Let's talk sewing machines...I have a 70's Singer...still working great, but last checkup it has a cracked bobbin holder and will eventually go...and have been told no way to purchase parts. A wonderful lady who doesn't sew anymore gave me her 70's Husquavana Viking...I haven't learned to use it yet...keeping it as a backup..but a local sewing machine store does a Thursday class where you bring in your sewing machine and they will teach you how to use it...Both machines are HEAVY! Both Viking and Singer today are made by a Japanese company and have lost their reputation.
Now I am aware that a lot of you quilters will be using Berninas!
That's a given! But I can't justify their cost at this point in life!!!!

I just bought a Janome Magnolia 7330 & like it pretty well. It was about $300.

There are many online sources for old Singer parts. When a machine gives up the ghost, a machine can still have quite a bit of monetary value being "parted out" (parts sold individually to others).

There are Yahoo groups devoted specifically to vintage Singer and vintage Husquevarna machines. You might want to join them.

I may try that...I have tried Ebay, my Viking I needed the cams for the embroidery stitches, but each time got outbided by a lot more that I would want to pay for them.

Try a used machine from a dealer with a warranty. I got a German-made Pfaff 7510 from Brubakers in PA via eBay and a Swiss-made Bernina 440QE from my local dealer, both with one year warranties and fab prices. I also got a Bernina 930 (1982) from a lovely quilter on this board. Post an "ISO" on this board or sewitsforsale when you know what you want. I think you can get a great machine this way. Buying new, consider Janome (truckload sale on NOW) or Elna (made by Janome) or Brother/Babylock. Jukis are great, but have fewer dealer in the US, but you can get them online. And whichever route you go BARGAIN HARD!

What model is your 70's Singer? You might be able to find a replacement on craigslist, or just buy a Sidewinder to wind your bobbins if the machine is otherwise okay. There are several people on the VintageSingers yahoo group who sell parts for the older machines, and they will give you expert advice.

It's a TouchTronic 2000...and right now it is working fine...just don't know how long it will work! I have seen the bobbin winders, but if mine cracks further the machine may not work, but I will have to check out the yahoo group...thanks!

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/sin...ine-parts.aspx

Try this place. I see a bobbin case and a bobbin cam listed for a Singer 2000. I got great service getting the part DH ordered for me. Ordered Tuesday, it will be here today.

Contact Billy, (lostn51) he has parts and tutes on how to make repairs yourself.

Wow...now I will have to call the store and see which one I need to replace...if it's a crack, I would think it would be in the plastic part and not the metal! Thanks.