I have already replied but agree with jeenb's comment about DH saying enough! He still keeps finding and buying me machines so even though he grumbles about space, I'm guessing I haven't reached max capacity. I have close to 40 machines by my reckoning because we have bought 4 over the last 2 weeks. I am going to rehome a couple of them once they're cleaned oiled and ready to go again.
Chris

I can understand collecting the small machines for display because they are so cute. I cannot understand collecting regular size sewing machines unless
the reason would be to clean/repair them for resale. I surely am in the minority with my thoughts.

I do use most of mine that are cleaned and running but have been attempting to rehome some because I cannot sew on all of them at the same time and I have others that need work but no space available because others are in the way. I do use mine as decorative tables BUT no plants on any of them.
Chris

I had one of my friends ask me, "Why?" I told her "Because I LIKE them." She came back with, "I know, and they're neat looking, but WHY do you need more than one?"

They're all different. I don't have more than one of any model. I haven't yet run us out of house and home...they all work and I enjoy deciding which one to use for different projects.

Same here. I don't have a duplicate of anything, even as a backup or for parts. To the best of my knowledge every machine I have is in working order or only needs cleaning/oiling to run except I need to rewire the plug on my vintage White. Since acquiring my treadles, however, I think I'm more interested in those than the vintage ones from the 60s and 70s with a handful of exceptions.

Charlee, I have several duplicates but I'm like you. One of my duplicates is 2 FWs and I have 3 201's because DH likes the way they look. :D I enjoy seeing what they do and I do rehome them to people who need them or the local animal clinic auction to raise money for them.

My Singer full sized and 3/4 sewing machines……………………
Singer (model 66 treadle-Redeye) #G0796869 ……………free
Singer (model 66 treadle-Redeye) #G8475001 ….…….$25
Singer (model 66)#AB871300 (blk treadle)
Singer (model 66-18?) #AF850108 (blk crinkle paint, treadleconverted to elect.)
Singer 15-91? #AL335045………………$15
Singer 201 #AH038251…………………$15
Singer, model 752.27, #15335703 (BLK crinkle)(portable)……….$5
Singer FW 221 #AF381054……………$150@auction (portable)
Singer FW 221 #AK592471……………$90@auction (centennialbadge) (portable)
Singer FW 221- #AL704042 ………………free (portable w/orginal case)
Singer 99K #EM360563 (portable)……….free

My full sized and 3/4 sewingmachines……………………
Necchi BU (made in Italy) #U132395……………$10
Necchi Lelia 510 (made in Italy) #510 0128475..........$7.50
Elna Supermatic (made in Switzerland) # …………$20
Bernina 614 (made in Portugal) #6AA1612 ….….$20
Pfaff 130 (made in Germany) #4 599 038…………..$25
Adler (made in Western Germany) #5 6 2 32………..$10
Modern Deluxe #SA33942(portable)…………$5
Western Electric (portable)…………$7.50
Spartan #EN835664 (portable)……….$5
Diplomat Deluxe (made in Japan) #SK103606 (portable)……….$5
NEW lightrunning HOME (portable) model 103, #JA-47 37944…....$5
Sewmor 770 (made in Japan) #YZ 77 3292……..$20
American Beauty (made in Japan) (portable) #JA18 Z192412 ……….free
Minnesota Model B (treadle)…………………free
New Elgin #AAE 61716 …………$20

I made the mistake of answering my mother yesterday when she asked how many machines I had now. I was sitting next to my husband and he said "7 or 8" at the same time I said "15" and I got a surprised look from him. But I counted them off and he knew about all of them. One is now gone, one is a parts machine, and 3 more likely to go by the time we move early next year. I think 10 is a good number.

One would have to understand and appreciate the beauty in design and wonderful mechanics of these machines to understand and appreciate the 'why'. And this is a fairly inexpensive item to collect. That doesn't even address the community of wonderful, giving people who also collect these vintage sewing machines and are willing to give their time, energy and help you take apart, fix, repair and/or how to use your machine. With all of these collectors, many vintage machines with tons of useful hours left in them, still will get trashed in the dump or used as boat anchors. Sew, many of us consider ourselves collector/rescuerers! :D
:D:D