Vintage vs New...
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
I just bought a vintage 50's Morse machine. It not only looks cool, but sews like a dream. It has buttons on the front to push for the feed dog position. I also have a Janome 10001. The automatic needle threader worked for about a month, and hasn't worked since, even after several trips to the shop. It does have the needle down feature and I like that and it embroiders beautifully. I use my grandmother's 1919 Singer treadle for tough stuff. It will be working long after I'm dead and gone. For tough stuff, go vintage!
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Woodmere, NY
Posts: 1,422
I wouldn't trade my Singer 66, or 99 for anything. I use them for piecing, and FMQ. The feed dogs don't drop, but I'm okay with it. The only thing that I have a problem with is not having the zig zag for applique. I have a Singer 237 forthat.. That is also a work horse. i didn't pay much for any of them. I've been using all of them for years. I don't think I would deal well with a new machine. They look too fragile
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
I say buy the best you can afford. I LOVE my Bernina 530 with all it's bells and whistles. I also love my Janome 6500 and 6600 with their computerized features. I know that I do a better job of quilting with these over my many vintage sewing machines. I have had NO trouble with them, so do not believe that all "plastic" machines are nothing but trouble....NOT true.
When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore. These machines are beasts! And they have cams for many many decorative stitches. They have a 1.2 amp motor, which is bigger than any of my vintage Singer machines. I have bought/sold/given away quite a few of these machines and have never paid more than $30 for one. Just be sure to get one with low shank feet, that "homes" (goes to the middle for straight stitch) in the middle and you will be able to use most modern feet.
When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore. These machines are beasts! And they have cams for many many decorative stitches. They have a 1.2 amp motor, which is bigger than any of my vintage Singer machines. I have bought/sold/given away quite a few of these machines and have never paid more than $30 for one. Just be sure to get one with low shank feet, that "homes" (goes to the middle for straight stitch) in the middle and you will be able to use most modern feet.
#25
I love the vintage machines, and teach my quilting classes using a vintage FW. I will be teaching a class in the Spring on maintaining your vintage machines. It's really not hard to do, once you know what to do. I agree that trying before you buy is a good idea. Even if I'm just selling a presser foot, I want you to make sure it works on your machine before you get it home and maybe have a problem.
Good luck with your search!
Stephanie in Mena
Good luck with your search!
Stephanie in Mena
#26
The more I look around, the more I think vintage is for me. I don't want to spend a fortune for a machine, but I don't want junk either. Saw so many older ones this weekend, but they were pretty abused and owners were asking too much. Search continues Don't know how some are so lucky to find machines for under $50 and be in such good shape & great models!
#27
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
Joe, is the 201 electric or treadle? Love the look of a tradle, just not sure if it's for me. Need to find one and try before I buy. I like the idea of going vintage as I don't have a huge budget to work with. Can you easily find a walking foot ans a 1/4" foot for these? Is it straight stitch only? What about repairs? Are they easy to fix? Think I would prefer an electric model over treadle in the long term. Thanks for your thoughts!!
Sharon W.
#28
Maybe a regional thing. Not $50 but one of the machines we picked up Saturday is a 201 that looks like you could plug it in and get to work. $90 but that includes the art deco cabinet and stool (in pretty good shape.)
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 8,091
I say buy the best you can afford. I LOVE my Bernina 530 with all it's bells and whistles. I also love my Janome 6500 and 6600 with their computerized features. I know that I do a better job of quilting with these over my many vintage sewing machines. I have had NO trouble with them, so do not believe that all "plastic" machines are nothing but trouble....NOT true.
When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore. These machines are beasts! And they have cams for many many decorative stitches. They have a 1.2 amp motor, which is bigger than any of my vintage Singer machines. I have bought/sold/given away quite a few of these machines and have never paid more than $30 for one. Just be sure to get one with low shank feet, that "homes" (goes to the middle for straight stitch) in the middle and you will be able to use most modern feet.
When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore. These machines are beasts! And they have cams for many many decorative stitches. They have a 1.2 amp motor, which is bigger than any of my vintage Singer machines. I have bought/sold/given away quite a few of these machines and have never paid more than $30 for one. Just be sure to get one with low shank feet, that "homes" (goes to the middle for straight stitch) in the middle and you will be able to use most modern feet.
You have just answered the question as to why the plastic geared, plastic parts machines are junk, and contradicted yourself at at the same time with one short sentence:
When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore.
They simply will not hold up to heavy sewing. My wife's Singer 538 is proof of that. She used it to sew everything, stripping out the plastic feed dog drive gears within 8 years of getting it new. Three sets of gears later, it's retired to light duty use and she uses the Bernina 930 for the heavy work.
Joe
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: My Sewing Room
Posts: 1,180
The more I look around, the more I think vintage is for me. I don't want to spend a fortune for a machine, but I don't want junk either. Saw so many older ones this weekend, but they were pretty abused and owners were asking too much. Search continues Don't know how some are so lucky to find machines for under $50 and be in such good shape & great models!
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