Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Purchased mine over e-bay (2 different ones, 2 different transactions). I may not have gotten the "bargain" that lots of folks have, but I got two very good working machines. Both were well packed and arrived in fine shape. I keep one at the cabin and use it regularly. The one at home is my main piecing and fmq machine. They are 16 lbs, easy to maintain, and consistent. Hang in there, you'll find your's. Mine are both the two tone beige.
Mavis
You can also post that you are looking for this machine on Craigslist. you do have to be patient as well as look into neighboring areas. I have bought several this way. Write yourself a note to make sure that the bobbin case is there. Also check for power cord and working foot pedal. Do plug in and sew if at all possible. Familiarize yourself with the bobbin case and the " finger" position- if it's not correct, the machine will not form the beautiful stitches it is known for. Good luck, the 301 is my favorite machine to sew with.
Forgot to mention you can also post an ISO (In Search Of) on the SewItsForSale group. I would put my city in that post, just in case there is someone nearby with a machine they aren't using.
Mine was also a craigslist find for 45.00. The case is a little beat up, and it needed a tire on the bobbin winder and a light bulb. I oiled it and sews well. I have it on my grace frame.
I got both of mine on Craigslist, first one cost me $100 and the second one was $25 and it was in a cabinet. Right now the cabinet is in storage until my husband refinishes it. Just keeping looking something will show up sooner or later.
Pat in MN
Just keep cruising CL. It will happen in time. I've purchased a couple of vintage machines for very good prices on CL. I also just picked up a FW card table for $12 on CL. The deals are there, they just take time. I'm looking for a 301 myself but not willing to pay alot of $$. It, too, will happen - in time.
ETA - when doing a search on CL, I use the term 'sewing'. Many people don't know what they have so if you limit your search to '301A' for example, you may be missing some opportunities. Just a thought.
Thank you for you suggestions. I will continue checking CL.
I purchased my tan 301A from Ebay. The person I purchased it from maintained it extremely well and it sews like a dream. The price was $200, but I did get free shipping. I did have to purchase some additional feet for it, but considering how wonderful it sews, did not think that was a major cost. Once you find one you will LOVE it. Just a personal note....does color really make a difference? Why pass up one that is a different color and sews great?
Best of luck in you search.
You are correct color does not make a difference. I do think the long bed is better though.
I purchased mine from a sewing machine repair shop for $75 before they became an alternative for a FW. I have seen them available at Sewing and Vacuum Dealers.
Aurora
"A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot." -Robert A. Heinlein
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