Finding a 301A
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
I found a 301 at a garage sale for $10-it was totally frozen, nothing moved, but I knew the accessories were worth that much. Cleaned it, oiled & lubed it, let it sit for a day or two-and gradually it started to move, after a few days of soaking in the oil & lube it starting sewing like a champ, smooth , strong & quiet. So it pays to take a chance on a machine that looks hopeless.
#42
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,585
The only machines I have are vintage, bordering on antique (one of them). I have a Singer 328K -purchased new in 1963; two Singer Touch 'N Sews 750 -age unknown); a White Featherweight - 1954; a Singer 1425 - age unknown; a National Two Spool Treadle - estimated - early 1900's; a Singer 403A - 1950's; a Baby-Lock Serger -age unknown); a Singer 201-2 - 1952; a Singer 185-J -age unknown right now; and a Singer Athena 1200 (I think) and age unknown. Most of these were inherited, but the 403A was purchased from Goodwill for $41; and the White Featherweight also from Goodwill for $50. I don't really claim to collect these vintage machines -- mostly my son picks them up if he finds one in good condition. Since he worked as a Sewing Machine Mechanic for 14 years, he can tell when one is in good condition. I am hesitant myself to buy machine off E-Bay, but that is more a phobia speaking than experience. I can tell you that the White Featherweight and the 403A are both very good machines -- I've used both of them for piecing and find them both excellent for that task. I don't buy and sell machines (or anything else) but just from a practical standpoint, NEVER buy anything and have it shipped without it being insured for the purchase price and your shipping costs. I wish I were qualified to give you more advice, but truly, I'm not! LOL Welcome to the Board. I hope some of us can be of assistance to you! Happy Retirement!
Jeanette
Jeanette
#44
I just brought home a longbed mocha 301A, made in 1953 same year I was born. She is a beauty and after lubricating and oiling she runs like a dream. I didn't get the great deals you talk about, but I got one!
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Wisconsin-Alabama Gulf Coast Snow Bird
Posts: 2,148
Hey fellow Cheesehead, glad you were able to find your machine! Today I was in my local Goodwill and picked up a black 301 in a cabinet for $12.75, the manual and attachments were not with the machine but it's in great shape. Didn't plan to look for a machine today, but DH was with me and he can be such an enabler. Two weeks ago he came home with a pretty little green Singer 185J for $35 in a mahogany cabinet that was in excellent condition. Jan
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