rocketeer
 

Is there a difference between a 503 A and a 503J?
Just saw a 503 J in Ebay that made me want to take it home. What would be a fair price for refurbished?

Letter indicates location of manufacturer. Check here: { http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_...ist/index.html }.
I'm afraid I can't help with the prices as there is just too many variables.

Joe

Like Joe said , A indicated Anderson (I believe it's North Carolina, USA ) J is St. Johns, Canada.

I don't think there is much difference among the North American made machines.

thanks!
Would this be considered a heavy duty machine, i want to use it for straps and webbing with tex 90 thread

It's a domestic that is on the strong side, but not heavy duty or industrial strength. How the 500a would work depends on the thickness of the straps and what you are attaching them to too.

Joe

I wouldn't use it as a heavy machine for it's every day use. It wasn't designed for industrial work. Once in a while throwing something at it like that would probably be o.k. but an industrial machine would be a better fit if this is something you consistently need it for.

The J model (I have one) has something written on it (a sticker) about "special" features under Canadian Patents. I have no idea what the features are... I can't see anything different on it, but I haven't had an A here to compare it.

Tammi,

We could always do a comparison thread. You post pics of yours, then I ( or someone else ) could post pics from the same angle of the "A" version. Might find something out. :)

Joe

Rocketeers are heavy -- shipping would be expensive.

If memory serves, 500 series are drop in bobbins. I've found vertical bobbins work better for heavy threads. I agree with others, domestic machines are not intended for constant strapping. Shhh.. (I do it quite often with one of my 15s and it performs marvelously. But, don't let anyone know.)