OK...I'm up to page 8 and I already have a question. I have a 403A Slant-O-Matic, which I dearly love. I went to the Singer site to try to date her and I found conflicting information. It's my understanding that the Slant-O-Matic series started in 1958, but Singer says that the serial number on my machine dates it at 1951. Please help, I'm confused. Thanks.

~Cindy

I don't know either but I LOVE the ones I have.

Nancy...I have one I can probably part with if you're serious. You can PM me...I live in Elk Grove.

Nancy, Glenn and Charlee,

Thank you for your responses. It sounds like the belt motors are easier to deal with. I'm still leary about not really knowing what I'm looking for. The tension on the faceplate is a really good tip. I'm hoping to find one that runs good or doesn't need a lot of work. It seems like people in this area are really in the know about how popular vintage machines are right now. CL is full of "antique" sewing machine offers for 250.00 and up!

Someday, when we don't live in a 2 bedroom apartment, I'll be able to start securing tables for these ladies!

I want to practice piecing on the 66, but I haven't found the accurate 1/4 seam yet. I have a screw on seam guide like what Glenn has. I think I'm going to change it to the narrower foot, then measure, then put the seam guide on and see if that helps it. I won't be piecing anything new until after the new year, so I won't worry about it for a little while. Need to make my Christmas list so hubby knows what parts and accessories I need.

Oh, on thread. I'm learning about the different weights on thread and stuff. I know not to use hand quilting thread in my little Janome, could I use it in the 66? Someone gifted me two HUGE spools of it and I doubt I'll live long enough to quilt that much purple thread by hand.

Do most other types of thread sew good in a VSM? I would rather not create an environment that requires me to adjust the tension. I'm still really scared of that knob!

here is a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ftHGCfU39M

You don't want to use hand quilting thread in ANY machine because of the wax coating...it'll gum up the tension discs. I know how you feel tho, I have a collection of hand quilting threads (no purple tho! :lol: )

I used to be scared of the tension knob myself. I think because of Mama, when she was teaching me on her Featherweight gave me a stern "Don't TOUCH that!". :lol: There hasn't been a dealer that I've talked to either that didn't say, "If the bobbin tension needs adjustment, bring it in!". Now I'm fearless! I adjust the top first, and if that doesn't work for me, I center the top tension and go after the bobbin! ;)

If there is no screw on the front or side of the needle bar then you do have to go to thru the back hole and make the adjustment. It has been a long time since I have done this because you very seldom see this problem. I can't remember if is it allen or flat head screw. Just barley loosen it and turn the bar in the direction you need to go the bar should line up with the hole. the screw will be very tight. And try not to move the bar up or down. It is easier to do with needle in and you use the needle as a quide to insure it is not hitting the face plate or the foot when you make this adjustment.

Charlee is right no quilting thread in the machine. But the old machines like the 66 are not fussy about sewing machine threads. Don't be afraid of the tension knob.

Ohhhhhh Jan,

That is a work of art.

What does needle turn mean?

I'm going to have to make a jewel toned quilt with a lots of purple so I can use up some of that thread then! No HQ thread in the machine. Okie dokie. I know some, like the ones I prefer, are coated, but this thread didn't seem like dental floss like some of my others. It can go in the collection as I am amassing some thread colors!

I love this thread. I have already had such a great time playing on my machine. I'm learning so much!

Thanks guys!