Suggestions for used sewing machine
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
First, I have bought machines on ebay that were said to be "cleaned and serviced" that had to be sent back because it did not sew properly, so don't believe everything you read. And to many sellers, "works great" means that the needle goes up/down when the pedal is pressed.....so just be cautious. I have also bought nice machines on ebay.
I love 60-70s Kenmore machines but advise staying away from left homing. But don't depend on the seller knowing what that even means. My favorites are somewhat vintage Pfaffs with the IDT. I have gotten them on CL and ebay. If we knew where you live someone on here might know of a good machine for you.
I love 60-70s Kenmore machines but advise staying away from left homing. But don't depend on the seller knowing what that even means. My favorites are somewhat vintage Pfaffs with the IDT. I have gotten them on CL and ebay. If we knew where you live someone on here might know of a good machine for you.
Last edited by Wintersewer; 02-11-2017 at 11:38 AM. Reason: spelling mistake
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Take a test kit; needles, thread and couple bobbins just incase. Always ask if they have a manual. Also don't forget to take small brush and little oil just incase. Google the machine before you go. Most importantly take a 10" square of fabric (I prefer denim). I like the denim to see how it'll do with layers when you fold and fold multiple times.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 21
Thanks, I'm in Central New Jersey.
Wintersewer, can you tell me some of the Pfaff models that you like? I was looking for a mid-line model Pfaff... 875?
Can you explain IDT?
Anyone buy on the Goodwill auctions? They are not really tested, most just plugged in to see if they have power. But some look like new.
Thanks for all the good advice. I know it's best to try and buy in person, but there are some great bargains online.
Wintersewer, can you tell me some of the Pfaff models that you like? I was looking for a mid-line model Pfaff... 875?
Can you explain IDT?
Anyone buy on the Goodwill auctions? They are not really tested, most just plugged in to see if they have power. But some look like new.
Thanks for all the good advice. I know it's best to try and buy in person, but there are some great bargains online.
#15
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
The last few years I've seen the Goodwill auctions get more ridiculous than Ebay. Especially at this time of year when people are starting to get their tax returns. Cash in hand means common sense goes out the window.
Cari
Cari
#16
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: High Point, NC
Posts: 88
I agree with cari re: shopgoodwill prices. You are really buying an unserviced machine. That's okay if you don't mind working on them. Any purchases online - you are at the mercy of the packing care/skills of the seller.
#17
Pfaffs with IDT
Thanks, I'm in Central New Jersey.
Wintersewer, can you tell me some of the Pfaff models that you like? I was looking for a mid-line model Pfaff... 875?
Can you explain IDT?
Anyone buy on the Goodwill auctions? They are not really tested, most just plugged in to see if they have power. But some look like new.
Thanks for all the good advice. I know it's best to try and buy in person, but there are some great bargains online.
Wintersewer, can you tell me some of the Pfaff models that you like? I was looking for a mid-line model Pfaff... 875?
Can you explain IDT?
Anyone buy on the Goodwill auctions? They are not really tested, most just plugged in to see if they have power. But some look like new.
Thanks for all the good advice. I know it's best to try and buy in person, but there are some great bargains online.
Last edited by PatriciaPf; 02-12-2017 at 11:12 AM.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Belen, NM
Posts: 1,353
Welcome to the forum. I have a 40 year old Elna Super that is still working perfectly. If you get a chance to grab one at a bargain price, you should consider it. The old Elna's were Swiss made. Mine never had anything more than a cleaning and tune up and it never failed me.
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
I used to buy machines from shop goodwill. They have become way over priced and come in repair ready condition. Some require way too much repair to be worth repairing.
I have also bought and repaired machines on Craig's List. At least ther you can check them out. There are people who sell fully repaired machines on Craig's List. You might look and see how the machine is listed. If they are asking $20,000 for an old machine, they are likely drug users... Or maybe deceived at best... If the machine is listed as restored or fully serviced, look for other listings by that person. You may have found a place to buy exactly what you need, a good machine that has been put in servicable condition. That person may be able to point you to a decent machine exactly what you are looking for. When I pick a machine out of my herd to use I usually have some task in mind and some machines are better at some tasks than others. Then remember, about 99% of your sewing will be straight stitches. Some of the really old machines sew straight stitches better than anything newer. Left homing machines can be very nice to use. I have two nearly identical machines made by the same company one left and the other centered... I prefer the left homing machine over the centered. I don't know why though. There are Kenmore's I like and some that hate me.
I have also bought and repaired machines on Craig's List. At least ther you can check them out. There are people who sell fully repaired machines on Craig's List. You might look and see how the machine is listed. If they are asking $20,000 for an old machine, they are likely drug users... Or maybe deceived at best... If the machine is listed as restored or fully serviced, look for other listings by that person. You may have found a place to buy exactly what you need, a good machine that has been put in servicable condition. That person may be able to point you to a decent machine exactly what you are looking for. When I pick a machine out of my herd to use I usually have some task in mind and some machines are better at some tasks than others. Then remember, about 99% of your sewing will be straight stitches. Some of the really old machines sew straight stitches better than anything newer. Left homing machines can be very nice to use. I have two nearly identical machines made by the same company one left and the other centered... I prefer the left homing machine over the centered. I don't know why though. There are Kenmore's I like and some that hate me.
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