since I don't sew often, and can get my feet mixed up...

[That German Guy]

Ooh, sewing machines, me likey.

Can anyone tell me anything about "Singer, Treadle-powered, folds down into table(Chessboard comes up on a hinge to cover the hole), bought used when gramma was two years old (1924)?

That thing sits in my grandpappy's basement, and may be reactivated some day. Will probably need a new table though, and most definetely a new drive belt (leather).

[TacAir]

Ooh, sewing machines, me likey.

Can anyone tell me anything about "Singer, Treadle-powered, folds down into table(Chessboard comes up on a hinge to cover the hole), bought used when gramma was two years old (1924)?

That thing sits in my grandpappy's basement, and may be reactivated some day. Will probably need a new table though, and most definetely a new drive belt (leather).

Open the machine up. Look at the right front of the machine deck. You should see a brass looking area with a serial number. Make a note.

Check for date of manufacture and location here
http://www.sewalot.com/dating_singer_se ... number.htm (fast)
or here
http://www.sewingshop.com/dateyourmachine.aspx (very detailed)
- you may have to match model number by looking at images.


Find repro manual here
http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mac ... nuals.html

OEM parts are still available and I've seen Brit businesses that will restore these old machines.

Let us know what you find out - maybe a diamond in the rough.

***

I did find a treadle machine locally, only to discover on inspection that it was a Chinese knockoff. Some folks are just ....

[colinz]

So, what invariably happens is I get a shirt, it's way big at the waist, right at the shoulders, and close to about the right length to stay tucked in (when I buy a 3XL). But within a couple of months, they start to get shorter and are ALWAYS coming untucked, which makes me look like a slob at work.

That's about the same issue I have.

I'm not an overly large guy (I wear a Large T-shirt ), but I need about a 41-42cm collared shirt for it to fit comfortably around my neck, and not be excessively tight under my armpits. This means that dress shirts for me tend to be fairly loose around the waistline (I have an 82-84cm waist) if they fit correctly up top, and they look absolutely horrible once tucked in.

I've had some success with bringing the shirts in around the torso area, but they still aren't as nice to wear as a shirt which has been made from scratch to fit.

I've just recently bought myself an old Singer, with the view towards making some gear. I'm still looking for a decent less heavy-duty machine too.

[KnightoftheRoc]

So, what invariably happens is I get a shirt, it's way big at the waist, right at the shoulders, and close to about the right length to stay tucked in (when I buy a 3XL). But within a couple of months, they start to get shorter and are ALWAYS coming untucked, which makes me look like a slob at work.

That's about the same issue I have.

I'm not an overly large guy (I wear a Large T-shirt ), but I need about a 41-42cm collared shirt for it to fit comfortably around my neck, and not be excessively tight under my armpits. This means that dress shirts for me tend to be fairly loose around the waistline (I have an 82-84cm waist) if they fit correctly up top, and they look absolutely horrible once tucked in.

I've had some success with bringing the shirts in around the torso area, but they still aren't as nice to wear as a shirt which has been made from scratch to fit.

I've just recently bought myself an old Singer, with the view towards making some gear. I'm still looking for a decent less heavy-duty machine too.

What you have pictured there is a rather solid medium duty machine- stronger than a household unit, but not belt leather all day stitching, either. honestly, if you want a heavy duty machine, be willing to toss the lighter duty machine in as part of the deal- you can't have a unit too heavy for what you're sewing 99% of the time. Anything too light for the machine, you probably don't want, anyway, certainly not if this is for GEAR. A solid commercial lockstitch machine and a bar tack machine would allow you to make nearly anything that doesn't require welding.