I found this Singer Graduate at Goodwill, and it runs like a champ, despite probably being older than me. It was a happy coincidence that I found this model, as I later learned that it was designed for students, and therefore has very simple controls and is easy to use. It vibrates quite a bit at max speed, I don't know if that's normal, but I don't have the skill to sew that quickly anyways. When I opened it up to clean and lube it, I didn't see any rust, and a little lint, so it looks like it's only a few years old, instead of a few decades. I'm also fascinated by mechanical things, so it was neat to see all the gears and levers moving, and watch how all the adjustments do their thing. I remember my mom had a Singer she got when she was a kid, and still used it regularly all through my childhood, so these are built to last.
About the serial numbers: Mine starts with F9... which supposedly means it was made in 1919, which is obviously not true, and I can't find any info on the more recent numbering system.
Well, I finally scored a cool vintage workhorse: found a Singer-404 advertised in a local bargain sheet. Made a deal for $15. This pic was "as found" but it looks great now, and works absolutely perfect after going over everything, cleaning, oiling, etc. SN# says it's a 1959. I'm really impressed with this old quality.
-Klauss
My YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/rexmichaelson
"But hey, 2 trees anywhere is a bedroom waiting to happen, right?"
There's some really beautiful old machines here...
I found a decent Kenmore at Goodwill I've been using to relearn on - was just talking with Ack yesterday about my Dad's old upholstery machine. It's a Seiko (Consew) CW8B. If I really get into the gear making, maybe I'll take this over....
I'm just happy to be making my own gear at this point!
First, my Necchi-Alco Japanese Girl, model A-509B-3. Best guess on year is 1956 based on a very similar Nelco A-509-3 model. She goes by Judith, I know, not very Japanese...
Yes, my sewing machine has CHROME!
Kenmore/Janome 153.1010183, mid '70s. Very good on the finesse work and I love the free arm when I need it!
I've put a little work into the Necchi and she needs a little more to 'perfect'; but she sews through anything I can get under the presser foot!
I have about $50 in both machines found Judith at an estate sale and the Kenmore at a garage sale.
The Kenmore needs a name though...
"I aim to misbehave." - Capt. Mal Reynolds
Mind of a Rat Youtube Channel
There's just something about these old machines...They had style, flair, good looks; they were works of art that worked! The new machines work great, they just miss the mark on looking good while they do it!
I mean, who wants to cover up their old iron when not being used? Not me, I like to look at her, touch her and answer the occasional question from one of Roz's friends about her. No one ever asks about the Kenmore...
"I aim to misbehave." - Capt. Mal Reynolds
Mind of a Rat Youtube Channel
Domestic model 164, lookin for a belt and/or info on this mo-chine. I have looked the world over and cant find nutin. Been to all my local shops, and the net, hey one of you guru's....HELP!
Oh by the way, Im just wondering, when "Rivendell Refugee" and I get together to sew gear, our gals look at us kinda crazy, is this normal or do we need a support group?
Ignorance is simply not knowing, Stupidity is knowing and not doing. "Stupidity should be painful"
"Have you ever stood and stared at it, marveled at its beauty, its genius? Billions of people just living out their lives oblivious" Agent Smith, The Matrix
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Well, I just couldn't help myself! I picked up a craigslist Singer 500A today.
Every one, meet Stella, my new RocketGirl!
She was bought second hand by my seller in 1989 and has been in the closet for over 10 years. A few character marks on the outside but the mechanics are in in fine form. After a cleaning and oiling I ran her through about half of the patterns in her inventory. She runs sooooo smooth!
I almost had a 319W in Black as well, but the guy said he had decided not to sell it when I called. Too bad, I really want a black 319... Hopefully he will call me one day ready to sell it!
"I aim to misbehave." - Capt. Mal Reynolds
Mind of a Rat Youtube Channel
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