Sewing Machine Spreadsheet
 

I'm working on a sewing machine spreadsheet so I can keep track of all the little details of each machine. I'll share a blank copy of the spreadsheet if there's any interest.

Here's what I have so far.
- Brand (as printed on the machine)
- serial number
- model number
- purchase price
- Production Date
- Manufacturer
- Cabinet type (treadle or electric)
- Condition

Is there anything else you would like to see on this? Please comment below.

Scott

Favored brand of needles, threads? Any quirks? Mechanical problems? Date purchased, price? Need oiling and what brand or weight of oil?

In the interest of full disclosure, I do not have any vintage machines. I prefer brand new ones.

sue

I also include date of purchase and who (name and city/state/country of seller) I purchased it from. Initial repairs/parts to get the machine in working order are also tracked by the machine's serial number on my spreadsheet.

Some other things you may want to include:
If takes a flat shank needle which side is the flat side one?
Does it take a unique needle? e.g. 20x1, CC1221, 206x13
Is it a flat shank or round shank needle?
Is it a low shank, high shank, extra high shank, slant shank or top mount or other?
The belt size - for electric machines. (This may may also include some cleated belts - one would also need number of cleats)
What does this machine need to get in working condition?
What accessories could be added that are wanted? e.g. cams, straight needle plate, additional feet.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

I would love to have a copy of your spreadsheet, and I think Janey has some good suggestions, I have quite a number of vintage machines.

I have a spreadsheet for my machines, but it's more of a maintenance spreadsheet listing what was done, who did it (me or the OSMG) and other details. I only have 6 machines I use regularly and they aren't particularly picky about threads and things so I can usually remember those details.

Country of origin is fun.

My last count was 38 brands or badges.

Thanks for all the input everyone! I'll modify the spreadsheet and give you a screenshot when I'm done.

While I do not have any experience with newer electric machines, a lot of the input can apply to treadles or those changed to electric.

Scott

I made a sheet for my Singer 301's (I currently have seven) so I could remember where I got them and how much. Detail on their color, decals, long or short bed and one or two cords.

I also want to have a bit of information on the machine itself. Such as the condition of any decals or defects on the machine noticeable to the naked eye. I want to know if the paint is damaged or any noticeable bumps of bangs.

Okay, you're going to have to seriously educate me on the needles.

Flat shank sides, no idea what you mean in terms of which side. Do you mean how it fits into the machine?

The shank height types, is there a diagram of the differences? Guess I could also use a list of needle types.

I'm hoping to dredge up my archaic Excel skills and make some of these into pull down menus for ease of use.

Scott

Most modern domestic machine needles have a flat shank. The flat can go on the right, left or even the back side. The 66 has the flat on the right and the 221 has it on the left.

There are many sites that have information about the different needle systems. This link is basically for early needles and has a link for a pdf that is searchable. http://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/i...edle-list.html and they also link to http://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/i...edle-list.html

Here is a link that tells about "some" of the presser feet shanks http://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/shank.html
There are other sites on the web that tell the difference between low, high and slant shank feet. The top clamp feet is a whole 'nuther ball of wax.' The really early machines were different still.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

Yea, one of my very early machines has a needle that is a bit curved..