I bought a Singer

C

CountryBoy19

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 14, 2008
147
0
Southern, IN
#1
Ok, I'm not afraid to admit that I've been sewing since I was in elementary school. It's actually a really good skill to have, IMHO.

I had previously used my mother's normal household sewing machine for any gear and equipment needs, but now that I'm on my own, 3 hours from home, and getting into sewing webbing and heavier fabrics etc I decided I needed my own heavy duty machine. So I did a bit of research. Without going to a true industrial machine that cost $1k-4k, the old-school Singer's are the next best option. Most recommend the Singer 15-91 because it is heavy-duty, has a vertical bobbin, and uses a direct drive motor (vs belt drive). I found one for a decent deal, cleaned it up, re-wired it, and I'm going to try to find some heavy-duty stuff to sew with it tonight just to see how it does. I ended up buying 2 old Singers in a package deal, plus my expenses in repairing both of them and still came out money ahead on buying a regular walmart special sewing machine with a plastic frame and plastic gears. My old, 1953 Singer 15-91 is nearly 100% metal...
grin.gif


I should be able to sell the other Singer machine I have and recoup most of my expenses on the whole deal.

Just to give others an idea on cost here. I have just over $100 in both machines (both came with the original table/cabinet as well), plus my expenses in rebuilding them. I should be able to sell the other one for around $100 or maybe a bit less because it's in cosmetically rough condition.
 
#3
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim McDade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I first saw the post I thought; "Wow, this guy was lucky enough to find, and afford to purchase a rare "Singer" 1911...

Good Shooting,

Jim, </div></div>
I wish... that would be a dream...

I did buy a product made by the same company though!
grin.gif
 
#4
Re: I bought a Singer

I've always wanted a heavy duty sewing machine. It seems all the stuff I want to sew is too thick for the standard machine. Not sure I would spend a grand on one though. I may have to look into these Singer 15-91's if they work for you.
 
#6
Re: I bought a Singer

Good deal you need to start sewing Nylon gear!! There is never enough nylon guys around
smile.gif
 
#7
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NOMAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good deal you need to start sewing Nylon gear!! There is never enough nylon guys around
smile.gif
</div></div>
I don't know a whole lot about sewing. Just enough to get myself in trouble most of the time. Is there something special about sewing nylon? Or is it just because it's heavy-duty fabric?

I know one thing, I won't be doing much of any sewing until I get back from the sandbox next summer... but at that time I may be interested in a little side-work here and there...
 
#8
Re: I bought a Singer

There is a place and I think it is in Seattle, they have WALLS of those industrial 1900 sewing machines, probably 500 of them lining the walls. I wish i could remember where I saw that though!


*Redman has been doing this a while, if it's not direct competition give him a shout maybe he'll chat with ya?
 
#10
Re: I bought a Singer

Yup, I saw one like that in Seattle. I think it's a clothing store or something.

I think this is it: http://www.yelp.com/biz/allsaints-spitalfields-seattle-2

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a place and I think it is in Seattle, they have WALLS of those industrial 1900 sewing machines, probably 500 of them lining the walls. I wish i could remember where I saw that though!


*Redman has been doing this a while, if it's not direct competition give him a shout maybe he'll chat with ya?</div></div>
 
#11
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PBinWA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've always wanted a heavy duty sewing machine. It seems all the stuff I want to sew is too thick for the standard machine. Not sure I would spend a grand on one though. I may have to look into these Singer 15-91's if they work for you. </div></div>
Just a quick update. I sewed some "mule strap" with it. Took me a little while to get the hang of it. I've never sewed with #69 thread before, and that combined with a new machine led to a few problems. After I got things going it worked out great. I sewed 7 layers of the mulestrap with no problems. The presser foot wouldn't lift high enough to fit 7 layers under so I had to lift it up higher manually and slide the strap under. The needle pierced it all and drew it down nice and tight. Overall thickness after stitching and being drawn down tight is around 7/16".

For those that aren't familiar with mule-strap it's a nylon webbing, normally 1/2 or 5/8" that is used to pull large cables etc through underground conduit. This is from the crews running Verizon FIOS in my parents neck of the woods. I have several thousand feet of it that dad picked up from the boring crews. They typically throw it all away.

I did have a few problems with the motor. It seems finicky, I think the foot controller may be going bad. It seems that if you push too far (for more speed/power) it shuts completely off. That really wreaked havoc on trying get things rolling. It also seems like there may be a dead coil in the motor because it struggles to get started sometimes even if the needle isn't touching anything... Not sure what is going on.

Either way, I'll get it all figured out eventually.
 
#12
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mister Ouchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yup, I saw one like that in Seattle. I think it's a clothing store or something.

I think this is it: http://www.yelp.com/biz/allsaints-spitalfields-seattle-2

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a place and I think it is in Seattle, they have WALLS of those industrial 1900 sewing machines, probably 500 of them lining the walls. I wish i could remember where I saw that though!
</div></div> </div></div>


Yep that was it, I worked at Rivals.com when it was in Seattle - stopped by there on the way to the EMP with my daughter last month.
 
#13
Re: I bought a Singer

A 15-91 is a solid old-school household machine with good steel gears but mind it's more a lightweight machine (uniforms and light gear) vice a medium-duty general-purpose machine like a 31-15.

The 31-15 was the general WWII GI bath and laundry unit and parachute rigger's basic machine. They made millions of them and they were generally known as a tailor's machine. They're almost dirt-simple:
31-15.jpg


Going to serious webbing and things like gun bags, shooting mats, and more complex gear you may want to step up to a walking-foot machine like a Consew 225 or a 206RB.

#69 nylon should be your all-purpose gear thread.

Make sure you have a needle with a big enough eye that you don't get dropped loops, puckered seams, and broken thread when using #69 (military "Ticket E") thread.

 
#15
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 15-91 is a solid old-school household machine with good steel gears but mind it's more a lightweight machine (uniforms and light gear) vice a medium-duty general-purpose machine like a 31-15.

The 31-15 was the general WWII GI bath and laundry unit and parachute rigger's basic machine. They made millions of them and they were generally known as a tailor's machine. They're almost dirt-simple:
31-15.jpg


Going to serious webbing and things like gun bags, shooting mats, and more complex gear you may want to step up to a walking-foot machine like a Consew 225 or a 206RB.

#69 nylon should be your all-purpose gear thread.

Make sure you have a needle with a big enough eye that you don't get dropped loops, puckered seams, and broken thread when using #69 (military "Ticket E") thread.

</div></div> Mr. Sinister, sir,
Is there anything you don't have a breadth of knowledge about?
Ever talk to Rick B (Sniper Yoda), have'nt seen anything from him in quite some time...
 
#17
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
...I worked at Rivals.com when it was in Seattle...</div></div>

I hear about that site all the time when listening to Bill King in the morning on XM - you must be a celebrity!


I tried to buy a restored used Singer last year on Ebay. 15-91's would always close around $375+. After watching 50+ year old machines go for around $400, I decided to step up an buy a commercial machine. The next day I looked on Craigslist a almost new one popped up at a great price.
 
#18
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 15-91 is a solid old-school household machine with good steel gears but mind it's more a lightweight machine (uniforms and light gear) vice a medium-duty general-purpose machine like a 31-15.

The 31-15 was the general WWII GI bath and laundry unit and parachute rigger's basic machine. They made millions of them and they were generally known as a tailor's machine. They're almost dirt-simple:
31-15.jpg


Going to serious webbing and things like gun bags, shooting mats, and more complex gear you may want to step up to a walking-foot machine like a Consew 225 or a 206RB.

#69 nylon should be your all-purpose gear thread.

Make sure you have a needle with a big enough eye that you don't get dropped loops, puckered seams, and broken thread when using #69 (military "Ticket E") thread.

</div></div>
ETA, found a little more info on the 31-15. Sounds like a great, heavy-duty piece to own. But it's likely overkill for what I need. And seems to be a lot more rare and expensive than the 15-91. None-the-less, it looks like the 15-91 is just a scaled down version of the 31-15. It has the exact same vertical bobbin, and all the cranks, cams, rockers, and shafts appear to be the exact same style, in the exact same locations. Extremely simple. One thing I really like about my 15-91 is that the thread tension knob on the end is connected to the presser foot cam so when you lift the presser foot it also releases thread tension for free movement. I'm not sure if the machines with a front mounted thread tension knob have that feature or not.

I was just looking for something heavier than my mom's plastic Kenmore from the 80's. Not at all a bad machine, but just not quite up to the task of what I wanted to do.

Either way, I'm happy with my purchase. It sewed through 7 layers of nylon webbing. I probably won't get a chance to put it through the ringer until I get back next summer.
 
#19
Re: I bought a Singer

I found a a singer 211 at a local shop for sale. When I showed up to buy it one of the employers cried that they wanted to buy it. So I missed a hell of a deal and went back to craigs list to find another one. I bought a mini brute and have really enjoyed making shooting bags even thought I had no experience sewing. I want to save up for a sailrite 111 with their servo motor. DIY tactical forum has allot of good info. I just finally found a supplier for poly pellets. Gerald Shwartz is great for material supplies. I think making gear has a steeper learning curv then shooting guns.
 
#20
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longbow338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just finally found a supplier for poly pellets.</div></div>
My local walmart carries "polyfil" branded poly pellets. They can be found in the craft/sewing section right with all the pillow stuffing etc. IIRC it's $4.97 for a 2 pound bag of them.

They aren't light weight or anything special, but they work good for bags in my experience.
 
#21
Re: I bought a Singer

Like I said, absolutely nothing wrong with a 15-91.

The small direct drive motor is OK, but with a lot less torque than the foot treadle or industrial motor on a 31-15. You'll have to hand-walk the 15-91 more often than just pushing the foot plate for power.
 
#22
Re: I bought a Singer

Is the poly fill brand at Walmart heat resistant? Does the bag say machine washable? They dont carry them at my Walmart. Trying to set a fair price on mine. I was thinking between $2.00 and $2.50
 
#23
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sinister</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Like I said, absolutely nothing wrong with a 15-91.

The small direct drive motor is OK, but with a lot less torque than the foot treadle or industrial motor on a 31-15. You'll have to hand-walk the 15-91 more often than just pushing the foot plate for power. </div></div>
If I start making more gear type stuff and get into more heavy duty stuff I will definitely keep my eye out for a 31-15. As a matter of fact, I think I'll just start keeping my eye out now JIC.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longbow338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is the poly fill brand at Walmart heat resistant? Does the bag say machine washable? They dont carry them at my Walmart. Trying to set a fair price on mine. I was thinking between $2.00 and $2.50 </div></div>
Not sure on heat resistant. I could try heating some up on the oven and see what temp it melts at...
I'm 99% sure it's machine washable. They are small hard plastic beads that are solid (not porous etc). I can't see why they wouldn't be washable.

I'll look at the packaging tonight and see what it says.
 
#24
Re: I bought a Singer

Be careful, sewing tac gear gets addictive.

My main machine right now is a REX 11-155R walking foot. My backup is an old Union Special drop feed. Both are used industrials that I picked up on Craigslist for a great deal. The REX came to me from a hot-rodder who was done with his interior and didn't need it anymore. It takes some attention because it would have no problems with pulling my hand in and stitching it to whatever I was working on.

The Union Special still has a clutch motor, but I replaced the motor in the REX with a servo. It's totally silent until I hit the pedal. Then I have infinite speed control over it. It's much more pleasant that listening to the hum and vibration of the old clutch motor.

Take a look at the forums over at DIY Tactical. They helped me a lot when I was getting started with my wife's little plastic "Brother" home machine. I almost killed that thing on several occasions.

http://www.diytactical.com/forums/
 
#25
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Be careful, sewing tac gear gets addictive.

My main machine right now is a REX 11-155R walking foot. My backup is an old Union Special drop feed. Both are used industrials that I picked up on Craigslist for a great deal. The REX came to me from a hot-rodder who was done with his interior and didn't need it anymore. It takes some attention because it would have no problems with pulling my hand in and stitching it to whatever I was working on.

The Union Special still has a clutch motor, but I replaced the motor in the REX with a servo. It's totally silent until I hit the pedal. Then I have infinite speed control over it. It's much more pleasant that listening to the hum and vibration of the old clutch motor.

Take a look at the forums over at DIY Tactical. They helped me a lot when I was getting started with my wife's little plastic "Brother" home machine. I almost killed that thing on several occasions.

http://www.diytactical.com/forums/ </div></div>
I have many addictions... what's one more? lol

I took a look around there and didn't see much of a section dedicated to DIY sewing/upholstery/gear-making. Am I missing something? It seems that they mostly just discuss commercially available gear. Do you have to read between the lines?
 
#27
#28
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CountryBoy19</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I took a look around there and didn't see much of a section dedicated to DIY sewing/upholstery/gear-making. Am I missing something? It seems that they mostly just discuss commercially available gear. Do you have to read between the lines? </div></div>

Apparently they changed the structure of the forum. You have to register (free account) then you get access to the "gear making" sub-forums. I know there were some problems with design thieves in the past, maybe that was a countermeasure. It is definitely worth registering if you are just getting into it. You can find all kinds of info on machines and techniques specific to tactical gear. It really helped me get started.
 
#29
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Apparently they changed the structure of the forum. You have to register (free account) then you get access to the "gear making" sub-forums. I know there were some problems with design thieves in the past, maybe that was a countermeasure. It is definitely worth registering if you are just getting into it. You can find all kinds of info on machines and techniques specific to tactical gear. It really helped me get started. </div></div>

+1

Thanks for posting about DIY Tactical. I hadn't been there in awhile and had forgotten about it. I've previously ordered some supplies through there as well. It does have a lot of good info.
 
#30
Re: I bought a Singer

DIY tactical is a great site if you register. One of the best articles I read was over at something awful. It is a paysite all of a sudden now I cannot see it. I was looking at it for weeks and now it says you have to be a registered member. here is the link
forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3300185

keep an eye on it in case it opens back up. It has detailed explination on all the mil spec material, color differences, suppliers, etc. I found my supplier, GeraldSchwartz.com off that post. Wish I would have copied into word now. If anyone is a registered member I would really appreciate it if you copy it into word and email it to me it was that good.
 
#31
Re: I bought a Singer

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longbow338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DIY tactical is a great site if you register. One of the best articles I read was over at something awful. It is a paysite all of a sudden now I cannot see it. I was looking at it for weeks and now it says you have to be a registered member. here is the link
forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3300185

keep an eye on it in case it opens back up. It has detailed explination on all the mil spec material, color differences, suppliers, etc. I found my supplier, GeraldSchwartz.com off that post. Wish I would have copied into word now. If anyone is a registered member I would really appreciate it if you copy it into word and email it to me it was that good. </div></div>

Wow, I've been snooping around there... those guys do some crazy stuff... I'm not near that good... but I do know enough to get by... I'm learning a lot over there...
 
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