I have been bidding on several featherweights in ebay without success. They start low but in the last few minutes the prices triple. I cant go over a certain amount and stay in my budget. Anyplace I might be able to get one in good condition?

just be patient and keep looking- when the time is right you will find the perfect machine within your budget.
i spent 3 years looking for my (perfect vintage machine) and then got it for $20!!! patience pays!!! i would have paid 10 times that!

Wow, I am still looking to buy a featherweight also

I guess this is a dumb question.. What's "the big deal" about Featherweights? They're cute, but why are they in such demand?

waiting is difficult, but it will come, eventually. keep your eyes peeled

Good luck with your search. You can also check out the shopgoodwill.com site.

As to the big deal about Featherweights, they are cute, tie to history and historically are reliable and consistent with their stitching.

For me, though, I like my bells and whistles so have no desire for one.

try craigslist - FW are always cheaper on craigslist in my area then they are on ebay and you don't have to pay shipping.

I agree, try.Craigslist. however, if you do eBay, never bid before the last second. It just drives the price up. I used to use sniping.services.(google it, I don't recall a specific, but I only used free ones. Make sure your eBay password is not used for anything else since you have to share it, and change it often) that would put your bid in for you with 1 second left. It gives you the best chance without giving others a chance to up the bid.

Be patient, you will get a Featherweight as the prices on
e-bay do vary. Try putting your top bid in and then watching to see what happens.

I bought a beautiful FW from a machine repair shop/collector. I don't know if that was unusual or I just lucked out. The repair guy convinced me to buy a Singer 301 with the FW at a very low price (I know now.) I love both machines. For me they produce the most accurate 1/4" seam. Besides they just look cool!