recommendations for early all metal gear zig-zag?

Hi All,

I'm thinking about picking up an early zig-zag machine and having it overhauled.

I'd like to stay in the 1940's-1960's range, looking for all metal gear driven (not belt driven) with basic features. I looked at a Singer 306, but it requires a non-standard needle (won't take the 15x1 needles) and had a bunch of discs that you had to drop in to get certain stitches. I don't believe I need the decorative stitching, just a zig-zag to complement the singer 66-16 I already have for straight stitch work.

Can anyone make a recommendation?

Thanks,

Alan

Reply to
Alan Dye
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I have three Singer 401As, and love them, I have put everything from chiffon to denim through mine. They have a dial adjustment for most zig-zag patterns, although you can also get cams for some special ones. My first one (still going strong) I bought new in 1960. The others were purchased used over the years.

Some people like the Singer 500x series, but I have two and I don't like them at all.

JMHO,

Beverly

Reply to
BEI Design

The 306 (and its sister machine, the 319 which has the stitches built in) have a cleated fiber drive belt, so if you want an all metal gear driven machine, those would not fit the bill.

My recommendation is a Singer 401, 403, 500 or 503 all are all-metal gear driven smooth stitchers. =20

Information on each can be found on the ISMACS site under "household models"

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Hi All,

Reply to
IMS

I'm not a professional- but I have a Dressmaker SWA-2000 that has all- metal gears. It has served me well for some 20 years, something like that, but not heavy use I think. When I bought it, I think I recall the fellow saying that it had one plastic gear, and he replaced it. So if you buy it, maybe it has some plastic parts? I think a sewing machine repairman could fix it, though. It's a real workhorse, and has sewn through many very thick items without a second thought. I love it. It also has cams for decorative stitches, and they work well, however you have to have some skill to make them come out even. It is a good machine though, in my opinion.

Reply to
Caya

Singer 328 K.While it does take cams, to zigzag and other stitches, theses days it is rare to find them with anything other than the zig zag cam.

Miz Spike

Reply to
Miz Spike

Cams can be found, though. If not locally, they're invariably listed on eBay. I know that I can never walk away from any I see for sale, and have a "stash" of cams. Other old sewing machine addicts do the same.

Also, most of these old machines can be "overhauled" at home. They tend to need nothing beyond a good cleaning and oiling.

Reply to
Pogonip

I have a 1961 500-series Singer. When I got it, very cams came with it. I have 3 grand daughters, so I found many cams in the older Singer shops. A friend sent me one last year still in the original box, and now I am only one shy of having the set. Although I have a Pfaff 7560 and a new Baby Lock Ellageo, both embroidery machines, I still use the stitches on the old Singer many times. Emily

Reply to
CypSew

Thanks to all for your recommendations. I purchased a 500a today at the flea market in a table in very very good condition for $40.

Cheers,

Alan

Reply to
Alan Dye

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