Green Elna Supermatic
 

I have a chance to buy one of these machines. It appears to be in pretty decent condition (will know more when I see it in person). Looks to have all or most of the original attachments and pattern discs. Case also looks to be in pretty good shape. I am not as familiar with these machines as I am with my Singers. She says she will take $30 for it. Is that a fair price? Thanks for any input.

Try her out, if she sews that is probably a great price! If it doesn't have a manual, I think there is a free one online.

Kim

Any of these that have been sitting and not used or turned will have a flat spot on the pulley and sound like a freight train or jackhammer. If this is so, and it probably is, the pulley can be replaced and sometimes redressed, but plan on that.

Great price- the attachments are expensive when purchased separately. And such a cool design to have the case become the table!

Any old Elna, made in Switzerland is worth what you can pay. I wouldn't give up my 1964 version for anything. It has taken a lickin' and is still tickin'. Got a project you don't dare try and sew on your computerized "precious"?, get out the Elna. Have sewn four layers of brocade deco fabric plus add a layer of rug canvas to that. No problem.

I have an Elna SU I bought in 1973 and it's still sewing great. I keep looking at new machines but then feel guilty about leaving goold old Elly Elna!!

Here is my "new to me" supermatic
 

I went ahead and got the machine today. Thought I would post a couple of pictures. Hope they show up. Thanks for looking.
Barb

Looks very nice. And it came with the plastic box that holds the pattern discs and attachments. SUPER :thumbup:

Oh, my! The pictures sure do bring back memories! My folks bought me a used Elna Supermatic 1953 model when I graduated high school in 1966. I loved it to pieces . . . . literally. I am happy with the machines I have that replaced the Elna, but, there is a special place in my heart!

I bought this same machine a couple of years ago but just tonight I brought it out to see if I could get it running. It's a bit different than my other vintage machines so I looked online for a manual and found one free, in case anyone else is interested in it. Here is the link... You just have to click on the pictures to enlarge them:

http://www.bovil.com/index.php?optio...g2_itemId=3803

how do you print the manual?

Miriam,

This is one of those where you have to click on the pic to get the big version to come up, then click on the larger size button at the upper right. When that comes up, either right click to print, or save it to your hard drive then print it.
Same set up as the images on the Smithsonian site. It's a big PITA, but that's the only way I know to do it.

Joe

There has to be a better place to get a manual. I have a few of those old green Elna machines in need of manuals. I can't remember how they work.

I've never seen anything like that...very cool machine!

Yes they are very cool - very nice stitches. They are driven by a little black rubber wheel inside the balance wheel and those go a bit flat after they set a week or two - then they make a thudding noise or just spin. They aren't terribly hard to replace if you have the tool.

Here are some nice clear instructions on winding/inserting the bobbin and threading the upper thread:

http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diag...ng_diagram.htm

I've gotten it all cleaned up but still have to get her threaded up and give her a try.

You are going to like that one - if it slips or stops running you will need to replace the little tire inside the balance wheel.