topstitch

I have the chance to buy a Kenmore 1341 in good condition. I know nothing about this machine. Can anyone help? I will be paying about $100.00 for it.

mckwilter

Take fabric and thread (whatever you would normally be sewing on the machine if you buy it) and try it out. If it has decorative stitches, try them all out. Fill a bobbin and see if it fills evenly or if it's a quick fix if it doesn't. If you plan on quilting with it, take some quilt sandwiches. If you FMQ, do the feed dogs drop. And then, how heavy is it? This is only important if it won't have a permanent home and you have to move it around. Ask when the last time it was serviced, and don't be afraid to open it up to see if it is clean.

PaperPrincess

I checked completed ebay sales. The last 2 sold for $40 + $15-20 shipping.

auntpiggylpn

I also thought $100 was too high. I got one in a table from Goodwill for $11

Prism99

I have purchased this kind of machine in thrift shops to fix up for charity. Usual cost is $35 to $40 where I am, although most of these machines need a good cleaning and oiling. I would not pay more than $50 for this machine in top condition. Where I am, portable machines sell for more than machines in cabinets in thrift stores -- probably because most people don't sew much and the cabinet machines are heavier to transport.

Skyangel

The machine dates from 1980-81, and was built in Taiwan. I have a similar machine a few years older, it was my only machine for 25 years and it did darn near everything for me including upolstering my truck seat. I only got a new machine when I started quilting about 2004. For the one you mentioned, the price is high, although if it has been recently serviced by a dealer, and includes the manual and accessories, it could be a good choice for you. Definitely sew on it before you decide. If it has been unused for many years and/or the manual and attachments are missing, I wouldn't pay more than $30 - $50. They are easy to maintain yourself. BTW, who called it heavy duty? It is an good vintage machine and made of metal, but internally belt driven. That's just an average domestic machine.

topstitch

Thanks skyangle . I am now having a reality check.

topstitch

Thanks everyone you have really helped!!