colttrainer Report post Posted March 4, 2009 HI All Looking to see what you guys think of the singer 11-18? What they are worth? Found one, the guy will install the kit to make it capable of sewing thicker material just waiting to find out what he wants. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted March 4, 2009 They are a good machine until you need parts,many parts are no longer made. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
colttrainer Report post Posted March 4, 2009 THanks Bob Parts should be a problem, if I understand him right. He builds or re-builds what is needed for these old machines. Al Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Well it's just that down the road if you need a needle plate ,feed dog,shuttle or race you can't get a new one.So if you treat it careful & oil it often you should do ok. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
colttrainer Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Bob I hear what you are saying & will keep it mind. This guy has been repairing for 30 or 40 years and has a complete machine shop, so I can only hope that what ever wears out in time he can make. I guess I am okay as long as he is alive, but then I am probably not that far behind him.LOL Al Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Hi, John up at Leighton's (it's near Red Deer in Alberta Canada) used to refurbish those things and they were really pretty when he got finished. The ones I've seen only sew 1/2" or so, not what I would call a heavy stitcher. Still a pretty machine, makes me want to reach for my wallet, but I do have a mill, two lathes, and 4 grinders and 2 buffers, you might find out where Leighton gets his parts if you need them. Your first machine should be a new one if you can afford it. Art colttrainer said: HI AllLooking to see what you guys think of the singer 11-18? What they are worth? Found one, the guy will install the kit to make it capable of sewing thicker material just waiting to find out what he wants. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
colttrainer Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Hi Art It is john that I am waiting to give a priece on the one he has, he can convert it to sew heavier material. He led me to believe that he makes the parts for these oldies that can't be bought anymore. The new stuff scares me, I like the old stuff when I can find it in good shape, hell I still hay with horses. AL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveBrambley Report post Posted March 4, 2009 (edited) Hi, You may find that some of the parts, such as the shuttle and bobbins, are interchangeable with some more modern machinery. I use a Singer 11-38, and this has the same 4.5 inch shuttle hook and bobbins as the extra heavy duty Seiko SLH series. These machines are built like a Battleship, and should last for years! Ours dates from 1948, and is still going strong! Steve Edited March 4, 2009 by SteveBrambley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites