SInger 15-91 Light. Replace, Repair or Rewire. Part One of Two.

PART TWO VIDEO: • Singer 15-91 Light. Re...
A tutorial for working on the Singerlight of a model 15-91.
How to replace, repair or rewire the light. Do it yourself.
Removal. disassemble, soldering, new ring terminal installation.
Replacement light in the video: www.sewingmachinesplus.com/li...
For Singer Models 15, 66, 99, 127, 128, 206K25
MUSIC: This Little Light of Mine - E's Jammy Jams
00:00 INTRO
03:53 RMV LITE
07:20 RMV WIRE TERMINAL
09:35 WIRE TERM DIAGRAM
09:40 DISCON WIRES
11:11 QUICK WIRE INSPECTION
13:29 NEW LITE B428
19:23 FULL INSPECTION OF WIRES
24:24 DISASSEMBLE LITE
51:54 UNSOLDER SPRINGS
PART TWO VIDEO: • Singer 15-91 Light. Re...

[@roosterwilson9371]

Morning Andy, Good to see you still at it! I have rewired a few of this style of light and the best tool I have found for removing those pesky rings that hold the light together are called Lock Ring Horseshoe Washer Pliers or lock ring pliers as used in the automotive ind. for spreading ext. ring without hole like most snap rings. They are a little fiddly but work well.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Wait... Horseshoe Lock Ring Pliers?... NOW you tell me!! 😀 Thanks for this great tip, Rooster. I looked some up and there are many brands. Here is just one lower-priced pair www.amazon.com/CNWOOAIVE-Removing-Installing-Gearshift-Locking/dp/B09J28RQ1X/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=CNWOOAIVE&qid=1642967682&sr=8-16 Man oh man, easy peasy next time buddy. Thanks for sharing and for watching my channel.

[@RustyBobbins]

Thank you so much for recording this. This type of light is built like a tank and having a proper disassembly video is extreemly helpful.

[@andytubesewing1953]

You're very welcome. It was quite a struggle. The first time I worked on one and tank is a good description. Thanks for watching my channel

[@ralphwatten2426]

Hi Andy, thanks for taking the jab to the finger so we won't have to. I clicked on the part 2 link and it came up private. I'm not sure what that means but I guess it's unavailable. Thanks again for the video. I look forward to the reassembly. Ralph-

[@andytubesewing1953]

Well, I won't take a bullet for my viewers, but I don't mind a bloody finger 😉 I had to get an unexpected medical treatment... sigh. It slows me up for a while, but I have recorded part two and will be able to edit it now. I posted the link at the end of the video so I wouldn't need to re-edit it later. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for watching.

[@ralphwatten2426]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks Andy. I hope you're feeling better. Health is much more important than KZbin. I've learned so much from you. I found a near new 503 motor on Ebay. I used the Russo bearing tool and cleaned and re oiled the commutator end bearing. I got a new drive end bearing and changed that out. The grease had solidified in the bearing and made it sound rough. I'm a sewing sonofagun now. I saw a sewing machine with a pre tensioner on KZbin. I have my heavy cone thread coming out from under a net now and no snarling problems any more. Thanks again.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@ralphwatten2426 Congrats on the new drive end bearing. I have yet to replace one. I tried many years ago and struggled to get the snap ring off, hahaha. I bet that motor just purrs along. You sonofagun, you! 😀 Thanks for the netting tip, too. My wife just got this huge cone of thread and is struggling with setting it up to sew on her 301A. Take care.

[@sewterie]

Thank you again Mr. Andy. I am always happy to see you. I also have a 15-91 and the light's glass cover is always falling off. I appreciate your hard work and effort you put into your videos.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching, Terie. I'll make part two public as soon as I can finish the editing.

[@rmb6604]

Hi from Georgia! Just wanted to tell you how much you have helped me. I have picked up (2) 500A's (Thelma and Louise), a 466 (had to rescue it). I would have never been able to bring them back without your videos. Just rebuilt my foot peddle for Thelma,...thanks to you!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thelma & Louise!! I love it 😀 Thanks for rescuing those great vintage machines and getting them in service. 🏆 I'm glad you found my channel and it was kind of you to comment.

[@mygrommi]

Thanks for the informative video. Fortunately, a friend did the soldering and rewiring on the light fixtures on two Singer 15-91s, two Singer 201s and a Singer 99 for me. I can solder, but it is not my favorite thing to do. Keep the great videos coming, please Andy.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Hey, that's a very good friend! It's a good thing it only needs wiring every 50+ years. I'm done!

[@r.duroucher225]

Another great video! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to share your expertise!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks very much for watching. I appreciate your patronage.

[@sharondavidson7072]

It's good to see you back on utube!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Sharon. 🙏

[@randyc8171]

I bought one of those identical light assemblies around 15 years ago. It was sold to fit the Japanese made Singer model 15 clones. As I recall I paid $7 plus a couple dollars shipping. Dealers installed this light on all makes of sewing machines with a variety of brackets including on the front of machines. It is a basic universal light assembly that can be used on almost any sewing machine with a proper bracket. One application on a vintage machine in my collection required drilling and tapping several screw holes to attach the bracket.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Yes, I think they were mostly made for models that came without a light. Earlier models. $7.00 15 years ago was a bargain. That would be less than $10 in today's money so the price is certainly up. During the pandemic, with the big increase in sewing, I think most parts went up in price. On some sellers' web pages they list the model numbers the light can fit. Quite a few actually. Kudos to you for tapping your own screw holes to fit the light. I've never done that. Thanks for the comment and for watching my channel.

[@mariamarfil1620]

THANK YOU! ❤️

[@andytubesewing1953]

Welcome. 👍

[@samirsabih2177]

شكرا جزيلا لهذا الشرح الممتاز مستر اندي

[@andytubesewing1953]

اهلا وسهلا بك وشكرا على اهتمامك بقناتي. الرجاء الزيارة مرة أخرى.

[@mnelson9057]

Thank you for another great video. The Rocketeer you inspired me to fix is still going strong. I have several machines with similar lights that need help. I couldn’t get to part two, it says it’s private. I’ve never soldered before but I’m curious. I’m so glad you’re back🙏

[@andytubesewing1953]

OH, I know you could solder just fine, no worries about that. After fixing your Rocketeer soldering will be a breeze. There are several videos on YT teaching about it also. Yes, about part 2. I have filmed it but still editing. I put the link to save it so when I post part 2 it will work. Some unexpected issues came up last week so I got behind schedule. Thanks for watching, Mary. Take care.

[@ronalddevine9587]

I rewired one of these once. NEVER AGAIN. I don't remember how long it took, or what I mumbled under my breath!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I feel your pain, Ronald. This video took a lot of editing, haha.

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@andytubesewing1953 brilliant

[@alanbier]

Have a 15-91 just acquired for my wife ($60) in the cabinet. Your videos are really helping me. While the machine works, this particular video of the light assembly taught me 2 things: 1) how to take that dopey, yet eloquent, assembly apart AND that I really should replace all of the wires in the machine given what you found in just the light wire. Question: I'm a little puzzled by the colored wires as the original machine came with a main plug that can be plugged in regardless of polarity. Nonetheless, I'll follow the diagrams and do my best to find wire replacements that are colored. Your input on this would be appreciated.

[@andytubesewing1953]

it allows the foot pedal to control the motor, and the light to work independently of the motor. You can get a free copy of the original Singer Adjusters Manual for this model at this link: archive.org/details/singer-15-91-adjusters-manual-en

[@sewingmistakesunlimited]

Please do more videos of this type. I need several motors rewired.

[@andytubesewing1953]

OK kzbin.info/door/USPDsHaFtRoz1VA2U1xJ4wplaylists

[@connieworcester55]

What a great Idea with the vice grip.. awesome detailed video Andy.. Thank you...such a huge help.. I rescued a 1939 "15-91" in a small cabinet today.. I have the older style light, and everything on that machine needs to be rewired. (all crispy wires) I am going to do it soon. I have a soldering iron, do I need the solder "wick" to unsolder the wires? I will look into finding some. probably amazon? Thanks again..!

[@andytubesewing1953]

You can unsolder with out the wick, like to get the old wires off, but you want to "clean" the connections before soldering new wires. I think the best way to do that is with a wick. Yes, Amazon, eBay, local hardware stores, craft stores, etc. Pay attention to how wide the wick is, not too skinny or wide. **EDIT** I meant to refer you to this wonderful old blog with directions for rewiring the motor as you may find it helpful: vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/complete-how-to-re-wire-potted-motor.html

[@connieworcester55]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you so much.. you are an amazing person, brilliant, yet humble. I will watch the other videos.. I really enjoy your videos, it's like sitting right there with you while you figure it all out, and make it happen. Thanks again, I really appreciate your videos, and the fact that you answer comments..

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@connieworcester55 I'm very happy that people use my videos to save these machines. In my opinion, they are superb, mechanical devices that can practically last forever. The link I gave you is to a blog where the guy explains and shows pictures of his procedures for rewiring the motor. I thought you might enjoy it in case you give you a size that motor. Take care and good luck!

[@meganmills6545]

Hi Andy - this was fascinating. And of course at the end I immediately searched for the link to Part Two because I'm dying to see what comes next. 🙂 When I clicked on it I got a message saying it was unavailable and the video is private. I wonder if perhaps you think you've published it and it didn't actually work. If not, I wonder if anyone knows if I've dong something the wrong way?

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thank you, Megan. I've recorded part two but did not get it edited yet. An unexpected medical treatment came up. I will be able to finish it and get the video live soon. This light is a PIA but you only need to do it once. The modern wiring will last much longer than the only type of plastic/vinyl stuff. Thanks for the nice comment and take care.

[@meganmills6545]

@@andytubesewing1953 Great - thank you Andy. I hope all is well - and that nick to your thumb didn't come back to bite you again. (How dare that light bite you in the first place. It had no manners at all. I'm sure in Part 2 I'll get to see that you taught it some.) :-)

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@meganmills6545 Oh no, my thumb is fine, The Bobbin Winder Spring apologized after a stern talking to by my wife gave it, haha. I'm all healed from poking myself in the finger, too. No worries, I thought those snap rings on the light a thing or two in the part 2 video. 👍

[@meganmills6545]

I went looking for info about snap rings and there's a couple of videos about snap ring pliers for locksmiths. While they seem to be designed to work with snap rings that have little "circles" at each end the pliers can catch into I'm thinking perhaps, if the tips are narrow enough, they could do the same job by putting the points of the pliers within the gap of the snap ring to push the two ends apart. One vid I saw had the title " Snap On, Snap Ring Pliers for Locksmiths" and it was by a "Mr Locksmith". Even if we don't have such pliers perhaps we could use something else to achieve the same end? I'm thinking of something small that gets pushed into the gap and then you twist it so it forces both ends of the ring apart simultaneously. Something like a small Allen key perhaps? The Singer folk must have had a knack (or knick-knack) so they could do this in a jiffy, I'm sure! :-)

[@andytubesewing1953]

You're getting psychic on us now, Megan, haha Here are the pliers I use in part two video: www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/snips/2023976 and now, even better, I just pinned a comment to the top from Rooster Wilson who turned us on to this plier that works on the original snap rings, like it is made for them. www.amazon.com/CNWOOAIVE-Removing-Installing-Gearshift-Locking/dp/B09J28RQ1X/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=CNWOOAIVE&qid=1642967682&sr=8-16 What will humans think of next? Something to create peace on earth I hope. Thank you, Megan.

[@meganmills6545]

@@andytubesewing1953 No - not psychic, just a bit premature and impatient. Great tip from Rooster too (thank you Rooster). I'm about to go take a look at both things now.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@meganmills6545 Darn, I was hoping you were psychic and could tell me if my treatments will be successful 😀 Please see what you think of the pliers Rooster shared with us. I'm wondering if they can help get the rings back on.

[@marymcdonough1390]

Andy I was at out county recycling center . They had a singer 457there for junk. The guy gave it to me as he as I am a sewing-enthusiast. Well I took it apart and when I too the bottom off . Two items fell out. One a small felt disk and a metal black disk with raised Grover in it. What fell out? I do not know where these items belong

[@andytubesewing1953]

Please send some pictures to [e-mail] and I will try to help you.

[@marymcdonough1390]

Ok thanks I got the bottom back to get her now the bobbin case will not move. I will be in touch thanks again.

[@eyeonart6865]

Hope someday to see how to change power plug on an atlas sewing machine. Mine is crumbling.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Sorry, no Atlas machines on this channel. 😞

[@paullemay3218]

Good evening Andy. I can’t find where to contact you so I will try here. I am looking at a singer model #5123 on a local market place that is for sale. I can’t find much information online. What can you tell me about it? Or where can I go for information and or parts? Thank you, Paul Le May. ❤️🇨🇦

[@andytubesewing1953]

It was not a popular model, and I don't believe it was sold in the USA b/c Singer USA has no documents for the 5123 but there are pictures online and machines for sale so it is an actual model. I think sold in the EU in the 70s. You can buy a manual here www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-book-singer-5123.aspx and very basic parts here www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-5123-sewing-machine-parts.aspx?index=14 It may always be difficult to find replacement parts if you do not live in the UK or EU. I assume you are interested in this model b/c of the Tubular Bed? If so there are other vintage Singer Models with a bed like that that are more plentiful and available in the USA. You can get a free manual for model 534 here www.singer.com/search/support?title=534 It has the tubular bed and more advanced features. Model 534 may be easier to find ($80 and free shipping) www.ebay.com/itm/165010037936?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28 and new and used parts are more easily found than the 5123 on eBay and other online stores.

[@paullemay3218]

@@andytubesewing1953 thank you for your advice. I live in Canada so parts are likely going to be scarce for this model. I now have a singer touch and sew and thanks to your videos I have rebuilt it and it now works great. That being said, yes I am looking for an older singer with a free arm. Preferably close to where I live so I will keep looking. Take care, Paul Le May. ❤️🇨🇦

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@paullemay3218 I found a list of "free arm" Singer Models a friend sent me years ago. 533, 534, 535, 543, 834, 2440, 44S, 4411, 4423, 4425, 4452, 6136, 9410. Hope you find what you want.

[@paullemay3218]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thank you very much for your help. Greatly appreciated.

[@rndea100]

can i rewire myy light an moter to have a eletric foot pedal

[@andytubesewing1953]

My confused by your question. I'm sorry if you have a light and motor. You have some kind of control device. Are you saying that you have a knee lever controller and you want to change to a foot pedal controller? Is that your question?

[@rndea100]

@@andytubesewing1953 i waz think an modern foot pedal cus the old one get hot but my singer moter stil works

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@rndea100 OK, I get it now, thank you. The original Singer pedals get hot when dirty or out of adjustment. They use a "carbon stack" of small carbon discs and those get dirty and can cause high heat. Many times they can be cleaned and the pedal adjusted and they work very nicely again, but all carbon stack pedals go get at least "warm" to the touch. Here is a playlist of videos if you want to investigate the condition of your pedal and try to restore it to normal service: kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKL6ePPxLpmnWSzTyxPKTb71 You can also replace the pedal with a new carbon stack type pedal or even an electronic pedal that never gets even warm. I usually reuse the same wire unless it is too worn out. Many come with a new wire/plug but the plug must be cut off and wires reattached or spliced. Here is just one of many, many new carbon stack pedals to show what I mean: www.ebay.com/itm/114831121199 You can find them all over the internet and some sewing center stores also carry them. The newer style electronic pedals also come with a cord or without a cord. Again, I prefer the one without a cord b/c I reuse the vintage cord for its looks. Here is a pedal I have used many times, all electronic, stays cool, and has excellent speed control; very responsive: www.cutexsewingsupplies.com/products/universal-electric-foot-conrol-pedal-ez-168-controller-only-for-sewing-machine?variant=37104400728245 99% of the new pedals will NOT fit into the holder inside a vintage sewing cabinet for use with a knee lever, but must be used as a foot pedal on the floor.