My fw is my go to machine. They sew so gooood! I love mine. Once you get one it might be your go to machine. You won't believe how well they do. I did spend a little to much for mine. It cost me $350. But I would pay it all over again. It was well maintained and kept up on the tuning. I just love mine!!!

I bought mine on eBay for about $200, it's got a lot of use-marks, but no abuse-marks. I specifically wanted one that showed some wear because I knew I'd be paranoid about using one in pristine condition and I also think that a well-worn (but not abused) machine sews better than one that was rarely used. So that might be a consideration - will you actually USE it, if it's perfect?

I keep mine boxed up in its case - I never use it at home. Instead, it's ready to go out the door with me! A FW fits on an ironing board very well and is light enough not to collapse it on you - I'm really good at setting up a sewing station in a hotel room these days! I'm not quite brave enough to risk it on a plane, though. (I travel for work several times a year and LOVE having my FW waiting for me in my room. Makes me feel at home!)

Really...if you want it and can afford it, why not? I think in "entertainment worth" - will you get $200 or $300 worth of entertainment out of the machine? If yes - go for it! If not...well, maybe you keep it a year and then sell it for about what you paid for it...would you get enough entertainment out of it to make THAT worth while?

If you do buy it, go get yourself an LED bulb for it right away. I postponed and gave myself a lovely little brand on the back of my hand before I made the switch!

I don't have a feather weight machine but would love one. Some machines are so heavy, carry in a truck and you would have it made. Either way, sewing is great. It does keep me out of trouble. (sometimes).

I have three FWs. Fortunately I did not have to pay for any one of them. My mom's, my mother-in-law's and a dear friend's were all gifted to me. I use them all, routinely alternating them to my sewing table. Three is a very good number! And no, I'm sorry...not for sale. I could not imagine life without them.

I just HAD to have a FW and so I purchased one. Love how little it is (easy portability) and it just hums quietly. Sews great. The only downfalls (and the reason I never seem to use it) is that I really like the needle down option on the newer machines and I also really appreciate the needle threader. Sometimes it can take me forever to get the thread through the needle. So sadly, my FW basically sits in its case waiting for the day to come when I pull it out again.

I LOVE my FW!! The poor old thing is really sad looking because it was never used for show and tell but years of continuous use. The decals are badly worn and it's scratched, etc. but it's dependable and sews like a dream not to mention how incredibly light weight it is to move from place to place. How much you pay, I think, is dependent upon what you want out of it. Myself? I would probably buy the least expensive and spend the extra money to send it to Nova Montgomery (featherweight specialist) for any adjustments you feel it might need. You may be
surprised to find out it needs none.

I inherited my FW and I use it to mend, piece blocks, almost anything. I do not, however, try to quilt with it or use it on heavy fabrics like upholstery. I love it and my grands used to fight over who got to use it. It is my " go-to" MACHINE.

I can't think of one good reason NOT to buy a FW in good condition. They make the most delightful sound...it really is like a purr and most sew like a dream. Granted, it's just a straight sew machine, but one of the best if it is working right. Mine was a gift from a non-sewer. She just thought I would like it and I found out, upon a little research, that it was made in my birth year....1938....so I was doubly thrilled! I took it in to a repair person of good character and had it pronounced well and ready to go. Go for it, Lady, you won't be disappointed if you know what you are getting.....

I'm probably not the guy to ask this question to. I have 6 of them and I love them all. But I have a small collecting problem as well... I have 5 301s, a 401, a 500, 2 15-91's, a 201-2, 2 66's and a 99... and that's just the Singers. I outfitted the classroom for a guild event in June with 30 vintage machines, the newest from 1958 and all straight stitchers. A few of the guild members had a bit of trouble sewing without all the gizmos on their modern computerized machines but we all had a great time.

Tom, I know what you mean by collecting the Singers. I too have a little collection going. I know own a fw and 2 99's. My only problem is that I haven't even tried the 99's. I really need to get on them and see how they work.