The 306K and 306W are not treadle machines ( you refer to the 316G).
Not sure what problem(s) you refer to but in the over 60years of hard use mine has gotten .... the only thing that had to be replaced is light bulbs and one bobbin case. My local sew nd vac repair guy has told me to bring it in for prfessional cleaning is a waste of time and money as long as I keep it clean and keep it oiled.
Originally Posted by thepolyparrot
Some collectors like them and having standard, low shanks and vertical needles, they are strong sewing machines. But for me, I wouldn't buy a 306 - I would not even want anyone to give me one.
They take a 206 needle instead of the standard 15x1 - and if I remember correctly, the 206 needle is only available in two sizes of sharp, 12 & 14.
I have a treadled 316G which is very similar to the 306, except that it takes standard needles and a lot of the problems from the 306 have been eliminated. It's still loud and clunky and inelegant, especially compared to a 15 or a 201 or a 301. The 306 is even louder and clunkier.
The 206/306/319 machines didn't sell well in their time and they're not often sought-after by modern collectors or quilters, either. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings - I just want to give you another side of the story.
There are good reasons for these machines lack of popularity over a 60-year time span. ;)