Does anyone know which Singer this is... or anything about it?
 

At first I thought it might be a 301 (same handle on top), but the round switch in the center completely throws me. Other things about it look strange to me too. I don't think I've ever seen this model before. Anyone know anything about it?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]570131[/ATTACH]

Sorry, I can't help. I know nothing about any old machines!

Do you have a model & serial #? Sometimes there is a plate on the machine (in the back or on the bottom) that gives that info. Maybe we could find it from that information.

I think I found it... Singer 319. Is this a good'un or a baddun?

Good,but I believe it takes a non-standard needle.

Some sewing machine geeks like to have one. It was Singer's first zig-zag machine, as I understand it. Those keys on the end are used to change the pattern. The black ones are more desirable than the green ones.

They do take a non-standard needle, but they aren't hard to find or particularly expensive. They are available on ebay and on some sewing machine parts sites.

I decided that I wasn't a good enough geek to deal with something that complicated, so I passed mine on.

They machines don't bring very much money, either.

bkay

It's not everybody's favorite, but it has to be a good one because I know of several who has the 319 as their favorite go to machine. It can be a bit more work to fix up a swing arm zigzagger than an old straight stitcher, especially DIY, but it's well within reach. Originally it took needle system 206x13 (easily ordered from the web) and even twin needle; some are converted to standard 130/705 needle.

You might have to make and effort when cleaning and lubricating it, there's lots of oil points, gears, levers and knobs, but with a few days of oiling, cleaning and test sewing it usually turns and shifts very well. I think the Vintage Singer Yahoo group has a couple of members who use this machine. There's some general info on this site.

Thanks for the info, everybody... and for that link, Mickey2. I've found one locally in a cabinet and the current auction price is $12.50. Tempting, even if I do need another machine like a hole in the head. :D

Without the holes in your head you could neither hear, see or breathe........

Ha! Should have said 'another' hole in the head.

Or... are you trying to talk me into buying this machine?