Originally Posted by
GheckoAZ
I found a Japanese clone at Goodwill today. I am new to vintage machines. Should I pick up machines for parts if I really don't know what I am doing or just stay with machines that are in great condition? The machine today was missing the slide plate but the belts looked good and I am concerned about the motor as it seems to have a residue on it. It has the bobbin case and a bobbin. The flywheel moves freely. At 29.99 is it worth it?
Yes, it's worth it. I'd try to talk them down to at least $25.00 because of the expense of the slide plate though. Those can be easily had from Sew-Classic {
http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Plat...Plates_c14.htm }
Most motors are dirty. Most of them have oil ports and have been well oiled. I've only bought one clone with a bad motor and that was because the internal fan had fragged. The motor still ran good, but without a cooling fan it wouldn't have lasted long.
At $29.00 and no shipping I already would have had it home and running.
Joe