I have set my sights on owning a 301 by next spring. But I'm not sure which bed style I should be on the look-out for. I know the long bed style will not fit into a cabinet, but isn't the 301 really more of a semi portable machine anyway?
In using the 301 out of a cabinet, is there an advantage to the long bed that outweighs the no cabinet option?

Thank you in advance for any and all replies, opinions, comments and concerns.

I can't see any advantage if you are planning on using it as a take to class machine. My personal preference is to have my machine in a cabinet if it isn't leaving your house regularly but that is because I like a large flat working space and I always worry about a machine just sitting out getting knocked over and damaged. The long bed would just give you a little more stitching space.

I have a long and short bed. The long bed just gives you a little more room when piecing. The short bed will fit into a cabnet where a long bed will not. Either one will work for take to class machines.

My DH is going to make a custom table for my 301 A longbed. He bought the wood yesterday. There's been some pretty good buys on ebay lately on the 301 A's. That's where I got mine but I did pay top dollar for it.

I'll throw the monkey wrench in! I had the same decision ~ long or short bed. I asked lostn51 if the beds are interchangeable. Yes, they are interchangeable. You can purchase the beds separate. You can purchase on ebay the machine that you want and then purchase the other bed size that didn't come with the machine. You have the best of both worlds without having to purchase two machines. You can always purchase two machines (one long and one short). You will always have spare parts:) Hope this helps you to make your decision.

Nancy
quilter711

Oooh! Neat idea!

I'm so glad you posted this question. I was wondering the same thing and didn't even think to find out if the beds were interchangeable. Thanks!

Seems like the short beds on 301's are more plentiful.

I just bought a 1951 black 301 shortbed and then found a 301a shortbed in cabinet....Love them both...My singer maintanance guy told me you can't beat the 301 it's the best machine they ever made...better then featherweight which he says is overrated...The 301 purrs and what a straight line...Thanks to all you quilters talking abt the diff machine and showing photo's I went on the hunt...and am I glad I did....

I have the short bed and love it. I use it with my PET extension table at home and alone when I take it else where. Prefer it to a FW. It's a better machine and the price is still very reasonable compared to the FW.