Which one????
 

Ok I have a delima.
I have the opportunity to purchase a FW - working w/bobbin case & footpedal/ cord for $75.00 no case
I also have the opportunity to purchase a 185J in excellent shape with case & several extr feet - cord - pedAl.

My question is which one? I am buying for the reason of taking a non computer machine I. Our camper so that the elements / sand/ dampness......won't mess with the electronics. I know the FW is lighter, But I have found them to Bounce at times on fast straight stitching. Without the hype of a FW taking part in this which would yoh purchase & why please?
Thank you
LaQuita

Well, hmmm. I don't notice a bounce in my Featherweight, however, I am not a speed sewer. I had to look up the 185J and it looks like a very sturdy machine. Bet it sews like a dream too. Have you tried it? For sturdiness, I would probably go with the 185J. I love my FW, but I purchased it because of it's weight. It does sew a beautiful stitch, however. In the end you have to do what suits your needs best. Not much help, am I!

I would buy both, especially the FW, because you could resale it easily for a lot more.

Wow, that's cheap for a FW!! I'd grab it for sure. Not sure what the other one is. Maybe buy both?
My FW doesn't move either. And sometimes I sew fast, not always.

If a FW moves on you when you use it, I'd buy the other machine. That one has a case, too. My mother remembers when featherweights were initially sold-- as a "cheap" sewing machine. She says they were so lightweight they wouldn't stay still on a table and she never liked them for that reason. My mom thought it hilarious that they are all the rage now, and selling for such prices!

I would buy the FW for that price. I would die to buy a FW but haven't had the chance to see one for sale in my area. I am not familiar with the other machine you are asking about. Good luck on your decision and purchase. Let us know

I've never had my FW bounce but I always use it on and solid surface. I'd snap up that FW for sure.

I have both and find myself using the 185J more frequently. Don't know why, just such a nice straight stitch and so reliable. I don't dislike the FW, but I don't use it as often as I expected to. Either sounds like a great deal and happy camping!

Is the 185j also only a straight stitch machine?

I think the main difference between the two is that the Featherweight has a vertical rotary hook, and the 185J has a horizontal rotary hook. I don't know that that makes any difference at all.

I'd want the one that sews the fastest. I've known a few Featherweights that are pretty slow.

I would buy both of them! I love to hear my FW hum as I sew.❤️

for those wondering, the 185 is basically an updated 99, which is the 3/4 version of the 66. So it has a drop in bobbin instead of a bobbin case.

As others have said, that is a very good price for a FW.

If portability is not a main factor, I'd lean towards the 185. All of the FW I've sewn on are rather slow, and I like having a bit more space under the arm. They are also more prone to jamming and having problems if you get any thread stuck around the bobbin case. And if you need to replace the bobbin case, you may end up spending near what you paid for the machine.

You can sell the feather weight for a profit. I don't know if that's your thing. Buy the one your most comfortable with and you'll be happy

I wouldn't pass up a FW at that price. Can you test it out and see if it bounces at its fastest? I have a FW but honestly haven't used it much. You can resell the FW or have it for easy portability at home or to classes and retreats.

But I'd probaby get the robust 185 for traveling for the reasons Macybaby explained. Besides, it's in excellent shape and has a case. Sounds like you have reservations about the FW. It's a really good price, but you'd have to spend some money getting it road-ready, correct?

I would take the feather weight because..... I can depend on it always working!

Snatch up that FW, ifbyou can swing it buy both. I love my FW!

Here is a website that has information on the 185:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Archiv...J/td-p/1818815

I personally like the lightness of my FW, but if you are finding that yours is bouncing around, then go for the heavier machine. It seems to sew in the same category as the FW. Straight stitch machines sew pretty much the same when it comes to non-computer machines.

As another poster said, I would buy both. The FW for $75 is a steal if it sews well.

The 185 is a very heavy machine. It's about the same size as a FW. It's the one my grands sew on, they can't mess it up or move it. I paid $20 for it in excellent condition at a yard sale. It will probably out last any machine I have. I have a FW too and I use it mostly as a backup machine to take to retreats, classes, and workshops. It's been more then a few times I am so glad I have it with me. I think the 185 is better quality then the FW. I would buy both no question.

I have had that bouncing problem with the FW also. I put a piece of that rubbery shelf liner under it, and it acted like a shock absorber. No more bouncing, no more sliding across the sewing table.
I would be tempted to buy both, sell the FW and keep the 185. If weight is not a factor. I'm pretty sure they both have lots of accessories and parts available to buy if you want/need them later.
:)

Please let us know what you decide on. :)

That shelf liner really does stop the bounce!