Question about Singer Featherweight Centennial Model
#1
Does anyone know if the Centennial model is made as well as the older models? I read somewhere on here there are featherweight models that have all metal parts and some that have plastic parts. I want to get one that has a strong motor and metal parts capable of sewing heavy duty jobs such as denim, canvas or leather occasionally. Anyone have advice on particular models or years that you have experienced or heard of being better than another? Thanks for any help.
#3
The heaviest dutiest is not portable! Look for a Singer 15-91. This was the best advice I ever got. They are out there and not expensive- I found one locally in a nice cabinet for $60. (a 1953) Check out the vintage machine shop thread here and see what advice you find. I think that the old Featherweights, up until about '61 were all metal, but they are still 3/4 machines.
#4
I really need/want the lightweight portable use of the featherweight machine. But I did read somewhere that they are strong enough to even sew leather because the motor is so strong and they will stay put without moving around. I just thought if I get a featherweight I might as well get one that is all metal parts.
do you know if the Centennial is still all metal working parts inside?
do you know if the Centennial is still all metal working parts inside?
#5
I wonder about the quality of a machine made around 1900-1935 compared to one from the 1950-65 range, simply because of the amount of use they may have seen. Any thoughts on this? Are they truly user friendly enough that I can do almost all servicing they need? I know I can clean, oil and adjust it. But what about the belt? Or bobbin winder? IS there a bobbin winder?
#6
Originally Posted by HopeToLearn
I really need/want the lightweight portable use of the featherweight machine. But I did read somewhere that they are strong enough to even sew leather because the motor is so strong and they will stay put without moving around. I just thought if I get a featherweight I might as well get one that is all metal parts.
do you know if the Centennial is still all metal working parts inside?
do you know if the Centennial is still all metal working parts inside?
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
To my understanding, the Centennial is really a badge. That is, not a distinct model, but 221s that were the same as the others, but badged with the Centennial badge. The serial numbers on Centennials can be pre-1951. There are also other special event badges, like for state fairs, etc. I have a Centennial, and it appears to me to be identical to my 1952 & 1953 models, except the faceplate, scroll pre-1951, mostly striated after, though there are legitimate reasons why a machine might have the "wrong" faceplate for it's age.
#8
They are all pretty much alike. The Centennial model is the 100 year machine. 1851 to 1951. There are several different faceplates and the decals are somewhat different on the new ones. Other then that they are identical.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 1,775
The 301 is pretty lightweight, sort of the big sister of the Featherweight, but probably more suited to the thicker fabrics and leather. I LOVE my 301's and they are pretty easy to take care of yourself.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
magpiefeather
Main
12
04-18-2020 10:06 AM
MtnMona
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
01-03-2019 08:51 AM
Ms Grace
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
16
03-22-2016 01:31 PM
KathyC9511
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
10
05-15-2014 04:42 AM