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Singer 15-91 vs Singer 15-90 power?

bj139 said:
I did a couple of videos on request. Thread upper tension seems to be the limiting factor on thread size. Industrial machines have multiple tension dials to sew heavy. I got more tension with a double wrap.
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Thanks!! I have 135 bonded poly ordered from thread exchange and size 20 organ needles. I’ll have to try the same thing when my thread comes in.

Much appreciate you trying this and sharing the videos from, I presume, my request. Thx!
 
Well.....going to pickup my forst 201-2 tomorrow. Ill post up some pics after I get home. Too many accessories to pass it up.
 
Interested in seeing that one. I picked up a singer 237, last of the all metal (except race cover and some of the body).

There were 2 15-91’s available, but I wanted something with zig zag.
 
Ive seen several 15s lately. Luckily they were asking more than Ill pay. I cant pass them up once they drop below $50.

I even got rid of an all metal kenmore 158 machine. Just never used it, and needed the space.
 
jhunter13 said:
Ive seen several 15s lately. Luckily they were asking more than Ill pay. I cant pass them up once they drop below $50.

I even got rid of an all metal kenmore 158 machine. Just never used it, and needed the space.
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I heard the all metal is more 158 model is strong. When looking for zig zag, it was either that or the singer 237. I found a 237.

Still working on my second 15-91 and practicing stitches and box x’s on my other 15-91. Have received 69, 92 and 138 thread, and some organ branded 20 needles. I already have a bunch of singer 18 needles.
 
The 158 was the first machine I picked up. Was incredibly finicky with tension (at least for me) on heavier threads. After picking up my first 15-91 I never went back.
 
Here are some pics of the Singer 201-2 I picked up today for $25. Its a 1951. Havent stitched anything yet, but seems to run great. Love these potted motors.

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The accessories alone were worth it.
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jhunter13 said:
Let me know how you make out with the 138. I may have to pick some up.
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Will do. I picked up the bonded polyester in 92 from sailrite and the bonded polyester 138 from threadexchange. I am waiting for some metal bobbins to come in to start my 138 trial.

The singer 15-91 manual indicates needle size up to 21.
The thread exchange notes 138 bonded polyester to be used with needles size 20 to 22.
Amazon had organ size 20 needles to work with the 15-21, which I picked up.

So, in theory, it will work. But we shall see in practice.

I believe @[mention]bj139 [/mention] had tested 138 in a model 15. I think he wound it around the upper tension mechanism twice. Not sure what to make of those results.
 
jhunter13 said:
Here are some pics of the Singer 201-2 I picked up today for $25. Its a 1951. Havent stitched anything yet, but seems to run great. Love these potted motors.

ae9f06247b73efd7186617866898ba5e.jpg


98c154ea9549a1159fb8410c1693c9ec.jpg


f9a033361483d8a771a8d6e6eae7044b.jpg


The accessories alone were worth it.
68cf919ed4377aa4f4b46004f7896ce3.jpg


fa0e1ccafae477e84fc5353d80aee573.jpg

a7bba8eb8424d88c7e28110530f0cb2e.jpg

32639dbfa49dcb627336e61b8ddf4222.jpg


219aa1051901a1e66c833a9964d574e2.jpg

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5ad012d65cb0a0b69fb31688531b2b75.jpg
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$25, you scored the motherload!

Even if you don’t keep the 201(fat chance), it is well revered, so resale should be good.
 
sojourner said:
$25, you scored the motherload!

Even if you don’t keep the 201(fat chance), it is well revered, so resale should be good.
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Just got done going through the motor. Completely took it apart, cleaned motor housing, the commutator, the brush channels and replaced the grease wicks and loaded with fresh grease.

I highly doubt Ill let it go. It runs super smooth and quiet. Cabinet is pretty beat up, so that will most likely go once I find a case for it.
 
jhunter13 said:
Just got done going through the motor. Completely took it apart, cleaned motor housing, the commutator, the brush channels and replaced the grease wicks and loaded with fresh grease.

I highly doubt Ill let it go. It runs super smooth and quiet. Cabinet is pretty beat up, so that will most likely go once I find a case for it.
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What did you use for grease wicks?
 
jhunter13 said:
Here are some pics of the Singer 201-2 I picked up today for $25. Its a 1951. Havent stitched anything yet, but seems to run great. Love these potted motors.



The accessories alone were worth it.
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fa0e1ccafae477e84fc5353d80aee573.jpg

a7bba8eb8424d88c7e28110530f0cb2e.jpg

32639dbfa49dcb627336e61b8ddf4222.jpg


219aa1051901a1e66c833a9964d574e2.jpg

1f11c42e714367e59587ea0e61822ccd.jpg

0e725f9d95fe18e4f2e1f8905521e4e5.jpg


5ad012d65cb0a0b69fb31688531b2b75.jpg
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Holy crap! I got my 201 for $200 and I think it was worth it. $25 and I start bragging ro anybody who will listen. How do you guys find these? Not in my area sad to say.
 
Shot thru said:
What did you use for grease wicks?
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Look up item number 8767K226 on McMaster Carr. Its Firm Felt Cord F1, 3/16" Diameter, 5 ft. Long for $6.95.

Cost more to ship. But 5 ft will out last you.

I also use regular vaseline for the grease after I completely clean all the old stuff out with q tips, paper towels and rubbing alchohol.
 
Sziggy2.0 said:
Holy crap! I got my 201 for $200 and I think it was worth it. $25 and I start bragging ro anybody who will listen. How do you guys find these? Not in my area sad to say.
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Just watch facebook market place and craigslist. Stay away from ones that know alot about them asking hundreds. Ive picked up 3 - 15-91s and this 201 all under $45 each. Most of the ones Ive gotten all read about the same "old sewing machine, dont know much about it, cord needs to be replaced"
 
jhunter13 said:
Look up item number 8767K226 on McMaster Carr. Its Firm Felt Cord F1, 3/16" Diameter, 5 ft. Long for $6.95.

Cost more to ship. But 5 ft will out last you.

I also use regular vaseline for the grease after I completely clean all the old stuff out with q tips, paper towels and rubbing alchohol.
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Thanks. I used a deer lure wick cut to size and the Singer grease but I did not feel the wick was dense enough. Will be getting some of this cord.
 
I ordered these, but still waiting for them to get here.

www.ebay.com

RE-WIRING MOTOR KIT for Singer 15-91 and 201-2 and other Sewing Machines | eBay

SINGER 201 AND 15-91 POTTED MOTOR RE-WIRING KIT. Also, tinned copper is easier to connect because tin is a primary component in solder. 18-gauge wire - 8" of both red and black. (Both ends pre-stripped, just slide off the coating - no need to buy wire strippers).
www.ebay.com
 
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