I Herd Ewe

I wanted a FW but waited a long time to find one I could afford. Suddenly there were 2 available, neither one of which worked. I bought both thinking maybe I could pirate pieces off one to get the other running but ended up bringing them both back to beautiful smooth running machines. I kept one and sold the other. In the process, I found I enjoyed working on the machines and bringing them back to life.

I decided I wanted to find an in-expensive Singer 66 Red-Eye treadle to work on and back before Christmas I put out the word I wanted one. I heard nothing until today when I got emails on 2 different machines. Both are Singer 66 Treadle Machines. One is a very plain machine in a really nice looking table which comes complete with manuals and excessories for $60. Owner says it is in working condition. The other is a very worn looking Sphinx (1902 from the serial number) in an even nicer looking table. Owner says it came down through the family and they don't sew or know if it works or anything about it. They admit the belt is missing and looking at the picture, at a minimum the plate on the base in front of the needle and the spindle that holds the thread are missing. The machine is really dirty but it looks like the decals are basically intact. They are asking $35.

Would it be a mistake to get the plain machine and add Red Eye decals to it or are there differences beyond the decals between the plain and red eye machines? I am considering getting the Sphinx just to try fixing it up but I couldn't sink a lot of money into it as treadles don't seem to sell for much even in mint condition and this is just entertainment for me--there is only so much room in the house so I certainly don't need more than one treadle machine. Of course the other option is wait and hope the desired Red eye eventually surfaces...

Thanks for any advice!
Donna

J Miller

Buy 'em both. Refurbish 'em both. Then trade one for the Red Eye you want.

I have two Red Eye 66s in treadles. One in decent to good finish and decals, one very well used and worn. Both sew beautifully. I'll leave them as they are. No need for new decals.

As for the putting the decals on the plain machine, the Red Eyes were only made during a certain time period. If the plain machine wasn't made in that time period a knowledgeable person will catch it right off. I'm not a collector, just a hoarder. But I like to keep the machines in their original configuration as much as possible.

But that's just me.

Joe

I Herd Ewe

LOL You Joe, are an enabler! I really do want to buy both machines but have to admit that could start me rapidly down the path to hoarding or collecting. Husband sees no reason why I need any treadle machine much less multiples. I have fond memories of learning to sew on in 4-H on an old treadle machine. It was so easy to sew at a slow speed which made it so much more comfortable for a beginner than the electric machine available to me which seemed to have 2 speeds--hum loudly without moving or take off full speed ahead... I am nervous about buying both machines as I am not sure of my ability to market and sell any treadle machines I repair. FW seems to have a reliable, steady market but treadles not so much.

I am a sucker for pretty decorations (which is what started my search for a Red eye) so that makes the Sphinx really appealing. In addition, I enjoyed bringing the FWs from non-functioning machines to nice working machines. The plain machine sounds like it really doesn't need any work while the Sphinx needs a lot of work (more entertainment for me?). My only repair experience is those first two FW and I worry that I just lucked out on them and the Sphinx may be too much of a challenge. I am about ready to buy both on the same basis as I bought the 2 FWs though--I would have less than $100 invested in the pair and could surely come out of it with at least one fully functional machine. How compatible are parts between different age 66 machines?

This game can be addicting!

J Miller

There are differences between the 66 models. But the base machine uses the same parts from the beginning to the end. From my memory there are minor differences in the bobbin carrier retainer then after the change they remained the same. Different bobbin winders, different hand wheels, but the treadles all have the big spoked wheel. And of course the different stitch length adjusters.

If you are restricted to just one, then I'd suggest getting the machine in the best mechanical condition.

I started out with 1 Singer 66 treadle that sat in the garage unused for 12 years. It was a gift from my late cousin.
Then within 3 months of getting it out and starting to use it I have 4 treadle machines and two electric cabinet machines and I've lost count of all the portables. Addicting is an understatement.

Joe

I Herd Ewe

I sent replies to both requesting to see the machines. I got an answer on the Sphinx already and will see it this afternoon. It is the machine that looks like it is in rough shape in the pictures. It is definitely missing some parts and the owner says they have nothing more than is in the picture which I assume means the missing parts are not in the table drawers. Do they still make replacement parts for these old machines?

No answer on the plain machine yet but I did get an email about a Red eye this morning. Not a treadle machine though...

Donna

J Miller

Donna,

Yes the parts are still available. Some as take offs from donor machines and others as aftermarket reproductions.

Joe

irishrose

I thought the Sphinx machines were 127s. I wouldn't buy the 66 if you don't love it because, at this time, Redeye decals are not available. Sometimes it's just hard to decide.

I Herd Ewe

You are right Irishrose! I looked it up and the Sphinx machines are 127's and not 66's. I should know not to trust everything the seller tells me is correct especially when they already told me they really didn't know anything about the machine. I will go look at it anyway but I know nothing at all about the 127 so I will probably leave it there. It would not have parts compatible with the 66 I was looking for and it looks in really rough shape in the pictures. The price is right but I should probably hold out until I find the Red-Eye I was looking for. Treadle machines are real space hogs and it would be a shame if I finally found the machine I wanted and had no room left for it. Thank you for letting me know this and that the redeye decals are not available. Anyone out there looking for a cheap 127 Sphinx to rescue?

I Herd Ewe

I couldn't leave her! She followed me home? She is missing the belt, the spindle to hold the thread, and the throat plate but everything turns really smoothly and the needle goes up and down. I think she is also missing a cover on the back but that is all I have found so far. Lots of dirt and a light coating of rust over all. The cabinet is in excellent shape. She is the first 127 I have actually seen and touched so I will be learning a lot as I clean and restore her.

I Herd Ewe

What are the differences between the 127 and the 66? I keep looking and this machine looks like a 66 to me but I read on line and the Sphinx decals are on the 127 and not the 66?