Has anyone ever used one of these vintage machines? If yes, are they hard to learn to operate / have you had any amount of success using them?

I tried the new one, they advertise it on the net and michaels had it. the loom one you pick a stitch up over the one on top. too hard to get the darn thing started

I agree with Lynnie I never got anything made on mine it works a lot like the spool knitting we did as kids. My niece has one and made several hats for kids on hers

I tried the $30 one at Hancock Fabrics and it went back as it kept skipping the stitches. I don't think it was the operator-lol! I would love an Addi-Express King, as I have very little patience to put the yarn on each peg by hand. Love the idea of a heavy-duty machine with the hand-crank. Check it out on Youtube if you haven't seen it demonstrated.

I have 2 friends that have had them for a number of years. They are both avid quilters, knitters and are very crafty-talented. They both say they are quite complicated and you have to keep a sharp eye when making socks. And you must be a competent knitter because you have to add when doing the heel, toe, etc. One of the gals said she had hers about 1 1/2 years before she could turn out a really good pair of socks. They turn out beautiful wool socks, they sell them for 20-30 dollars depending on the market but they last for years - I have 3 pairs and wear them constantly. One of the gals is going to buy a new one and sell her vintage machine, she thinks it will run better and won't need as much repair.

Fire Chief,

I sent you a private message.

I belong to a blog called knittingparadise.com
One of the members there may be able to help you with your questions. There is a sections for machine knitters. Good Luck

Yes, I have 4 vintage csm's. An Auto Knitter, Legare 400, and 2 Gearharts (1908 & 19??). Yes, they have a learning curve, but once you get a heel/toe mastered they can be lots of fun. I've made lots of nice socks and fingerless mittens. There are lots of crank-in's to go to and learn/share with others who have these machines (not the ones sold at Michaels, JoAnn's, etc). Everyone who has one is very helpful. There is a Yahoo group and also Ravery groups you can join and share info.

Watson58,

Since posting my initial request I have determined the CSM I have is a 1902 Gearhart, 64 needle. I'm on the hunt for needles right now and then I get to figure out what ply yarn will work with this. I've been checking out lots of youtube videos and message boards.

You need to buy needles from Pat Fly at angoravalley.com. I order needles and cylinder springs from her. She will let you know what size, etc by emailing her. Sock yarn is what works. these csm's weren't made for heavy yarns. there is a group in Madison that has an annual crank-in called the Mad City Crankers, I think. Good luck and have fun!