I'm on dial up so youtube videos are a time consuming thing to watch. What is so complicated about these machines that you need to watch a video to understand them? Just curious really.

Joe

well, I don't know but she made a really good video threading a 15 for dummies - my computer friend watched it and said he could do it from that

I guess I've been around these machines for so long that even though I can sew too good yet, threading them comes fairly easy.

Joe

I think getting around the tension and getting the needle in right and threaded the right direction can be a learning curve - some people aren't as mechanistically inclined as some. Some people have used machines that thread front to back and it can be a learning curve to get a clone strung up right. Someone on QB also posted that you put the needle in the same way the throat plate is shaped - not true. The video covers stuff like that. I wold have loved to have had something like that when I had 7 girls taking 4-H and none had ever seen a sewing machine. If you don't own a manual, Muv's video about covers it.

If you don't own a manual .................

On a lot of these machines you're up a creek with out a manual. THAT I totally agree with. I didn't think that far ahead.

Like I've said elsewhere I watched my mom use the HOTHER for decades. I threaded it for her for years, I'm near sighted she was far sighted, so I could do the needle in nothing flat, she'd have to fight with it. I watched her thread the top so many times when I first got the machine to run I did it without thinking.

So, yeah, MUV's videos can be very helpful.

Joe

If you need a printed manual - just print one out... http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...uals/15-91.pdf it takes a bit to load - it's at least a free one

I love this thread! I am totally on board the 15 clone bandwagon now.

I wanna blue one. Seriously, for the last three or four months that I've been collecting and using these machines I've tried two or three times to score on a blue one. Haven't gotten one yet.


Question: Did they make any of the HA-1 15s in zig-zag?

Joe

Wow, puts my lowly Featherweight to shame.

Hello Eveyone!
I just picked up this beauty last night for 10$ off Kijiji. Wondering if anyone might know anything about it. I believe it is a 15K Clone as it is similar to some of the other's you have posted. The decals though say it was made in Edmonton Alberta, its a Comrie Sewing Machine CC The number on the plate by the post is S115908. The motor is Good Housekeeper by Eureka model E20 and the foot pedal is made in Toronto. I have been searching online non-stop and can't find anything about it.
Hope you can help!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6...817f471061.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6...64167d621b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6...f3b1cb8dac.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6...dbf179c7b3.jpg

Kallie beautiful machine, but I'd like to see the whole machine! Go back a few posts and Miriam posted a link to the generic 15 clone, or Japanese 15 as it is sometimes called manual. You won't be able to find much out about any of the 15 clones as there are really no records on them. Most of the 15 clones and 99 clones were made in Japan after WW2. It is interesting that your machine may have been made in Canada! I'd like to see a whole side photo of the machine.

Nancy

Hi Nancy
Sorry I didn't post one! I was so involved with taking pictures of the little details I can't believe I forgot a whole side shot!
But here they are below. I am really excited to find out if it was made mostly in Canada. I know the motor is made in the states, but everything else seems to have been made right here in Canada. I have sent some pictures to a lady at my LQS as well who collects vintage machines and know almost everything there is about them. She apparently has about 80 vintage machines.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6...f58900a2b6.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6...d42393dab4.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6...00015041fc.jpg


here is the link to all the pics I have taken and posted to flicker
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7484843...7629433955935/


Kallie

I like her details. I haven't seen that nose plate or those decals yet

Thanks Miriam! She is even more stunning in person! Just need to find somewhere to get that motor cord looked at!

Kallie,

What is the problem with the motor cord?

That is a really nice machine. Definitely a 15 copy.

Joe

Hi Joe
There is a bit of electrical tape just at the base of the motor on the cord. Not sure if I should plug it in or not. Kinda scared about frying it as it has been many, many years since it has been plugged in.

Here is the picture of the tape around the cord to show better.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6...30f83c4e84.jpg

Kallie, I've run into that quite often. I usually take the tape off and see why it's there. If it's just a patch then I'll retape it. If it's a splice I usually rewire the motor. Joe

Wires, plugs, etc are available through sew-classic - she is a very good resource - very quick to send you your stuff too - she is safe to deal with over the net

Joe you have certainly learned a lot in the 3 months you've been into sewing machines.

Thanks Ladies! I will swing over to her site right now and take a look!

Yes I have. It's also been a reinforcement of other mechanical and electrical knowledge I already had.

Joe

kallie, what a beautiful machine! The decals and the face plate are just wonderful! I hope you can find out the things you want to about her.

Thanks Janis
She definitely is a beauty! I hope I can find out some more about her too! 2 people now have mentioned that the Comrie family are the ones who own The Brick here in Canada and that their son is in the NHL. If I could just get ahold of the Comrie Sewing Machine Store that is listed in Edmonton that would hopefully help clear up some questions. But alas everytime I phone I get a "busy/disconnected" type signal. The phone doesn't even ring. Just beeps at me.

Here is a 15 Clone that I have the option to purchase. Tried to find info online about her but I just read that there is not a lot of info about them on~line. Its a make offer sale and I am thinking $25 maybe $15. I have notice people are not paying much of these beauties because they are not rare.[ATTACH=CONFIG]316482[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]316483[/ATTACH]

Miriam, Joe or anyone else, is there any thing foot pedals need besides the obvious. The Universal wants to sew, but it slows down and I stop trying. The motor was checked when it was rewired - though he didn't have the other electrics, just the motor, but I'm sure he had a way to check it. The cords are original, but look good. I got the cover off the foot petal (it took a pair of pliers and a hammer) and all the wiring looks intact, just dusty. I vacuumed it and put it back together. Is there anything else I could have done while I was there? I don't know anything about all those contacts and the thing that moves across them. I put the belt from the Admiral on it. It stil seems a little tight. I am waiting on a new one from sew-classic before I buy a new foot pedal. One thing at a time, but do the insides of the pedal need any servicing I can do? My son will be here Saturday. What should he check for?

This was fun to look at, thanks!

My DH is really good with the electric so I turn it over to him. I have seen him sand or polish pits or tits off a the contacts.

irishrose,

Some of the foot controllers have contact points. If they get dirty, corroded or burnt it will effect the way the machine runs. I've fixed a couple just by cleaning them.
One of the other styles has a carbon pile in it with some adjustable contacts. I've never had any cause to work on them. Just cleaned them out and occasionally rewired them.

If the machine starts running then slows down, I'd be looking at the motor first. If you have another one to try I'd do that.

My Mr Crinkle's busted motor that I glued back together ran OK but was loud and rasty sounding. Then it started slowing down. I couldn't find anything wrong inside but there must be.

Joe

Here is a little 15 clone I picked up yesterday for $5. I think the thrift store that had it just wanted it gone! A little Electra Deluxe - case and all. No attachments and I haven't tried using her yet!Nancy[ATTACH=CONFIG]316574[/ATTACH]

Okay, back to look at the foot controller more carefully. I can also try the motor from the Admiral. Thank you. Judy

Nancy,

That Electra is nice. Nothing out of the ordinary about it other than it doesn't appear to have been used excessively or abused. Needs a spool pin, no big deal, and someone to love her.

ELECTRA ................. The last good car I had was a 69 Buick ELECTRA 225.


Joe

Well, the only thing so far out of the ordinary is that - I can not get the needle bar to move! I cleaned and oiled her, a few times - no go. That needle bar is stuck solid! No wonder they just wanted me to take that machine for $5! I have never had a machine so stuck before! I was always able to unstick even the rusted ones. This machine has no rust - had a lot of dirt, lint, but she won't budge! I took the wheel off too just checking, and pulled the bobbin casing - no go - the handwheel will not turn the needle bar!

Nancy

Have you pulled the faceplate yet Nancy?

How is Mowgli?

Nancy,
Janie Doe the 15 clone was stuck too. Here is a link http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...r-t169127.html - maybe something in there will be of interest on getting her unstuck. Janie was stuck and wouldn't move her needle bar. We could have used a bit of heat but didn't have to. My sister lives in AZ so she puts the machine in the sun and lets the sun heat it a bit - sure enough they turn. It is best though if you can get all the dried up oil and gunk out of there. We will need to re-do Janie some time because all we did was squirt some Tri-flow on her moving parts. Hannah was pregnant at the time so we didn't want to get into anything chemical. I added some comments at the end of Janie's thing...

Sure Charlee, I pulled the face place, bobbin case and race, hand wheel, everything I could get off safely. That machine will not budge. I soaked it with sewing machine oil yesterday, all night, and again today. I can get a tiny bit of movement now, but it is still frozen solid!

Mowgli, is hanging in there. He cries when I leave him alone so I have to stay with him or move his bed if I come in here to the office. He had a large chunk of his femur removed - the head and neck of the femur. His body will form a 'false' socket and in about a month or 2, he will be able to run and play.

Nancy

WOW - your Gretel is just beautiful - love all the gold paint - Gingerbread on it. Beautiful machine

give that machine some heat.

Ok, today we will try the blow dryer! Yesterday, DH played with the Electra for a long time. He did everything I had already done with a little force and got her to move ever so slightly - so I am thinking maybe today we will get the needle bar to move!

Nancy

Nancy,

Here is a trick I've used on a couple machines that were really badly gummed up. Use Hoppe's #9 gun cleaning solvent.
It's mostly kerosene with some additional ingredients. It works very well for cleaning the yellow brown oil and nicotine off of the chrome parts. And limited contact won't hurt ..... as least it hasn't hurt any of mine .... the paint or decals.

I use it mostly to removed the old oil from the presser foot and needle bar.

Joe

When they are stuck like that it is usually dried up oil. Some times heat works some times a solvent.... Protect the paint while you are cleaning for sure.

Well Miriam and Joe, I didn't have to use anything but sewing machine oil to un-stick the Electra. I soaked her with sewing machine oil for 4 days. I kept trying to turn her wheel with no luck until last night. Last night I got the wheel to make a half turn. Today when I tried, I did a whole very slow and stiff turn. I oiled again, set her in the sun and tonight she is fully funtional! I haven't threaded her yet to see if she sews, but I have no reason to think she wouldn't sew! It amazes me how stuck that machine was from just neglect. No rust. Just dried up oil, or probably no oil was ever applied to her!

Nanchy