looking at old Singer or PFFaF

[2Tall]

Been looking at old Singers. . 221's bout the best thing I can find around my area Second hand. Oh and a PFAFf 360. Are either of these gonna give me what I want in the long run in my DIY adventures?( Tarp making, mods, possibly quilts)


Sorry if this is the wrong thread.

[Newzy]

I have a 1945 Singer thread injector that still works pretty well for it's age. Only makes one thread pattern thou (straight line). Have done many projects on it.

[Fibby]

I love my 1936 Singer that's now a handcrank. I also have an electric 1961 Singer 328K that cranks out some nice stitches. The hand crank does have a flawless stitch though and sews beautifully through leather.

[Loneoak]

Been looking at old Singers. . 221's bout the best thing I can find around my area Second hand. Oh and a PFAFf 360. Are either of these gonna give me what I want in the long run in my DIY adventures?( Tarp making, mods, possibly quilts)


Sorry if this is the wrong thread.

Have you tried Craigslist? Also, do searchtempest.com It is the same as Craigslist but you can put in a mileage radius as opposed to cities. There should be several around you. I like the older singers, especially the Singer 401. All of the 400 series are good machines.
Most 221's are expensive but good machines.
Cabinet models are a plus for me.

[jbrianb]

I have a Singer 237... it's a 1968 and is one of the last machines before they became mostly plastic. Mine is made in Italy (not a 1950s USA made model, but better than the Chinese stuff of the modern era) and has plastic exterior pieces but is still very well made inside. Anything PRIOR to this, in good shape that works properly and has any sort of a 90-day refurbish warranty is gold in my book. Anything later (not model number, but in chronology)... case by case basis, but generally considered less reliable/well-made. The 237/239 is about the cutoff line for me.

In other words, I'd love to have that 221. Great reputation. I also have read great things about the 400 series.

[Ramblinrev]

Have you tried Craigslist? Also, do searchtempest.com It is the same as Craigslist but you can put in a mileage radius as opposed to cities. There should be several around you. I like the older singers, especially the Singer 401. All of the 400 series are good machines.
Most 221's are expensive but good machines.
Cabinet models are a plus for me.

Check out my Guidelines thread in my sig. Others have found it helpful in assessing older machines.

[2Tall]

Thanks all

Im looking on craigslist. The one is a 1949 99k, the other is a sphinx treadle I think (very nice). Then the Pffaf is a 360. All to be in working order.

@rev. I read your guidelines and have a list of questions for the owners. As well as a few repair shops locally. Thanks good looking out.

I was just wondering what the concensus was. Im leaning tword the treadle model for a few reasons. I like its mechanics and it looks to be the better kept of the three. Yet alot older. I was wondering about just being a single stitch but now I see many of yall use just that. Im gonna go check it out again. Maybe Ill have pics up soon.


Again thanks all!!

[Ramblinrev]

Im leaning tword the treadle model for a few reasons. I like its mechanics and it looks to be the better kept of the three. Yet alot older.

a treadle machine is bomb proof. But they have a couple of downsides. They can be a pain to keep the treadle belt properly tensioned. But that's just a technical point.

My biggest concern is that many treadles have become unservicable due to the lack of replacement needles and bobbin shuttles/reels. If you can find the parts and don't mind the fiddle factor they are great machines. My wife use3d one professionally for years.

Be aware... they lack a reverse stitch so you would have to emply an easy work around. If you get the treadle let us know and we can help with the work around. It's easy peasy.

[tncamper]

I've got a 503 model. I think it was built in 62 and love it. I was actually on it just 10 minutes ago.