Singer 45k25 - is it worth $1200?

[MackProvisions]

There’s a Singer 45k25 for sale in my area. Old clutch motor attached to treadle. What does everyone think about $1200?

[kgg]

17 minutes ago, MackProvisions said:

There’s a Singer 45k25 for sale in my area.

The question you need to answer is what you want to sew. With such old machines certain parts can be difficult or impossible to get. The clutch motor presently on the machine should be replaced with a servo motor to get your sewing speed to a comfortable level which will cost about an additional $200. Learning to use a clutch motor can have a very steep learning curve, sort of like learning how to drive a car with a stick shift. Since your bio you mentioned wallets a flatbed machine would be a better choice then a cylinder arm.

When you add in the cost of new servo motor cost would be about $1400. A new flatbed clone of the Juki DNU-1541S a Cowboy CB-1541S will cost $1600 plus shipping. Personally I would go with a new machine particularly if this is your first machine.

kgg

 

[MackProvisions]

Thank you! I appreciate your help. 

[AlZilla]

Exactly, for a production machine that has to work when needed, that's the wrong choice. 

As a very cool old machine, it's exactly the right machine. I'd love to have it but I wouldn't be anywhere near $1200. Less than half that, to me. Others will differ.

 There just aren't that many people who collect large chunks of cast iron.

[DocReaper]

I'd say pass on this purchase. You gotta agree it's antiquated and you have to replace parts they're gonna to be tough to obtain and expensive!

[dikman]

Yep, pass on it. Old machines like that are a) good for restorers, b) good for collectors or c) could be a useful machine for someone who knows what they're doing - IF the price is right. Which it isn't.