bkay

First, what do you want to do with your sewing machine? Is your goal to quilt or make garments or do basic repairs to clothing, make drapery or "whatever"? to me, that's the first step in choosing an inexpensive machine. For most of these applications, you need a straight stitch and, at the most, a zigzag stitch. These days, most people who make clothing have a serger as well. That will "overcast" the seams to make them more "finished", although I made lots of clothing before everyday people had sergers. So, my suggestion is to figure out what you want a sewing machine to do.

Vintage sewing machines fall into two categories - mechanical and electronic. Electronics have a "life expectancy", for lack of a better term. Electronics die with age. they just do. They go faster if they are not kept cool and dry. After a few years, many electronic parts are no longer available/replaceable. The defective part is generally not repairable at a price you are willing to pay.

Mechanical machines go back to the 1800's and most can still sew a stitch. All metal mechanical machines were made until about 1970. They are abundant, cheap, work well and generally don't require a $150.00 trip to the sewing machine repair guy. They are available on Craigslist, Ebay, OfferUp, etc. You can find an old black Singer that only does straight stitch for $100. and they will last forever. All you have to do is oil them. They might require some internal cleaning, which is no problem for the average person who knows which end of a screwdriver to use. It will take a few hours. The colored Singers usually have some capacity to make decorative stitches (zig zag variations). My personal favorites are the Singer 401, 403, 501 and 503. If you have a choice, take the 403 or 503 as they are easier to clean internally. The only reason I suggest Singer is that they are common (millions were sold) and replacement parts and accessories are readily available at a reasonable price.

Just in case you take my advice and look at some older vintage machines, stay away from Singer (all machines, not just Singer) machines that were made after about 1965. Many have internal plastic parts that shatter with age.

I have other caveats, but this is already too long. If you have questions, post it on the vintage sewing machine group on this board. The regular posters there have vast experience with vintage machines of all types. They are happy to share their knowledge with everyone.

bkay