My first sewing machine.

[Rubiks14]

I found somebody locally who has a singer 514 for sale for $50. I've never had a sewing machine before so I was wondering if this was a reasonable price for this model. It seems to be as most of them I've seen are around $80.

I was also concerned with how well one of these would hold up. I've never sewed before and never owned a sewing machine. Would this be a good machine to get as a first machine and would it handle materials like canvas alright?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Derek

[gmcttr]

The Stylist 514 has several plastic (nylon?) gears and is from the era where these become problematic...one of them eventually breaks. In my mind, it is a crap shoot whether you get years of service or a short lived machine.

TNT Repair has several replacement parts and service manuals.

My own personal feeling (not market based at all) is if it is currently running well, I'd risk $25 but I'd probably walk away from $50.

[hppyfngy]

The Stylist 514 has several plastic (nylon?) gears and is from the era where these become problematic...one of them eventually breaks. In my mind, it is a crap shoot whether you get years of service or a short lived machine.

TNT Repair has several replacement parts and service manuals.

My own personal feeling (not market based at all) is if it is currently running well, I'd risk $25 but I'd probably walk away from $50.

I'm less knowledgeable than many here but I'd go with this ^ opinion as well.

Late 60's thru the 70's seemed to be serious problem years for Singer. I know of at least 4 very expensive machines bought in the era that gave owners nothing but grief.

[Ramblinrev]

Check my guidelines post in my sig. Others have found it helpful. It is not brand based but does give some general ideas of what to look for. I would wonder why the person is selling it for less than current market value. That smells fishy to me. But those years at Singer were bad news.

[Rubiks14]

Thanks for the advice guys. Glad I asked before I committed to it.