Singer 6180 to replace Janome ?

[VictoriaGuy]

Ok. I'm still going back and forth right now. Trying to find out what cams it comes with.

Most of my sewing machine purchases have been from sellers who didn't sew or know anything about the machine. Often it's something that came from a relative's estate, or was bought at a yard sale and never used.
I've seen machines without foot controls and bobbin cases, etc.

Unless it's a long drive, I usually just go to see the machine for myself, since I generally can't depend on the seller much. On the Elna in your area, I'd assume it doesn't have any cams. EDIT: INCORRECT:The Singer doesn't need cams to do 99% of sewing...EDIT: The Singer 403A does need a ZZ cam. And, you can always get cams for those machines later if you want.

If you buy the Elna, I can send you a cam that stitches a row of swimming ducks.....

[opie]

Both are about an hours drive for me. The allure to the singer over the Elna is the table and the full stich bed.

[VictoriaGuy]

Singer 403a. Good machine?

If I ever do get a Singer, something like the 403A would be at the top of my list.
I thought I was a 'rotary hook only' guy (most Singers are oscillating hook?) until I got a Bernina which is a fantastic stitcher with an oscillating hook.

[VictoriaGuy]

First, We literally have no room in our house for another piece of furniture. Right now my sewing table consists of an old coffee table top that fits perfectly on our ottoman. So having the machine portable is a must.

Both are about an hours drive for me. The allure to the singer over the Elna is the table and the full stitch bed.

Looks like you have found a spot for a table machine?

Thoughts:
I haven't used mine, but the Elna case unfolds to form a work surface.
ElnaSuper.jpg

A free-arm ( I'm assuming that's what you referred to with the 'full stitch bed' mention) can be very handy for some operations like hemming pants and the like. I find that I do most of my 'flat' sewing with the machine in free-arm mode even on the machines where I have an easy choice (Pfaff 1222). But, for serious sewing of long seams, a flat-bed is a plus. So, the 403A in the table wins that one.

[gmcttr]

Yep, the 403a is a very good machine. It has a rotary hook and easy front bobbin loading. I don't think it has the ZZ built in but disks are not hard to find. It uses readily available slant shank presser feet and accessories. It is also one of the later all metal machines so the wiring, etc is usually in good shape.

It would be one of my first choices of the machines discussed so far.

[opie]

Something will just have to get moved to the basement. Wife was not as opposed to the notion as I had anticipated.

Thanks for the clarification. I think the layout of the singer will better suit our endeavors. We still have the small janome if we need to do any sleeve or.pant leg hemming.

[VictoriaGuy]

It has a rotary hook and easy front bobbin loading. I don't think it has the ZZ built in but disks are not hard to find.

Thanks for that correction - I edited my previous posts. Sorry if I caused confusion.
I need to stay away from Singer discussions!

[VictoriaGuy]

I think the layout of the singer will better suit our endeavors.

I agree that the 403A is your best bet. Good luck!

[Ramblinrev]

One advantage to the older Singers is you can usually throw a rock and come close to hitting a Singer repair shop. After the recent crap, the mechanics really like to work on one of the old workhorses.

[Mouseskowitz]

403a is a good machine. My wife loves ours. I believe it does have one plastic gear, but they are not known to be that big of a weak point. If you want feet other than what may come with it, remember it is a slant shank. The cabinet the mine is in has the knee bar which is really nice vs the peddle on the floor.