romanojg

I bought my Viking #1 from ebay. I checked his sales history to see what kind of rep he had and then his return policy. I got a 2 yrs warranty from him. He was great, the ad said it came with everything that was orginal for the machine so when I got it I checked and there was a few things missing; I emailed him and that same week I got the stuff in the mail. I had problems with the thread breaking and couldn't get it to stop and I paid 25 to have USP to box it up so that it would be insured and the seller paid to have the machine shipped to him and fixed. During this time I did go ahead an buy a new machine but because the seller was so good I can now sell my Viking #w/embroidery machine and not have to worry about anything going wrong. If you go to a yardsale or something like that test it out bring some thread a fabric just in case the seller has none. Make sure it has all necessary things like foot pedal, bobbin/case ect. I love Vikings; I just bought a new one because they are made to last. The Viking #1, was said to be the best Viking ever made and alot of people keep them as a second machin or backup. I think Kenmores are good and the older Singers. My daughter has my 26yr old Singer and it still works great. Good luck on your search and try to check out in your area what used machines go for so you have an idea or even what a new machine is so that you don't pay too much. Somepeople don't realize how much some things go down in value.

ctipton

I have a White Blue jeans machine. I wanted a solid metal machine. I had one that had cams in it.(70s-80s0 I really didn't care for and honey buns bought me a basic heavy machine and it runs well and I know I can have it tuned up easily.

Janice Thompson

I have an Elna that I bought new 51 years ago with a lifetime warranty. Still runs like a top. However, the dealer that I purchased it from has since gone out of business and his warranty is now null and void.

patches6032

good advice
I also have bought used machines without a problem. I have bought new and used. I have an old Monarch that swes like a dream and gave $20.00 or so took thread and bobin with along with sewing machine needle in my purtse ad it hummed right along, it has a nice big throat.

Yarn or Fabric

I can probably also get you in a day early for the friends and family sale days. There's a 25% upcharge but you get to cherry pick whatever you want and not have to wait in all the lines during the sale

Maire

I hope SSgirly comes back to post with news of what she found. I hope she found a treasure.
I've found a couple of great machines at garage sales because they "don't work"{ but the only problem was that the needle was in backwards.
Maire

patches6032

I bought a Janome new last year. and my Kenmore about 20 years ago new...wish I had never traded her off as well as several used garage sale goodies and some from estate sales, I always have thread and needle and thread and scissors along so i can try out the other machines. I wish I had Grandmother's treadle machine too

patches6032

don't forget to gheck the pawn shops too.