A friend of mine knows that I am interested in taking DIY to the next level, and I had mentioned a vintage singer. He sent me this picture today he took while at a Mexican flea market.
Considering it runs (it appears to have a sample piece of fabric with stitches), would you pay $99 for this machine?
I'm guessing I could tune it myself with a little research.
Like thrash metal? Check out my nephew's band, Deathwatch. He's an amazing drummer... https://soundcloud.com/user-660860695
It's a Singer 66-1 'Red Eye', an early model, straight stitch only and no reverse. The wiring is of an early style and may need replacing.
While the 66's make a very nice stitch and are certainly capable of making hammock gear, I would lean toward getting a later model.
The red eye decal pattern in good condition is popular and may keep the price higher than a newer model without it.
I was hoping a seasoned DIY'er would hit me with a gem of knowledge.
That is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thank you very much for that info, I appreciate it.
My search will continue. Thanks again, Sir
Like thrash metal? Check out my nephew's band, Deathwatch. He's an amazing drummer... https://soundcloud.com/user-660860695
But it is a very nice machine. In a somewhat better condition perhaps seasoned for a sewing museum. I would buy it perhaps for $99 as a nice collector's piece but would prefer to sew with a much newer machine.
Ditto. There better one out there. Some of the ones of today can be programed to do embroidery and such.....
I'm sitting here right now and looking over at my model66 - not the red eye- and just thinking- hmmmm, I just got thru making 5 channel gathered hammocks, 1 mini spreader bar hammock, 1 SB conversion to UQ, 1 digital camo 10x12 tarp with 20 tieouts and 4 hang loops. I have other machine but this is the one I like using the most. Has a smooth sound and feel to it- not that plastic/ pounding sound you get from some of those new fangled models. These 100 year old machines were made to last and they do. I would not be surprised to see these machines around for another 100 yrs. or better. Yea a reverse is nice but there are a couple of ways around this. Keep it oiled / maintained and you won't be sorry.
No. For $99 or a little more you could find a brand new machine that would be a good starting point in sewing. I struggled with 2 or 3 old used / broken machines before I got a new Brother machine that I am very happy with. Happy DIYing ! Cheers
I would pass on it if I were in your position. Your money is better spent on other options mentioned already. I'm a fan of older well built simple machines personally. Good luck with your search.
Don't let life get in the way of living.
Not that new. Get one that does reverse, too, but not much more, IMO.Originally Posted by hikehunter
If that was all you had or if it was free, go for it. It would probably do the job, BUT for $99 you could get one generation newer, like my White from the 50s, and still get the vintage mechanical smoothness and reliability and a couple of nice features previously mentioned on other posts.
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