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-   -   Went and looked at a Singer Dressmaker, but the motor sounded AWFUL... (https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/went-looked-singer-dressmaker-but-motor-sounded-awful-t177812.html)

pinkberrykay 02-03-2012 04:56 AM

Thanks for your knowledge, the link you provided is the one I am looking at, she is in a cabinet. I am starting to think that maybe the noise was normal. :o I haven't sewn on a vintage machine, I know they are loud. Can you suggest a price I should pay of this?? She was originally asking $30. I know I need to change to the belts, clean her and oil her up.
TIA :)


Originally Posted by Vintage.Singers.NYC (Post 4936558)
Kay, the Singer 237 is a great machine. It is one of the last all-metal interior machines that Singer made. It is reliable, heavy, and sturdy, and has a 1 amp motor, making it more powerful than a 15-91 or 201-2. There's only one piece of plastic in the interior, and that's the little gate that holds the bobbin case in. It's possible that some people are confusing this with a different machine.

Noises by themselves are nothing to be scared of, nor is a jammed machine--sometimes it's as simple as a thread tangle blocking up the works. It would be a shame to pass on a quality machine like a 237 if it is something simple, but because I don't have a clear idea of what the noise sounded like, I can't begin to guess what it might be.

Do you have a mechnically-inclined friend who can come with you to check the machine out?


miriam 02-03-2012 09:36 AM

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/hsh/2832556692.html found one in indy

purplefiend 02-03-2012 06:52 PM

I have a Singer 237 and its a lovely machine; a very basic machine, only 2 stitches:straight and zig zag. It treadles great I have FMQ several baby quilts with mine. I got mine for $20 at a thrift shop a few years ago. It was loud when I first got it, needed cleaning and oiling.
Sharon W.

3incollege 02-03-2012 06:57 PM

Are you going for it?

Vintage.Singers.NYC 02-05-2012 09:02 PM

Hi Kay, it's tough for me to estimate prices since there's no standard that everyone adheres to, prices seem to vary across the country, and most importantly--I really don't know the condition of the machine! If there is something seriously wrong with it, $30 is too much; if it's in perfect working order, I'd pay $30 for it, but that has to be modified by the fact that I live in NYC, where $30 for anything is a steal; and I also don't have to pay a repairperson to go over the machines that I acquire, as that's my hobby.

The bottom line is, a vintage sewing machine is worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. I've found that no matter what price you pay, you'll eventually find out that another person paid half of that for the same machine, and yet another person paid double.

- Rain

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/

pinkberrykay 02-06-2012 04:25 AM

Thanks for your thoughts, I agree price is what I make of it and where we live. I think I will offer her $15 and see of she will take it, I will let you know.



Originally Posted by Vintage.Singers.NYC (Post 4947021)
Hi Kay, it's tough for me to estimate prices since there's no standard that
everyone adheres to, prices seem to vary across the country, and most importantly--I really don't know the condition of the machine! If there is something seriously wrong with it, $30 is too much; if it's in perfect working order, I'd pay $30 for it, but that has to be modified by the fact that I live in NYC, where $30 for anything is a steal; and I also don't have to pay a repairperson to go over the machines that I acquire, as that's my hobby.

The bottom line is, a vintage sewing machine is worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. I've found that no matter what price you pay, you'll eventually find out that another person paid half of that for the same machine, and yet another person paid double.

- Rain

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/


pinkberrykay 02-06-2012 04:36 AM

I offered her $15.00, she countered $20.00~decisions, decisions!

miriam 02-06-2012 04:39 AM


Originally Posted by pinkberrykay (Post 4947440)
I offered her $15.00, she countered $20.00~decisions, decisions!

parts might be worth $20

Candace 02-06-2012 07:26 AM

Yeah, parts alone are worth $20.


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