PhebaAndThePilgrim wrote:Good day all:
I don't chime in much any more. Pilgrim and I stay very busy.
But on this subject I have some knowledge I would like to share.
Hoping this may come in useful for those seeking an older machine.
I am a sewing machine junkie. I have 7 machines.
At one time I had 17, but Pilgrim was threatening to sleep in machine shed because there was no room. So common sense had to prevail.
I love taking them apart, repairing, etc.
Is a retro machine better than a new one.
Well, the answer is like asking a farmer a question.
The answer will always be, "It all depends".
Depends on what you mean by "retro"
Depends on what you are going to use it for.
Depends on the brand.
There are four basic types of sewing machines.
Computer
Electronic
Mechanical
Manual.
Manual is a treadle or hand crank. If you can find a certain model, especially a Singer, is a great investment.
Singer model 15-88 is best, but should be a round bobbin, not what is known as flying shuttle or long bobbin. Bobbins and parts difficult to find and flying shuttle bobbins hold little thread.
Next are mechanical. Machines powered by electricity, but all knobs and controls are mechanical. These are the machines I adore and collect.
Berninas have the most punching power, mostly because of their DC motor, but have two nylon gears in most machines.
Parts for older Berninas are hard to find, but it can be done. They are worth the investment.
There is a reason for the nylon gears. They are quiet and they will break if something goes wrong rather than a more integral, expensive part of machine.
Singer has some nice mechanical machines, the models 201 and 15 being the best. Straight stitch only, but they are amazing. Gear driven, no belts, no plastic parts. Came in 4 types, potted motor, aftermarket motor, treadle, and handcrank. You can not go wrong with a well cared for 201 or 15.
Singer also has a series of machines called "Slant Needle". The needle is slanted forward. Models 301, 401, 503. Great machines, but take note.
slanting the needle forward means less piercing power. Plus, the machine needs slanted attachments. These are gear driven machines, no belt.
note, the main gear for driving these machines is not metal. It is WWII product called Textolite. Hard as iron. I never heard of one breaking.
Electronic machines are machines with an electronic board, not computerized. Most of these are from the 90s. Some awesome machines. But if the board fries, machine is a boat anchor.
Next are computer machines. Oh my, they are fun. the high end ones can cost as much as a car. But, an older Bernina or a Singer 201 or 15 have more piercing power.
Cheap machines, Wal-Mart, Jo-anns are what are called clamshell construction. Two pieces of plastic slapped together. They were made for the landfill.
Older Kenmore machines with a prefix model number of 158 are great machines. All metal, belt driven, but usually a cogged belt. The 158 means they were made in Japan by Maruzen/Jaguar.
Necchi, Pfaff, Viking, not my cup of tea. Tried them. Italian made Necchis have a huge following, but are so finely machined they tend to seize up easily. When well oiled and cared for old Necchis are smooooth.
parts are difficult to find.
my advice, avoid computer machines unless you stumble on one like I did the one at Salvation Army.
Opt for a manual if you can find a really good 15 or 201 with a round bobbin.
look for a mechanical Bernina, or a Singer 201 or 15.
The last model Bernina that is a mechanical was the mode 1031. After that they were electronic.
My Singer 15-91 (the 91 means potted motor) will sew just about anything with a straight stitch that is flawlessly beautiful.
Finally, I have an industrial Juki. I just love it for working with denim. It's a beast, but a machine I should have purchased 17 machines ago.
Downside, it takes a ton of space, if it ever needs repair I have to haul in a 70# sewing machine, or fix it myself. Upside, feet are only a couple of bucks each. It sews like a demon.
A lot of machines, a lot of choices. If anybody has any questions on a machine feel free to ask.
Here is a link to a site I always share. I get tired of seeing people being ripped off on "industrial strength" machines on E-Bay.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/04/diffe ... .html#more
Pheba.
Thanks for chiming in, Pheba, and for the link. Your conclusions are what I've come up with in my limited research looking for a basic mechanical domestic machine that hopefully will last. I looked at some of the later mechanical Berninas but the ones that look worth having are still a bit above my budget, and my late mother's Singer 221 Featherweight seemed a little,,, little (besides being in nearly like-new condition). I was looking mainly for a fairly heavy-duty free-arm machine in great condition for the homestead. My daughter who sews for a living has pronounced our 'new' Bernina 530 "sweeeet!" Sews perfectly. She recently bought a nice Singer 201 ('40s model, potted motor, a lot of attachments) with its original table at a thrift store for $40. It has a gray/green "crackle" finish; not so pretty to look at but in great shape. It's now her workhorse machine for basic sewing. The olive drab finish makes me wonder if these were produced for the military.
Like you, I can see myself getting addicted to collecting and restoring these great machines. Cheaper than collecting vintage cars, and takes up less space. Maybe you should remind Pilgrim of that
BTW: What do you think of the vintage Elna Supermatics? I've seen some nice looking ones on Ebay for under $100.