Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell
07-26-2012, 08:55 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,972
Originally Posted by BoJangles
I have replied to a couple of these type ads - someone wanting a free machine for whatever reason. Both times I told the person looking for a working machine that I had a couple 'older' machines I could give them. Both times, they declined my offer saying, "no thank you, but I want a new type machine."
I'd offer again, though! This mom would be better off with an older machine - the new ones don't go through flat felt jean's seams very well!
Nancy
I'd offer again, though! This mom would be better off with an older machine - the new ones don't go through flat felt jean's seams very well!
Nancy
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Beggars can't be choosers.
I'm always surprised at those that ask for something free, but when you offer them the free item they then state no I don't want that. It all comes down to how badly does someone want something. If they are hungry enough, then they will take the item. I have seen people take trash, item out of dumpster, and make it work. Since most folks only use the straight stitch when sewing, a vintage straight stitch machine that can stitch through heavy material is all that is needed to do the job.
07-26-2012, 09:17 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1
WOW what a great place I have found. LOL I just joined about an hour ago and have been reading all these great post about the ventage sewing machines. I got a Davis machine from a friend about two years ago that needs a belt and a good cleaning. I am afraid of stripping the cabinet because top has some cracks in the vaneer. Can anyone tell me where I can get the belt and do you think refinishing would hurt machine or the value of the machine. Thanks Twila
07-26-2012, 09:22 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: leavenworth, ks
Posts: 3,093
Originally Posted by melinda1962
I would give her a working machine that would do what she says she needs to do. One of two things can happen 1) You ingore her request for help, when you have the capability to help, and you know you are going to get to talk to Jesus about it some day 2) She screws you over, she will get to talk to Jesus about it someday. Best choice for you, give her the machine. That's just me, but you can sleep easier, knowing you did the right thing.
Thanks to all the others who also replied. I think if we can connect, it will be the right thing to do.
Chris
Last edited by chris_quilts; 07-26-2012 at 09:28 AM.
07-26-2012, 10:00 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: leavenworth, ks
Posts: 3,093
Originally Posted by BoJangles
Chris I thinned my herd down by 7 machines this month. I sold 5 at a community yard sale, gave one to a friend, and sold one to a friend. Once you have been doing this for a while, you will just 'know' which machines you love and can't live without - and which machines you are not in love with and can part with! I really like all my machines and do have a hard time parting with any of them - but, if you want to be practical getting rid of the not so favorite machines just means you get to get more of the ones you want! With that thought in mind, it is much easier to thin the herd out! Nancy
07-26-2012, 10:36 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 674
Cast Iron Singers so sad!!!
The original cast iron Singer Sewing Machine was one of the finest machines of any kind ever built. It was virtually indestructible and capable of performing smoothly for decades. The only flaw it had was a poorly designed bobbin. By the early part of the 20th Century, the Singer company feared it had built it's machines TOO well. They were beginning to be passed down to the children and grandchildren of the original owners, still working fine. The company feared they were in danger of saturating the market. So, they designed newer, snazzier, flimsier models with an improved bobbin design and built-in features that were designed to break in a few years. They then instituted a buy-back policy for their original machines. Once the old machines were traded in, they were hauled out to the local dump and smashed with sledgehammers to keep them off the market. That's what it took to destroy a cast iron Singer....Debbie Shinn
Last edited by Phyllis nm; 07-26-2012 at 10:37 AM. Reason: add on information
07-26-2012, 11:12 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: leavenworth, ks
Posts: 3,093
Originally Posted by Phyllis nm
Cast Iron Singers so sad!!!
The original cast iron Singer Sewing Machine was one of the finest machines of any kind ever built. It was virtually indestructible and capable of performing smoothly for decades. The only flaw it had was a poorly designed bobbin. By the early part of the 20th Century, the Singer company feared it had built it's machines TOO well. They were beginning to be passed down to the children and grandchildren of the original owners, still working fine. The company feared they were in danger of saturating the market. So, they designed newer, snazzier, flimsier models with an improved bobbin design and built-in features that were designed to break in a few years. They then instituted a buy-back policy for their original machines. Once the old machines were traded in, they were hauled out to the local dump and smashed with sledgehammers to keep them off the market. That's what it took to destroy a cast iron Singer....Debbie Shinn
07-26-2012, 11:18 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Millville, NJ
Posts: 1,835
Yep, you could also replace "Singer" with many more old time manufacturers.
Jon
Jon
07-26-2012, 02:21 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cadillac, MI
Posts: 6,487
How very sad to see any of our oldies, but goodies, destroyed. My daughter just bought her son a Singer Simple plastic machine. They are both so pleased and I am biting my tongue. My 128 would have made a better machine for a 10 year old.
Question time. I may have found the solution of a machine I can leave at church so I don't have to dig my 301 out every time. SA has a golden tan Kenmore with a shiny finish that appears to be SS only. The motor is mounted high so the top configuration is bulky looking on the right side. The bobbin is toward the back. It doesn't seem to be too heavy and it has a decent case - and of course, a buttonholer, but no accessories though I don't need any. Anyone know anything about this one? Does it take a regular 15X1 needle? I couldn't find a model #. Do the older ones have the tension problems my 1961 Kenmore has? The bobbin is there. It has a little cage to keep it in place.
Also found a brown crinkle finish White in a cabinet. Extremely heavy and the bobbin case is gone and that's an odd one to replace. It's not coming home with me.
The Kenmore is interesting unless you have a lot of negatives - and yes, unreliable tension is a big negative.
Question time. I may have found the solution of a machine I can leave at church so I don't have to dig my 301 out every time. SA has a golden tan Kenmore with a shiny finish that appears to be SS only. The motor is mounted high so the top configuration is bulky looking on the right side. The bobbin is toward the back. It doesn't seem to be too heavy and it has a decent case - and of course, a buttonholer, but no accessories though I don't need any. Anyone know anything about this one? Does it take a regular 15X1 needle? I couldn't find a model #. Do the older ones have the tension problems my 1961 Kenmore has? The bobbin is there. It has a little cage to keep it in place.
Also found a brown crinkle finish White in a cabinet. Extremely heavy and the bobbin case is gone and that's an odd one to replace. It's not coming home with me.
The Kenmore is interesting unless you have a lot of negatives - and yes, unreliable tension is a big negative.
07-26-2012, 03:52 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 476
What model is the Kenmore? A lot of people swear by them, and I have several (6 sort of counts as several) and they all sew quite well, and they are usually easy to work on. The ones I have are on my give-away list, as most were given to me by people who said, "This machine just won't sew." With a little cleaning and oiling, and adjusting the tension, the machine will produce a little lap quilt for me, so I can show the person who I gift it to that it sews. I think the bottom tensions must tighten themselves up, because that is usually a first place to adjust.
Also, Charlee, I used your idea of the o-rings for a sewing machine belt for a White 1099 Jeans Machine. My OSMG said it was a good machine, but would have to order a belt. I said let me see what I can work up first. I had gotten it at a yard sale for $5. It has all the accessories, including a hopping quilting foot that is different than the one I have. The White one has a bigger opening than the one that was with my Pfaff 230 and is easier to see what you are doing. It is a pretty cool machine. Also on the "williing to let someone borrow" list, but I may keep the hopping foot. The man at the farm supply where I got the o-ring was amazed, to say the least, when I told him what it was for. Then he said, I have worked here for 40 years, and never thought of doing that, and my own mama needs a belt for hers and was going to bring her old one in to measure. I gave credit to a QB friend from the PNW.
Also, Charlee, I used your idea of the o-rings for a sewing machine belt for a White 1099 Jeans Machine. My OSMG said it was a good machine, but would have to order a belt. I said let me see what I can work up first. I had gotten it at a yard sale for $5. It has all the accessories, including a hopping quilting foot that is different than the one I have. The White one has a bigger opening than the one that was with my Pfaff 230 and is easier to see what you are doing. It is a pretty cool machine. Also on the "williing to let someone borrow" list, but I may keep the hopping foot. The man at the farm supply where I got the o-ring was amazed, to say the least, when I told him what it was for. Then he said, I have worked here for 40 years, and never thought of doing that, and my own mama needs a belt for hers and was going to bring her old one in to measure. I gave credit to a QB friend from the PNW.
07-26-2012, 05:02 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 508
So in doing a little history and research online today I came across a photo collection site that Frank put together of the Sewing machine museum showcasing many of the machines. I thought y'all might enjoy taking a look at the collection. I have spotted my Davis treadle in photos so far but I've only gone through a fraction of them. Anyway, lots of gorgeous machines to drool over.
I should probably add that there are alot of small bits and pieces that we found on the ground in there, drawer covers, panels to treadle cabinets, screws, etc. and since she didnt feel like dealing with them, she said I could have them all, so once we get it all cleaned out I'll post pics of what there is and if y'all see something that you could use to restore a machine I will share them. I just told her NOT to throw anything away unless it was a cardboard box
http://sewingmachinemuseumusafirst.w...m/apps/photos/
I should probably add that there are alot of small bits and pieces that we found on the ground in there, drawer covers, panels to treadle cabinets, screws, etc. and since she didnt feel like dealing with them, she said I could have them all, so once we get it all cleaned out I'll post pics of what there is and if y'all see something that you could use to restore a machine I will share them. I just told her NOT to throw anything away unless it was a cardboard box
http://sewingmachinemuseumusafirst.w...m/apps/photos/
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