I would stay away from any vintage machine that has plastic gears. The Singer 401 is the best vintage machine for not too much money. Ebay has some listed for as little as $100. That is where I bought mine and have really enjoyed the machine. I was careful to buy one that could be returned if not working.
Originally Posted by
Shelbie
I bought my first Touch and Sew in 1969 with my babysitting money. I sewed on it until I bought my first Bernina in 1976. I liked the machine but many of them required extensive repairs as the plastic/nylon gears wore out, cracked and broke. I wouldn't buy it without trying it out first. It also takes a specific bobbin and winds in the machine after pushing a button to fill and this also sometimes gives trouble.