I just bought a vintage 50's Morse machine. It not only looks cool, but sews like a dream. It has buttons on the front to push for the feed dog position. I also have a Janome 10001. The automatic needle threader worked for about a month, and hasn't worked since, even after several trips to the shop. It does have the needle down feature and I like that and it embroiders beautifully. I use my grandmother's 1919 Singer treadle for tough stuff. It will be working long after I'm dead and gone. For tough stuff, go vintage!

I wouldn't trade my Singer 66, or 99 for anything. I use them for piecing, and FMQ. The feed dogs don't drop, but I'm okay with it. The only thing that I have a problem with is not having the zig zag for applique. I have a Singer 237 forthat.. That is also a work horse. i didn't pay much for any of them. I've been using all of them for years. I don't think I would deal well with a new machine. They look too fragile

well not my choice for them, prices are bad everywhere to rent

I say buy the best you can afford. I LOVE my Bernina 530 with all it's bells and whistles. I also love my Janome 6500 and 6600 with their computerized features. I know that I do a better job of quilting with these over my many vintage sewing machines. I have had NO trouble with them, so do not believe that all "plastic" machines are nothing but trouble....NOT true.

When I have to do really heavy sewing I use my 1960s-70s era Kenmore. These machines are beasts! And they have cams for many many decorative stitches. They have a 1.2 amp motor, which is bigger than any of my vintage Singer machines. I have bought/sold/given away quite a few of these machines and have never paid more than $30 for one. Just be sure to get one with low shank feet, that "homes" (goes to the middle for straight stitch) in the middle and you will be able to use most modern feet.

I love the vintage machines, and teach my quilting classes using a vintage FW. I will be teaching a class in the Spring on maintaining your vintage machines. It's really not hard to do, once you know what to do. I agree that trying before you buy is a good idea. Even if I'm just selling a presser foot, I want you to make sure it works on your machine before you get it home and maybe have a problem.
Good luck with your search!
Stephanie in Mena

The more I look around, the more I think vintage is for me. I don't want to spend a fortune for a machine, but I don't want junk either. Saw so many older ones this weekend, but they were pretty abused and owners were asking too much. Search continues :) Don't know how some are so lucky to find machines for under $50 and be in such good shape & great models!

I'm not Joe, the 201 was only electric in USA, treadle or hand crank in Europe. I have a 201 hand crank that I prefer to treadle. I've never used an electric 201, I'm sure its a wonderful machine. Its straight stitch only and uses low shank attachments and modern needles, bobbins are also available. Its difficult to find a walking foot that works with the straight stitch machines, due to their narrow feed teeth. I use the foot pressure screw and screw it out until its easy to move the quilt, use the regular presser foot.
Sharon W.

Maybe a regional thing. Not $50 but one of the machines we picked up Saturday is a 201 that looks like you could plug it in and get to work. $90 but that includes the art deco cabinet and stool (in pretty good shape.)

Wintersewer,

You have just answered the question as to why the plastic geared, plastic parts machines are junk, and contradicted yourself at at the same time with one short sentence:
If your plastic machines were really as good and trouble free as you think, you wouldn't need to go to the Kenmore.

They simply will not hold up to heavy sewing. My wife's Singer 538 is proof of that. She used it to sew everything, stripping out the plastic feed dog drive gears within 8 years of getting it new. Three sets of gears later, it's retired to light duty use and she uses the Bernina 930 for the heavy work.


Joe

I just bought a 1971 Kenmore (mauve and pink!) from a guy on Craigslist for $40, including cabinet, although I didn't take the cabinet, because I am out of room. It was super clean, aside from dust from sitting unused for years. After cleaning and oiling, it sews perfectly. It even came with a full set of cams for decorative stitches.