impatient and I paid for it!
 

Well, I feel foolish--went to a fellow guild members's downsizing sale (moving to retirement housing) and she had a 1971 Singer I thought I could clean up and give to my DD as her machine gives her fits (cheaper computerized, newer Singer :rolleyes: Well, in a hurry and didn't bother to take the time to plug it in and actually try it--so shelled out the $50 and took it home. cleaned it up, took cover off and oiled it, motor hummed but would not move despite being able to turn the wheel by hand. So took to my repair place and they called later and said the engine was shot and they had no source, although could look for a salvage--but would still be 35yrs old! So decided not to throw good $$ after bad and they took it in return for no charges on the diagnosing it, etc. Learned a lesson--so now I'm having her bring me the computerized one and I'll see if I can work on the bobbin tension (a drop in) which is the issue, I think.

since the seller had suggested I try it out and I didn't want to bother, I won't ask her to refund my $$. Sometimes my impatience is a problem!

dont beat yourself up too much. consider it the price of education, and move on.

Well...I know how you feel! Sometimes we have to "live the lesson" by "learning the lesson the hard way". But, those lessons are never forgotten. I learned a lesson the hard way this week! As long as I remember that lesson, I'll be a much better person (and not waste $$$$$)!

Unfortunately, I have that same problem. For some reason, I've been reluctant to actually plug one in to see if it works. So far, I've been very lucky. All the machines I've bought have worked. Maybe I can learn from your misfortune. Thanks for sharing.
bkay

Hang in there. You have learned a hard lesson but one you won't forget. I am sure there is a good old machine just waiting for you to find it.

I've done the same thing - because I trusted that a sewer and quilter would be honest. I never sell a machine without having the person meet me - either at home or a hotel lobby, so they can plug it up and see that it works. I've sold quite a few FWs and 301's this way, since they've been my hobby . I got stuck for $150 on one that a friend of hers who also repairs her machines swore by her honesty. And it was for my church sewing group, too! Live and learn..

I am down sizing and cleaning out my sewing room. I have several nice vintage Singer and Kenmore sewing machines at reasonable price. Can send pictures of each one if anyone is interested. Would like to keep them all but I do not have the room. I would like to see them go to someone that will take care of them and appreciate them.

Carol Jean, are any of those vintage Singer sewing machines a featherweight?

What model number was it? I have a few that co-workers have dropped off - all have broken gears but the motors or other parts might be useable.

I was once told by a repair guy than old sewing machine motors are as good as new when serviced. Apparently it's neglect or over load that does any damange, they hardly never wear out by regular use. Depending on the model of the machine, a 35 year old replacement motor can be well worth the cost and effort. You should have been made aware of the condition of the machine before you bought it, and it should have been priced accordingly. I almost always expect there's some work when I take over an old machine; mainly cleaning, oiling, and more cleaning and oiling; belts, winder tyres, missing spool pins, missing plug, cord and pedal... Some models are well worth having in for service, and will sew rings around a cheap computersied model.