Singer 316?
 

I found a Singer 316G at a thrift shop, and was wondering if any of you have any experience with this model. Specifically, does it take weird needles/bobbins? I assumed it would be like the 206/306/319, especially since the needle in it was broken. However, this website http://dragonpoodle.blogspot.ca/2012...g-and-319.html says it uses standard class 15 bits. Can anyone confirm/deny?

Here's the machine in question:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]447462[/ATTACH]

It came with half a dozen cams, a bunch of feet, one bobbin case, an instruction manual (which included a page on how to mend a girdle - how informative!), and an exceptionally ugly cabinet. The motor is really quiet, which I liked, although it does make my plan to treadle it seem foolish. It has no light - there is an inch of bare cord with electrical tape on the end sticking out of the motor where the light used to connect. Would it be difficult to replace?

Here's the cabinet... I think it actually looks better in the picture than in real life.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]447463[/ATTACH]

Finally, I know people hate to discuss price, but if any of you have opinions, I'd like to hear them. They had it marked at $120, which I wouldn't even consider paying... do you think $60-80 is reasonable?

Thank you all; I look forward to hearing your input!

PS: I'll be going back for a test stitch later this week; I didn't have thread or needles with me when I found it.

I'd take that desk right now. lots of space.

Why wouldn't you even consider the asking price? It would already be home with me if I had found it first. I guess I don't understand why you don't think the asking price is reasonable for a what looks to be an almost new looking, rarer model vintage machine?

ISMACS don't mention the needle so it's probably a 15x1 (just says "Domestic flat cams"). I just Googled for it and found a lot of information at http://dragonpoodle.blogspot.com.au/...g-and-319.html
Yes 15x1 needles but you'll probably be upset when you see the missing light: It's rather good. You might find one though: It looks like one from an industrial.
Cheryl raves about this machine, so you might have to just buy it!

It looks like the 306 and 206 but the byte is not as complicated. You will know if you put in a normal needle and it doesn't sew. If it does take the same needles as the 206 and 306 just buy 100 at a time from a reputable needle place. When you do buy needles in bulk, look the needles over because you have a short return period. Use a magnifying glass and look to see that the shafts and eyes look straight. My sister got some cheap needles - they do not work and there is no return. The needles we got from Av*****h Su*****s from EBAY skip stitches, shred thread, break thread or do not insert into any machine I own because the shafts are not straight. Buyer beware. We will be using them for paper punching I guess. That is a LOT of paper punching. These were suppose to be normal needles.

If that machine has a buggared up bobbin case someone may have tried to use the wrong needle. You will see lots of needle scars. If it does not sew with a normal needle it may need the same needles as the 206/306/319. Those machines are very nice machines and well worth the money. Here is a link to info on them: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...c-t162425.html If it is the same as the 206/306/319 and sews with a regular needle has it been modified? Do a bit of home work about the needles and be sure but know that the other machines are good - this could become your new go to machine.

The Singer 316G was made in the Karlsruhe Germany in the 1960s. They’re a different breed of machine from the 206, 306, & 319 series of machines, and don’t use the 206x13 needle system. I have a 1960 Singer 216G zigzag treadle that was an earlier model to the 316G, also made in Karlsruhe. It takes 15x1 needles and class 15 bobbins. My machine is missing the bight lever stops that control the zigzag, so I’m probably going to have to make something to replace them.

That 316G could be treadled, and would sure look nice setting next to my wife’s Singer 401A and 301A machines of the same color. And unlike the 206-series machines, the motor boss on my 216G accepts a Singer hand crank. The treadle that mine came out in is a cross between a coffin-top treadle and an industrial stand. The top is 18 inches by 36 inches and has no extension leaves.

CD in Oklahoma

Interesting. I've never seen either of those before.

If you don't buy it I'll find out where it is in BC and buy it myself.....