Singer Slant O Matic 503 , any info helpful
 

I'm thinking of getting a Singer Slant O Matic 503 (well, I wasn't really until I saw it on CL). Are they good and reliable old machines ? The one I saw looked almost in mint condition. I did read something (on another site) about the thread bird nesting and the person was having issues with threading. It was listed for $60. I think all the attachments were included. Does anyone have one, any problems ?? Any info will be helpful, Thanks

I have had a 503A since 1964 which I bought from the Singer Store in downtown Binghamton, NY. It was their machine used for sewing lessons and they were selling it to make room for the new models. I have loved this machine and will never part with it. It is rugged and sews like a charm. The only thing that went wrong is the release handle to disengage the needle so the bobbin could be wound froze up. My dear husband fixed it one day when he heard me complaining. I had to replace the bobbin winder rubber wheel. I would not hesitate to buy it.

I have one too. I love the way it sews and the way it looks also. Be aware that you will need cams to do anything except straight stitch, so be sure that at least the 0 cam is with the machine (that is the one you need to do zig-zag). It uses class 66 bobbins and black "top hat" cams. It is a gear driven motor, so no belts to fiddle with. It also is a slant shank machine, so you need the slant attachments. Hopefully all these things and a manual will come with the machine.

Pat

The 503 and the 403 are my favorite go to machines. I like them better than the 401 - if you have all the cams they do more than the 401 - you can select the stitch width and needle setting - right - center - left
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t160607.html I don't know if that will be of any use to you or not.
BTW - that is a good price

For FM I like the old Japanese 15s.

Thanks everyone for the info. I did purchase the machine today. I got it from the original owner. She said she got it for a high school graduation gift. It is quite heavy though. Took it home and took it apart, cleaned it and oiled and lubed it. It sews beautiful. It has everything including all the cams, original manual, original can of oil ($.30), a box of attachments (ruffler, zipper foot and a roller foot, etc.) plus the buttonholer. I do have one problem when doing anything but the straight stitch... I can't get it to make a wide zig zag and all the other stitches seem to be narrow. Maybe I'm doing something wrong ??? Not adjusting something correctly ??

There are two little pin thingys that are crudded up with oil - open the nose cover - then push on the needle bar - do you see where it goes side to side? That little pin needs some clean up. It probably has some sticky oil. Once you get that one clean, take off the top lid. Push on the needle bar again. Look next to the cam stack and under the rectangle thing - do you see another pin that goes side to side? Clean that out. You may need a solvent of some sort. I pack quilted cosmetic pads around to protect paint - be VERY careful if you have to use a solvent. You only need a drop or two though - the oil should evaporate - Then re-oil real good.

I have one of these and they are really strong and reliable. It's my 'go to' machine for things my other machines can't handle, like heavy jeans hems, etc. I recently had to sew some heavy lycra for a job, and it gummed up even my Bernina 830, skipping sts... But the 503 sewed it and looked good! It was the only one, out of several machines I have, that could sew that fabric. I love it.