singer 301

I find that one good way to check used equipment prices is searching eBay. Right now, there are several Singer 301s up for auction, ranging from $51.95 to $180.50. You might be able to follow auctions for a couple of machines like to the one you are interested in to see what the winning bid is, and offer something similar.

I can't help you on price. I sewed on a 301 from about 1970 till 1990, and though it would go through multiple layers of denim, I really never cared for the machine. My particular sample used to slide out of time gradually, and 5 or 6 different mechanics all tried to fix it for me... no luck. I learned to time a 301 then... Know that this is a straight stitch only machine, and you'll use attachments for buttonholes and zigzag.

"Heavy duty"? How heavy? What materials, how many hours a day? Have you sewn on it? This particular model seems fashionable nowdays, so the prices you see on places like ebay seem to reflect fashion.

FWIW, I now sew on a Viking 350, about 8 years old now. It can handle everything the 301 could do, but more easily. Is a 301 the right machine for you? I can't answer... many people seem to like them, I always fought with mine.

Kay

Even with a nice cabinet and the extra feet and bobbins (be sure you ask for the bobbins- if the heirs don't need the machine, they don't need the bobbins, right?) I would expect to pay $200-$400. Be sure to plug it in and see how it sews- take a bit of cotton cloth & a piece of denim to sew on before you buy. Oil will help a lot if it has sat idle for long, but it can't do everything.

Anyone in Portland, OR who want to adopt a 301, there is one at the Goodwill on 99E North that shows no signs of abuse and when I turned the handwheel everything did it what it was supposed to do, smooth and easy. It comes with an ugly cabinet for $25, including "attachments in back (of store)". The buyer will want to test it with power and thread.

Max

That is a steal. It probably works with no problem, but the fact is that the bobbin case is worth $50 to $65+ alone. Do make sure that it's there, if you buy the machine. The bobbin case is the same as the one in the Featherweight machines.

The bobbin is complete. I suppose I could have bought it as a speculation. I hope it finds a good home before Goodwill ships it off to their clearance shop where they sell stuff by the pound.

I've got a black 301 in good condition, with cabinet. My wife wanted a contemporary model, so no use for the old Singer. There is that bobbin case problem though -- it doesn't have any! I would sell the machine as-is for $30. It's in Huntsville, AL.

Try ebay: they are good machines and you could get quite a bit more for it. The bobbin case is replaceable. Please don't advertise on discussion only groups.

OK, thanks much.

That's OK. For £30 I'd take it off your hands, but I'm in the UK!