Originally Posted by LeeAnn
I found an old Spartan sewing machine at a local thrift shop for 24.99. It's in fair condition and needs a good cleaning and oiling. Looks like it could use a new cord too. I don't know what year it is. These are really lean times for us and I really can't afford it. Should I bite the bullet and get it or maybe someone else might be interested in it.
It really depends on what your needs are at this time. Do you already have a sewing machine? If you have a good sewing machine, then I think that I would let this one pass by simply because you don't know that much about the motor. If you don't have a sewing machine then this one "might" be a good place to start. (I haven't sewn on one yet so I don't know how they sew.)
The Spartan is a straight stitch. From what I understand, Spartans are similar to the Singer 99 but they don't have the light on the machine like the 99. (I'm told that is the reason they are called Spartan.)
In my own viewpoint, the Spartan doesn't have quite the same pretty style as the Singer 99.
I recently bought a Spartan off of an auction with the purpose of making it into a handcrank. I haven't bought the handcrank parts yet but from what I've read on the internet, it can be done.
If I was looking to get a good vintage machine, I would go for the Singer 99 or Singer 66 (or Singer 201). (I think they are prettier and they have a beautiful stitch.) They aren't that difficult to work on.
picture of a Singer 99
http://s522.photobucket.com/albums/w...99/99blog1.jpg
Picture of a Singer Spartan
http://californiadoll-ivil.tripod.co...es/spartan.jpg
Picture of the Singer 66
https://www.quiltsrjewels.com/store/images/SS851901.JPG