Hints on buying Featherweight
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,402
For me I wanted it to be clean and make sure that it works. Also, they came with a lot of attachments, so you want them and bobbins! For some reason people lost the bobbin case - so look to make sure it has one that fits. (I understand there are some reproductions bobbin cases that don't work so well.) Most people are asking top dollars for them so you want it to be in good condition. I got mine to use so I wanted to make sure it worked.
Last edited by quiltingcandy; 05-27-2015 at 06:39 PM.
#5
If it makes a little slapping sound in the bobbin area when you turn the handwheel by hand, the jib screw might be missing (or put in from the back). Might be a bad idea to try to sew with it if that is the case.
Be careful of missing screws in general, as I think some of them are difficult to find replacements for.
Be careful of missing screws in general, as I think some of them are difficult to find replacements for.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
And depending where you buy it, take a test kit with you like a piece of denim. I usually keep a 10x10 piece with me and thread. You want to be able to take it for a test drive. Like I said depending also on prior suggestions from the other board members. One estate sale I went to they were asking $250.00 for it with the case but didn't want me to test drive it with my fabric or thread. Didn't have attachments or manual. I would have to take it on good faith because of the name of the estate. Pfffttt! I walked. Just looking at it I could tell it was going to need some work.
#8
If it makes a little slapping sound in the bobbin area when you turn the handwheel by hand, the jib screw might be missing (or put in from the back). Might be a bad idea to try to sew with it if that is the case.
Be careful of missing screws in general, as I think some of them are difficult to find replacements for.
Be careful of missing screws in general, as I think some of them are difficult to find replacements for.
#9
You can put used drier sheets in the case and leave closed up for several days to fix the smell. You can replace the felt pad to fix the smell. Also, you can put some coffee grounds on a coffee filter in the bottom of the case to fix the smell. A smelly case is pretty easy to deal with and is not a deal breaker if the machine works, is in good condition and has the accessories.
#10
The most important thing is to try out the machine to see how it runs before you purchase if it is local to you. I have worked on several machines that were purchased from ebay and at first glance looked like there was an issue, but 99.9% of the time, it was a quick and easy fix. There was one machine that was on its third owner and had a little piece of metal that was inside and rubbing on the belt so that it would not turn easily. Turned out that a little filing removed it and it was a functional great machine. Made me wonder why the other two people never checked out what was impeding the belt and deal with it. Took maybe 5 minutes to fix.
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