Vintage Feather Machine - anyone know anything?
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Beiseker, Ab Canada
Posts: 494
Vintage Feather Machine - anyone know anything?
Hi all you vintage machine enthusiasts! I've been shopping around for a vintage type machine (I'm looking for something strong, with the needle placement as close as possible to the left side of the machine. I found an ad for this and I've googled it but I can't find anything. I've looked on here but the search term "feather" brings up all the Singer Featherweights. I've contacted the seller but haven't heard back yet. Any information you have would be appreciated.
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
It appears to be a 15 clone. The story is that the US gave the plans for the Singer 15 to Japan after WWII, so that they could re-start their manufacturing base. As I understand it, it's almost/exact replica of the Singer 15 (I've never owned a 15 clone, so I'm speaking from hearsay). They came out will all sorts of good old American names.
It is not a left homing machine. Are you sure you want a left homing machine?
bkay
It is not a left homing machine. Are you sure you want a left homing machine?
bkay
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Beiseker, Ab Canada
Posts: 494
It appears to be a 15 clone. The story is that the US gave the plans for the Singer 15 to Japan after WWII, so that they could re-start their manufacturing base. As I understand it, it's almost/exact replica of the Singer 15 (I've never owned a 15 clone, so I'm speaking from hearsay). They came out will all sorts of good old American names.
It is not a left homing machine. Are you sure you want a left homing machine?
bkay
It is not a left homing machine. Are you sure you want a left homing machine?
bkay
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,893
As I understand it, the left homing machine is a zig-zag machine. When it's not zig-zagging, but straight stitching, it sits on the left side of the zig-zag instead of the middle, if that makes any sense (homes to the left side). I've not had one, but I believe that because it sits to the left, it's hard to get an accurate 1/4" seam when you piece a quilt.
The 15 clone should do well for you. It appears to be in good shape. Generally speaking, they don't take any professional service. You are able to clean and oil them yourself with the manual referenced below.
Here's a manual for 15 clones, writtten by Bill Holman, a legend in the vintage sewing machine world.
bkay
The 15 clone should do well for you. It appears to be in good shape. Generally speaking, they don't take any professional service. You are able to clean and oil them yourself with the manual referenced below.
Here's a manual for 15 clones, writtten by Bill Holman, a legend in the vintage sewing machine world.
bkay
#7
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Beiseker, Ab Canada
Posts: 494
#9
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Beiseker, Ab Canada
Posts: 494
The only place a magnet sticks to it are the fly wheel and the silver parts so I guess that means it's aluminum, although it's still pretty heavy. I bought it, so now I just have to play with it. First order is finding a new drive belt as the one that's on the machine is cracked rubber and probably won't last much longer. Other than having to help it start off because the belt is loose, it stitched quite nicely and runs pretty quiet! I've only had electronic machines since the 80's so this is going to be interesting.
Thanks for all your help everyone.
Thanks for all your help everyone.