Originally Posted by jan on 446

I am on the lookout for a good electric all metal machine. I am leaning towards Rocketeer, or maybe a Japan clone. Any suggestions? Yes, I know those are "true vintage" but they are built so much better. I do have two treadle machines in cabinets and haven't had the time to clean them up etc. One is a Singer H-15 (I think) and the other is a "the Free #5. Both sets of decals are in wonderful shape. I hope to be able to start working on them this summer.
Jan on 446

Originally Posted by jan on 446

I am looking at a Singer 66-14 model machine. I was wondering if any of you have an opinion on that model. What is it capable of doing, like more than straight stitch, are bobbins easily available, etc?
It comes with it's original cabinet for $100.
The owner said that it has a knee controller. Can it be changed to a foot pedal?
Thanks,
Jan on 446

Originally Posted by QuiltnCowgirl

Would I be crazy to not go grab this for $25? Even if for just a shelf ornament?
http://fresno.craigslist.org/atq/2399219869.html

Originally Posted by jljack

Hahahaha!!! You guys are hysterical!!! I could come up and join the group, too....only a 4 hour drive for me!! And my brother-in-law and wife life in Stockton. Maybe I could get DH to come up, too...he is a quilter and has interest in machinery. Although he still doesn't "get" my growing fascination with old machines!! :-)

Originally Posted by sew wishful

Is there a link to find the type of model 15 my friend has? We found how to date it and the model but there are model 15-91 and 15-99 and 15-66 right?? How can we tell what hers is?

Originally Posted by sew wishful

And also the link for manuals. She didn't get anything with her machine.

Originally Posted by incoming2me

I had posted my latest find the other day in the Pictures section..

a 1923 Singer 99 Hand Crank

...but now I have a question.

The face plate seems a bit grimy, I'd almost say it looks like nicotine film of some sort.. but there is no odor.
It's just a yellowish brown film.

I've read about non-pumice GoJo and OxyClean.
Are those just for the Black part or the face place/wheel/etc as well?

I just want to make sure I'm not going to do irreparable damage!

And.. Do you think the wheel is supposed to be more polished chrome-like or just metal?

I've not actually sewn anything on her yet - but she turns as smooth as silk and so quietly I am amazed!

This is one of my dream machines - found it last Thursday on Craigslist for $80. :)

Originally Posted by olebat

Well, I am up and walking, (slowly) but the 301 is still a little over an hour away. The other scores are 1 new treadle, two new cabinet machines and a portable, all still in the van, so I haven't gotten the numbers to run date checks. Two are a brand with which I am unfamiliar, made in Japan, and still old iron beauties. Now, I've just made arrangements with a seller another hour and a half from here for two treadle heads, to go into the two empty treadle bases I have. He'll be coming into town on the 6th, and will deliver, so I won't have hands on for them for a while either. The 4 machines cost a total of $140, and got a zillion attachments and Grist attachment kits, including button hole. The two heads are $50 for the pair.

Insurance does not cover the new machines, even though they were "hospital acquired affections."

Originally Posted by jan on 446

It's about a 5 hour round trip.
Jan