Billy, I need your help sir... or anyone elses, please.

What machine is this... and which version? I think it's a 301-b, right, but with the short flip up piece. aka, it's not a 'chopper' lol. But it looks like the motor is inside the machine itself...

What is this sucker worth? Will this one FMQ, drop dogs and sew great? Pictures, hopefully attached...

Is it worth $150 or what?

Looks like my Mom's 301. Don't know about the B part. What does it say on the medallian on the front? That's an interesting cabinet. Would be great for supporting a quilt as you put it together.

I just bought the tan one like it this week. As far as I know, that one is a 301 or 301A. Mine is a 301A. 301s were made in New Jersey. 301As were made in Anderson in the Carolinas. That is the only difference. Can you drop the feeds? Yes? Will it FMQ? I don't see why not, though I haven't tried. It had better - that's what I bought it for. My new little lady has a beautiful stitch and I love how you can manuever the fabric aound even with the feeds in place. They came in tan, black and a two tone cream and taupe. The tan and the black can have either a short bed or a long bed. Mine is short like that one.

Is it worth $150? I paid $60 for just the machine and she arrived cleaned and all ready to sew with a new cord and foot. I'd pay more for one in that cabinet. I love that cabinet - the color, the shape, everything about it.

I have the dark tan 301. I love it. I don't know what it's worth moneywise because it was a gift but I wouldn't trade it for a new machine.

I have no clue what the "B" is for.. I have a mocha 301, so I'm no expert on them other than they are total workhorses!

Thanks everyone. I'll call the lady tonight and ask her some questions. Yeah, I like the cabinet too. Very much. I'm not sure what the designation is between a and b. I think it has to do with the motor housing.... and I don't know which is better.

By squinting at the pictures, it looks like the electric may need a new cord, or to be redone. If so, I might be able to ask for less. It's been for sale for a month... and I just stumbled across it today.

I see people selling these here on CL from $50-$150 depending on both machine and table are in great shape etc. Of course, I've also seen people out in never-never land asking $450 and up and they don't sell. I think $150 is on the higher end. I probably wouldn't pay more than $50 for both, but I like a bargain.

For ME - for $150 the machine better purr like a kitten and sew like dream!

I don't think I paid more the $60 for either of mine and they're pretty, unscratched, clean, and purr and sew with style!

quiltinghere... did you just get the machine? Or the machine in the Deco corner cabinet too? The cabinet is gorg... however, I really wanted the 301 to be portable for classes, like it's little sis. I 'could' find a carry case for the 301, and put my 66-16 in the nice cabinet!!! According to Singer, it would fit. Hummm

WELL... the owner is out of town until the end of the month.... so I have some time to decide. I DID find out (thanks to ?? who posted the cabinet specs, that my 66-16, the 301A and the 201A I'm considering buying... can all fit in the Model 40 standard cabinet I already have. They'll also change out to the Deco cabinet as well - supposedly.

That is a much sought after Trapezoid cabinet made only for the Singer 301. There is no way on earth I'd get rid of the cabinet.

No No! I'd KEEP the cabinet. But singer site says that I can drop in my 66-16 or a 201 (if I get it) into that same cabinet. I could take the BIG sis FW (the 301) to classes with me! That's what I meant! Gosh no! Keep the cabinet!

Oh! I almost had a stroke thinking you were going to get rid of the cabinet. Once you get the 301 cleaned, polished and running smooth, I don't think you will worry too much about getting a 66 or a 201. They are great machines, don't take me wrong, the 301 is just better suited to all areas of quilting.

Thanks for that recommendation. THATS the kinda info I've been looking for.

I've since found out by doing some research on the Singer site, and in Vintagesingers.com that THAT cabinet has a special release button or latch somewhere underneath. It was manufactured so that you could simply depress that button, and 'click' the 301 would detach from the special plate/cabinet. Voila! Away to class you go! I LOVE IT! It's made to sort of snap in and snap out! (supposedly.. anybody ever test this feature?). I'll need to find a case for it.

Anybody know of a case that will fit it well? I don't care for the old grass matt covered one. And as I understand it, all the 301 cases were that smelly grass matt stuff.

OBTW... will all the slant 'shank'? feet fit it? Like what was it.. the touch and sews feet?

OH the fun! (um, and I like the simplicity of the quilt in your avatar... !)

Sorry MMom... I also forgot to say that I've GOT a working 66-16 in the 40 cabinet already. It was my gram's machine. It's interesting that both machines would 'fit' into the both beds. I have to refinish the 40 cabinet... the top varnish has been compromised by tape.

When we moved to south florida. Some bright idiot (er not me) used clear packing tape and WOUND IT AROUND the cabinet to keep the top from flying open or the front drawer from tipping out, etc. Grr... EX EX BF! When I took the tape off, it lifted whole sections of the varnish down to the wood.

I think Billy's got a tutorial on refinishing the cabinets. I'm waiting on it...

[quote=kwendt]Is that why it's EX EX BF? - LOL - Might do it for me.

On most 301's fitted into a cabinet, there is a cradle clamp that grabs the bottom of the machine and fits onto the hinge pins of the cabinet. There are two little metal brackets inside the front lip of the cabinet that catch this cradle and hold it in place. To take the machine out, you just push a lever down and lift on the handle of the machine at the same time and you have a portable machine.


The 301 will take most of the slant shank attachments made for the 401, 403, 404, 500, 503, and for the early 600 series Touch & Sew.

It will need an even feed foot that has been modified to fit the 301, but an ordinary $3 plastic hopping foot works just fine for free-motion quilting.

It will take the buttonholer for slant shank (usually found in the maroon case or the pink "Jetson's" case) and the rectangular feed dog cover.

I would buy it in a heartbeat, especially in that trapezoid cabinet! Have fun with it! :)

I just bought a 301 & it arrived today....It sews like a dream
perfectly balanced stitch...but....The bobbin winder won't work
the machine doesn't look like it was used much...but the
bobbin doesn't move to wind....I loosened the locking knob
as you are told to...pressed the winder up as shown in the
book....but just won't turn...sometimes...it will turn a couple
of times...but then no more.....does anyone know if maybe
that little rubber tire on the bobbin winder might need to be
changed...I've seen where you can buy them on E-Bay.

Peg

Gosh!!! I'm so anxious and excited, but I have to be patient and hope for the best. The person will not be back in town until the 31st.... They know I'm interested, but.... well... until it's in my car..... <smile>

Peg, is it possible that there is oil on the handwheel where the rubber ring turns against it? Try cleaning that part of the handwheel and the rubber ring and see if that helps.

Also, there is a little tiny hole where you need to put a drop of oil so that the pin spins freely.

The rubber ring may indeed need replacing, but try these two things first. If you have any other old Singers around, chances are that they've got the same rubber ring - see if that one makes the 301's bobbin winder work correctly. :)

Have fun!

Pollyparrot..

Thanks for the response....I did put oil in the small whole on
the bobbin winder...checked...no oil on hand wheel...when
I try to turn the small black wheel on the bobbin wire it won't
turn....I have a featherweight...I will check to see if it has the
same wheel....if not guess I will order one...they are only
about 90 cents...If that doesn't work...I live close to Syracuse,
NY, where there is a man who repairs old Singer machines and
I hear that he is very good...so will take it to him.

Thank you for writing.

Peg

Oops.....that should be small hole on bobbin winder!!!

If the small black wheel (tire, ring) on the bobbin winder isn't turning at all, it might be full of gunk (dried oil) on the inside around the axle.

If I remember correctly, the FW uses the same size ring, so you can try that, too, but it sounds to me like the axle needs to be cleaned.

I would try dripping Liquid Wrench or Kroil or some other penetrating oil into the oil port, then trying to turn that "tire" by hand. If you can break the hardened gunk loose and then just let it sit overnight, the penetrating oil can get into the cracks to soften up the old oil and lubricate the axle so that it can turn freely, again.

The old stuff will partially work its way out of the oiling port so that you can wipe it away and drip in some fresh penetrating oil. Just keep working on it and I'll bet it works fine within just a few days.

You may have to disassemble the bobbin winder to clean the axle area, but I think the penetrating oil will work well enough to avoid that. Good luck and have fun with your new baby. :)

Just wanted to let you know...the problem with the bobbin
winder was caused by the little rubber tire on it....I ordered
a new one...arrived in about 2 days....put it on today and I'm
back in business....don't have to wind my bobbins on my
featherweight anymore.

Thanks to all who offered advice.

Peg

Ok, you guys! I just bought a 301 in a trapazoid table. She was in the back of a thrift shop storage room and so dirty and nasty looking that I think she was doomed for the dumpster. I asked for a price and paid them what they wanted....I HAD to save the old girl. I could tell she had been a loyal worker for many years.

Before I read this thread, I took the machine out of the table and am in the process of cleaning it. (Which it REALLY needed-have worked 9 hours on it so far and it's still needing more elbow grease). I want this machine to be portable, so I took all the hardware off the cabinet that belonged to the cradle and knee controller with the intention of selling them for a reasonable price. I'm not looking to get rich, only attempting to make the price I paid for the old girl seem a little less steep to me. I intended to ditch the table, which is in less than perfect condion, but still funcional if reassembled. Now what???? I always feel terrible throwing anything away that someone may want. Anyone interested? I live in Wisconsin and I'd be happy to give the table to the first person to come for it.

The 301 came with a zig zagger and button holer, which I know I'll never use. Those will be for sale too, along with the cradle. Maybe I'll make it a "lot" of items and sell it all for one low price. How about $20 plus shipping? What do you all think of that price?

Can you tell I'm confused?

I would love to find one of those shaped cabinets for my 301, but mine is a longbed. Are there trap. cabinets for the longbeds???

I thought maybe you could just cut the hole bigger, but I don't think it will fit unless you broaden the hole on the right side, not the left. It's an idea....

I believe I saw an old Singer ad, that showed the 301 longbed fitting into the CARD TABLE. Which card table I don't know. I believe I remember the table had metal legs, which narrows it down some. Theres a lady on ebay that sells parts, and has told me that there IS a long bed cradle that was made for the long bed 301s, but that it doesn't fit into a standard sized (say a 201, etc.) opening. I don't have a long bed (yet!) so I cannot measure and find out for sure. If you're really curous, PM me and I'll get you the name/ebay name of the lady that had them.

I had the same problem as you described with my 301A, but after oiling the auger hole some on the shaft of the bobbin holder, it will loosen it up and then it can spin or turn without pausing.., it works perfect now for me and fills the bobbins full, but to adjust the fullness of the bobbin, all you have to do is adjust the little screw on the surface of the machine.

My 401A needs a new bobbin replacement because the auger/shaft nut is loose.

Yes, do replace your bobbin tire too, it cost anywhere from $3.00 - $5.00 depending where you buy them from.
I have a brand new spare Bobbin tire here if you need it, I will gladly mail it to you free of charge, on the house from me to you.

From what I see on your photo it's a 301 in the cabinet. The short bed has been removed though because that's what I see.
Depending on the condition of the machine, if you get it for $150.00, you're actually getting a tremendous deal.
The mechanism is what you need to ask about.
Does it sew, the foot pedal okay, the feet attachments, etc...

Okay I checked on the Ismacs site... and there WAS a card table to fit the long bed 301's.... #314. The cutout measures 19 1/4 x 7". Yes, it had metal legs too. Here is the link.

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...314_table.html

deep breath, first post here.... I have recently decided to take up quilting again (in addition to spinning and knitting) under controlled circumstances- and wanted to FMQ instead of hand quilting like I did in the late 80's early 90's. So, I couldn't do that type of abuse to my 221, and my DH found this forum and asked me why I didn't have a 301. Hmm, hubby's asking me why I don't have something expensive- either he is ill, or is a pod person- anyway, we go to craigslist and find a mocha 301 (from 1951) with the art deco cabinet and the original chair, with loads of attachments for $125. Like 2 days after I had asked for a sewing table for my (newish) New Home. The machine had been in use until last year when her previous owner passed away, needed an oiling and general clean up and viola! sews like a dream.

I recently bought a 301a black and paid only about $70 total for it. I did have to order a new foot control and power cord. That cabinet is highly valued!! You're lucky to get it!

Nah. Look real close and you can see the light reflecting off the lip of it. It is just raised up. It's still there. And I want a cabinet like that so much! I have the dark deco cabinet which I like, but The corner cabinet would be more space conserving.

Hi Desi... welcome to the 'club'. And DO DO Do check out the Vintage Sewing Machine Shoppe thread. It's like 700 pages long, lol... but it's full of great stuff about vintage machines from treadles, to early electrified models... including the 301's, 221s and New Homes. Join us, drag up a chair, and a cuppa of your favorite coffee or tea.

If you got a 301, trapazoid cabinet and matching stool all for less than $200....my gawd, what a deal! Lucky you!!!! I'm soo envious, but pleased that there's someone else to FMQ on em. In the Vintage Sewing Machine section of this whole board, there are tutorials posted on just how to clean up, polish, refurbish and fix up the old gals and their cabinets. It's easy (shusssh, don't tell my sew shoppe that... they think it's a sin...if I do the work myself!). !!!

[quote=Kas]Actually, it's not really a corner cabinet. The LONG side goes against the wall, the short side is the front. So you would have to turn it backwards to fit it into a corner-kitty corner. But... when you open the top lid, the left leg slides out, the panel slides open and the arm 'poings' out. Having that leg slide over also gives the user space to fit knees and chair under there to work. The lid rests on all, and at a curous, almost right angle. It's different, but I've found that if I want to put it somewhere where I can open it up and use it or leave it closed.... it needs to have clear space around that left side. So it doesn't fit in well say.... between two other pieces of furniture. BUT it's a really neat neat design....

I just discovered that the Card Table I got with my 403, will ALSO take the shortbed 301... how I'm not certain. It may or may not use the cradle, since the card tables were not meant to have the machines 'stow away' underneath them. You set the machine in the table and the machine deck is flush with card table surface. There's no other real fastening needed for the 403, it just rests on the metal rails... right in it's carry case bottom. I'll figure it out when I get all these machines put away in my sewing room! Right now, there's no space to set up the card table to check.

.....my bad, you're right, it is a short bed.
I like it, the blacks ones are rare around here.
My long bed (301A) is the mocha colored one and the paint is coming off in some places, but the stitching and the free motion quilting performance is tops.
What is the actual price for this Beauty?
Once it has been cleaned and oiled, it should be perfect.

cctx...thank you for the offer of the wheel for my 301

I already purchased one....that is what was wrong...put new
one on and now bobbin winds perfectly.

Thanks once again
Peg

Since found out that the long bed or short bed takes the same cradle (according to an ebay lady) since the machine base is the same. The bed extension just folds down into the remaining open space. If that is true, then it seems to me you could router out any table or cabinet to match. (of course, the table/cabinet in question would be totally useless for other machines... ). I think... at least that's what I'm told...