Macybaby

I was reading in another section - and one person was bemoaning the demise of their expensive, 8 year old machine. She said the repair guy told her she had worn it out - "you sew too much" . The plastic gears just couldn't hold up.

I think I'lll stick to my old metal girls - some of the ones showing the most wear are the best sewers - they are just getting broken in - not broken!

I use to worry a bit what I would do if my main machine (1981 Viking 990) checked out on me, as it does have an electronic board. I've not found a "new" machine for under $3,000 that I would consider. Though it may be fun to get an embroidery machine, I think I'd select one of my older machines for the steady work. Then the question would be which one of the others would move to center stage!

barri1

I'll stick with my Singer 66.. She hums.. Never had a plastic geared machine.. I keep promise myself I will buy one with an electronic board, and chicken out..

charity-crafter

I agree with this, older machines were meant to be workhorses. My husband surprised me a few years back with a top of the line embroidery/sewing machine that I personally never would have bought. But he's a "I told you when I married you I loved you, if something should change I'll let you know" type of guy. For our 20th wedding anniversary/Christmas present he popped this big honking set of boxes in my sewing room. I've had it for 4 years, it's all plastic pieces and already has some pieces broken. And I'm very careful when I use it. I would have rather gotten an classic machine. But hey, he loves me. He went to the fabric store and actually spoke to the dealer and bought a $7000 machine. "what?" I guess it's 20 years worth of Christmas/anniversary/birthday presents. His idea of celebrating is a hug and Happy .....what ever holiday.

miriam

Just about any functioning vintage machine I have will out work/out live your $7000 machine.

charity-crafter

Definately. It's so annoying to pay so much for something that is made of plastic. Dh can't understand why I want a featherweight. "It's so old" That's why he bought me the top of the line machine.... they just don't understand. I'm not complaining that he bought me an expensive present, just complaining about the poor quality and plastic of the high end machines.

Lori S

I love my 306W with a knee control. My mom sewed the daylights out of it.. and it still goes strong for me. I can clean and oil it my self , and it has never failed me.

pennycandy

I love my old gals. My 1980 Singer 1036 is on it's last leg and decided to hunt for a replacement. I was thrilled to find a 60's era White. How could I not like a study machine with a 1.3 amp motor with a price tag of $20?

miriam

even if you put another $100 in it for repairs you would be in great shape! Besides I bet the service call on a plastic wonder would be more than that.

J Miller

My wife's first ZZ machine was a Singer 538. It's on it's third set of plastic gears and has so much wear on another gear we're going to have to replace it. She keeps avoiding buying the parts.
We've bought two Singer 413s and within a couple hours of sewing the vertical shaft top gear has shattered.

I do not, and can not trust a plastic geared machine. The Singer 4622a we have is all plastic and works well ... so far. But it's rarely used.
The Bernina 930 my wife inherited is doing well and she uses or did the heck out of it. When the plastic bits die, I'm not sure what she'll do. But it will be her it dies on cos I won't use it.

I prefer my older machines with removable or built in cams and all metal gears. I have no problems with those old ladies. They are like the EverReady Bunnie ..... they just keep on going ... going ... going ... going.

I just cannot see paying thousands of dollars for a computerized piece of plastic. To my way of thinking that's insane. No insults meant to those that have them, but that's the way I feel.

Joe

Caroline S

Just think about how many vintage sewing machines one could buy for $7000?