I also recommend buying from a dealer. Quite often they will be able to lead you to the machine that is right for your needs, and most have a lesson on how to use the machine.

I have been thinking of just getting a cheap sewing machine for now and save up money and get a Jenome.

And depending on what you do on it you might be satisfied for a long time with it b

the vintage Singer you have (if over 40some years old) is ten times the machine those new Singers are. wish I were near, I would loan you one. hate to see anyone rush into such a purchase--but remember-you get what you pay for.
I will PM to you with some ideas on the old one.

What is the rocker arm on a sewing machine? I have been around machine for a long time and have never heard this term.

LOL, not sure what number I am, but... I'd highly recommend you look at used machines at local dealers. My closest dealer is a Mennonite who sells Bernina's - but as he takes any model on trade, he has other brands for resale.

This might be a really good time to look at the used machines as folks might be buying new models as Christmas gifts.

Also, on the Yahoo group "SewItsForSale," I bought a very gently used Janome Platinum for $300. It's my take away from home machine so that I don't have to pack up my "regular" one. Plus, should I need it, I'll have a back up.

If you are looking for a well built basic machine, you should look at these. Wow.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-78518-1.htm

The rocker arm is what makes the up and down movement of the sewing machine. It was always called a rocker bar years ago and it probley called something else now.

Please do yourself a favor and spend at least $300-500 on a new machine, the cheaper machines just aren't worth it. I used to sell new Singers and they aren't well made. Even the cheapest Husqvarna Viking that we also sold at my store was so much better than the most expensive Singers.

Check out Billy's new post...he is cleaning out a few machines...Billy is Lostin51