I feel sorry for middle-aged sewing machines!
 

I'm starting to feel sorry for sewing machines manufactured between 1965 and 2000!

People are elated about their scores with older machines and brag about their newer ones.

Is there really a time frame when the machine quality really deteriorated? And if so, when was it?

Have no idea, but I think that the main issue was more "built-ins" as to attachments. I had a 70's Singer with lots of wheels that I had to change to get different stitches, really only used the straight stitch and zig-zag. Purchased a 80's model and still have it. I use it often, but not as much as my newer embroidery machines- they just have everyting.

I don't know so much that the quality intentionally deteriorated so much as that the nylon/plastic gears were "the brand new wave of the future" and seemed like a vast improvement in making things more light weight.

What was not understood was that these would not have the continued strength over time and usage.

I don't think anyone expected the degree of breakage from deterioration of the materials or the fact that replacement parts would not be readily available due to constant upgrades with different parts being made.

We are no longer in the age of REPAIR, we are in the age of REPLACE.

I just had two old Kenmore's from that time period refurbished and they are wonderful! I like my new machine, but it seems so fragile compared to the old ones. It was the folks right here on this board who convinced me to keep them when I bought the new machine. They are the work horses for my heavy fabric projects.

It is just one of those things--like Mustangs built in the '80s... :0)

My DH bought me a Bernina 630E for our 36th anniversary and I use it most of the time. I have my DM's Bernina 830 record, purchased in 1982 and very, very well used by her, that is still a workhorse and my stand-by. I also have a Memory Craft 7000(Janome) that she purchased almost new from a friend many years ago that I used as primary until the new Bernina. I do not plan to give up any of them!

I have a Singer 401 Slant O Matic that I love. I take it to classes. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have the Bernina 830, the new one and love it also, but the 401 is awesome for an older machine. It's very heavy. I don't think it's made out of plastic. It has to weigh at least 40 lbs.

I got a Kenmore for my HS graduation in 1978, it was my only machine for 25 years, it's still going strong. Now my herd includes a Viking 6020 from 1970, an Elna Lotus from 1975, and a Bernina 910 from 1983. All great machines I wouldn't give up. AND I was elated with each of those acquisitions! Singers since 1965 don't have the same quality. All my Singers are much older ... and I have a newer Bernina 440 and Bernina serger.

Getting a new vintage machine to me is like getting a antique car! I go gaga over them!! I have a fancy dancey computerized machine but I sew all the time on my featherweight, it's the best.