Fixing A Vintage Sewing Machine From 1933 (Singer 15-91 Repair)

[@Hannybananny4]

I realize this is an old video of y’all’s but it has been so helpful! I somehow stumbled upon one of these beauties in its singer cabinet (all for $20! Amazing!) at my local thrift store. It needs new wiring and I’ve spent the day googling and watching all the videos available on restorations of this specific model. Y’all’s is the first one I’ve found where I can see the motor taken apart for rewiring. So, so helpful.

[@robynnedorion3900]

Love the music!

[@944gemma]

You are just amazing. I love to see these old girls brought back to life. They are wonderful machines.

[@nancymarx3512]

I have had one of these 15-91's I bought in 1971 for $10!. I created many beautiful items with this reliable straight stitch that can plow through just about any fabric and not break a sweat or a needle! I even used it to do upholstery back in the 70's. It still works beautifully and I am using it to teach my girls to sew so they can teach their children. We are in the process of purchasing two more of this model for my daughters. These are built so well and obviously made to last. It was amazing to see you take this one apart to clean and restore! Beautiful video. Thank you so much!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you for sharing your story! I am glad to hear that you get the chance to keep the sewing tradition alive in your family good luck and I hope you keep on making beautiful things!

[@WanieB]

This is awesome, thank you so much for making this video. Earlier today, I dug out a 1923 Singer sewing machine my grandmother had in a storage building. This video will help so much to clean it up.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Glad i could help. I did put links to the resources I used in the description. Hopefully those can also help as a jumping off point.

[@131dyana]

I needed your help so I can fix my machine which was rusted and left out side. It is my machine now but some one else left it out side. I would never do that. Those old machines were meant to last a life time. thank you.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

O no! I hope you can get it fixed up. And your right these old machines will last forever when they are taken care of. Good luck on fixing it! - Brian

[@Kat-vn7jy]

Thank you. This is the BEST Video I have seen!

[@pidesign5024]

this was really really really wonderful! I am so grateful to see the cleaning and reassembly. I can certainly take something apart, but this made me think I could put it back together. THANK YOU.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I am glad to help you feel inspired! I have faith in you fixing what ever you try your hand at!

[@cameronpjc]

Attention to detail and patience!

[@mamas_quilts3573]

Thanks! I just got my 15-21 from 1949...so excited

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Nice! I am sure your going have a blast working on that! -Brian

[@concatinate]

Very instructive, just what I needed. I've got the same model now, running for now but it needs an overhaul like this to forestall any nascent problems. Thanks!

[@gabie8075]

I have a nearly identical machine, but she is just a bit younger from 1948 this is super helpful for cleaning, I have had the machine serviced and minor repairs made when I first bought it from an auction house but I would love to be able to service and repair it myself if possible, so this video is giving me a great start.

[@MariaGomez-qp1jr]

Great love you have given to that old lady thanks ❤

[@willarmstrong398]

This was awesome man. Good chill music, key point commentary, and fantastic camera work. Thanks.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks!

[@hollydatsopoulos7998]

I just picked up a Singer 15-91 Centennial Sewing machine, that needs a lot of work! I can’t wait to get started!

[@Command37]

Excellent video. Really enjoyed the acoustic guitar soundtrack and all of the detailed information. Very well executed. Thank you, sir.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks! And I am glad you liked it.

[@cfaxman]

What's the music? Who are we listening to?

[@fuzzzyyellow]

Very professionally done video skills. Quite enjoyable to watch. I was sooooo glad to see you use SewRetro grease for the motor. So many DIYers just use a generic or synthetic grease which will ruin the motor. Rain's blog post is the bible for potted motors, glad you got the info out there about that too. Thank you for producing this, it will inspire more people to rescue these fabulous old machines. They are a joy to use, and hands down so much better than the plastic ones being made today.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you! I tried to do as much research as possible in order to do the job properly. I wanted to make sure I didn't cause more harm to it than good out of ignorance.

[@ethelryan257]

I have a similar machine which has run with purely synthetic oil and grease since I restored it in 1997. However, I'm an electrician, and I read the service manual, so I knew how to do it right. You're very much correct about the danger of ruining the motor through incorrect lubrication. I've heard of people greasing the carbon brushes! I have never seen any machine (except my 401A which is as good but not better) lay down such perfect straight stitches in difficult materials. And nothing handles abrupt thickness changes as well as this machine. It's perfection. It makes me sad to think of what Singer once was and the trash they produce today.

[@vaccavo]

First time I see a motor as part of the machine. Wish I knew how to deal with that as you do. Thanks for the video!

[@heddaacevedo]

One of the best restoration jobs seem so far….great. ❤️❤️❤️

[@bhuvaneshwaritknaidu8445]

You have showed in detail. Thank you.

[@jakemartinez1516]

Love Ur lay down disassembleing (hint take a picture and # and name the part) ( rubber gloves, to clean tranish I use Dollar Tree Drian Cleaner. Love the inline disassemble )

[@snickerbuckle]

When I cleaned out my grandmother’s 201 I think I scooped out about 1/4 cup of old grease from the little grease ports and around the worm gear and housing. It was quite gross but very satisfying to get her all clean.

[@GT_Racer347]

Amazing and beautiful. Wow. 👌🏻

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Thank you so much for this video! Even the music is calming for those of us a bit anxious of this endeavor. I'm about to service the motor on my Great Aunts 201-2, so this with Rain's blog will be wonderful. I've also got a 15-88 in perfect working order whose Japaning has disintegrated and desperately needs painting, so this will be very helpful for that project also. Again, great video and thank you!

[@davidanddavidstrading]

I am going to be doing this to a 191J canadian model. I will use this video for help!

[@brigidscaldron]

This was so great! Now, please find a White Rotary treadle machine and do all this and service the treadle and fly wheel… everything! 😉

[@brigidscaldron]

Or take a vaccinated/masked/socially distanced vaycay to NH and teach me in person!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol if I find one I will see what I can do. I need to go hunting for things to fix up it has been to long since I have.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Deal 🙃! Idk if I would be the best teacher but I am sure we could get it working.

[@SewPerky]

Stellar work!! LOVE these beauties!!!

[@cathys8780]

Wow that was fun to watch. Really like how you filmed it.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you!

[@sherleneabrigo9594]

Oh yes, what a great video! Thanks!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SewPerky]

Just obtained my husbands grandmothers singer class 15. I noticed you referencing either a book or blog post. Would you be willing to share those resources? I’ve never tried to restore a machine and would prefer not to screw up his grandmothers machine 😳

[@catdee9981]

Thank you for this great video. I purchased one with a knee lever and the motor smokes when I run it. What are your thoughts. I don't know what to do. Thanks

[@luzflorida]

Me encanta verte trabajar, eres excelente en lo que haces, me ayudo mucho tus videos, y la música es fascinante, te felicito, y gracias por enseñarme a limpiar mi maquina, Feliz Año Nuevo.

[@tryzz8]

thank you, just supscribed. best video on any repair I ever seen. your great at this

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you! Life got crazy but I have another project on the way so hopefully I can get that out soon.

[@Greg-su8nu]

Amazing. Great video, amazimg looking machine, wow. Thmx for sharing.

[@marcosmeza1678]

Can you do a video on the springs for the bobbin wheel please? I cannot get my kick to stay up off the hand wheel. When I got the 15-91 it was like that. I know it must be a simple fix. I will have to a closer look at this video on that section. Thank you. Marcos PS: Awesome video I must say!

[@juansimonelli]

Do you know how to identify if themaine is right or left are there any single thing to view many thanks your video is great!!!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I think the easiest way to identify if the machine is right or left is to look at the main body. On this model, the stitch length/reverse lever should face towards you. If it does not the fabric will feed the wrong direction. Hopefully, that answers your question Thanks -Brian

[@amelsogorovic3075]

You can also look at the foot under the needle. The angled part of the foot is the feed in side.

[@juansimonelli]

​@@amelsogorovic3075 many many thanks your answer is very clear , thanks again

[@Sewingmachineworkshop1]

Awesome video

[@cynrich1]

Geez! Nice! I've never seen actual sewing machine porn before! lol those last few minutes were extra-special!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol well there is something for everyone right!😄 glad you enjoyed it!

[@ethelryan257]

Very well done!

[@katma136]

Great video and music! Just in case, do you have any advice on how to make sure the timing isn't off? Is it only controlled by the lower part do you think or the top part as well? Than you

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you i am glad you enjoyed it. Honestly the best advice I can give is to look up the manual for your machine online. Singer's website should have it. And I believe the lower part is the only place where you can make adjustments.

[@stewartperry7797]

Now that’s a tear down!

[@toadamine]

it says in the original owners manual to apply Kerosene to the oiling points if the machine runs slowly after being stored for some time, then run the machine at high speed, wipe clean and reapply lubricating oil.... i also use kerosene to clean the chain and sprockets on my motorcycle because it works great for cutting greasy nasty grime and doesnt hurt most paint and finishes and the O-rings in the chain and such...

[@automotivedyi1984]

Cool , thanks

[@chandsingh2335]

I have 1935 year old machine . Machine is gud working but I don’t have bobbin case can you please tell me where I get bobbin case and how to see the model I don’t know

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

To find the model type I had to find the serial number plate on the machine, than found a website that tells you what model it is based on the serial number. Once you have that you can look either on Ebay for the bobbin case or they may have a replica on Singer's website.

[@teresashelley7540]

I have this exact Machine- checked the serial number and its a 1933. The sewing machine shop rewired my 3 prong plug with modern wire and after that it blows the light bulb every time I put a new one in. I there something different with the electric cord- does it need a specific type cord to accomedate the wiring for the 3 prong set up. Seems like something is mssing in this equation. i just ordered a replacement cord from the sewing machine part place- hope that takes care of the problem. i'm looking for an explanation of how this whole 3 prong set up works.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Hmm.... This is starting to get out of my field of knowledge. I am not sure why the bulb would blow out. The new cord might help but there is no specific find you require so long as the wire gauge is enough for the electrical load. You might want to double check and make sure it's wired properly on the back. You can find a diagram on Google showing how to wire it up. Hopefully that helps good luck!

[@AsYouLikeIt_Zendi21]

Hey just come to Trinidad and save me the stress. Video is very interesting and helpful. Will try to see what I can do while following.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol that would be awesome if we could do this and travel!

[@cassimadam164]

Where can I buy flying men sewing machine the old one.

[@aprilmiwa5260]

My singer is 1940 Model 15-91 I have owned it for 33 years and only this week when I went to use it, it stitches, one stitch at a time slowly with a groaning sound. and the stitches are neat as usual.....please tell me what is wrong, so my husband can try to repair it.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I would start with looking at the inside through all the openings you can and see if that looks clean. If nothing is obstructing the mechanics you might need to service the motor. I linked a blog in the description that should walk you through that step by step. Hope that helps and good luck!

[@debbiepring2236]

When you took out something from that plug hole what was that and did it need to go back?

[@ottobird1]

Great video! Good info and I love the music!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@musiclaireb.6236]

Hi, beautiful job ! Do you know if you can adjust the height of the device moving the fabric under the foot of the machine ? I just renovated an old 15k, and this part seems to be too low to be able to make the fabric move while sewing... would you have an idea what to check ? Thanks !

[@joshuaorourke5118]

Yes you can I'm fixing one right now a 15-91. after you take front cover off there is a small screw that if you loosen it you should be able to drop the whole metal rod that hold the leg. (Grease could make this a challenge I used a small blow torch to heat up the frozen grease. Good luck. Time stamp for example: 2:49

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

yes, that is exactly how you adjust the feed dog mechanism. If you download the pdf of the singer 15-91 manual it is also illustrated on pg 33 of the document (pg 35 of the pdf). There is an illustration on the page that points out exactly where the screw to adjust the feed dog height is.

[@musiclaireb.6236]

Thank you both for your answers, I found it !

[@debbiepring2236]

Its advised not to pull the thread out of the bobbin case backwards but the cut the thread and pull outward. 🙂

[@kibetsyllass9259]

amazing material. i have set up a singer 15 CD(made in china) the wheel is not moving the other parts so as to sew. what could be the problem?

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

The first place I would look is at the end of the wheel. There should be a silver disk, that is the clutch, and it might need to be engaged by turning the disk while holding the wheel in place. If that doesn't work you might need to slowly start looking at each piece to see if anything is rusted or bound up somehow. Hopefully that helps! - Brian

[@lawrencethompson465]

Twice you apparently looked at picture and/or video at 7:23 and 9:00. Is there a link for these pix or video? Also, is this the first time you have repaired a 15/91? Or other machines? Where did you purchase parts? Your video is excellent and I appreciate you making it available. I have a 15/91 and a 201 to repair. Never done this before. Thanks again.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I actually got all of the parts directly from Singer. And I found a really helpful blog showing the detail of the removal and replacement of the potted motor. I have links in the description of everything I used including the blog. Thanks - Brian

[@lawrencethompson465]

@@MsArishiaNishi Thank you.

[@DasVERMiT]

17:22 - FYI, you reassembled this part backwards. The bowl part is supposed to be in the front, not behind.

[@karlierockett6770]

Hey wondering if you might could help I’m missing some pieces to my sewing machine similar year and I’m struggling to find them any ideas on we’re to find the pieces

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

For older machines the manufacturer might sell replacement parts on their website. If your looking for something original you might be able to find something on EBay or similar sites.

[@leticiahomenu9389]

Fantastic! 👍

[@debbiepring2236]

I would like to know to take the light fixture apart. Even with oil I cant get the set screws loose in the worm gear. And dont know how to rewire. Looks like someone spiced and put new ends on...plugs but I dont know how to do new. I know how to use a soldering tool as I do stained glass but not sure how to do this.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

To get the set screws out you need a screwdriver head that fits perfectly. There are some you can buy and in the description there should be a link to a blog the explains the whole process of serving and repairing the motor.

[@joduggan3957]

Great video! I just have one question. I got the sewing light off from the machine but I am having trouble getting it back on. I tight the screw which is behind the Chrome round plate , but then the light falls down and can't figure out how to get it to stay up . Could you please help me. thank you

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Hmmm that's odd... Do you have the tiny gasket that was behind that screw? If not you might not have enough friction to hold it in place. You could probably make one out of a rubber band. The only other thing I can think of is if the screw is stripped it might not hold it in place properly. Hope that helps and good luck! - Brian

[@CherylSimser]

My stich selector on my 15-91 is very stiff. What can I do to loosen it? Thanks in advance. :)

[@944gemma]

Wow. I have an old Singer 66 I’d sure like to turn you lose on. I can’t get that knob for the fly wheel off to save my soul. I could swear it was put on with a welders torch.

[@ShantarrDalrae]

I've never used a sewing machine before but this was relaxing to watch! Were there any screws left over?

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank god no but I did spend about 1 hour for each assembly trying to remember how everything went back together. Than took 5 minutes of recording. -Brian

[@mamas_quilts3573]

😅

[@massimoladu529]

Nice work, where can I get some spear parts of this gorgeous machine? I've got one of these but the version without electric motor

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thank you! I know singer has parts for their old machines on their website. So if you know your model number you can start there. If they don't have the part you need EBay or ant place like that might have what your looking for. If you dont know your model number you can always Google the serial number to figure it out. Good luck hunting and restoring the one you have. - Brian

[@131dyana]

I bought a 1935 singer. Can I get a book for it? I will look up the serial number for it and find out. thank you very much. I bought this in 1980 and gave it to my son. He used it and cleaned it and gave it back to me. but I needed to know how to oil it. thank you very much.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Once you figure out what model you have you can normally find a PDF of the original manual on Singer's website. If you can't find it there you will probably be able to find a PDF on Google or even a physical copy on Esty. To oil the machine normally all you need to do is put one drop in all of the little holes in the top of the machine. Hope that helps and happy sewing! - Brian

[@bigoper]

This is perfect 👌 Where can I get a maintenance \ service documents for my Singer 306k?

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I would just do a quick google search for the manual. A lot of the older user manuals have maintenance and care instructions in them. They also have a lot of diagrams showing how everything is assembled.

[@azsamsasho]

Hey, what did you use for the clean up of the metal parts? Great video

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I used 90% isopropyl alcohol and mothers metal polish.

[@ezraschofield5122]

Came out great. How much time do you think you put into this by the end?

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks! I think in the end I put about 20 ish hours into it. But a good chunk of that time was figuring things out or filming. If i did it again I think I could do it in about 12 hours. Maybe even less. -Brian

[@nancyellis41]

Where can I get mine repaired?

[@cynthiapooley3787]

Where do you buy the wires to rewire the singer 15

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I honestly bought an old power cord from a thrift store to re wire the motor and light. And I got a new foot peddle from Singer's website.

[@debbiepring2236]

What screw did you unscrew that let loose the second half of the cover?

[@terrigelbaum8066]

Vasoline works great and it's so much cheaper. Have never had a problem with it.

[@أمهند-و9ح]

لقد كان هذا مفيدا لي شكرا جزيلا That was helpful for me thank you so much

[@gaylegreer9798]

We have two 15-91s; both from deceased relatives. They both work, but, would probably benefit from what you just did. Not sure if we have the nerve!!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol I totally understand that. It took me a bit to get the nerve up to hit record. If your interested in fixing it yourself I tried to put all the resources I used in the description. I have faith in you! - Brian

[@matthewdegraffenried2771]

You didn't tie a stop knot in the motor wire when you pulled it through the grommet. That is a good trick to use to prevent the wire from tugging on the coils.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol ya I realized that after I turned the camera off and just forgot to record tying that stop knot. But don't worry it's in there!

[@debbiepring2236]

I wish you would talk and explain what you are doing. I want to rewire etc and this helps just a little.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks for letting me know I did not want to give to much advice on this seeing as how this ks the first machine i have ever fixed. I did however leave all the resources I used in the description.

[@pauladelgado7077]

Tienes unas manos hermosas

[@thinkpositive2092]

I NEED HELP! PLEASE HELP ME! I have been using a Singer sewing machine for more than 30 years. This month the foot pedal (controller) stopped working. As parts are not available for that old model, so the foot pedal can’t be fixed. Then I bought a new foot pedal. Now I am getting different opinions. One of them is that this new pedal and motor can’t work together , and if I try it will damage either new pedal or motor. So now I am trying to find a good motor for this new pedal. PLEASE HELP ME! My question is: What things I should see in a motor so it works properly with the NEW Foot Pedal (Controller)? Old Motor 230-250 volts input 90W 50/60Hz Old Foot Pedal (Controller) volts 150~250 input 80W 50/60Hz NEW Foot Pedal (Controller) 100V 120W Here Electricity Standards are: Voltage (volts) 230 V Frequency (hertz) 50 Hz Thanks a lot for your time

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

So for this what your most concerned with is making sure the voltage ratings are all the same. If you have 230V from the outlet and the pedal is only rated for 110-120V (normal USA voltage) than the pedal will likely burn out. I think you would be better off trying to find a pedal rated for your countries standards than finding a new motor. You may be able to find an old pedal on a place like Ebay. Hope that helps.

[@thinkpositive2092]

@@wisebeyondourshears2167 Thanks a lot for taking time to reply me. Your suggestion is important for me. Thanks

[@reginaromsey]

Wonderful! Terrifying for me with no experience, but that sewing machine. Think I’ll pay someone like you to do the wiring. Many pictures of what comes off when and notes before everything comes off. Every step of the way. You make it seem possible with such direction.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks! I was hoping to show the whole process I am glad I made it seem possible. Also the wiring isn't so bad soldering a lot like melting wax to coat the wires. I feel like the hard part is just collecting the tools. - Brian

[@Nuwa122]

Nice

[@TheLacuisa]

Absolut exelent

[@vallavanfasan1]

Hi i heard about old sewing machine are going very high rate like $2500000 Is that true they said should work function which when the put the nokia 1100 phone near the machine phone will be off is that true

[@yolandataylor4609]

My machine has locked up, what should I do?

[@pauladelgado7077]

Sos un genio

[@jakelineb]

coitada! Trabalhando seca! precisa ter oleo pra uma vida longa

[@Miragemp5]

BEST GREASE REMOVER FOR MACHINES IS KEROSENE OR BBQ FUEL ..!!! WORKS AS A CHAMP...~!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Thanks for the tip i will look into that next time.

[@mariamarfil1620]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@artandcrafttherapy]

😘🍄

[@suprethsupreth8281]

Compete repair video sar ❤️

[@jill552]

Nice work. Music too loud.

[@4486xxdawson]

Ok i get cleaning and sanding parts , but a bobbin , really ! Just buy one new or if you want original , im certian someone will give you one lol , i have dozens of stock singer bobbins .

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Lol fair point! For this I was more just having fun cleaning things and didn't really think about it.

[@juansimonelli]

excuse me i wrote machine instead of maine

[@glennmaltese6187]

It kills me to see you use sandpaper on rust.. soaking rusted metal parts in white vinegar for 24 hrs works great!

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

That is really nice to know I will try that in the future! - Brian

[@darlenemcclenny3909]

Vinegar can damage the metal. Evaporust will remove only the rust and not damage the metal.

[@DFTBAandDS]

2000 grit sandpaper? I don't think that could damage anything.

[@aibazovhusei5825]

Сборная машинка, явно есть не оригинальные запчасти

[@pauladelgado7077]

No entiendo idioma, pero bueno

[@zaitonyahya4768]

My bersih sdn bhd&@ mitsubishi ellevattor

[@KelikakuCoutin]

I wanted to watch the video, but I'm sorry, I can't spend twenty minutes looking at those annoying tattoos. Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. BS'D

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

I can respect that opinion.

[@The_Tempest_1610]

Could you please post a version of this video without the music? It’s hard to hear what you say and, when you’re not speaking, it’s distracting.

[@wisebeyondourshears2167]

Hey unfortunately I don't have the files anymore to update it without music 😥 but in the future I will try pay a bit more attention to the audio mixing. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. -Brian

[@DFTBAandDS]

@@wisebeyondourshears2167 I loved the music. 🎶

[@daxxydog5777]

Less music and more explanation of what you are doing and why would have been helpful.

[@DFTBAandDS]

Check out his links in the description. Lots of helpful info there, which I assume is where he learned what to do. You can too!