Originally Posted by AshleyO
I just wanted to cross post this here, as it may relate to some of you :)
I am looking for an older Singer or similar all-metal machine. I am still fairly new to sewing and my very basic machine died on me. Hubby and I are tight on money so hoping to find a good used machine that will last and last. I heard the Singer models 301, 328, 401, 403, 500a, Slant-O-Matic, Rocketeer, etc are very good workhorse types. I am willing to pay for shipping and then some for the machine as well, but our budget is pretty limited. Please PM me :) Thank you for your time.
Ashley
Ashley,
I have two "older" machines and a newer, 3 year old Janome. If I had it to do over again I would have just gotten the older machines. I have a featherweight, small 12 lb. singer that I use for piecing and classes. I also have a Singer 66 in a cabinet that I use for piecing and sewing heavier fabrics (although the featherweight can easily handle heavier fabrics as well). I do wish that one of my older machines had zigzag stitch but I can use my Janome for that if I need it.
I would recommend that you read on this board on different makes/models. Some like treadles and handcranks, "people powered".
I wouldn't buy an inexpensive new machine. I have friends who are machine technicians who have seen several people buy "entry level" machines. They frequently are upset when they start piecing and using the machine on a regular basis and have problems when the machine can't keep up and breaks down.
This thread has lots of information on cleaning up and repairing machines and cabinets. If you and your husband are at all handy you can probably find a good machine, clean it up, oil it and be ready to sew.
Hope this helps and I hope you find the perfect machine for you.
Marie M.