How much does that singer 320 / 401 weigh ??
01-09-2016, 05:26 PM
#31
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Wow, I stumbled on this thread unexpectedly and it answers some questions i still had after owning my 320K for the last 4 years.
This is certainly a heavy machine. I'm a lifelong Singer fan but with advancing back problems, it's getting more difficult to lift this monster. I call her "the Behemoth" which fits nicely with my steampunk fiction addiction.
I was lucky to acquire her with the manual, all attachments, extending wooden plate (I don't know what it's called), and the cams. The bobbin case had already been modified, probably with a hammer and nail by the terrible look of it, but it works. I also purchased a walking presser foot which I haven't even used yet and at one point had the electrical cord replaced at the Singer service center in Seven Hills, NSW. It's still attached to the original foot pedal and plug-thing-into-the-machine but the ends of the cord were coming apart.
I've been, sadly, looking for a lighter weight portable machine. We move a lot and although I prefer the heavy monster and LOVE the aqua enamel, it's just too much weight for me.
Kudos on finding these models. I had never seen one before this. Mine says it was made in England.
This is certainly a heavy machine. I'm a lifelong Singer fan but with advancing back problems, it's getting more difficult to lift this monster. I call her "the Behemoth" which fits nicely with my steampunk fiction addiction.
I was lucky to acquire her with the manual, all attachments, extending wooden plate (I don't know what it's called), and the cams. The bobbin case had already been modified, probably with a hammer and nail by the terrible look of it, but it works. I also purchased a walking presser foot which I haven't even used yet and at one point had the electrical cord replaced at the Singer service center in Seven Hills, NSW. It's still attached to the original foot pedal and plug-thing-into-the-machine but the ends of the cord were coming apart.
I've been, sadly, looking for a lighter weight portable machine. We move a lot and although I prefer the heavy monster and LOVE the aqua enamel, it's just too much weight for me.
Kudos on finding these models. I had never seen one before this. Mine says it was made in England.
01-10-2016, 10:24 AM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Centralia, WA, USA
Posts: 4,890
Welcome! From that intro I'd say you'll fit right in.
Lightweight portable model? Most lighter machines are straight stitch only. There are a few exceptions. Kenmore had a 3/4 size machine capable of some zigzag stitches. I don't remember the exact model #s.
For straight stitchers there's the Singer featherweight at 11 pounds. Small, light, popular and expensive. The Singer 99 weighs in at about 23 lbs. There's also a rare aluminum version. There are some Japanese clones of the 99 out there made out of aluminum too. The Belair Bantam is one, Sewmor sold one too. I occasionally see 3/4 size Singer 15 clones. Not often, but they're out there.
These are just some off the top of my head. There's others out there too.
Rodney
Lightweight portable model? Most lighter machines are straight stitch only. There are a few exceptions. Kenmore had a 3/4 size machine capable of some zigzag stitches. I don't remember the exact model #s.
For straight stitchers there's the Singer featherweight at 11 pounds. Small, light, popular and expensive. The Singer 99 weighs in at about 23 lbs. There's also a rare aluminum version. There are some Japanese clones of the 99 out there made out of aluminum too. The Belair Bantam is one, Sewmor sold one too. I occasionally see 3/4 size Singer 15 clones. Not often, but they're out there.
These are just some off the top of my head. There's others out there too.
Rodney
01-10-2016, 11:40 PM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 1,850
I bet you a million bucks it doesn't. It says "Made in Great Britain". Every single 320K2 ever was made in Scotland, just like every 222K and 201K23 (all iconic models which were also designed in Scotland). The K is for Kilbowie (Clydebank, Scotland, near Glasgow).
Allison, your machine's bobbin case was probably modified by 15x1 needles. I would take it to the doctor or find a donor while you can (Cyndy Kitt in Nowra sells modified cases new). Modify it if it's still in one piece or buy a replacement.
I have to own up to an error I made earlier when I said 319s don't embroider. It's true the GFs 319K didn't embroider, but I discovered the reason: The hook to needle gap was too large. It allowed normal stitching but as soon as I started changing the direction, it wouldn't pick up the bobbin thread. I adjusted the hook to the correct distance (as close as possible without touching the needle) and she's now as good as the 320K!
So for all you 319 owners, go ahead and use your machines for whatever you like.
Allison, your machine's bobbin case was probably modified by 15x1 needles. I would take it to the doctor or find a donor while you can (Cyndy Kitt in Nowra sells modified cases new). Modify it if it's still in one piece or buy a replacement.
I have to own up to an error I made earlier when I said 319s don't embroider. It's true the GFs 319K didn't embroider, but I discovered the reason: The hook to needle gap was too large. It allowed normal stitching but as soon as I started changing the direction, it wouldn't pick up the bobbin thread. I adjusted the hook to the correct distance (as close as possible without touching the needle) and she's now as good as the 320K!
So for all you 319 owners, go ahead and use your machines for whatever you like.
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