I hope to find a vintage machine at a deal that is good
 

I think the old singers are just so beautiful, with the decals and appearance. However, I don't know how to change belts or repair. How do I know if I'm getting a machine that will work well and how do I learn how to change belts, repair and maintain a vintage machine. I would like to use it.

The older machines are relatively simple. There is a lot of information on maintaining them on line and UTube videos. Also, there is also lots of help here.

Most machines will work well once cleaned and oil. If you find one that moves and has all the parts, it is likely it will work well once given some minor attention.

this blog http://blog.sew-classic.com/ has lots of info on rehabbing old machines.
i used it as a guide to take my motor apart the first time.

If I can do it, Grace Creates, You can too. Really, the machine is so much easier to maintain than any new machine with all the bells and whistles. I also used sew-classic.com for parts. Jenny is reasonable and very knowledgable about various machines. Also, this site is amazing with Charlee, Miriam, Muv, etc, etc. so many who are in the know and experience and willing to help you out. First thing is to find that machine you love, and then go for it. We'll all be here to support you.

Go for it!!! I just bought one two weeks ago! I bought a 1915 Singer model 15-30 treadle. I read ALOT of the posts here and elsewhere and tried to follow the advice with what I bought. I have taken it ALL apart and I am in the process of cleaning and polishing ALL of it. I would have never thought that I could do this but I AM!!! and I AM having a lot of fun doing it.
I am reading the entire post at the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop. I only started it a couple of weeks ago and I am reading every page!! (I am up to page 558!) There is a wealth of information there as well as some really great pictures. I found my Singer on Craigslist for $35 and so far its the best money I have spent in a long time.
I am looking forward to getting this "puppy" back together so that I can treadle! I have never before sewn on a treadle but they have always facinated me. I have even learned on the posts how to get started treadling. So study up and make an informed decision!

I didn't know anything about the vintage machines until I started on the quilting board. There is a lot of information onlline and a lot of help from the board. I learned more than I ever thought I could and now have several of them.

Good luck on finding just the right machine/machines for you. Yes, they are adictive!!! I first got a Featherweight, then a 99 with a bentood case, and then another Featherweight from the year I was born, all within 6 months. The older Singer machines were made to last, as well as a lot of other vintage sewing machines. Check Craigslist in your area and see what you can find there. It's nice to be able to try the machine out and see how it sounds and works first, if possible. Let us know what you get.
Janis

My first experience with a vintage sewing machine began when I was searching for a sewing machine cabinet. I found one at a flea market and it just happened to have an old singer 201-2 inside. My husband and I practiced on this machine and learned how to do all the repairs and maintenance and became hooked on vintage machines. I've been collecting and sewing on them ever since. We did a lot of research online...joined the Yahoo Vintage singers group and have learned so much...I have quite a nice collection now. Good luck!