Elna Supermatic - a keeper?
 

Today I found an Elna Supermatic 722010 offered by an elderly fellow who likes to casually tinker with sewing machines and clocks. He told me that he got it from an estate sale and never worked on one before but it runs and all parts are moving - has the green case (missing the handle), a bobbin, a regular foot, the knee bar and has 1 cam in place -cord looks good - no manual - it doesn't look like anything is missing. Sorry but I can't post a pic right now since DS has my camera - will try to do so tomorrow.

He asked $30 and said that I can bring it back this week if I am unhappy and think it will be too much for me to clean up and use.

I am not familiar with these and definitely feel out of my element here but I did get it and thought that I would investigate further. I like the green colour and it's industrial look. The machine finish is good with very few chips. The case has some rust but is in fair shape overall.

It does need a good general cleaning and is very loud when it runs. Are they really noisey?

From what I read, I guess it probably needs a new friction pulley. The cam is held tightly in place and I can not unscrew it to remove it - did set all dials to "0" but the screw won't budge and I didn't want to force it too much - read it is made of bakelite and I don't want to break it.

Comments?? Is this a keeper?? Good price? I checked online prices and there is a big range from $25 - $300.
I have read some good comments about them but I'm not sure if I'm over my head with this one so any info is appreciated as I couldn't find much online other than machines for sale.

Are the parts expensive? Is it hard to get accessories, manual and cams? - would like to find a replacement handle for sure if I keep it.

I'm really undecided on this one and wondering if it's a project that I want to undertake. I know that if I was looking for one and if it was on my "wanted" list I would be thrilled with the find but I really don't know much about them. Thanks for your help :)

I'd keep it if it were me.

Your Green Girl!!
 

KEEP IT, KEEP IT!!!!!

The rumbling noise it the friction pulley. I have two Green Girls, and I have recently become Self-Declared Master of Replacing Friction Pulleys.

I am going to PM you. I can help you with all of it. YAY!!!! Cecilia knows how do do something besides ask questions!!! LOL. ;-)

I have to admit they're just not my favorite vintage machine. Cute, but a lot of effort to get back to running correctly. Pulleys are not cheap and can cost as much as the machine. You have to store it with the pulley disengaged or it will get a flat spot again. And IMO they vibrate a lot. Plus, I'm not a big fan of the knee lever/control for the speed. They just don't seem to suit my sewing needs. I've had three and have sold one, am planning on selling one and just keeping one for the cuteness and kind-of-cool factor. I much prefer other Elnas like the 62C or Carina air electronics, and Lotus machines for actual sewing and projects. They also are very specific and picky about bobbins. They won't take the generic bobbins available now so only the German made ones or vintage bobbins. Eh, just not a machine I love. For $30 it's a keeper, but you may just not use it as much as you had planned. Replacing the pulley will cost you as much as the machine. Just for the part and if you do it yourself.

Thanks for the info! :) I had a good day yesterday searching around and 2 other machines almost followed me home but my space is really limited. I like to use my machines but was really unsure about this one especially after I read a bit more online and it does seem more finicky.
Cecilia - I would love to learn more about it from you - thank you!

Again, any info or sources that you have to offer is greatly appreciated :)

If you want to know the cost of parts, then just Google the machine make and model number!

I just saw a couple on E-bay, one for $39. and 2 for $200 and $250 I would go for it after checking prices for parts would be a consideration but you've got the machine and that would be a large shipping cost. I would go for it.

Never been able to figure out if my Elna is considered an Elnamatic or not. It is gray, not green, has the free-arm, cover of the metal case is the table that slides around the free-arm . Bought it new in 1964. Sewed on it only for about 40 yrs. Never was in a shop, never gave me one bit of trouble. I have always cleaned and oiled it myself. It has about 10 cams. When I need a workhorse that I know won't get discombobulated with a heavy load, out she comes and is ready for anything. Anyone know what model this machine of mine really is? Instruction book was minimal and there never was any model mentioned.

Yooper, can you post a photo? Particularly the side, the motor; the writing on the motor may say. If it says 722010, then that's the stuff! :-) Pictures, pictures, make us drool...