I am lovin' my 15-88!
#1
I am lovin' my 15-88!
The new belt came for my 15-88 along with a couple of other small things that I needed. Put everything on and started sewing. It was fairly noisy so I oiled everything again, rethreaded, and oh my goodness! What a smooth and quiet straight stitcher this beauty is.
When I first brought it home last weekend, I went over it pretty thoroughly, cleaned and oiled everything. I know that the machine was stored inside but not used in years. I guess that first oiling I did was not enough. I have read about model 15's making a bit of noise but this sweetie is just as quite as can be now that it has another drink.
I was a little concerned that while treadling, my knees were bumping into the bottom of the storage compartment. I knew there was a chain and hook in there so I took a closer look and sure enough there is a grommet in the bottom that the chain hooks in to lift it out of the way. A nice piece of engineering. This cabinet also has a spring lift so lifting the head is as easy as can be.
I am just happy, happy, happy! I had to share with other vintage enthusiasts.
When I first brought it home last weekend, I went over it pretty thoroughly, cleaned and oiled everything. I know that the machine was stored inside but not used in years. I guess that first oiling I did was not enough. I have read about model 15's making a bit of noise but this sweetie is just as quite as can be now that it has another drink.
I was a little concerned that while treadling, my knees were bumping into the bottom of the storage compartment. I knew there was a chain and hook in there so I took a closer look and sure enough there is a grommet in the bottom that the chain hooks in to lift it out of the way. A nice piece of engineering. This cabinet also has a spring lift so lifting the head is as easy as can be.
I am just happy, happy, happy! I had to share with other vintage enthusiasts.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,963
Congratulations with your new find :- )
You are correct in assuming the first round of oiling didn't reach every where. That's pretty much what you would expect from a very dry machine. They need to be oiled, have the mechanism turned and repated all over a few times; but actually it's often not until you have had it on a table a couple of days and keept up the maintanance and done a bit of test sewing it returns to it's former glory.
I know we rate these old machines from the smoothest running 201-2 and to the more noisier machines. I have a 201 a 99 and have fixed up a 66 in cabinet. They are all very nice running machines when everything is clean, oiled, and everything like rubber feet and feelt cushions are sorted out. When I stitch on my 201, I mostly hear the needle punch, and the metal bobbin clicking as the thread unwinds, but actully that's much the same with my 99, at least up to medium speed.
You are correct in assuming the first round of oiling didn't reach every where. That's pretty much what you would expect from a very dry machine. They need to be oiled, have the mechanism turned and repated all over a few times; but actually it's often not until you have had it on a table a couple of days and keept up the maintanance and done a bit of test sewing it returns to it's former glory.
I know we rate these old machines from the smoothest running 201-2 and to the more noisier machines. I have a 201 a 99 and have fixed up a 66 in cabinet. They are all very nice running machines when everything is clean, oiled, and everything like rubber feet and feelt cushions are sorted out. When I stitch on my 201, I mostly hear the needle punch, and the metal bobbin clicking as the thread unwinds, but actully that's much the same with my 99, at least up to medium speed.
#4
A picture of her beautiful 15-88 can be seen on this thread > Ohoh, another singer
It really is a nice looking machine. I'm glad that it is working well and you are have fun with 'her.'
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
It really is a nice looking machine. I'm glad that it is working well and you are have fun with 'her.'
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
#6
Here is a shot of it in action. I am hemming placemats that I finished weaving. I put a straight stitch walking foot on to keep all the stripes lined up and it is sewing well. I am surprised at how much I am enjoying sewing this way:-)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]574362[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]574362[/ATTACH]
#8
I bought mine from Sew Classic and I have used it on the 15-88, 99k, and 221. It is this one http://shop.sew-classic.com/Low-Shan...oRW-P60400.htm
#9
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
Nice work with the 15-88, it looks great! That's the same walking foot I use on my 201-2 and my clones, I also bought it from Sew Classic. I have the one she sells for zig zag machines too. They may not be name brand but they work just fine and cost much less.
Cari
Cari
#10
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 36
I love treadling my 15-90 that I de- electrified (is there such a word...ha ha)!!! She was originally an electric machine. I had a singer 66 treadle. I switched the 15-90 to the treadle base. And put the 66 into the 15-90 cabinet. Thus, essentially I now have a 15-88. I also love treadling her. She is my go to machine...always "on" and ready and never complaining. She looks exactly like your pic but with 6 drawers. I feel like I get a little bit of a workout treadling...burn a few calories while I sew.
Kathy
Near the WI-IL border
Kathy
Near the WI-IL border
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