What would you pay?

[LinkAiris]

On 12/22/2022 at 8:23 AM, Southerngunner said:

My local shop has a old Singer168w 101 for sale I am planning on buying it once he get serviced and shows me it's working properly. It has a table and light ,the motor is the clutch drive monster. I can get it for $400.00 ,the way it sits after the service,  the first change will be a servo set up, so I will be in it $525.00 or so with new servo.

I am new to machines so I was hoping someone here could give me an opinion on the price

The photo that I have can't download because of size. It looks to be in good shape for a 60 plus year old unit.

Thanks in advance for any opinions good or bad I have no money invested yet.

Terry 

Hi Terry, Congratulations on your potential new purchase! The Singer 168w 101 is a classic industrial sewing machine, known for its durability and heavy-duty performance. Here are a few points to consider regarding the price and overall investment: Price Evaluation: $400 for the machine, table, and light, especially after a servicing, sounds like a reasonable deal for an industrial machine of this caliber. Adding a servo motor for around $125 brings your total to $525, which is still quite competitive for a reliable machine that can handle heavy materials. Condition: Since the machine has been serviced and will be demonstrated as working properly, you can have more confidence in its condition. Look for signs of wear and tear on key components like the needle bar, presser foot, and feed dogs. Even if it's in good shape, minor parts might still need replacement over time. Clutch vs. Servo Motor: Clutch motors are robust and powerful but can be loud and less precise. A servo motor, on the other hand, will give you more control, is quieter, and generally more energy-efficient. Upgrading to a servo motor is a smart move, especially if you're new to sewing machines, as it offers better speed control and less noise. Historical Value: Given that it's a 60-plus-year-old unit, it also has some historical value and craftsmanship that modern machines might lack. Many vintage sewing enthusiasts find these machines to be well worth the investment. Additional Costs: Consider any potential costs for accessories, needles, and spare parts. While Singer parts are usually accessible, it's something to keep in mind. Usage: Think about what you'll be using the machine for. The 168w 101 is great for heavy fabrics and leather, so if that’s your intended use, it’s a solid choice. Overall, based on your description and the price, it seems like a fair deal, especially after ensuring it's in good working order post-service. The servo motor upgrade will significantly enhance your experience. Just make sure to see it in action and confirm everything is functioning as expected before finalizing the purchase.

Edited May 27, 2024 by Northmount
Removed spam link from quote that was added by LinkAiris

[Southerngunner]

2 hours ago, LinkAiris said:

Hi Terry, Congratulations on your potential new purchase! The Singer 168w 101 is a classic industrial sewing machine, known for its durability and heavy-duty performance. Here are a few points to consider regarding the price and overall investment: Price Evaluation: $400 for the machine, table, and light, especially after a servicing, sounds like a reasonable deal for an industrial machine of this caliber. Adding a servo motor for around $125 brings your total to $525, which is still quite competitive for a reliable machine that can handle heavy materials. Condition: Since the machine has been serviced and will be demonstrated as working properly, you can have more confidence in its condition. Look for signs of wear and tear on key components like the needle bar, presser foot, and feed dogs. Even if it's in good shape, minor parts might still need replacement over time. Clutch vs. Servo Motor: Clutch motors are robust and powerful but can be loud and less precise. A servo motor, on the other hand, will give you more control, is quieter, and generally more energy-efficient. Upgrading to a servo motor is a smart move, especially if you're new to sewing machines, as it offers better speed control and less noise. Historical Value: Given that it's a 60-plus-year-old unit, it also has some historical value and craftsmanship that modern machines might lack. Many vintage sewing enthusiasts find these machines to be well worth the investment. Additional Costs: Consider any potential costs for accessories, needles, and spare parts. While Singer parts are usually accessible, it's something to keep in mind. Usage: Think about what you'll be using the machine for. The 168w 101 is great for heavy fabrics and leather, so if that’s your intended use, it’s a solid choice. Overall, based on your description and the price, it seems like a fair deal, especially after ensuring it's in good working order post-service. The servo motor upgrade will significantly enhance your experience. Just make sure to see it in action and confirm everything is functioning as expected before finalizing the purchase.

Thanks for your reply, I passed on that machine but it is still at the shop 1 1/2 years later. Every time that I stop in I'm tempted to ask about it just because it a cool vintage machine.  But I am  actually thinking of a cowboy 4500 or cobra class 4 to do more than my class 26 cobra can do, I also picked up an enconosew 18 inch arm shoe patcher copy of the singer 29 series..