Altering Old Sewing Machines

[MADMAX22]

Hey guys just wondering as I am kind of new to sewing machines and all. I see alot of people altering there old sewing machines to make them more capable sort to speak for what they intend to use them for. I was just wondering how does this affect the overall value of a sewing machine. The only thing I know much about as far as old things is cars but with those guys lots of times you try to keep everything original to maintain the value. I am assuming the only reason most of these older sewing machines except in the rarer cases of ones that are very rare or very old that this doesnt hold true. That the value is more associated with what they can handle and how well you can control them.

What got me wondering about this is my 211 is all original from the light to the stand and motor. All singer parts that I assume came with it. I was thinking of changing pullies or maybe a servo motor down the road not to much but is this something where I should hang onto the old parts and try not to alter anything to terribly much or it doesnt really matter since this machine isnt a one of a kind anyways (probably hundreds of thousands produced). In general are sewing machines worth more for what and how they sew as a utilitarian item I guess is what I am asking.

Just kind of a conversation thing but noone around me is into old sewing machines lol nor knows anything about them.

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

It is a difficult question to answer. The value is only what someone wants to pay so if you are selling to someone who wants a ready to use machine then it may be worth more but to a collector it is ruined.

I suggest making the changes and keeping the bits as right now the real question is the value of what the machine can do for you.

[CowboyBob]

Actually unless it's a real old(I'm talking 1850-1870 era) most improvements you make will increase the value (as long as they are for thre better)

so as Darren said keep the old parts incase you want to put them back on & get it setup the way you want.I feel things like a DC Servi improve the value as it'll be more user friendly machine to operate.

HTH,

Bob (Live from Sheridan,WY)