There is going to be a new lady moving in today....finally I found a Featherweight!!! :thumbup: The excitement kept me up most of the night! The man I'm purchasing her from doesn't know a thing about sewing so when I asked if she works, he wasn't able to say. I have my fingers crossed that she'll be in decent shape and purr like a kitten. I'm debating whether I should take her directly to a service person for a tune-up. Does anyone know what the going rate is for such a thing on a Featherweight? I heard it's less than for current models because of its simplicity.

In my area, at a little one man shop, it was 75.00. It will vary from place to place. They are very easy to take care of and work on.:)

In my area (Southern Ontario) my repair lady would charge $70 and that would include re-wiring if needed. I just picked up my 201-3 from her on Saturday. She cleaned, oiled, adjusted and re-wired it for me and I can now sew in zippers in coveralls with no growling, jamming or complaining from my Janome 6500!

Aren't those old singers precious? I can't wait to see my little beauty in person!

Be sure to get a quote first; where I live, this kind of checkup can be quite costly!

Best investment, in my opinion, is to learn how to do it all yourself. There is tons of info here and elsewhere online, plus books and DVDs you can buy that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your featherweight!

Woohoo! Congrats! You should take a pic of your two fine machines together. What a contrast, but both fabulous. Folks do learn to service FWs themselves. I'd never try anything electrical, but I'll try the clean, oil, check stuff on mine when it's time using the Dave McCallum book and DVD. Two of mine came newly serviced and the 3rd sure acts fine, so I haven't had to go there yet. You sure have good sewing machine "karma", all the best seem to end up at your place for awhile at least. :)

Thanks! I just walked in the door with her and I have to say I thrilled as well as a little disappointed when I met her. Body wise, she looks great and the box isn't as bad as some I've seen, just needs new hinges. It's scuffed at the corners and I'll see if there is any way to treat that. The problem is that there is no bobbin case, only one bobbin, the cord needs replacing, no manual, no light bulb, needs a new belt, and all the rubber foot pads are hard and crumbly. I don't have the manual to consult to see if all the assessories are present, but I'm pretty sure there are quite a few missing. And have I mentioned that this machine is caked with grime and gunk? I couldn't test her because she was so dirty, and the wires are bare in a spot, but the handwheel moves freely, although a bit sticky from being stuck away for so long. I think I'm the second owner as the man said he thinks it was his wife's mother's machine. I think I'll post a photo before and after her revamping. Stay tuned......:)

if it works and sews fine why does it need a tune up you can oil what needs to be oiled and clean it up just check out the internet there are places that show you exactly what to do. Make sure you put a new needle in

She just needs some loving! Take care of her and the tune up and replacement of parts will make her like new!

I would probably call the guy back and see if he has found the missing bobbin case. It may be in another box with the other sewing stuff. The light bulb, belt and feet are minor, but you do need the bobbin case and that is the most costly to replace.