Singer 15-91 thread injector. anyone have experience with these?

**eviscerate3** · 12-03-2013, 08:47

I found a singer 15-91 on my local craigslist for 25$. It claims that it still runs but I know that just because it will turn on doesn't mean it is working properly. I have also read that the electrical in these old machines usually needs attention too. Any of you diy'ers have any experience with this machine? My thought is if I bought it I could take it in for service and get it updated. I'm not sure what the average cost is for those kinds of repairs. I am in the market for a new thread injector(I'm currently using a brother ls -30) and like the idea of the older injectors as they seem to last forever compared to the new digital ones with plastic innards. If anyone has any thoughts on this please let me know. It does not appear that it comes with any attachments, just the machine and the owners manual. Thank you for any advice!

**sargevining** · 12-03-2013, 08:56

Do it.

Mine is a brick. It was one that was put in for service and never picked up, cost me $125. Worth every penny.

WV · 12-03-2013, 09:11

I like mine a lot. It's worth finding a good repair shop and having them go over it, too.

**Fish on** · 12-03-2013, 09:16

I tried in vain to repair my grandmother's 1938 model 1591 and could not find anyone to repair the electrical cord and motor. Many of the older models have a direct drive pot motor that is no longer made and is impossible to find in working order. I took mine to 3 different repair shops and they all said the same thing- ditch it and buy another machine! None of them even wanted to buy it off me so I figured they were telling me the truth. My research revealed that almost all of these older machines had wiring problems. I would go to a couple of sewing machine repair shops and tell them what you are thinking about buying and get their advise first before buying the one you are looking at. Hope this helps- not trying to be negative but if I could have salvaged my grandmother's machine I would have been willing to pay someone to fix it. Good luck to you!

**gmcttr** · 12-03-2013, 09:38

Originally Posted by Fish on

...Many of the older models have a direct drive pot motor that is no longer made and is impossible to find in working order...

Most all of the potted motors work but need the old grease in the motor/gear housing cleaned out and replaced and the commutator cleaned. The wiring on the older ones frequently needs replaced due to deteriorated insulation. This is all fairly straight forward to do if you're handy with that sort of thing. Here's the best instructions I've seen to do it although it is a bit intimidating the first time you read through it....http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/12/ho...rt-1-wire.html

Those that spend a couple of evenings putting a Singer 15-91 back in good working order will be rewarded with one of the better straight stitch machines ever made and can expect it to last a few more generations.

All cleaned up and ready to go back together...

IMG_3465 (Medium).JPG

**eviscerate3** · 12-03-2013, 10:56

Thanks everyone! I just emailed her and told her i will take it. picking it up today after work! I think i will try to do the repairs on my own. Super excited!

**jwright** · 12-03-2013, 13:38

Those are great machines - can last forever. I even prefer it over my newer/fancier machine for straight stitches, especially in heavier fabric or webbing.
Take a look here: sew classic.
Lots of good info on the site (dig a little) and they sell entire wiring kits, new foot pedals, lamps etc, also have the old manuals, etc. They brought my inhereted machine back from the dead. After a little clean up and some new wiring, I didn't even need to take it in. But listen to WV, a professional tune up can really make a difference.
good lok and be sure to post some pictures

**eviscerate3** · 12-03-2013, 19:09

Well I went over to check out the singer 15-91 after work today. I asked the seller about how it worked and everything. Although she had stated that it ran I asked again just to confirm. She then tells me that she isn't really sure. Only that it had ran when her mother in law last used it ten years ago! I figured for 25 bucks I can't really go wrong so I went ahead and got it. I brought it home and checked it out a bit. The wires that are visible didn't look too bad so I plugged it in to see what happened. Well, nothing happened at first. I found a switch for the light and it came right on. Next I pushed the leg thingy love and I only got a quiet hum from the motor. I've unplugged it for now and hope to look more into it this week when I get some time. So, it looks like I have a new project of getting this thing running. What are your thoughts on where to start? It came with a manual and another presser foot. It also had the original purchase card from 1938! As well as a couple of service receipts from the 50's. It came with another service manual for a singer 221-1 if anyone out there needs it. Free of charge. I'm excited to get started on this but am a bit concerned at how it will turn out.

**sargevining** · 12-03-2013, 21:10

Dang.

I'll give you $30 for the table and pay to ship it to Houston.

**bulb** · 12-04-2013, 00:46

My sewing machine, is identical to that one, I even have the stool and all accessories. I found a video once, on how to rebuild and grease every little part, on line somewhere. I'll try and find it and post a link. All of the wires that connect to the motor are put on with screws, in the video, everything was serviceable.http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/co...ted-motor.html