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Post by momx1 on Aug 17, 2014 18:43:54 GMT
My sewing machine is a singer that is at least 45 years old. It belonged to my mother and about 6 years ago I had it serviced so I could start using it.
It has started skipping stitches and sometimes has a lot of trouble starting. I don't use it but about once, maybe twice a year.
I know I'm rambling, I guess I'm just trying to figure out if I should get it repaired.
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Post by dynalady on Aug 17, 2014 18:47:52 GMT
Yes, you should at least look into getting it repaired. Old Singers are very good machines. As little as you use it it would be hard to justify spending the money on a new machine that would not be as good.
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marianne
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Post by marianne on Aug 17, 2014 18:48:02 GMT
If it had great sentimental value, I'd probably get it serviced periodically so I could use it.
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scrapaddie
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Post by scrapaddie on Aug 17, 2014 18:53:28 GMT
Guess it's time to list pros and cons.. Cost of new vs repair. How much do you use it. Are thee things you would do with a new one that you can't do with old? I have a friend that still sews with her mothers old treadle machine ... But the lifespan of newer machines is about 20 years
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Post by cindyupnorth on Aug 17, 2014 18:56:15 GMT
Those machines are built to last! lucky you! I would definitely have it repaired. As much as you use it, I could never justify the cost of a new one.
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Post by gale w on Aug 17, 2014 19:07:51 GMT
It depends. I had one from the 70s and it had nylon gears that kept breaking. I had the gears replaced twice and then decided not to sink any more money into it. If it has metal gears, it's definitely worth fixing though.
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tracylynn
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Post by tracylynn on Aug 17, 2014 19:09:24 GMT
The old machines are really good! If it's something easy to repair, I would. The machines today aren't made anything like they used to be!
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gloryjoy
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Post by gloryjoy on Aug 17, 2014 19:19:08 GMT
My sewing machine is a Mason that I bought when I was 19, I am now 53!
It is an excellent machine, I have only ever had it serviced. It's well built, sturdy, there is nothing plastic on it exact the arm. I would get your machine fixed if I were you.
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Post by Basket1lady on Aug 17, 2014 20:02:30 GMT
Definitely check into getting it serviced. Like Monklady said, if it's all metal it's well worth the cost of repairs.
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Post by mztfied on Aug 17, 2014 20:23:33 GMT
You might just need to replace the belt to make it go. You can do that yourself. If it has a hard time "going" the belt might simply be slipping. Get it cleaned and serviced if you keep it.
Those old Singers are work horses.
I have a Kenmore I bought in 1965. I clean it myself. Has all metal gears and runs like clockwork. I have considered trading up but seems senseless since I am not sewing as much as I used to.
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Post by anniefb on Aug 17, 2014 20:27:14 GMT
I think you should investigate the cost of repairs. I imagine the overall quality of the machine is way better than what you get now. I'm still using the Bernina I got for my 18th birthday and I'm now 51!
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Post by librarylady on Aug 17, 2014 21:07:24 GMT
Get it repaired. You will probably learn that it is constructed much better than the machines of today. I took in a 45 year old machine and the repairman told me he loved that machine and if I ever wanted to sell it, he would buy it.
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inkedup
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Post by inkedup on Aug 17, 2014 21:10:23 GMT
Get it repaired! Your machine is probably much better quality than most machines you could buy today.
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Post by paigewh on Aug 17, 2014 21:27:52 GMT
Never too old! Singers can last a very long time. As a matter of fact, I'd love to find a Featherweight! I would take it to a reputable sewing machine shop.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Post by Ryann on Aug 17, 2014 21:37:26 GMT
How old is a well-made "old" machine? Is there a certain timeframe where the quality of new sewing machines dropped off significantly? I think I might have an older one, but no idea how old. I've been having issues with mine and debating the same question as the OP.
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Mystie
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Post by Mystie on Aug 17, 2014 22:30:48 GMT
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Post by smokey2471 on Aug 18, 2014 0:07:47 GMT
My mama has a 40 year old pfaff and a 5 year old pfaff. She uses the older one for sewing and the newer one only to monogram
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katieh
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Post by katieh on Aug 18, 2014 1:10:36 GMT
Old singer sewing machines are great. My mom has a Featherweight and absolutely swears by it.
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Post by txdancermom on Aug 18, 2014 1:20:02 GMT
Agreed - see if you can get it repaired, because you will not find a machine made that well.
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Post by keknj on Aug 18, 2014 1:24:24 GMT
I have my grandmother's 1961 Singer Rocketeer Slant-omatic machine. I had to have it serviced last summer but it works beautifully now. I have stored it away in a case so it stays clean and use a cheap Hello Kitty Jenome because it's easy to use and I'm teaching my DD and DS (at his request!) to sew. My DH has even asked for lessons so he's next.
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akathy
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Post by akathy on Aug 18, 2014 1:36:22 GMT
My Dad bought my mother a Singer sewing machine the year I was born (1953) so she could sew clothes for me. I learned to sew on that machine and I've had several different machines over the years but that one by far is the best machine I've ever sewn on. When I downsized my life I got rid of two other machines but kept the old Singer because it still sews beautifully and dependably. I do take it in periodically to have it checked, greased and oiled and even though I only use it a couple times a year now, it still sews like a dream  if I were you, I'd take your machine in to a good sewing machine shop and see if it can be serviced before I'd ever think of replacing it. |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Aug 18, 2014 1:51:44 GMT
I have my grandmothers Singer that my grandfather got her as a wedding present in 1940! It still works.
Interesting tidbit ~~~ I contacted Singer with the serial number and they told me that it was originally a treadle made in 1920 (they sent me a pdf of the manual and also knew the city and month and day it was manufactured). With electricity becoming popular in the late 1930's a lot treadle machines had an aftermarket motor and light added.
ETA: I would take it to someone knowledgeable in Singer machines (if possible) and have it repaired.
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Post by rst on Aug 18, 2014 2:11:16 GMT
If what you have is a mid-70s machine, it may or may not be worth repairing. There were some real duds in the later 70s. You could look up the model number and try to do a bit of research online, or you could look for a good repair shop that can give you an honest appraisal of cost vs. value.
And can I just say, Anniefb, that a Bernina for your 18th birthday is an awesome present.
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pridemom
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Post by pridemom on Aug 18, 2014 2:30:39 GMT
I have a 1967 Singer Rocketeer and it's a fabulous machine. If it's got metal gears, get it fixed. They are super easy for repairs. They just don't make machines like that anymore.
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Post by originalvanillabean on Aug 18, 2014 3:16:09 GMT
Yes, you should at least look into getting it repaired. Old Singers are very good machines. As little as you use it it would be hard to justify spending the money on a new machine that would not be as good. |
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Post by moosedogtoo on Aug 18, 2014 3:36:53 GMT
I have a Bernina that's 45 or so years old and still going like a champ! |
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eastcoastpea
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Post by eastcoastpea on Aug 18, 2014 3:40:59 GMT
The old Singers are awesome.
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Post by Kate * on Aug 18, 2014 4:08:15 GMT
My first thought was why would you pay a few hundred to get an old machine serviced when you can buy a new one for just a little more?
But I guess from reading the responses if you have one of the 'better' old machines, it would be worth it.
I have an old Singer in storage. It's from the mid-late 70s, or early 80s maybe, called a Fashion something-or-other. It has a bunch of plastic cams to make different stitch patterns (in addition to built in stitches), different feet for zippers and other details, an attachable auto button-holer, and was top of the line when I bought it. I couldn't find bobbins for it last time I checked about 3 years ago and every time I went to use it, it would fight with me and not stitch nicely.
I won't be able to see my machine again for another couple of years and I would like to get one sooner. Oh why did I open this thread??? Now I want to get that clunker out of storage, serviced and see if it still fights with me to get something done.
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Post by corinne11 on Aug 18, 2014 10:16:48 GMT
I read this completely wrong and thought you were asking if YOU were too old for a sewing machine! I have to agree with the suggestion to get it serviced.
Last weekend I bought a new machine because my Singer machine of 30 years was just not working that great. And to be honest I was lured in by the thought of a one step buttonhole, instead of four. As part of the deal they will service my old machine for free - I can't part with it for sentimental reasons so I hope it gets a new lease of life with the service. I probably will still use it for scrapbooking and crafty things and keep my new one for clothes and costumes.
Corinne
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Post by momx1 on Aug 18, 2014 11:56:14 GMT
Thanks peas. I felt like servicing might be the better option, but needed confirmation from others who know more about sewing machines.
Now, I'm off to find a repairman! I think the one I used a few years back is retired.
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