Singer 625?

[G...Hawk]

I find two listings on CL that I would test drive and if they passed, see how low the owner would go.

Singer 301A...straight stitch only, all metal gears, considered a very good machine.


The cabinet with the 301A appears to be in much better condition if it makes a difference.

301A is a good machine that will last. Worth repairing if necessary.

Mother got a 301A in the 1950s. ( I learned on a featherweight at her side when very young, in Harrisburg, PA.)
50 plus years later she gave it to me.
I love that machine.

Not fancy, good for gear making.

Some good info here:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/03/...ne-review.aspx


ALSO : look at archive of machine repair articles on left side of screen.



G

[meckelangelo]

Got another one... Anybody know what model this is? The seller didn't list it, but at $10, I'm tempted to check it out. Thanks in advance!

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/fuo/4003921805.html

[G...Hawk]

301A is a good machine that will last. Worth repairing if necessary.
Not fancy, good for gear making.

Some good info here:
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/03/...ne-review.aspx


ALSO : look at archive of machine repair articles on left side of screen.



G

Another good idea when getting an old machine : checkout your nearest repair shop.
A conversation with them might give you an idea if a certain machine is a good buy.

When getting an old machine you will want to get familiar with a repair shop for the future.

Many old and still running machines will benefit from some maintenance review and tune-up.


G

[gmcttr]

Got another one... Anybody know what model this is? The seller didn't list it, but at $10, I'm tempted to check it out. Thanks in advance!

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/fuo/4003921805.html

That is a Singer 127 which would not be my first choice to use. This model used a vibrating shuttle system rather than a more modern style of rotating/oscillating hook to form the stitch. The photo also shows the front slide cover plate is missing...about $12 plus shipping for a reproduction replacement.

Another good idea when getting an old machine : checkout your nearest repair shop...

This is an excellent idea. They may charge a bit more, but everything will be ready to go.

Aids for ID'ing old Singer machines...

http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/...r-machines.htm

http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2011/07/vi...g-singers.html

[gmcttr]

There were many good machine manufacturers in the 50's-60's. Unfortunately, my knowledge is limited mostly to Singer. The local repair shop will be able to open up many other possibilities.

[samjaynes]

I like my Singer 201-2 built in 1952 - just a simiple straight stitch with lots of weight. The only issue I have, which is just my need to probably adjusted it... is the backward stitch length at the top of the lever, is much different that the stitch length at the bottom of the forward stich on the lever.

But this machine rocks - and less that $4 at a yard sale.