Questions on vintage injectors of thread!

[Charlie Brew]

I think I am going to hold out for a nice pre 1960 singer that i can grab locally or shipped cheap from a reputable bay seller. I guess I am in no rush

[sweetmusic]

I learned to sew on my mother's Singer 99k. It went forward and back in a straight line, that's all. And that's plenty for the vast majority of sewing. That 57 year old machine is still turning out beautiful straight stitching for my niece's Etsy shop. I expect it will help a fourth generation learn to sew before long. If you can find one in decent condition, it will probably handle any outdoor gear you decide to make. Unless you decide to start making saddles and harnesses, of course...

[cwford]

From my reading -- the last Singer with all metal gears was the 500 series which was phased out in 1962. What guy doesn't want a thread injector nicknamed "The Rocketeer" ?



http://www.singer500a.info/

BTW I have one of these and it seems to be a fantastic machine. Got it as a local buy on ebay for around $115.

[Charlie Brew]

The 500 is pretty awesome. I can see why it is called the rocketeer. Reminds me of the Comic Book.

[Loneoak]

My daughter has a 503, great machine

[Charlie Brew]

Just spent my entire lunch break (plus a little...shhh) going through 190 search pages on ebay to mark the ones I am interested. So my watch list now has a bunch of 400 models, 500 models and maybe a few others of note. Maybe I will get lucky on one of these with a case...or without a case if the machine is nice enough. I can always store it in a box in my closet when not in use.

[Boothill]

Just spent my entire lunch break (plus a little...shhh) going through 190 search pages on ebay to mark the ones I am interested. So my watch list now has a bunch of 400 models, 500 models and maybe a few others of note. Maybe I will get lucky on one of these with a case...or without a case if the machine is nice enough. I can always store it in a box in my closet when not in use.

word of warning when getting one off of ebay

i went this route with the very 1st machine i bought and the guy who shipped it packed the machine like **** and it was busted up when i got it

so i took to my friend who has a sewing repair shop to get it in working order ($60)

i then filed a grievance on ebay and basically because i fixed it first before i filed they found in favor of the seller, if i had just left it alone i would of been better off

just wanted to give you a heads up if you go this route and there is something wrong, once you fix it you give up your right to try and get any compensation for someone elses carelessness or dishonesty

boot

[Charlie Brew]

Boot,

That is very interesting. I am glad that ebay guarantees their purchases even a little as I remember when they first started it was like the wild west. Paypal is also pretty good with guarantees. I also only bid on auctions where the sell has amazing feedback. Thanks for the info though, I will definitely keep this in mind if that happens.

[Ramblinrev]

I do not recommend e-bay unless you can get to the machine and actually look at. Too many horror stories regarding things that were said and turned out not to be so. You might want to read my "Guidelines" thread in my sig. Others have found it helpful. I still vote for a local repair shop. There you actually have a person to take up any issues with. And local businesses tend to watch out for their local reputation. Janome is a first rate machine. My wife, professional seamstress, has one and really likes it.

[Charlie Brew]

Rev, I actually read your guide twice. Some of these auctions have pics of the machine in action and some have videos. Maybe I am being dumb here. I am hoping to get lucky. I love gambling and actually haven't been to a casino in over 4 years.