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Which Vintage Zigzag Machine Would You Recommend?

Which Vintage Zigzag Machine Would You Recommend?

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Old 10-04-2015, 12:58 PM
  #21  
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I've got a 1956, 401A and a 1967, 600 Touch & Sew (Singers) Both have been good machines. I sew on both almost daily. the 1956 was my mother's. So both are one owner machines.. I wouldn't trade them for any of the new fancy computerized models any day of the week. I oil regularly, and get a tune up every other year. Gilda & Gracie are as reliable as they come.
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Old 10-04-2015, 01:27 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by ThayerRags View Post
How many Singer 401A machines have you seen that have the reverse function from a cam for any stitches?
None really, I just assumed it did. I have never done much sewing on a 401, but I have a Supermatic with lots of cams, and it does the reverse stitches. I thought the 401 did the stretch stitch patterns and simple over lock stitches. There's one currently for sale in my area and have been tempted to buy it.
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Old 10-04-2015, 01:30 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by chris_quilts View Post
Fritz, the 117, is a tank. Beautiful zigzags and will sew through many things including 6 layers of vinyl with ease. I love this color. I don't remember if this is before cleaning him up but I think so. If you can find one, this is the machine to have except it has no blanket stitch. I have repaired horse blankets and saddle pads with this machine.
Oh yes, that's the one I want, I've seen it in black too :- )

Last edited by Mickey2; 10-04-2015 at 01:32 PM.
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Old 10-04-2015, 01:37 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by Mickey2 View Post
None really, I just assumed it did.....
I thought so.....

CD in Oklahoma
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Old 10-04-2015, 01:50 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by ThayerRags View Post
I thought so...
LOL, what kind of answer is that? When did Singer introduce double cams? The white cams for the Touch and Sew I think are late 60s early 70s.
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Old 10-04-2015, 01:59 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Mickey2 View Post
Oh yes, that's the one I want, I've seen it in black too :- )
Didn't know it also came in black as I have only ever seen it in green. I have only actually seen 1 in person, mine. Have seen 2 on Ebay with starting bids at what I think were ridiculous prices and both were also the green color. Got about 20 bobbins with mine plus a manual and a box of attachments.
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Old 10-04-2015, 02:14 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by chris_quilts View Post
Didn't know it also came in black as I have only ever seen it in green. I have only actually seen 1 in person, mine.
I don't think they are than common, but a few was made and with a bit of luck most of them should still be alive. Is it cast iron or cast aluminum? Does it take regular HAx1 needles? Here is a picture I searched up on the web, easily done though.

Last edited by Mickey2; 10-04-2015 at 02:16 PM.
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Old 10-04-2015, 02:38 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Mickey2 View Post
None really, I just assumed it did. I have never done much sewing on a 401, but I have a Supermatic with lots of cams, and it does the reverse stitches. I thought the 401 did the stretch stitch patterns and simple over lock stitches. There's one currently for sale in my area and have been tempted to buy it.

Singer machines didn't have stretch stitches (reverse function stitches) until the mid 1960s or so.

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Old 10-04-2015, 03:14 PM
  #29  
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I have a 1950 Morse Fotomatic that does a zig zag stitch. It works like a charm!
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Old 10-04-2015, 07:01 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Mickey2 View Post
I don't think they are than common, but a few was made and with a bit of luck most of them should still be alive. Is it cast iron or cast aluminum? Does it take regular HAx1 needles? Here is a picture I searched up on the web, easily done though.
It is cast iron. Trust me. It is heavy. Takes regular needles, thank goodness. Mine is pre-WWII according to the best that the Bernina dealer could tell after talking with her people. It is possible that the machines were melted down and remade into weapons & such. FYI: your photo is a 114 or so the caption says, earlier than mine - I have the 117L.
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