Originally Posted by
miriam
the case is the piece that the bobbin goes in, then you place the case in the machine, right? yes but the 201 'case' doesn't come out to re-fill - the bobbin just goes in.
I think you are out of questions - go and turn the machine. Does it turn smoothly? Does it stitch? Does it need tension attention? Is there any rust? Is there any dried up oil slowing things down? Are the wires in good shape? Does it have a knee or a foot control? Are there attachments? You can always offer less money but do it before you travel 2 hours. Those 201s are a nice beast but if you have a 15-91 you will favor the 15-91 if it is in good shape. The 15-91 will FM better than anything. Both will sew about anything you put under it. I think it is an excellent price if it is in good shape. I still favor the Japanese 15 clones...
Okay, I see. I went and googled it after reading this - and I see pictures of the bobbin on the blog I mentioned above.
I'll have to ask the seller if she sews - I did ask her if the machine turned on when plugged in and ran. I do think that's a good price - but it is a 2 hour drive. And I am considering what you are saying to me about the 15-91 versus the 201. I already know that someday I would like to have a treadle (totally different machine/sewing experience). I have also considered that the final machine I would like might be a 301 (because many note that they love their 301's for quilting - and because it is also different in look than the 15-91 and 201 - but apparently has the smallest bobbin of the bunch).
Think I won't be in a rush to drive there (would have to find time in my schedule). If it is meant to be, it will be if it is still available when I would have time to make that drive (probably the soonest would be 2 weeks from now).