Candace

I find them just too slow for me and I agree with the underpowered assessment. I wouldn't alter the bobbin case or retime to take 15x1 needles, that's just my opinion. I've owned several and have sold a few. Yet, I just can't part with my black 319. I really should, though as I don't use it. I prefer so many other machines over it. Not one of Singer's best, for sure, but it is an interesting machine that I just can't seem to let go of.

manicmike

Well not really. It's your choice Candace. Your opinion was that they're too slow .
My 320 isn't slow but I find that it's a bit weak. Hmm.. wonder if it's worth swapping it with a 201 motor.

miriam

The needles can be had - they are the same as some serger needles. As far as lifting it to change the bobbin... that is why you get a cabinet with a hand hole in it - then just change the bobbin from underneath. I love the 319s and my DGKs think it is the BOMB! The 306s are work horses. The 206 is a workhorse. I think they are all undervalued. The other ones I like are the 328s. A bit lighter weight and noisy but I like them with the drop in bobbin. I think the 306 and the 328 are pretty equal in what they are capable of doing.

manicmike

In my old 319 I never considered it a hassle to change the bobbin, but the 320 is - the wooden base has to come off completely beforehand. After learning about that easy modification (to be able to use 15x1 needles), there was no way on Earth I was going to not do that. There are only two sizes of 206x13 available and neither do stretch fabrics.
I'm with Miriam's DGKs and think these machines are great and I agree that they're undervalued. The reason for the latter must be to do with the needles.

miriam

My sister bought a Singer 319 and she went to see the OSMG for needles. He came up with serger needles #dcx1f and told her to reset the needle slightly lower. Guess what it works and there are a lot of size options!!! So I google searched and they cost about 50 cents or less if you order 100 - not a horrible price.

manicmike

GFs baby lock uses those, so very good to know.
But, it was only $10 to permanently enable 15x1s so I'll use just those now and if I get another 206x13 machine I'll be doing it again. Actually I do have the 1950 206, so I might take the bobbin case out now. Maybe going to see the OSMG tomorrow anyway.

Glenn

I treadle a 319 and love it. I use the 206X13 needles and you can still get them. So no problem for me. Mine is not all that slow. It is great using the embroidery stitches on a crazy quilt
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ThayerRags

I’ve got an electric Singer 319W that I’ve never used, a treadle Singer 319W that I’ve used quite a bit and used today to mend denim jeans, a Singer 306W that I used quite a bit in the treadle until I got the 319W that replaced it, and a Singer 206K set-up for treadle that I’ve never used. I use only 206x13 needles in all of them because that’s what they call for. I use these machines for mending denim jeans with a multi-zigzag stitch and Coats Dual Duty+ poly-covered cotton thread. The size 12 needles that are readily available work just fine for what I do.

I switch to a different machine if I want to go to thread that requires a size 14, 16, 18, or larger needle, mainly because I have other machines and don’t want to mess with changing the tensions. I’m spoiled, I guess, but I don’t see pushing a machine to do something that it’s not designed to do.

CD in Oklahoma

Scott C

Happy to find this space for 206/306 lovers! I have several 306Ks, one of them in daily use. It really is a great machine, once you overcome its eccentricies. I have found that DBx1 needles are a direct replacement for 206x13 needles. The length and eye placement are identical, the only difference being the 206x13 is flat shank, and the DBx1 is round shank. It's my opinion Singer simply ground a flat edge onto their industrial needles for these machines so they would "fit" into the universe of flat shanked needles on domestic machines. I use a tweezer to orient the needle by the scarfs, then insert it into the holder. Works like a charm, plus, you have a FULL range of needles available. I have used both Organ and Groz-Beckert DBx1s without issue.

Received my newest, a black 306K, the other day. Am busy cleaning and waxing, she's a beauty and will shine like brand new when I'm finished.

HelenAnn

I have two of 306 . I am having a very hard time getting the tension spring to work. I have a new spring . Everything seems fine until the I get it in position. Then there is no spring in the spring.