ArchaicArcane

The 301, the 401/403/411/431/500/503 machines I've had here have all had the fiber gear as well.

As far as durability, I've read here that an OSMG on another list has said he's never seen a fiber gear break... but.... as Steve mentions it's a mechanical "fuse". I've always been concerned about those 60 odd year old gears, which is why I've always told people that the 15-90 is pretty much as beefy without the potential self-destruct button. If it runs into a problem, the belt will slip. If the 15-91 runs into trouble, the potential is there for the gear to break, and they're not easily available. I think I found one source at some point...

In practice, I've pierced as much or more with the 15-90 as the 15-91. I had a guy bring me some old hard naughahyde to try sewing and the 15-90 actually did it better than the 15-91.

Realistically, for most of our uses, the main benefit of the potted motor is the lack of intrusion into the harp area.

They sure could have put some more energy into quieting down that hook mechanism instead

vmaniqui

I m rewiring a potted motor. Now I will see what that fiber gear is. There is a 15-90 for sale here for $45. Hmm I thunk I should check it out.

oldsewnsew

If I'm not mistaken, the reason you don't see broken gears on 15-91 and 201-2(& other Singers?) is because it has a spring to absorb shock...

GreyQ

I just saw a Singer 222 listed for $1100 on the Minneapolis CL. Even for a free that seems pricey.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...286760845.html
Same person has a 221 for $300.

ArchaicArcane

That's possible. There is a spring mechanism in all of them. You can see it at work when you press then release the pedal. I've watched it and thought it looked like a good safety, but it still seems to me that 60 years on, things get weaker (springs included) and stuff can happen that wasn't as much of an issue before. That said, if no one sees them break, maybe that's why replacements aren't readily available.

I think it sounds like a good deal, depending on what it comes with, case, etc.
I FMQed my first quilt on the 15-90, so I have a soft spot. For the machine, not the quilt. The quilt was awful

There are 222s that are probably worth that, but that's probably not one of them. The ones with the Red S badge and all the accessories, including the manual (which goes for more than $100 on eBay - yes, actually sells for that.) in a 8-9-10 condition should go for that in a heart beat. That said, they're harder to find in the US, and that drives the price up.

http://singer-featherweight.class221...-rating-scale/

http://singerfeatherweight221.blogsp...g-machine.html


I'm also surprised to see that faceplate on it. You don't usually see that plate on post 1950s machines and hence no 222s. I wonder if it was snagged from a 221.

http://singer-featherweight.class221...-dating-table/

SteveH

I hope someone can get this..... Just not in my budget right now...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/atq/4266647769.html

oldsewnsew

thats a beauty and at a reasonable price IMO. Glad I don't live closer to it! "Careful what you look for, you might find it"

manicmike

This one's so rare it's probably not outrageously over-priced, but I had to post the link because it's so beautiful.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SINGER-12...-/151208675201

SteveH

not unreasonable at all

wilburness

OH MY GOSH. that is a beautiful SM, Mike. beautiful MOP. Thanks for sharing.