CHEAP Sewing Machines...Any Good?

[NJTroutstalker]

My Monkey Wards (singer 15) has reverse stitch. You drop the feed and pull the fabric back!

Oh and it has a button-holer too. I need to get one, it's all mechanical and slick.

No zig zag though.

[NJTroutstalker]

One more note. I borrowed a cheap dressmaker machine. I broke it after an hour. The bobbin shuttle won't loop correctly now.

[Bubba]

do older machines have the ability to stop needle up or needle down? that is one feature I wish my singer had but it is no big deal.

I've not seen any older machines that can do it automatically.

[VictoriaGuy]

do older machines have the ability to stop needle up or needle down? that is one feature I wish my singer had but it is no big deal.

I guess it depends on the definition of 'older' !
Here at HF, it seems that 'older' means 1950s and 60s and older? I don't know of any machines from that era that have needle up/needle down.
Some of the Pfaff machines from the 70s (earlier??) like the 1222E family have 'Stopmatic' - which isn't true needle up/down, IMO. When you press down on the presser foot lever (beyond the sewing position) it moves the needle up. It also does the same when you flip up the presser foot lever beyond the 'normal' position. It's a handy feature as it moves the needle to TDC so that the mechanical self-threader will align properly.

I'm not about to buy one, but the (good quality) new machines do have some slick features - true self threading, auto fabric release and thread cutting, needle up/needle down, true auto buttonholers (though I don't do buttonholes!) etc...

About finding good older machines cheap ... I picked up a Husqvarna Optima 610 last week (free) which needed a bit of oil and a good workout to be back to 100%. Very solid machine, and it came with a more-than-complete set of accessories (including an excellent Husqvarna top feeder). So if you keep your eyes open, deals do turn up....

BTW, my wife says I need to find a local DIYer to give some of those machines to!

[TN Cereal Killa]

thanks for the replies to my question. like I said it is the one feature I can see being nice to have but not needed at all. but I do need to take mine apart and clean and oil it. what type of oil do you recommend.

OP sorry if I am thread jacking just say something if you feel that way.

[VictoriaGuy]

thanks for the replies to my question. like I said it is the one feature I can see being nice to have but not needed at all. but I do need to take mine apart and clean and oil it. what type of oil do you recommend.

OP sorry if I am thread jacking just say something if you feel that way.

A lot of folks use Tri-Flo (sp??) which is a 'telflon' type oil. IMO as long as you use 'sewing machine oil' you should be OK.
I'm working on my 'lifetime size' AlphaSew oil with the extendable tube spout. .....p_4236_1263578199.jpg