Recommendation for Antique machine?

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Originally Posted by Kittywolf13

Thanks for the suggestions. There are lots of singer 66's in my Craigslist. One is asking 150 and is treadle (with her cabinet) and looks to be in good order. A few more "antique singers" with no knowledge of what model but look to be 66's as well? Some are motorized some not. I really need time to sit down and read.

Which machines also do multiple stitches? Or rather ZZ and others? I believe it was here someone posted a video of a lovely green machine that had been converted to treadle and it was doing lovely stitches.

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There are lots of old machines that will zz but most of them will not go on a treadle. Yes that 319 will treadle and zz - you might browse through the vintage photo shop - it's in the sticky and see what people have posted. The older zz machines used disks. I would use almost any older all metal zz sewing machine. Older Elna, Bernina, Pfaff made some nice machines. You do need to beware of the machines with plastic gears. I have a Bernina with plastic gears. Not my thing. I have some awesome older Kenmore machines - if you can find one with double disks - those are pretty darn cool. Some of the Kenmore cabinets had lifts - nice if you want to take a load off your back. I wish you lived close - you could stop in and see a ton of cool old machines.

It doesnt have to be a treadle. I'd like one for my room and that won't be a treadle cause it won't fit. To sit ontop of my desk. So electric is fine... BUT if there is a machine that can be converted back an forth that would be fun! I guess I will check out the sticky thread. Thanks a bunch.

There is a few clones and one or two red eyes on my Craigslist.

I wanted to add, any recommendation for a machine that has a relatively easy bobbin? Me and bobbins don't get along. Lol

I think the Singer 66 is a drop in bobbin. The 66's should also be convertable from electric to treadle to hand crank very, very easily. The 99 would be the same but it won't fit standard treadle cabinets (or any (I think) of Singer's other standard size cabinets.) The 99 doesn't weigh as much but it's still a beast :)

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Originally Posted by pinkCastleDH

I think the Singer 66 is a drop in bobbin. The 66's should also be convertable from electric to treadle to hand crank very, very easily. The 99 would be the same but it won't fit standard treadle cabinets (or any (I think) of Singer's other standard size cabinets.) The 99 doesn't weigh as much but it's still a beast :)

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I like beasts - they don't vibrate off the table :) They sew through anything :) GDs think they are cute. I have a Spartan with a light and it has reverse :)

thanks so much for the suggestions. i keep scanning craigslist religiously now! Hahaha i saw a machine that might be a 99. it looks big in the pic.

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Originally Posted by Kittywolf13

thanks so much for the suggestions. i keep scanning craigslist religiously now! Hahaha i saw a machine that might be a 99. it looks big in the pic.

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http://vssmb.blogspot.com/search/label/identifying
Maybe Rain's blog will help you identify a Singer 99. I like the ones with reverse or a Spartan.

I just discovered my mothers machine. Its a Singer Touch&Sew 758! im excited to get her cleaned up.

my favorite vintage heavy machines with a few stitches.... Morse! I have a fotomatic IV, and a fotomatic III. The III is simpler and has no plastic gear; the IV has one plastic gear and is slightly more temperamental(at least for my 2 machines).
Of the singers, I prefer the 503 over the 500- just a personal preference as I hate trying to maintain/repair the cam stack if it breaks. I would much rather have a single disk that breaks and can be replaced. However the top cover is fragile- which is fine if only an adult is using it.
there are a fair amount of japanese mid century machines that had 3-4 stitches... brother, morse, capri, new home, remington, etc.
and for taking to class? I adore my little kenmore 158.1040.

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Originally Posted by makitmama

my favorite vintage heavy machines with a few stitches.... Morse! I have a fotomatic IV, and a fotomatic III. The III is simpler and has no plastic gear; the IV has one plastic gear and is slightly more temperamental(at least for my 2 machines).
Of the singers, I prefer the 503 over the 500- just a personal preference as I hate trying to maintain/repair the cam stack if it breaks. I would much rather have a single disk that breaks and can be replaced. However the top cover is fragile- which is fine if only an adult is using it.
there are a fair amount of japanese mid century machines that had 3-4 stitches... brother, morse, capri, new home, remington, etc.
and for taking to class? I adore my little kenmore 158.1040.

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Thank you! I will have to take a look at your suggestions! Thank you!