NZquilter

I agree here, Cari. That's the kind of deal I'm waiting for too.

mac

I had 5 FW machines, I am not bragging, just saying that I have tried several different years of FWs. I asked a sewing machine repairman, that specialized in repairing them, if there were any differences in the machines and he said that the oldest machines didn't sew as well as mid-century ones. I guess they got better as they made more of them.

The oldest one I had was made in 1936 and newest one was made for the bi-centennial. I have to say that each of the 5 machines all had their little quirks, but mainly they all sewed about the same. Love them all. The 1936 machine sewed a lot faster than anyone of my other ones. The machine repairman said, "Well, she isn't as pretty, but she sure can fly." I would like to see all of us fly as fast as she did at 82 years of age!

Funny thing about getting all of my FWs, I looked and looked for years for one and could never find one like my friends did at garage sales for $25. Finally, I decided to get one off of EBay for a Christmas present for myself. I looked and compared and finally decided to bid on one, when I went back to the website for the machine, all of the pictures were gone. The storms back East were really bad and the seller said that the website for her machine went down, but the pictures should be back up before the bidding started. Well, it didn't and I was the only one bidding. Needless to say that I got it for only $225, including shipping. I felt it was a steal. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine.

After that one came into my life, suddenly the other machines kept popping up and for way, way less money, so I had to buy them. How could you not? I keep one in my car all of the time and take it to classes every week, gave one to a dear friend, one I use at home and the other two are just on standby. It is always nice to have an extra machine in case one of your machines breaks down.

Cari-in-Oly

The FW repairman who lives down the street from me says that the older ones sew better, so I guess it's just a matter of anyone's opinion. Mine is a '52 or a '55, I can't remember for sure, and while it sews fine, I'm sure it could be better if I gave it a full on spa day. It's just not high on my priority list. Someday though.

Cari

Daylesewblessed

I understand that the fewest ones made were the tan ones. The innards are more like the black FW's, but the outside shape of the machine looks more like the later white/celery green/pale turquoise ones.

I do not know much about the variation in motor power, but I do know that the controller/foot pedal can be adjusted. I had a machine that one speed - perfect for teaching kids (this is, slow speed). After adjusting the foot pedal per Carmen's tutorial, it now runs much faster.

Also, concerning faceplates, be aware that the scroll style and the striated ones are interchangeable, as far as attaching to the machine goes. A repair person or anyone else for that matter could have changed one out. The serial number needs to be consulted for age of the machine.

Cari-in-Oly

The rarest FW isn't the tan one it's the crinkle finish one. There are around 4 different scroll plates, not sure if there's more than one striated plate, and no, they aren't all interchangeable. A couple of them have just enough of a difference that they can't be put on another machine.

Cari

luvstoquilt

I have a 1946 black one that I have had for a couple of years. I love her and her name is Agnes. I have now added a 1941 that has been professionally painted RED. It has all of the labels and it is simply beautiful. I wanted a 1941 because it is the same year as me! Her name is Ruby and I am thrilled with her. I thought I would sell Agnes but I have found I simply can't part with her.

cashs_mom

Ooooh, I"m so jealous! I want to find another FW and have it painted lime green. I know I could never part with the one I have now and it's such a beauty I couldn't bear to repaint it, but someday . . .