Originally Posted by
StephT
I am just learning about vintage machines and I would like to know which ones to stay away from.
A good bet is that most here either have or would recommend a Singer 15, 66, 99, or 201. These are plentiful and bullet proof. Find an inexpensive one of these and you're in business. Most here also like the 221, 301 and 222. To me they are too expensive for what I enjoy. These latter machines' forte is portability.
There are good machines in the 400 and 500 series and you can pick your poison with them - cams, camstacks, SS and ZZ. Personally I love the 403.
If I was required to have only one it would be the 201 with a zig-zag and blind stitch attachment. That would do all I need and do it well. Maybe a walking foot, also.