Graybar machine
 

Anyone know anything about this machine? Just saw it at local rehab store. The cabinet is in good shape and there are attachments and the manual. It has a shuttle bobbin and the case is present. It apparently runs on friction with the motor mount that is spring loaded and presses on drive wheel (forgot the proper term). This is a 3/4 size machine similar to the singer 99. They are asking $75 for and they don't negotiate so that will be the price.

I wouldn't recommend it. This Graybar is very much different than a Singer 99 as it uses a shuttle and long bobbin which should be under the sliding plates on the bed. Often this shuttle and bobbin is missing and tough to find. If you love the machine and decide to purchase make certain this part is present, the cockeyed upper tension is all there, and motor and wiring is good. Graybar is made by National SMCo and uses a 20x1 needle which is non standard. This would would be more of an intermediate collector /user machine IMHO. Tough to beat Singer when first getting started and go from there,

Jon

Graybar is very old electrical wholesale company - still in business. At one time they dealt in appliances and other odds and ends. We had a business back in the 70s and early 80s and they were one of our clients. By that time they were closing out of any kind of appliances and just doing the electrical. It might be fun to collect old Graybar appliances.

This is a National made machine. I have two quite similar - one is branded for Wards (Brunswick). It's not that hard to find shuttles, bobbins, needles or attachments - but they are all vintage as no one is making new ones for them.

This is probably the next easiest to find after Singer and the Singer type machines. But you will cry every time you break a needle as you can expect to pay about $3 each.

or $1 ea if you search out the right vendor on ebay... :wave::wave: (not me)

On some machines you can short seat a 15x1 and it will sew just fine. My New Home AB is like that. I do have some 20x1 needles, but I rarely use the machines I have that take them. It's just not worth the effort to hunt them down.

Jim, you care to share the dealer on eBay that has them?

Joe

Jsmrepair. QB'er ;-)

Now the whole world knows and they'll run out!! :-(