Singer 206/306/319 -- opinions?
 

To swing or not to swing. There is considerable debate re. this series of machines and whether they're worthwhile. Prices are all over the map. Most collectors I've met online have at least one, yet they're reviled.

My take:

They appear to be a reluctant response to Japanese and German zig-zag machines entering the American market in large numbers after WWII. They may be based upon Pfaff designs, though I've never seen incontrovertible evidence.

They're a little noisy. They're underpowered. The needle (206x13) is more rare than most, is becoming expensive, and is now only available in 2 sizes. You must lift the head to access the bobbin area. The bobbin faces forward but the plate is oriented leftward. Clearance beneath the foot is relatively low.

And I love them. I have a 306K and a 319W and may soon be adding a couple more machines. They're some of the coolest-looking machines Singer ever built. They stitch beautifully. They have needle position adjustment and a very smooth and precise width adjustment. The hand wheels are large and far enough away from the machine body. The 306 and 319 have an integrated fold-down handle (not sure about the 206). They're relatively light. They're smooth. The cams (306/319 only) are attached on the front behind a large, very easily accessed knob that screws on/off; watching the cam turn and the following arm move is a pleasure.

Verdict: Odd but loveable. The Saab of sewing machines.

What do you think?

Pic please. I'd live to see one.

Here are mine:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=494545&stc=1http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=494546&stc=1

The bobbin cases (which I think they're different for each model) can be modified so these machines can safely take the normal domestic needle (15x1). I had an OSMG do it so I could use any needle on my 320K2. Schmetz only make size 12 and 14 in the 206x13 now. Using the slightly longer 15x1 is also quieter because of the smaller angle the needle makes with the fabric. Use of 15x1 in a machine with unmodified bobbin case will cause the needle to hit the case during zig-zag stitching.

A few things I know about this series:
The 320K2 is the ultimate in this series and is a free arm version of the 319. A brown version of the 320K was made (320K23, I think), and it's a free arm 306. Both machines lack a droppable feed dog.
At least one model of 306 has no ability to use cams (306K22).
Only the 206 is cast iron. The one I have (light industrial model, 206K10) is enormously heavy and also doesn't do cams.
From what I've seen and heard (Great White has also mentioned this) it's common for the hook timing to be out. Either because some person has decided this is the best way to allow 15x1 needles to be used or because they've been used to sew heavy canvas. When the timing isn't factory standard they don't stitch well at all. Luckily it's easy to change them back.

I have a soft spot for them because my first sewing machine since starting this hobby was a 319K. Beautiful machine and could do practically anything. They do embroidery really nicely too.

As nice as they are, none of them do as good a straight stitch as a good old bulletproof 201.

Here's my 320K2:

Mike, that is a beauty, especially the arm. And the stand is beautiful, too. Wow! Another for the list.

I wasn't aware of the 306K22. I looked it up and found pics of a two-tone tan/brown one. Very nice.

I've seen two versions of the 206K, the most noticeable difference is the width assembly. This is the one that is reputedly most similar to Pfaff machines but I've not seen an explanation.

One of the series is on my want list. The 320 would be ideal, next either the 319 or a 206. the 206 since it's the first Singer domestic zigzag machine the 319 or 320 because I think the typewriter key stitch selector is cool. I like the 306 too, I just like the others more. I was surprised by how sturdy these machines look in person. They could be mistaken for an industrial model easily. I also love the wood base that the 320s have. Beautiful machines guys.
Rodney

That was actually my first 320K2. I bought another a few months ago because it had everything completely intact. Unfortunately the seller "packed" it by wrapping a bit of cardboard around the case and had everything loose inside (it wasn't all intact when I got it).
For some reason there seems to be a rush on particular machines at any time here. About a month ago it was 222Ks (about four appeared within a week for around $200 each) and a few months ago it was 320Ks (again, about four of them, all very cheap). Never see just one of them for some bizarre reason.
Here's my 206K10:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=494576&stc=1
And the new 320K2:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=494577&stc=1
It certainly looks a lot like the other one. The differences were really minimal but I just couldn't help it. She was very reasonably priced. I remember now what the main difference is: The feed dog doesn't drop so for sewing on buttons, a unique darning cover plate is necessary and this one came with it. I took this pic about 5 minutes ago (she lives in the lounge room, being the main machine).

Those are nice looking machines.

I am always surprised at which machines I like. For instance, I have never bonded with my 201. I was SO excited to get it because I'd heard it was the bee's knees. Not so much.

But, I Love my green 319W. In fact, it has been my go-to machine for months now. It sits in a 7 drawer treadle in my kitchen and I do a bit of stitching whenever the mood hits me. A few days ago I did a sampler using the cams and had a grand time. I just like it for some reason. And, those typewriter keys are a great look.

I don't find it to be noisy at all. (But, I'm treadling her, remember.) And, mine takes the normal 15X1 needles and seems to do fine. The bobbin case has a half moon cutout in it so that might be why mine is fine. I was told by my friend that I may have problems using that longer needle if I work on very heavy fabrics. I did do one layer of felt with no problems but normally I just do quilting cottons so I think I will be just fine.

I'm not seeing the pics. Re-post?

So when it rains, it pours, eh? I may be getting yet another 306K and my first 206K, just not sure yet. But a 320 is definitely on my want list. Talk about a gorgeous machine. I like the chunky, utilitarian look. The German singers are a similar style: rounded corners and thick columns, toothy knobs, large wheels. Great paint, too.

We don't get too many 15-125s around here, either. Another on my want list.