I have the opportunity to go look at a Singer model 12 hand crank machine with the fiddle base. Not knowing too much about these, I am wondering if parts (such as needles, shuttles, feet, etc.) are difficult to find for this machine. It does not come with any accessories but does have one shuttle in the machine. I would pass on it if I knew that the parts were hard to come by so if any of you experts could give me a quick answer, I would appreciate it. These machines look like they do a nice stitch and since there is not much to them, I gather they are easy to maintain.
There is apparently a Singer 319K available too and I would like to know what you guys think of them also. Actually, same questions apply to this machine. Again, any help is much appreciated. Thanks, KLO
PS: Also forgot to ask if there are manuals out there to download for these machines.
By shuttle, are you referring to bobbins? The shuttle is the thing the bobbin sits in, and the bobbin is, well, the thing that holds the thread. Shuttles are hard to find but bobbins aren't. Good thing is that you only need one shuttle.
319Ks are really nice machines. Zig-zag built-in, patterns a-plenty built-in with the added ability to use flat cams, and they are very good at free motion work (with a darning foot). Needles in sizes 12 and 14 are still being produced but that's all. Twin needles are quite hard to find for decorative work. All in all, very nice machines though for dress making or free motion work.
Google for your manuals. They're extremely easy to find from Singer and ISMACS.