SINGER MODEL 15-91 HOW TO REMOVE, INSTALL, SET HEIGHT OF NEEDLE BAR

Singer Model 15-91 Needle Bar How to Remove, Install & set the height.
Replace Missing Needle Bar Bushing Oil Pad Felt
A Do It Yourself Tutorial.
FELT CORD www.mcmaster.com/felt-cords/
MUSIC: Reversed Eclipse by The 126ers
00:00 INTRO
03:00 LOSN SCREW TO CONCT STUD
07:08 RMV NDL CLMP
11:00 RMV NDL BAR
16:00 RMV CONCT STUD
17:42 RMV CONCT LINK
21:00 CLN BUSHING
22:20 CLN BUSHING W/ ALCOHOL
23:50 PRE-OIL BUSHING
24:22 INSTL CONCT LINK
25:05 INSTL CONCT STUD
26:06 INSTL NDL BAR
28:20 SET NDL BAR HEIGHT
29:10 TIMING MRK PIC
31:05 LOWER TIMING MARK EXPLANATION
32:56 TIMING MARK PIC
33:05 WHY HEIGHT CAN BE DIFFERENT
36:18 INSTL NDL CLMP & GIB
42:10 OIL NDL BAR PARTS
43:45 NDL BAR BUSHING OIL PAD FELT

[@renukasalinger]

Ditto to all the compliments! Such a wonderful video. I was able to replace my bent needle bar in no time and get back to sewing. I would not have had the courage to try without this tutorial!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks so much! I'm happy that you found the video and were able to get back in service with that nice machine. I appreciate your comment

[@roosterwilson9371]

Good Morning Andy! Glad to see you are doing well and getting after it! Thanks again for your well done videos. Many Blessings to you.

[@andytubesewing1953]

Good morning early bird 🐓 Thank you very much for the blessings, and for watching my channel. Take care.

[@marcosmeza1678]

Great video! Love how you explain as you go on how each part works. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@andytubesewing1953]

I appreciate your comment, Marcos. I'm happy you watch my channel.

[@crossstitchgal]

Oh my gosh.....I felt your pain Andy in getting the “gib” set back on in the correct position! You did it in short order! I found this to be the hardest piece to replace when I went through my machine. It was a real nightmare for me. Took me forever to hold everything just right and get it to stay and not fall out of place. Kudos!

[@andytubesewing1953]

"pain" is correct. Even though I've done this on a couple of other models, it still took a while to get it right, then I practiced a couple of times before filming. I always sigh with relief when I finish the install, haha. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@teresaott6274]

thanks again Andy. I LOVE how you chuckle at mistakes and such.

[@lindahanke]

Great instructional video thanks 👍

[@andytubesewing1953]

I appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for watching my channel

[@GaryT1952]

Great content as usual Andy...always enjoy the fact that you are always prepared with the correct Singer nomenclature and a positive teaching attitude. 👍

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching, Gary, and for the kind comment.

[@moiraberniegatt9491]

Andy you’ve saved me again. Got black oil on my fabric from needle housing so pulled it apart to clean again. Yay. Couldn’t get to see how to get that tricky thread holder back in. Hope life is treating you kindly. All the very best to you and yours xxx ❤

[@supercorgisue1514]

Oh, I can't wait until you get farther along in this series. I just got a nice 15-91. It was already working fairly well, but I'm cleaning it up and lubing it and the light and the motor need a little rewiring near the connectors to the plug. I can use all the help I can get to understand this machine. I've worked a little on a 66-19 but haven't taken anything apart except the tension so I'm very new to these vintage Singers. So hurry up and get this machine restored so I can follow along! Thanks!

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching. My 15-91 needs some wiring repair too, and the motor needs some cleaning. Working from front to back and will get there eventually. In the meantime, you might like to view my Playlist for "Cute" a SInger model 99K. Model 99 is a 3/4 size model 66 and most of the parts and features are the same kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKIIUgkEujqHc9iNWN9NPW2Z That playlist could give you something to do between the Ike Model 15-91 videos.

[@supercorgisue1514]

@@andytubesewing1953 Thanks for the recommendation! I'm also working on a 66 which I've purchased a rewired motor and light (the same as the original) which I'm waiting for. It's not as complete as the 15 (the 15-19 came with the bentwood case complete with the cover for the compartment in the base) but in pretty good shape.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@supercorgisue1514 You'll end up with two superb machines. I know I have a 66 in a cabinet somewhere in my wife's storeroom but it's been in there 10 years at least. I've never worked much on the black iron models but this 15 and the 99k are impressive.

[@tryzz8]

Hello, besides the motors whats the difference between this model and the 15-90>I believe I have a 15-90. Love all videos, I have repaired a few machines with your advice.thank you,I still love your giggle ;-) 0

[@andytubesewing1953]

I've never seen the 15-90 in person, but I do have both parts lists and they seem to have all the same parts and features. Same arm shafts and connecting shafts, same hook and bobbin case. The 15-91 did have a moulded light fixture, and yes, the "potted" motor, while the 15-91 had the external mounted motor and belt. The 15-90 parts list also shows two handwheels, a spoked one and a solid one. Here is some info on the different model 15 versions: ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-1-99.html Thanks for watching, and I'm always laughing at myself with these machines. 😉

[@maria2400]

Very educational video. Thanks Andy

[@andytubesewing1953]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment. Take care.

[@connieworcester55]

another great video. thank you

[@andytubesewing1953]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@meganmills6545]

Yes - I did enjoy this, and the close-ups especially good to see how things are set up in those dark, tucked-away places. Okay - now where know where two felts go... looking forward to the next instalments to find out how many there are all together and what they're all used for. :-) I guess those slight differences in machines in the distance between the height/timing marks come about because, either at installation or at some time since, the top bushing wasn't always set in the machine at exactly the same position?

[@andytubesewing1953]

You could be correct about the setting of the bushing in the factory. They sure made millions of machines, mostly by hand and in noisy conditions so I could see a 1/64" difference at times, and that tim=iny amount can cause skipped stitches. I wonder who set the needle bar height and if they had a GIb or gauge that held the NB while they turned the clamping screw. Thanks for watching and yes, a couple more wicks that I know of.

[@roxannewagenstein8753]

Hi Andy and thanks for all your excellent videos on vintage sewing machines. I am trying to remove the needle bar from a completely seized 15k. The needle bar is stuck in the upright position and I am unable to lower it to access the set screw. Any suggestions on what I should do next? Cheers - Roxanne

[@andytubesewing1953]

If the machine is seized that's what I would work on first. Removing the needle bar won't help that problem. I start with a very thorough oiling according to the manual. If a manual is needed you can get it free from the Singer support page here: www.singer.com/search/support?title=15 The manual on top of the list should do. I would also remove the bobbin case and shuttle as that can freeze the machine. Instructions for that are also in that manual, or here is my video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5yVen9tnsiffs0 I'm thinking you could do that even with a frozen machine. If you have not seen it, here is my Playlist for model 15 with all 17 videos kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKJftyGwzdDiWa9R6HFEACJo I've probably bought 50 frozen machines and most of them started moving after a good oiling. It can take a while for the oil to soften the old dried-up oil in the machine. You can use kerosene instead if you want, but I use oil and then a hairdryer to heat the parts if I get impatient. Good luck, and thanks for watching my channel.

[@supercorgisue1514]

Are you going to do a video on disassembling and reassembling the top tension? I cannot get my tension to release when the presser foot is lowered. It stays tight all the time and I cannot see how the tension is released by raising the presser foot (is it the little tension pin that goes inside the main tension rod?) I need help and your videos are so helpful!

[@andytubesewing1953]

I'll be doing videos for almost every part of the machine, including the Needle Thread Tension Assembly. In the meantime you can download a FREE copy of the original 68-page Instruction Manual from 1941 from the Singer USA website at this link: www.singer.com/search/support?title=15-91 Starting on page 21 there are instructions with pictures for dismantling and installing the parts of the tension assembly. I do this on all models to see how it works and clean and adjust it. You can learn a lot of great info from these few pages about the tension and maybe discover the fix for your problem. Good Luck, Sue. 👍

[@supercorgisue1514]

@@andytubesewing1953 I'm afraid not. I've been using the manual, following the instructions, and am still having no success. I can't see any way that the presser foot lever could back off the tension since it doesn't connect to the tension assembly in any way that I can see. It's almost like the tension release pin is too short - it doesn't connect or brush against the presser foot lever in any way. :( I guess I'll have to keep fiddling with it until I have some success.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@supercorgisue1514 ok, OK then, too sad. I thought taking the tension apart could show a cause. As far as the presser foot lever, I believe it does press on the tension pin when the lever is raised. Ther is not a tension release lever like in later models, but I think the depressed, curved area on the presser lift lever rides up on the backside of the tension unit and pushes the pin.

[@supercorgisue1514]

@@andytubesewing1953 That's what I thought should happen. If that's the case, the tension release pin in my assembly is too short. If you have a chance, could you measure the tension release pin on your machine? I have a feeling that mine was replaced at one point with a shorter one. I can press the little nub of the release pin that's near the presser foot lever and it releases the tension, but the pin is about 1/8 - 1/4" too short to actually contact the presser foot lever. P.S. Just what I suspected - the pin is 1/8" too short. As an experiment, I put 2 washers behind the presser foot lever, and that allowed the presser foot lever to contact the tension release pin and release the tension. My tension release pin is only 1 1/16". Thanks for all your help!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@supercorgisue1514 You finally tracked it down. I admire your persistence, Sue. Wonder why anyone would change the pin but I found one similar before. Most of the pins I bothered to measure were 1.25" in length. I make new ones from 1.5" stainless steel finishing nails www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1-2-in-Stainless-Finishing-Nails-50-Pack-03524/203436053 Here is a video about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LOiXeaaqx_e6c

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

Any tips on straightening out a bent needle bar?

[@andytubesewing1953]

I did it once, many years ago. I borrowed a friend's bench vise and put the bar between two strips of an old leather belt for protection, then squeezed it in the vice. I left the needle end outside the vice. I rotated the bar, squeezed, and repeated that many times. The bar came out usable, not 100% straight, but very usable. I was desperate and could not find a used replacement bar. If you have a 15-91 there should be a few used bars available on eBay these days.

[@daniellautenschleger6642]

@@andytubesewing1953 I ended up putting it on an anvil and gently hitting it a few times. Yes, a few small dents are now on the bar, but she now goes up and down nice and straight. Your video was very helpful for removing and cleaning all the associated needle bar assembly hardware. Now I will spend my next hour getting the needle tension assembly clean and adjusted. Good Saturday project on a cold day! Blessings.

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@daniellautenschleger6642 Need creates Invention. 👍 Glad you accomplished your goal to your satisfaction. Good luck going forward, and thanks for watching my channel.

[@gloriabarger6155]

Andy please show me how to get needle gib back in a singer 306k I’ve been trying for almost a week

[@andytubesewing1953]

I've never even seen a 306K in person, Gloria, so can't "show" you how to install the gib on a 306K. It is called the Needle Clamp Gib, part #105190. The original Service Manual for your machine does not even show it or mention it. Other models I have worked on had a Gib so I can refer you to those videos. I have no idea what your Gib looks like, but it doesn't really matter. They all work on the same principle of sliding against the needle bar inside of the needle clamp and are made to hold the needle in place by tightening the thumbscrew of the needle clamp against the gib or pushing the needle into the gib. Take a look at these three videos to get an idea of how they are installed. Maybe one of the videos has a gib like yours, but you'll see how they work kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIrCiYCkmpqMirM kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGeZoKxpbc6BjJY and the third video is kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYelXpJnmdKCfNE Good luck.

[@JC-pm6tf]

Setting the machine on its butt is helpful as it gives it a base of gravity while the needle clamp is set in place.

[@JC-pm6tf]

My needle bar bushing has been removed and is no longer at the correct height to use the timing marks on the needle bar. How do I get that bushing reset at the correct height, so the needle bar height set mark and the timing mark are back at the right height?

[@andytubesewing1953]

There is a process to do that. It is on page 25 of the Adjusters Manual for model 15-91. You can view the manual, and even download a PDF copy of it, at this link: www.manualslib.com/manual/1027731/Singer-15-91.html?page=14#manual You can print a screenshot if you want, or download it. For downloads only use the green download button towards the top. If you use the blue button you'll download a wave browser, so be careful.

[@Romidear]

What happend if you don’t have that screw? I lost it. And I can’t find it in Amazon. Do you know where I can find it ? The problem I have with my Sewing machine 301 is that more often the neddle change its position and the Sewing machine doesn’t sew good.

[@andytubesewing1953]

¿Qué tornillo? ¿Sobre qué modelo? 15-91 o 301? Here is my 301 needle bar video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGeZoKxpbc6BjJY Here are two playlists with 36 videos for model 301. kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKLZyGebzS_oISgesXNyREyI kzbin.info/aero/PLsCOZgzzaiKI_6fbu3itbd1v4z3uQvvkO If you can tell me the exact screw you are missing I may be able to help you find one.

[@Romidear]

@@andytubesewing1953 The tiny screw of the neddle clamp posición screw. And my sewing machine is a singer 301.

[@Romidear]

@@andytubesewing1953 I appreciate your kindness. Thank you so much!

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@Romidear Singer Screw #51308 "Needle Clamp Position Screw" I do not know of anyone who makes or sells just the screw by itself. People usually have to buy a used needle clamp like this one; www.ebay.com/itm/334233474586?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28

[@andytubesewing1953]

@@Romidear 👍

[@lynnhubbard559]

I cannot get my needle bar or the presser foot bar to come loose to be able to remove it

[@andytubesewing1953]

If you've removed the screws but the bars do not budge it is common that they are stuck with dried oil that you'll need to soften. Putting WD40 or alcohol on the bushings will help but you must protect the black finish with plastic bags or similar. Another effective method is heating them with a hairdryer to soften the dried oil, then turning the bars to loosen them. Use a hot pad or gloves to prevent burning your fingers. Be patient but determined.

[@mrsseasea]

Name that tune in the beginning? I know it ya, I’m that old. Lol

[@andytubesewing1953]

The music in the video is Reversed Eclipse. It was released by The 126ers in January 2018. This information is in the description below the video. Thanks for watching my channel.