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Posted by blueyes917 on December 7, 2007, 12:59 pm
blueyes917 had written this in response to
http://www.sewgirls.com/textiles/Re-Need-Help-with-Singer-615U-1897-.htm :
I have a Singer 615U. It was purchased second-hand by my mother in the
early 70's. I HAVE THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL and all accessories including
case. The manual contains, among many other things, instructions for
oiling the machine, which must be done in at least 10 locations. I have
had this machine repaired many times as it goes out of adjustment pretty
easily. Once I had the gears replaced for $150. I have never had a Singer
that was easy to us and I will be buying an electronic machine this
holiday season (probably a Janome.) I use a sewing machine for altering
and repairs only. If anyone has any suggestions about what to purchase, I
would appreciate knowing them.
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sewingbythecea@aol.com wrote:
> silverlight wrote:
>> I was recently given a Singer 615U that appears to have never been
>> used,
>> although it does not have a manual with it. I have not sewn in
>> over 10
>> years, so I pretty much don't know anything about sewing anymore.
>> I
>> have heard that many of the old Singer models are really good and
>> durable because of their metal components. I believe this one is
>> "one
>> of the good ones", but I'm not at all attached to it. Could
>> anyone give
>> me some advice- is this particular machine worth anything? What
>> year is
>> it? etc. I have not been able to find any info on it at all. I'm
>> wondering if I should sell it and get one that's easier for a
>> novice
>> like me to figure out, or if I'd be a fool to sell it. I'd
>> appreciate
>> any help!!
>> silverlight
>> ---
> I bought an old SInger 31-15 which had been converted from treadle
> to electric. I believe it had been used in a factory. All it does is
> sew a straight stitch--you turn the sewing work to back-stitch/ lock
> threads. Doesn't get much more basic than that, but it handles heavy
> weight bulky fabric layers quite well. If I remember right, I paid
> about $100.00 for the machine and a huge cutting table, about 10 years
> ago.(I'm too lazy to go check the particulars.)
> The old machines don't bring a lot of money, as their functions are
> so limited. Everyone wants bells and whistles, a wide range of
> functions, new and shiny.
> The old metal machines, if properly maintained--given regular oiling
> and cleaning--go on forever, and can be very useful for sewing bulky
> items, upholstery, and long runs of drapery and curtain fabrics. My
> 31-15 makes a particularly long stitch, which is preferable for such
> sewing.
> I would suppose your keeping the machine depends upon whether you do
> such sewing, enough to warrant giving the machine house room. I'd
> suggest you play with it, see if there are things you like about the
> machine. If not, you'll probably find someone who likes the oldies
> enough to take it off your hands. Just don't expect to make your
> fortume in heavy metals.
> Cea
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