Like a lot of you, I use an old Singer. Mine is an early 1960s Singer 500 Slant-o-matic, nicknamed the Rocketeer. About six months after I got it, I started thinking the same as RugosaB did.
Originally Posted by
RugosaB
So I got to thinking, I'm screwed if this old machine dies, and try to find parts to fix it, if it's even fixable. So, I started to buy 630's on ebay. I ended up paying $30 - $50 for each and have 4-5 (can't remember), for parts. Thing is, they ALL work!
I got all of mine by watching Craigslist. I now have four 500s and one 503. I bought each one because the seller said, "It doesn't work." But when I would get them home, I found that they'd either have a fist-sized lint ball under the bobbin or it was as dry as the Sahara. I'd clean them up, then oil and grease them, and they'd run like a champ. I kept buying them because I was looking for one that didn't work. Finally, my daughter pointed out that I didn't need a parts machine any longer because if the first did break, I had three others waiting to take its place.
Whenever someone is snide enough to suggest I should buy a "new, good" machine, I point out that A) this machine was top of the line when it was built, B) since it's all metal inside, if I treat it well, it'll last longer than me, and C) as it says on the owner's manual, "The Greatest Sewing Machine Ever Built!"
I also have an old-style buttonholer and monogrammer to go with it. It takes all the abuse I throw at it and keeps on sewing. What more could I want?
Tate