Well I did find and buy a 1954 Singer 201 as a second primary straight stitcher. These certainly are beautiful, quality, well-made machines--smooth and quiet. The 201 is in great shape, and I am still working on its restoration. I have even replaced the "Bakelite" original pedal with an electronic version to gain more control and to avoid pedal heat-up during FMQ. It sews the same hems (french seams and all) like butter that the Viking 750 balks at and sews so poorly. I am going to have the Viking serviced, but I spoke again to the lady whom I bought it from she said that Viking resolved the problem of thick intersecting seams with the included "hump jumper." She also assured me that it sews the same as it did when new. She had previously told me that it had been serviced just before she purchased her new machine. It had then been stored a while before she decided to sell it.
Last edited by Sheddah; 10-14-2012 at 01:14 PM.