What older machine for me
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 384
I'm just getting into Kenmores- I like the little ones like the 1040,1030. I also just found the 1802 - love how it sews but didn't realize at the time that the needle sits just left of center- not fully left but enough to throw off the 1/4 inch foot (if they even make one for the super high shank or whatever it's called) I'm thinking I'll use mine for aprons, placemats, etc or quilts where I don't need 1/4 inch (string quilts, all squares, paper piecing)
I inherited a bunch of estate sale/garage sale machines from my mom and they include 401, 403, 500, 503 singer. haven't had time to sew a lot on them but between the 401 and 403 I enjoyed the403 more - it doesn't have built-in stitches it's straight stitch unless I put in a cam. just seemed less intimidating
with the newer machines I've see pfaff passport and another fo$600 and $800 and I sometimes use a Janome Harmony 8080 (got on ebay several years ago under $200 - but it has to go to the shop because it rode around in he car and guess it had enough - time for it's cleaning anyways.
I just got a Kenmore low shank that I think I'll like- 1430 -not a whole lot of stitches but enough. will have to give al my machines more time to see what grows on me
I inherited a bunch of estate sale/garage sale machines from my mom and they include 401, 403, 500, 503 singer. haven't had time to sew a lot on them but between the 401 and 403 I enjoyed the403 more - it doesn't have built-in stitches it's straight stitch unless I put in a cam. just seemed less intimidating
with the newer machines I've see pfaff passport and another fo$600 and $800 and I sometimes use a Janome Harmony 8080 (got on ebay several years ago under $200 - but it has to go to the shop because it rode around in he car and guess it had enough - time for it's cleaning anyways.
I just got a Kenmore low shank that I think I'll like- 1430 -not a whole lot of stitches but enough. will have to give al my machines more time to see what grows on me
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 865
If the machine is going to stay in Florida, I'd say a Singer 401 or Singer 500. That may be a couple years earlier than 1970, but they are good work horses, have a variety of stitches (with cams), and you can probably get one in a cabinet for not a lot of money, maybe $40-$60, depending. The only thing to remember about these machines is that you have to oil them again before using them if you let them sit. Also, be very careful/gentle with the door/hinges on the far left of the 500, over the needlebar.
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
If the machine is going to stay in Florida, I'd say a Singer 401 or Singer 500. That may be a couple years earlier than 1970, but they are good work horses, have a variety of stitches (with cams), and you can probably get one in a cabinet for not a lot of money, maybe $40-$60, depending. The only thing to remember about these machines is that you have to oil them again before using them if you let them sit. Also, be very careful/gentle with the door/hinges on the far left of the 500, over the needlebar.
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