Mickey2

It sounds like the Japanese production line was on the hasty side, even if machines and tools were up to the job. Reading posts on this forum and various blogs on the web I think there's more Japanese machines in US than in Europe, not that I have a comprehensive knowlege. I know Japanese developed bicycle parts; gear hubs, hubs and gears in general wasn't always up to the European standard. For long they were generally of a lighter build not up to the use and heavier loads expected of bikes. In comparison, British made Sturmey Archer and German made Fichtel & Sachs 3-4 speed hubs, even the various derailleur brands of the 50s and 60s, had for a very good reason a better reputation than Suntour and Shimano. The forged steel and heavy load parts of a Japanese bike are described as being made for a made of sligther build than people in Europe and America, especially noticeable in the 3 speed hubs. It had of course a lot to do with the competetive marked and pushing prices, and hard to discern facts from fiction in the simplifed comparisons we read 60 years later. It just wasn't always the best quality steel. I don't think Shimano cought up with their 3 speed hub until some point in the 70s, though their derailleur systems had sucess from the 60s and up. There might be some parallel in the world of Sewing machines.

I see the Japanese or Taiwan made models regularly though. Some seem fine, with lots of combined push-dials selectors and ajustment options like medium for the feed dog position when other machinen only have a either up or down option. Compared to todays standard they come off as very sturdy and capable. It's hard to say anything about the parts though. The best forged and hardened steel isn't cheap where ever it is made. Singer seems to have kept a very dependable quality for decades.

European brands ventured into plastics early on, not exlusively, but top models and new technology quickly took to using plastic gears in the free arm versions in the early 50s. Even 40s models have parts made of phenol type plastics like bakelite like hand wheels, stop motion screws, motor pulleys. I lean towards all metal models and easily serviced motors, but some of my favorite machines to work on is the 50s and 60s Bernina free arm models, as well as the Elnagraph cam mechanics for it's fancy stitches. So far I have handed my Berninas in for service and repairs afte cleaning and oiling, I find them a bit too complicated to fully service my self, I might make an attempt soon though :- )

There were lots of sewing machines brands back then, gradually reducing to those still in production to day. It's very fun to discover the models who turn out to be gems well worth the time and effort where ever they were made. I love to compare them and detect their advatages and differences.