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Singer Merritt 2016 - should I buy it?

Singer Merritt 2016 - should I buy it?

Old 11-30-2011, 10:42 AM
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Default Singer Merritt 2016 - should I buy it?

I have opportunity to purchase this machine for $25.00. It has no attachments. It does have the electrical connectors and foot pedal. The wheel turns easily. No needle or sewing foot. It doesn't look too bad, dusty and a little dirty, but elbow grease will fix that up. Does anyone know anything about this machine. It's very heavy, at least 20-25 pounds. I've looked on internet but can't find anything regarding it. Thanks for reading.
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Old 11-30-2011, 01:09 PM
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It's not one of the reliable and collectible vintage Singers, so it's either a newer model and/or an older one from the 70's with plastic parts. How bad you do want to buy it? You'd not be out all that much, but if you want a reliable Singer the older, vintage machines can be had for about the same price if you scout around.
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Old 11-30-2011, 01:54 PM
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I have one of those in my shop - there are parts of it are good....
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Old 12-01-2011, 12:45 PM
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how do you know which ones are "good to buy" and which are NOT good? Any way to tell about the dates they are made? just wondering, as I saw one the other day, good cabinet, from the mid 60's, according to the book that was in the drawer.
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Old 12-01-2011, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 4dogs View Post
how do you know which ones are "good to buy" and which are NOT good? Any way to tell about the dates they are made? just wondering, as I saw one the other day, good cabinet, from the mid 60's, according to the book that was in the drawer.
look for all metal - plastic breaks
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Old 12-01-2011, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 4dogs View Post
how do you know which ones are "good to buy" and which are NOT good? Any way to tell about the dates they are made? just wondering, as I saw one the other day, good cabinet, from the mid 60's, according to the book that was in the drawer.
As far as Singers go look for the ones made before the mid '60's. They changed ofter that!
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Old 12-01-2011, 06:52 PM
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My sister had one back in the eightys it sewed good but couldnt find parts for it ,they were sold at sears, Dottie Bug
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Old 12-02-2011, 01:56 PM
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When I go to look at a vintage sewing machine I carry 2 screwdrivers with me. Usually if the dials in the front ( width & length adjustments ) are plastic; the gears are plastic. I always unscrew the top of the machine and look at the gears. Many good Singers were made in the late 60's & 70's. These machines do not have any plastic parts in them. Believe it or not people don' mind you doing this. They usually look at these machines as ancient while not realizing what gems they have. I hope this helps.
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Old 12-02-2011, 02:20 PM
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Run like crazy-the Merritt are a low end machine designed for Shopko/Pamida etc. We have had several as we restore machnes and nver had one that did not have a fatalistic problem. I would sooner see them fall off the back of a truck.
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Old 12-02-2011, 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Carol Jean View Post
When I go to look at a vintage sewing machine I carry 2 screwdrivers with me. Usually if the dials in the front ( width & length adjustments ) are plastic; the gears are plastic. I always unscrew the top of the machine and look at the gears. Many good Singers were made in the late 60's & 70's. These machines do not have any plastic parts in them. Believe it or not people don' mind you doing this. They usually look at these machines as ancient while not realizing what gems they have. I hope this helps.
Carol, carrying screwdrivers with you is a really good idea..
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