Originally Posted by mamaborne

Hey Ladies... and gents, if there are any...

My Elna Super had to go in the shop this week. Praying that it will be a simple repair.

In the meantime, I am seriously considering a second machine. Would like it to be vintage, as I'm a vintage kinda gal, and I've looked at new machines and - to be very frank - they appear to suffer from what I call CFCS (Crap From China Syndrome). Based on my experience with my Elna, nothing beats the machines from the 50s/60s even if yes, they are more expensive to repair sometimes, etc.

So... assuming there are other vintage machine fans here... if you were to buy (or grab for free on freecycle, craigslist, etc) a 2nd machine... what would you get? Are there any particular brands that made really great machines in the 50s/60s? My mother had a Singer, it was great and still runs like a charm but she is out of state.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, thank you!

Rachel

Originally Posted by lovelyl

If you are wanting a straight stitch machine for piecing and FMQing, I would recommend a Singer 15-91 or a Singer 301. You can do the maintenance on them yourself and can't beat the quality of the stitches. The 15-91 has a large harp space and great visibility for FMQ. The 301 has an aluminum body and is lightweight if you are looking for a machine to take to classes or guild meetings.

Originally Posted by miriam

I had one of the Elna SU machines for years until the motor died for the 3rd or 4th time. Those are one of the most precise machines you can buy - to be happy, repair it or buy another one. If you are just wanting something for straight stitch and save your Elna for the zz and fancy stitches you will want something you will like as much as the Elna. While not an Elna, for less than one service fee, a Singer 15 or one of the 15 clones are a good machine sometimes. They can be easily maintained yourself. If the feed dogs drop, they will do free motion where the Elna's are weak in that area. Here is a link for all kinds of info and pictures of the clones: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html I would be looking for one with a 1.0 or .9 amp motor if possible. Then buy a bottle of Tri-Flow and put a drop on each moving part.

Originally Posted by Blackberry

Once you get addicted to these reliable older models (they are usually heavy as lead) you will never be able to stop at 2. I just purchased a beautiful Dressmaker and it makes #42 in my collection.

Originally Posted by chris_quilts

If I was going to seriously look at one, it would be this one. http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/fuo/4323843996.html
It is an older Singers - the other Singers are Touch and Throws (Sew) - plus it comes with some accessories and a manual. Just my $.02 here from snowy Kansas.
FYI: You just asked a bunch of enablers about getting a 2nd machine!! We'll help you find plenty.

Chris

Originally Posted by mamaborne

Question for you all: what do you mean when you say 'straight stitch'? Does that mean a machine that can't do zigzag?