Advice needed
 

I've been looking at this ad for a Singer. The description states "Singer Sewing Machine for sale, with carrying case. Excellent working order!"

I dont know what model this machine is but I know many of you would.

So, what model is it and, if you've had experience with one, did/do you like it? Would you buy it again?

Thanks,
Karen

It's a 306, and some have taken it on and has it as their main machine. Others prefer searching down the later 400 number models like a 401. I'm sure members here on QB will give you first hand info on it. At the right price I would buy one with out hesitating. Originally it took needle system 206x13 and it will be damaged by any other needle unless the needle arm is adjusted for a 15x1. I don't really like the case it's place in and I think it's missing a spool pin, but it will not harm the machine in any way. Ask the owner for a stitch sample if you want to use it as soon as possible with out too much repair and fixup. I wonder what happened to the original casing ;- )

Thanks, Mickey. My go-to machine is a 401a but this looks totally different!

I've already got six machines and one in transit. In addition, a friend who is visiting asked if I wanted her machine. (Um, yeah!)

The asking price for this is $50 Canadian.

Decisions decisions.

My favorite is a 201 and it's my go to machine for anyting but zigzagging. I have a freearm zigzagger with lots of stitches on the side, it has to be something neat or interesting for me to get yet another machine. I have 5 so far.

Good point! Thanks for your input.

With all the interesting and unique machines out there, this one would not be one of my choices. It's kind of an oddball, with unique needle requirements - kind of a transition between the black cast iron machines and the later aluminum machines. Some of those in this group do zig-zag, take cams and drop feed dogs. Check what capabilities it has and decide from there.

Make an offer at a price you can recoup your investment if you don't like it. If you like it, you're in great shape. If you don't, you can always sell it if you don't pay too much. Remember, though, there's no great demand for old Singers, at least in my home town.

bkay

The 306 is cast aluminium, the 206 is cast iron. The only iffy thing about them is the needle, the selection is limited to two-three sizes, but as mentioned I think it can be adjusted for a 15x1 needle. They do this with the 319 and 320, which are related models. The advantage and disadvantage on these modles might be the vertical set bobbin case, it's not as easy as horizontal class 66 machine, but it can have an advantage with tension and free motion. It takes twin needles. I still have an eye out for a Berina 117, and I have to be a bit choosy. I have also noticed a 66 in a particular cabinet :- | This never ends...

I have a 319, which is a close relative of this machine. You can modify the bobbin case fairly easily to accommodate a standard 15x1 needle; or if you sew straight-stitch only you can also get away with using a 15x1 - it only causes problems on the stitches that require the needle to swing back and forth. I believe that replacement bobbin cases aren't hard to find, so one could probably even keep the original case in original condition and buy a replacement to modify.

I'm not a huge fan of how cams go onto these machines (kind of a hassle), and I've heard of people with long hair getting caught up in the cam as it turns. These take flat cams, which are a lot harder to find for a reasonable price than the more common 'top hat' cams.

Other than those issues, I like my 319; it sews just fine. I opted not to modify mine and have tracked down some 206x13 needles for it, but it's not my main machine or I probably would get a modified bobbin case for it. Mostly I keep it around for its looks and because it's such a strange machine. (The 319 has these odd levers for switching stitch patterns...very steampunk & funky - love it.)

Thanks to everyone for their input. I think I'll pass on this one. I'm always on the lookout for interesting machines and this doesn't quite fit the bill. That said, it's been for sale for a few months and if the drop the price enough, who knows! Lol

i walked away from a Singer 128 yesterday. I found it in an antique shop (enough said?) under a dresser. It was filthy and wouldn't sew. With the shop keepers permission I tinkered around with it until it was sewing - not purring along, but sewing. They wanted way too much money for it. The shop owner kept pressuring me to take it home and try it out. I'm sure she was hoping to get a fully cleaned and smoothly running machine back! I disappointed her. I'm not sorry about the time I spent working on it though; hopefully she'll find a good home.

Any of these machines are worth $50 (both Canadian or US), but take into account extra costs, a box of accessories and a suitable base and casing will add up. I happily spend time and money on a machine I plan to use and keep, but I hesitate more on the challenging ones, with lots of rust or missing parts.