The old Singers have metal parts, they don't break, they are easy to maintain, they sew beautiful stitches, and they run forever! I own a newer Singer, but it has gone to live at my sister's house so she can do mending with it. I only use my machines that were built before 1960.

[quote=Lyncat]The old Singers have metal parts, they don't break, they are easy to maintain, they sew beautiful stitches, and they run forever!

I have the Singer Feather Weight, 201-2, 301, 401, 500, 66 handcrank, 99K, 15-91 and I love and use them all. Can't beat those old Singers for the most perfect stitch.

I like mechanical machines that don't "think" for me. I like to sew very slowly when I'm piecing, so a treadle is about perfect for me.

I have old and new.
Singer: 66, 201, 301, Featherweight
New: Bernina

Love them all!
I now have my big eyes on a Singer 15.
I'm also trying to find an embroidery only machine for not a ton of money.
I need help lol

I love my older ones. I just got my 403a that I purchased this weekend back from the sewing machine repair guy. He gave her a good tune up and she sews like a dream. I also have a 15-91 that I use to sew dh's jeans, cover alls, coats and other heavy things. I haven't got to use my 66-16 yet because dh is rewiring it but I love the looks of it. The older machines are great machines. They will last. I now they are going to out last my Decor Computer Janome.

I have several TOL modern machines, but none sew through multiple layers like my vintage Singer industrial, 201s or 301s.

The modern machines are great for all their neat features, but the oldies still can't be beat for certain functions.

I have a 1952 featherweight I'm using now. They are great little machines. I just love mine. I would love to have a 301 too.

I just love anything vintage, I think deep down I don't want to give up the past. The older you get the more time flys, my Mom always said, and you know what... She was right..

I use mine---not a featherweight but a full size model---because unlike my newer machines, I can sew all day with it and not have to stop to fix weird things....like clumps of thread on the back and that kind of annoyance! Mine is a 1941 that was a gift from a neighbor couple that was moving back in 1981 or so and didn't want to take this heavy "portable" with them. I had the footpedal and motor replaced a few years ago, and she doesn't make bobbins any more (I bought one of the little bobbin makers...) but I can binge sew with absolutely no problems.

After the death of my beloved Viking 6430, I purchased a new Singer (it sits in a box, I really hate that thing), then I purchased a 301a, which goes to guild and UFO's 5 times a month. It sews a consistently beautiful stitch and never complains about being overworked. It has not replaced my 6430, but it sure runs a close second. I have an aversion to plastic and my little pretty is metal and weighs in at about 14 lbs. and sports a handle for easy transport.