Opinions as to what this is?
 

Is this tape do you think? Or do you think the paint has chipped? I would think if the paint were chipped you'd see what looked like aluminum, not masking tape color? Why would someone put tape in these two spots if it is tape??

It is listed for $29.99 starting bid, free USPS shipping, no bids yet, closes at about 5pm PST. I don't want it bad enough to risk it being shipped by the post office with nothing but shipping paper to pack it. Guess I've seen too many pictures here of cases (bases & covers) and machine parts damaged & broken when not packaged properly. Which is why I asked the seller the questions that I did before placing a bid. Guess I will pass on this one. :(

An easy to make template is to trace around a plate then mark the center circle and then mark 'darts' on the lightweight cardboard template, cut the darts out and then you have a cheap, very serviceable template. If you want other shapes, you just get creative and go wild. It's way fun. Sometimes it helps to use a spray adhesive so the fabric on both sides doesn't move around on you.

If he would pack foam, not styro- but upholstery foam around the sewing machine tight inside the case and wrap the case in more foam and tightly pack it in a box, it would probably survive the trip. But the shipper probably knows this, like you know he heard his mother sew. I heard a mechanic working on my car, so guess what I know. And I watch cooking shows on tv, so I must be able to cook. LOL

Candace, could it be where someone put threading directions on the machine and left that piece of tape?

Ok, I have a question. I do have some 15 clones and then I have two other machines. They are made in Japan and take class 66 bobbins, not the class 15 bobbins like the 15 clones. So I'm wondering if I call them 15 clones or 66 clones? The reason I ask is that their threading is more lke the 66 than the a Singer 15 with the thread tension being not on the side plate but facing the operator. I'm more curious than anything else and feel free to weigh in. Hopefully, I have attached a photo of one of them.

That's what I'm hoping as I'm picking it up this week...I really hope it's not the paint all messed up in that area. That would be a big bummer. A few chips I can live with. Huge paint sections falling off wouldn't make my day. I guess I could always have the hot pink 301 I always dreamed of, if this is the case!

I decided I didn't want it bad enough to see what shape it arrived in after shipping from PA to CA packed in a box with nothing but shipping paper. :)

Good call!

i pic i have for threading is a front view, it looks like a maze from the front. charlee sent me a much better pic, i try that. thanks