The Tensioner Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Model 15 - 90 / 91

Hello, and Thank You for Tuning in to Our Series,
Restoration of a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine, Model 15 - 90 / 91
This is The "Third Video" in a 10 Part Series, Entitled, The Tensioner.
In This Video we will "Disassemble" the “Thread Tensioner” Clean and Servicing each Individual Part
then Reassemble Paying Special Attention to the Details and Pointing out the Small Details that insure a Smooth and Accurate Operation!
We Hope it will be Beneficial to Your Restoration Project!
Below is a List of the Videos:
1. Assessing and Identification of The Machine and the Singer Cabinet
2. Clean and Polishing the Body, Demonstrating Techniques and Products Needed
3. The Thread Tensioner, Removing, Cleaning and Reassembling in Detail
4. The Thread Take up Lever & Light, Techniques for Removing, Cleaning and Reassembling
5. The Bobbin Assembly, Removing the Bobbin Assembly, Cleaning and a Detail Reassembly
6. The Bobbin Winder, Removing, Cleaning, Replacing the Springs, Polishing and Reassemble
7. The Feed Dogs, Needle Guide, Throat Cover, Detailed Process of Removing, Cleaning and Reassemble
8. The Motor, Complete Disassemble, Cleaning, Servicing, Checking the Wiring and Brushes
9. The Wiring Foot Control, Disassemble, Check the Wiring, Detailed Instructions on Smooth Operation
10. Demonstration, This Video We will Demonstrate the Smooth and Accurate Operation of the all the Components of our Restoration.

[@geordineb.2363]

You are the best. No gimmicks, loud music, mistakes etc. Thank you for your no-nonsense video.

[@andveryginger]

Went looking for a 15-91 last year, and found one that was completely locked up. The seller gave me a good discount, however, so I took on the challenge! Managed to get it free, clean it up fairly well, re-sealed the shellac, and now it's almost sewing again. There are some issues with the tensioner -- it looks like it was from a 1930s version, with just the +/- and a few lines? -- and so I'm trying to sort them out. Hopefully, taking it apart and reassembling will help fix it, or at least identify the problem. This video is one of the best I've found in getting into the details, and so it is GREATLY appreciated. The cleaning/polishing video was a great help, too!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Thank you so much ! and tanks for watching.

[@melissataylor5494]

Fantastic

[@truusjoosten9447]

Thanks so much! My Singer 15 M works like a charm again!

[@kentkovack8591]

Thank you for the series on restoring the Singers. You helped me so much!!! I have never sewed or touched a sewing machine. I bought 15-91 in good shape and now I have a pristine Singer 15-91. I can't believe how well it is restored. THANKS, AGIAN!!!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Kent ! I somehow missed your comment. Thank you for watching. No get out there and buy another one !

[@kathy_funk]

This is absolutely the BEST video on adjusting the Singer 15-91 tension assembly. I took everything apart, cleaned it with a little diluted Krud Kutter, put a thin film of oil on everything, and reassembled it. My 1951 model is sewing like a dream now! Thank you! However - I also have a 1934 Singer 15-91 with a different type of tension assembly. It doesn’t have a numbered dial and the parts are a little different. Would it be possible for you to do a video on that older assembly? Mine is messed up but I don’t know how to fix it.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Thank You ! glad it was helpful

[@mitzidsouza471]

Thank you so much for doing this series. I really appreciate it.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad you enjoyed it ! Sorry for the late reply, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@jag8789]

This was what I been looking for the last few days, now I fixed it in just a few seconds , Thank You

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad I could help

[@elviradonaghy6425]

This was an excellent teaching of how to set and clean the tension unit. Thank you.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Glad you enjoyed it ! Sorry for the late reply, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@Am3r1knu]

Thanks for the video! I have a copy/clone of this machine, a russian Podolsk from 1952 and it is almost identical, minus the "finger washer" and indicator. Those parts are a bit different from the Singer but the method still applies! Got it from an aunt a few years ago and after a bit of cleaning, greasing and tuning it works like new! It came with a motor that had the Singer "button" type of pedal but I've replaced with with a more modern one as it was in the "sparky" stage due to wear.

[@blakeray9856]

This is an exemplary video. The lighting, editing, narration, pacing, and camera work are all outstanding. I wish I had found this video about 45 minutes ago! I found a very similar machine a few years ago in a thrift shop and bought it. It is clearly a knock-off of this model, and I have not been able to find out where it was made. My guess is it was made in the 50s or early 60s. The case is more modern than this one. The basic instruction manual or pamphlet that was still in the case has no information about the date or location of the manufacture! But it works beautifully and is free of signs of wear or abuse. The parts of this tension assembly are not the same uncompromising quality of the Singer model, but otherwise, they are the same. Mine is an Arrow. Could be British. (?) Thank you for this helpful video.

[@gpilling]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@Dawnmp01]

Yay! This part done!

[@shawnvanhorn5666]

This is a good video, but they are leaving out something really important, that could frustrate you to no end! How do I know, because I used this video to restore a 15-91. When taking apart the thread tension, not important, but when putting it back together, the pressure foot has to be in the down position! They never tell you this, I literally followed this step by step, pausing to do each step. I couldn't get this back together right to save my life. I re-watched this video, I don't even know how many times, I am pretty mechanically inclined, so I pulled out the old Singer book to look at their diagram. Finally figure it out because I read in the old Singer manual that the tension meter is connected to the pressure foot, so when you are sewing (foot down) there is pressure, when you are stopped (foot up), there is no pressure, so you can easily change thread. Which totally is a great feature, but without knowing the foot should be down when putting this back together, the tension disk are just sitting there loose, no matter how hard you try to tighten this down, it looks like you have put it back together wrong. Also, if you put the foot down while you are doing this, it is easier to set the tension up right. When putting on the last screw/nut, screw it down until it pushes the two tension disk together just slightly, with a bit of pressure. Then turn your machine to about 4 and it is ready to sew. This way you have a light to heavy tension, with the foot up, you have no clue where to tighten this too. Now I am not blaming this video for this, because this is a video of how to clean and repair the upper tension.... but if you are new to sewing and having tension issues, they don't tell you this, the first thing you should look at is your bobbin tension, don't be taking apart the upper tension right away. I swear, any tension problems I have ever had is always the stupid bobbin. There is a small screw on the side of the bobbing case, you should be able to pull the thread out, but it shouldn't just fall out! People who have sewn for awhile, can pull on the bobbin thread and know if it feels right, if you are new, be careful, hold the thread in one hand and put your other hand under the bobbin case, give it a gentle Yo-Yo like motion, the thread should smoothly come out from the weight of the case. You have to be careful, if you do this too hard, your bobbin spool will go flying out of the case. If your thread is too loose or too tight, use the small screw to change the tension. If the thread is pulling out, yet it is jerky, clean the bobbin case with a small brush, including under the tension plate, normally jerky thread is lint buildup from the thread.

[@oldschoolwoolandweavingcen4060]

Thank you, that could very well explain my current issues!

[@susangopher]

Yes, I had to read the manual also when I pulled my tensioner apart. Luckily everything went back together fine and problem was solved. Just picked up another free one that needs wiring and finish TLC😁

[@mikeypotts4732]

Thank you so much!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

You're welcome!

[@carol-uc6me]

Just bought identical 15-91 at garage sale in same condition but in cabinet. I’m going to clean it using your instruction videos. Should I remove from cabinet before I start?

[@kitteninskeep9377]

I am really enjoying these videos. I found a Singer 15-90 while I was cleaning out my basement. From the serial number it is a 1930 model. I’m having a tensioner problem. My model is completely different from yours. There is no black numbered dial and it is backwards from all the ones I’ve seen online. I’ve got it together since I took pictures before but I don’t know if the springs on the inside are in correctly. Hope you’ll be putting out the rest of your videos soon. The wires for the motor are a mess. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Thank You for the kind words. The last several months have challenging but I think I on track for adding more videos. I'm working on the wiring video now, I may have to split it up into a couple of videos, I've had several ask about converting from a knee control to a foot only. Thanks again Kitten, sorry about the late reply!

[@IrfanAKhan-ee4nr]

Hi, I bought 15-91from yard sale. All the parts are there except foot paddle and connection of it to machine under handelwheel. Don't know how it attach. Moter and light is working. Don't know how moter attach to foot paddle. Watching you tube videos but didn't find any video on this topic. Also don't know where to buy foot paddle and connection. Thanks for the great video. I am totally new to sweing machine.

[@nonyabidness1623]

Wow, ! Great demonstration! Thank You! May I ask when you disassembled the upper tension was the pressure foot in the up position? That to me would seem so, as when it's lowered the tension is engaged, , I couldn't see the lever ,I'm just guessing that it was up! Thank You, I believe I'm ready to do this,, I continually have a upper thread tension issue with mine! lis

[@graziabracey5126]

Thank you for the clear explanation. I have a copy of this machine, identical tension unit. I have done everything you said, several times, but the dial doesn't turn even if I rest the little pin on the thumb nut. It only comes out too far then. What is wrong?

[@nancybenson1951]

How much does it cost to restore a singer similar to this one? Mine has all attachments, manuals, and cabinet, which I would refinish?

[@CrisXEditz2.0]

My thread guard is missing in the tension what should I do

[@gmekim]

I have a question about the disks. Should they be smooth? Mine have a couple of rough spots on them. I wanted to make sure before I buff them.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Sorry for the late reply ! Yes the disk should be very smooth to prevent the thread from catching. If the disk has a dimple it won't hurt but if it is a raised spot it needs to be removed. You can use still wool or 1000 grit sand paper !

[@gmekim]

@@vintagesingersewingmachine6320 Thanks for your response.

[@teresashelley7540]

my 1933 15-91 has a different tension assembly- no numbers on the dial- mine is not black- I ordered replacement assembly from Singer online and it was not interchangeable due to the pin on the replcement unit being too long. Wonder if I rebuilt the replacement assembly using the original pin instead of the pin it came with,would it work on my model/year?

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Teresa, It's worth a try ! You could try replacing pin from your old one to new one or the dial on your old tensioner with the new dial. There are replacement tensioners available but they are plastic, I bought one just to see what they looked like, if you want to keep your machine original I don't think you would be happy.

[@susanarodriguez7067]

Sir,my tension releasing pin looks a lot longer tnan yours and is flanged in one end,so the plus and minus on the black dont go all the way back and everything get loose. Could this pin be cutted and what measure will be the proper one .?Coul you help me out ? Thank you sir

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Hi Susana ! My first thought is, while you owned the machine did it work properly? Second are you placing the pin with the flanged end facing out? If it worked before it will work again if you bought it and it never worked there's a problem. I don't think cutting the pin off is the answer. Let me know and we'll go from there!

[@susanarodriguez7067]

See, I never used it, got it a few years ago with a bunch of sewing machines that were not working. I did it just because I wanted a German handcrank on the lot and lady owner said " I will sell of of them, or nothing", so I carried home all of them. I have been fixing it, as I hate to think they would end in the trash. And had been the same, the pin is too long can not fit the other parts. Thank you on your time

[@susanarodriguez7067]

Resolve it ! With help...the foot lever was up, it needs to be down to fit all the way back the pin. Thank you !!

[@panchocoyote3608]

What's this machine and correct cabinet be worth? I have one in very good condition.

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

I have been paying around $50. Sorry for the late reply, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@kath3722]

Will it work without the spring?

[@vintagesingersewingmachine6320]

Sorry for the late reply. Probably not, It's been a hard year. Thanks for watching !

[@irshadtanoli2330]

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