help with vintage machines?
#31
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 81
My daughter has my mother's vintage Singer and we are on opposite sides of the country, so I can't check up on it now. She says the manual says 15K88, but the receipt (August, 1950) says it's a 15K90.
Is this similar to the machines you're all talking about? I know it needs to visit someone who could repair/replace the wiring and give it a good going-over; will see about doing that when we're back in Reno this fall.
Is this a desirable machine for quilting? If it can be used for free-motion quilting, what foot would I need?
These old machines are a mystery to me, but I'd like to learn more about them.
Is this similar to the machines you're all talking about? I know it needs to visit someone who could repair/replace the wiring and give it a good going-over; will see about doing that when we're back in Reno this fall.
Is this a desirable machine for quilting? If it can be used for free-motion quilting, what foot would I need?
These old machines are a mystery to me, but I'd like to learn more about them.
#32
The machine you are looking at is a Singer 201. The 201 is the top of the line singer from that time. I refurbish both 201's and 15-91's and use my grandmothers 201 for quilting. $75.00 is a very good price even if it needs a little cleaning up. $50.00 would be better but $75 is good. Be sure to check the wiring behind the motor to makes sure the insulation is intact and not cracking and coming off. In my experience the one's on craigslist that are in a cabinet are usually in pretty good condition. If the wire is bare and it touches the metal machine head the whole machine can become live. I rewire motors and it is not difficult to do if you like to do things like that. But I would take the 201 in a heartbeat.
Cindy
Cindy
#33
I would only buy a vintage Singer sewing machine that is not plastic or has plastic parts. I have several that I have picked up at flea markets, thrift sales, yard sales etc. I bought them for my grandchildren to learn on but once we cleaned them and oiled them, I started using them. I have pieced on them, no heavy duty quilting, but I do believe they can handle it. I took one to a repair man to adjust and he had no problem doing it. These old machines are work horses, they can handle just about anything. I love anything vintage and these are fabulous. Several women I know have bought them too. Even my 1916 Singer works great. Just stay away from the plastic sewing machines, they aren't very good.
#35
Originally Posted by Annaquilts
ETA-- I think I just remembered the objection to 201 vs 15-91 -- isn't the 201 belt driven rather than solid gears? seems like I remember there being concerns about over heating and not being as strong to handle the bulk... but I think it's all theory since these machines have been around for 100+ years some of them and are still chugging along and have sewed far more difficult things than a quilt sandwich
The Singer 201-2 is gear-driven. I have 3 and love them. I also have two 15-91's...love them, too. They're both good machines for quilting. I think $75 is a great price for a 201-2, but it won't hurt to offer less...they just might accept it.
#37
Originally Posted by Wanabee Quiltin
Oh, I am so glad to hear that you have 17 sewing machines, I thought it was just me with this passion for them !! Even my DH looks for them now and fiddles around with them for fun.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: montana
Posts: 620
[quote=Charlee]
No, I don't know why some people don't like the 201 for quilting...I don't recall hearing of anyone that didn't? (But then again, I miss a lot that happens...stupid job!! ;) )[/quot
---I don't know if anywhere she said that it IS a 201??
they do not have cams. the difference from 201 & 15-91 for
FMQ is the bobbin case position. the 201 is flat, drop-in, the 15-91 is vertical bobbin. the thread travels an extra loop, or
something like that, more than the 15. I love quilting on the 210, but the bobbin is quite a job to change under a quilt!
Originally Posted by Annaquilts
Thanks Charlee! I have both but have not played with the 201 direct drive yet. I do have a 201 in treadle and love that machine. Do you remember why some people do not like using the 201 for quilting? I know I like the extra troath space and hope to quilt on it.
---I don't know if anywhere she said that it IS a 201??
they do not have cams. the difference from 201 & 15-91 for
FMQ is the bobbin case position. the 201 is flat, drop-in, the 15-91 is vertical bobbin. the thread travels an extra loop, or
something like that, more than the 15. I love quilting on the 210, but the bobbin is quite a job to change under a quilt!
#39
Originally Posted by Charlee
Originally Posted by Annaquilts
Thanks Charlee! I have both but have not played with the 201 direct drive yet. I do have a 201 in treadle and love that machine. Do you remember why some people do not like using the 201 for quilting? I know I like the extra troath space and hope to quilt on it.
#40
DH has developed a passion for them and he buys and fixes them for me.
:-P
Originally Posted by Wanabee Quiltin
Oh, I am so glad to hear that you have 17 sewing machines, I thought it was just me with this passion for them !! Even my DH looks for them now and fiddles around with them for fun.
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