Singer 625?

**meckelangelo** · 08-14-2013, 14:30

Can anybody speak to whether or not this is worth it?

Thanks!

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/art/3955204530.html

**meckelangelo** · 08-14-2013, 14:31

The owner had it oiled recently, and claims it runs very well. I was hoping one of the experts here can chime in, though. Thanks in advance!

**Fixxr5** · 08-14-2013, 14:47

My mom had a 625 for as long as I can remember. I'm 44, my mom passed away 8 years ago. The machine runs as good now as it did new. I use it probably once a week just to keep it alive.

**meckelangelo** · 08-14-2013, 14:51

Originally Posted by Fixxr5

My mom had a 625 for as long as I can remember. I'm 44, my mom passed away 8 years ago. The machine runs as good now as it did new. I use it probably once a week just to keep it alive.

Thanks for the information. Do you know if it has metal or plastic gears?

**Fixxr5** · 08-14-2013, 14:53

I have No idea.

**gmcttr** · 08-14-2013, 18:12

Originally Posted by meckelangelo

Thanks for the information. Do you know if it has metal or plastic gears?

I own a 648, so I am familiar with the 600 Touch & Sew line.

They are full of plastic gears that are now of an age where they are prone to break. The first one to go is typically the vertical shaft top gear.

It also may or may not have the "Soft Touch Feed Dog". The rubber on these is also at an age where it hardens and breaks off leaving smooth feed dogs that will not feed the fabric correctly and then have to be replaced.

The owner doesn't seem to have any of the accessories that came with it.

Bottom line to me...if someone wanted to give me one in good running condition for free, I would happily bring it home and use it until it breaks. I would not buy one.

**gargoyle** · 08-14-2013, 18:23

Quite the stockpile of gear in the background of the CL pic......

It may be a well cared for machine. Anyone with that much stuff is ocd enough to do regular maintenance. Test drive and see?

**gmcttr** · 08-14-2013, 18:36

I find two listings on CL that I would test drive and if they passed, see how low the owner would go.

Singer 301A...straight stitch only, all metal gears, considered a very good machine.

Singer 237...straight stitch and zig zag stitch, all metal gears, considered a very good machine.

The cabinet with the 301A appears to be in much better condition if it makes a difference.

**gmcttr** · 08-14-2013, 18:41

Originally Posted by gargoyle

...It may be a well cared for machine. Anyone with that much stuff is ocd enough to do regular maintenance. Test drive and see?

The thing is, they run great until a gear breaks. It's not a wear issue that can be seen or detected. The gears look great until one breaks in half.

**gargoyle** · 08-14-2013, 18:49

Originally Posted by gmcttr

The thing is, they run great until a gear breaks. It's not a wear issue that can be seen or detected. The gears look great until one breaks in half.

Your preaching to the choir.

Everything breaks.
My point was that the owners/cl pic had gobs of good organized gear. Folks like that are usually anal about keeping things up to snuff.

caveat emptor.