How is the Singer 500?
12-01-2020, 08:22 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 12
How is the Singer 500?
I've been eyeing the Rocketeer for a few years now. I was wondering how it stacks up with the Badged Japanese ZigZags. I have a Universal ZigZag with the automatic Buttonhole option. I was wondering if it might be a good upgrade for an "all in one" (as I can't really afford the space for 2 machines). Outside of not being limited to left homing and fancy stitches, is there much of a sewing difference between the Singer and the Universal? I don't have too much experience on different machines. I've only ever really used the Universal ZigZag and my mom's Riccar 2600 Super Stretch.
12-01-2020, 12:38 PM
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 822
I have a 503, a Rocketeer without the built in patterns, and have cleaned up a few Japanese ZZ machines. The ZZ machines are much heavier and therefore give the illusion of being more solid. I found that they were much noisier when operating and vibrated more, but were faster than my Rocketeer. My ZZs had external, more powerful (I think) belt drive motors, the Rocketeer has an internal motor which can be much harder to fix or replace if it gives you problems. If I have a bigger sewing project though I use the Rocketeer, but have not used it for more than straight stitching or zig zagging.
The real solution though is to make room for 2 machines!
The real solution though is to make room for 2 machines!
12-01-2020, 02:14 PM
#3
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Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by JoeJr
I have a 503, a Rocketeer without the built in patterns, and have cleaned up a few Japanese ZZ machines. The ZZ machines are much heavier and therefore give the illusion of being more solid. I found that they were much noisier when operating and vibrated more, but were faster than my Rocketeer. My ZZs had external, more powerful (I think) belt drive motors, the Rocketeer has an internal motor which can be much harder to fix or replace if it gives you problems. If I have a bigger sewing project though I use the Rocketeer, but have not used it for more than straight stitching or zig zagging.
The real solution though is to make room for 2 machines!
The real solution though is to make room for 2 machines!
I agree, the Japanese ZigZag is a monster. There's a 1.5amp that drives that steamroller. My Mom's old Riccar felt more like a swiss watch finessing its way through stitches. Going between the two is like Tazmanian Devil ripping through stitches and a Prima Ballerina dancing across the fabric.
12-01-2020, 03:36 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: South of St Louis
Posts: 822
I think you're going to get more finesse from the Rocketeer than a JZZ machine, I have used mine mostly for straight stitching and it's been just fine, but on multiple layers of material. If you get one, look for a straight stitch foot and straight stitch cover plate.
12-12-2020, 11:52 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 90
I have several 500's, a 503, and some 401's. All are great machines and I think are some of the best machines Singer ever made.
My 500 is my main go to machine for everything. You don't need a cabinet or case for one. They were made to run on tabletop also. The 500 motor is actually very easy to service or overhaul. Even if they are frozen up you can fix them.
I always pick them up at thrift stores and garage sales because they sell well. They will last forever and are easy to get parts for.
My 500 is my main go to machine for everything. You don't need a cabinet or case for one. They were made to run on tabletop also. The 500 motor is actually very easy to service or overhaul. Even if they are frozen up you can fix them.
I always pick them up at thrift stores and garage sales because they sell well. They will last forever and are easy to get parts for.
