My other Classic / Vintage Obsession... Sewing Machines.
#177
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My little sewing obsession has turned into a side business here and although I am still collecting machines I have also been servicing and selling quite a few and booking house calls to take care of machines like treadles that are hard to move around.
Recently picked up what is considered to be the best machine Singer ever made, which is the model 201 and this is the belt driven version which made upgrading the motor to a later sealed unit pretty simple.
It is also running with a little more power than it originally came with.
Recently picked up what is considered to be the best machine Singer ever made, which is the model 201 and this is the belt driven version which made upgrading the motor to a later sealed unit pretty simple.
It is also running with a little more power than it originally came with.
I'd love to find one of those all metal foot controllers for mine if should happen to run across a spare.
The new plastic ones just don't cut it.
#178
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
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A real workhorse right there 65'er. I love mine, with the potted motor. And it was a pleasure to overhaul such a fine, well-made machine.
I'd love to find one of those all metal foot controllers for mine if should happen to run across a spare.
The new plastic ones just don't cut it.
I'd love to find one of those all metal foot controllers for mine if should happen to run across a spare.
The new plastic ones just don't cut it.
The pedal and .8 amp motor came off the machine that now lives in the treadle (a 1952), the 201 is a 1948 machine.
Newer electronic pedals are also very nice, they offer some pretty excellent control and a nice feel.
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#180
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#181
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My little sewing obsession has turned into a side business here and although I am still collecting machines I have also been servicing and selling quite a few and booking house calls to take care of machines like treadles that are hard to move around.
Recently picked up what is considered to be the best machine Singer ever made, which is the model 201 and this is the belt driven version which made upgrading the motor to a later sealed unit pretty simple.
It is also running with a little more power than it originally came with.
Recently picked up what is considered to be the best machine Singer ever made, which is the model 201 and this is the belt driven version which made upgrading the motor to a later sealed unit pretty simple.
It is also running with a little more power than it originally came with.
All of mine, since 1941, left the factory with pot motors, light on the front of the machine, and that telltale white toggle light switch at the lower right where the power cord connects to the machine.
Might this be a regional variation?
STS
#182
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
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Thanks for the information! I've never seen a 201 illuminated from the rear of the head and missing the white "dot" toggle light switch at the lower right front of the machine. I'm sure there were many iterations of the "201". Which 201-? model is this?
All of mine, since 1941, left the factory with pot motors, light on the front of the machine, and that telltale white toggle light switch at the lower right where the power cord connects to the machine.
Might this be a regional variation?
STS
All of mine, since 1941, left the factory with pot motors, light on the front of the machine, and that telltale white toggle light switch at the lower right where the power cord connects to the machine.
Might this be a regional variation?
STS
The 201k is the hand crank model with a spoked handwheel.
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Would a 201-3 fit in a standard treadle base? I'm thinking it could be very pleasant to sew outside.
#184
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Some nice machines in this thread! I started collecting sewing machines quite by accident, my late wife developed an interest in them and suddenly I had about a dozen of them. Since her passing, I've gotten rid of most of them, but still have my Singer 66, 503 and 403 machines. Had four or five of the 600 series, as well as a 15, don't remember the others.
A few people try to sell these old machines for big bucks on Craigslist, but in reality it's hard to get much money for most of them. Singer made a bazillion of them, and they were made well so they last forever, meaning there's a ton of them available--just visit any thrift store and there's likely an old Singer sitting in the corner for $30 or so. A simple cleaning (especially the thread tension dial which is always gummed up) and they are easily brought back to life to sew for another 50 years.
A few people try to sell these old machines for big bucks on Craigslist, but in reality it's hard to get much money for most of them. Singer made a bazillion of them, and they were made well so they last forever, meaning there's a ton of them available--just visit any thrift store and there's likely an old Singer sitting in the corner for $30 or so. A simple cleaning (especially the thread tension dial which is always gummed up) and they are easily brought back to life to sew for another 50 years.
#186
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Wow! This is the most interesting non-bicycle thread on this forum: )
So many similarities with a bike interest, surely?
My particular interest is the pre-plastic era, (Pre 1963ish) when steel was really the best.
I restrict myself to Singers, particularly the 400 Slant series, but there are many other makers....
I got a couple of 401s, a 404 straight stitch & a 411 just now.
This is the 404.
A simple straight stitch machine that must be the most reliable of its type. Capable of heavy duty use, with nothing much to go wrong!!
That's enough for me, but I am watching a classy 201 currently.
Too many bikes, & soon too many sewing machines.
Probably; )
So many similarities with a bike interest, surely?
My particular interest is the pre-plastic era, (Pre 1963ish) when steel was really the best.
I restrict myself to Singers, particularly the 400 Slant series, but there are many other makers....
I got a couple of 401s, a 404 straight stitch & a 411 just now.
This is the 404.
A simple straight stitch machine that must be the most reliable of its type. Capable of heavy duty use, with nothing much to go wrong!!
That's enough for me, but I am watching a classy 201 currently.
Too many bikes, & soon too many sewing machines.
Probably; )
#187
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Next is the 401/404/411 Slant o'matic series I predict/believe: )
#188
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
Wow! This is the most interesting non-bicycle thread on this forum: )
So many similarities with a bike interest, surely?
My particular interest is the pre-plastic era, (Pre 1963ish) when steel was really the best.
I restrict myself to Singers, particularly the 400 Slant series, but there are many other makers....
I got a couple of 401s, a 404 straight stitch & a 411 just now.
This is the 404.
A simple straight stitch machine that must be the most reliable of its type. Capable of heavy duty use, with nothing much to go wrong!!
So many similarities with a bike interest, surely?
My particular interest is the pre-plastic era, (Pre 1963ish) when steel was really the best.
I restrict myself to Singers, particularly the 400 Slant series, but there are many other makers....
I got a couple of 401s, a 404 straight stitch & a 411 just now.
This is the 404.
A simple straight stitch machine that must be the most reliable of its type. Capable of heavy duty use, with nothing much to go wrong!!
One of my favourite machines is my 403A, it has no built in stitches but has enough cams to do anything you want and without the built in stitches it is less fussy.
#189
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
One of my favourite machines is this early 50's Husqvarna 21 Automatic, built when they started to move away from copying other companies and became very innovative.
It is fast, smooth, powerful and has a really nice free arm, it also has a set of cams that allows for 20 patterned stitches.
In really nice condition these tend to sell for a lot more than your average vintage machine.
It is fast, smooth, powerful and has a really nice free arm, it also has a set of cams that allows for 20 patterned stitches.
In really nice condition these tend to sell for a lot more than your average vintage machine.
#190
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Singer machines are a bit like Raleighs I reckon.
Lots of insignificant models, but certain ones shine.
It's all about choosing.
As with bikes: )
Lots of insignificant models, but certain ones shine.
It's all about choosing.
As with bikes: )
#191
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My 185 J is still seeking a home. I'm near the intersection of RT 81 and the PA Turnpike. Please PM me if interested.
Sixty Fiver, I'd love to find a vintage free arm machine! Time to look for one of those.
Sixty Fiver, I'd love to find a vintage free arm machine! Time to look for one of those.
#192
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Singer 99K anybody?
Just got two very nice 99Ks. (In UK obviously...) The K relates to Kilbowie, Scotland.
They were in production from 1911 to 1962ish here, so quite common. (Every household had a sewing machine back in the day.)
But quite rare now in pristine condition.
These two are 1946 & 1918 & in pretty nice condition. Minimal usage chips & decals 99%. Working as they should now!
The cases need a little tidying/polishing, but very cool I think: )
Both have working locks & keys.
They were in production from 1911 to 1962ish here, so quite common. (Every household had a sewing machine back in the day.)
But quite rare now in pristine condition.
These two are 1946 & 1918 & in pretty nice condition. Minimal usage chips & decals 99%. Working as they should now!
The cases need a little tidying/polishing, but very cool I think: )
Both have working locks & keys.
#193
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
Just got two very nice 99Ks. (In UK obviously...) The K relates to Kilbowie, Scotland.
They were in production from 1911 to 1962ish here, so quite common. (Every household had a sewing machine back in the day.)
But quite rare now in pristine condition.
These two are 1946 & 1918 & in pretty nice condition. Minimal usage chips & decals 99%. Working as they should now!
The cases need a little tidying/polishing, but very cool I think: )
Both have working locks & keys.
They were in production from 1911 to 1962ish here, so quite common. (Every household had a sewing machine back in the day.)
But quite rare now in pristine condition.
These two are 1946 & 1918 & in pretty nice condition. Minimal usage chips & decals 99%. Working as they should now!
The cases need a little tidying/polishing, but very cool I think: )
Both have working locks & keys.
It is such a smooth running machine and lays down a very nice stitch.
Last edited by Sixty Fiver; 06-17-16 at 11:24 AM.
#194
Full Member
When my wife, Claudia, graduated from college in '81, her mom bought her a new Bernina 801, a machine that Claudia treasured for almost thirty years. Then, she loaned it to her sister, who somehow managed to lose it. Yes, that sounds like BS to me, too.
I would like to buy another 801 for Claudia in as close to perfect condition as possible. If you have one or can send me a lead, please PM me.
Thanks.
Bob
I would like to buy another 801 for Claudia in as close to perfect condition as possible. If you have one or can send me a lead, please PM me.
Thanks.
Bob
#195
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
Picked this early 1950's Husqvarna Rotary up yesterday morning, the damage to the hook assembly probably means this machine was not used for a very long time but I had a spare from a machine I picked up some weeks ago.
These Swedish machines are so well made, they can easily match and even rival the Singers of the day for speed and stitch quality and tend to have much more powerful motors. This machine has a motor under the bed but can also take a rear mounted motor in the event you wanted to run one with even more power.
These Swedish machines are so well made, they can easily match and even rival the Singers of the day for speed and stitch quality and tend to have much more powerful motors. This machine has a motor under the bed but can also take a rear mounted motor in the event you wanted to run one with even more power.
#196
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Are these Italian Necchi machines any good?
Vintage Italian Necchi Esperia Sewing machine & table
Italian Sewing Machine
Vintage Italian Necchi Esperia Sewing machine & table
Italian Sewing Machine
#197
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Are these Italian Necchi machines any good?
Vintage Italian Necchi Esperia Sewing machine & table
Italian Sewing Machine
Vintage Italian Necchi Esperia Sewing machine & table
Italian Sewing Machine
But I have almost zero expertise in sewing machines, so can't tell you if my experience was exceptional or the norm.
Brent
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My Mom swears by her Necchi Super Nova Ultra (and who can top that model name?)
I can attest to it being a workhorse for DECADES!
I just saw an East German machine at the local Goodwill, I presume it's 110V but the ONE thing it's missing is the power cord/rheostat so no way to test it...looks built like an Eastern Block brickhouse!
Anybody want me to act as purchasing agent? Be the first on your block to own one! I'm sure the price will be good (good for SF, that is!)
I can attest to it being a workhorse for DECADES!
I just saw an East German machine at the local Goodwill, I presume it's 110V but the ONE thing it's missing is the power cord/rheostat so no way to test it...looks built like an Eastern Block brickhouse!
Anybody want me to act as purchasing agent? Be the first on your block to own one! I'm sure the price will be good (good for SF, that is!)
#200
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