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I bid on and won a Singer 306M. I bid on it thinking that surely someone would outbid me. Hah, it did not happen. After some internet research I learned that it uses 206x13 needles, has a very funky way of loading the bobbin and it can be noisy when sewing and Does anyone else have one? Is it worth the $15 I paid for it?
Sweet Caroline
Yes, it's worth the $15. I have the 319 which is basically the same machine with different stitch abilities. I don't agree that the bobbin is loaded "funky" so I don't know what that means. Nor is my machine super noisy. It's louder than some of my machines and not as loud as others. I do think the machine is on the slow side, however. It's only like .5 amp and it does do the embroidery stitches slooow compared to my other vintage machines. It's the turtle in the race. I think those who have a noisy machine don't have the bobbin assembly finger adjusted right and/or there are other adjustments needed. It's a neat machine to have. I have to admit I don't use mine much because it doesn't FMQ well, so it's a bit limited in that regard.
We also have a 319K and my wife has used it quite a bit. It was somewhat noisy at first, but after a couple of oilings with use in between it did quiet down some. Tri-Flow works wonders there.
The needles are not that hard to get and there is a substitute if you can't find the 206-13s.
Bobbins are available as well.
It's a good machine, but they are individuals just like people.
Joe
Here is an Internet link with some good pics of the Singer 306. About half way down there is a picture of the bobbin assy. According to this site it also takes a different bobbin kind of bobbin. I will know more about it when I pick it up and do a little more research.
http://possumjimandelizabeth.com/xhtml/collect_sewing_sing306.html
Sweet Caroline
Yes its well worth the $$$ , I have its sister the 306W .. its one tough machine. Mine used to be my Mom's and has seen decades of hard use ... and it keeps on running like a champ. Give it a good oiling and it should be less noisy. Do you have the owners manual to show all the places for oiling?
The bobbin .. is not loaded so funky ... but it might just be different than what you are used to. You tilt up the machine to access the bobbin. Mine is cabinet mounted and not a big deal.
Yes the needles are a shorter size than most machines. Just an FYI Shemtz does make needles for this machine. It took me awhile to find them.. but they are available.
Last edited by Lori S; 12-19-2012 at 07:19 AM.
I don't see anything strange in the pictures. Like Joe said, bobbins are easily purchased on the net. If you collect vintage machines for a while you'll find each one is made differently and has there own idiosyncrasies.Originally Posted by Caroline S
I am sure that this machine does not come with any goodies. But I have a very good OSMG that might have what she needs. I did learn that the 306 takes a type 55623 bobbin. I am now off to find out what the difference is between the M and K model 306 and a manual. When I get a new to me machine without a manual I follow the philosophy of if it moves, oil it and if the is a visible hole, drop oil in it.
Sweet Caroline
Candace, the link found mentions that the 306 does not have a bobbin slide plate to access the bobbin. The machine is tilted back to change the bobbin. Actually I think that is a great idea as sometimes it can be difficult for me to change bobbins due to a little arthritis in my fingers.
Sweet Caroline
Caroline, there are several threads here about the 306 that may help you. Here's just one. I have to tilt back several of my machines to access the bobbin case. Even ones that have sliding bobbin cases can be very hard to access and I don't have large hands! :>
Singer 306 K and Singer 306W sewing machines
Thanks Candace. I also found several pics on the Internet of the 306 set up as treadle machines. Now, that really interests me! When I get her home in a few days I will do a treadle transplant.
Sweet Caroline
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