Singer 211G-156

[Charlie415]

I am looking to getting an industrial machine. The main purpose of this machine is to make boat tops. Nothing heavier at the moment but not ruling it out. I have a line on a Singer 211G-156. The machine has had a 750W servo motor added as an upgrade. The one problem with the machine is that he states that it needs "hook fine tune". He says "looped bottom thread build-up. Might be because of improper top thread tension. Thread tensioner might cost me $100.00." I have read the tread on the identical issue on another thread and have some ideas about where to start. This machine is selling for $600.00. Is it a good enough price to risk the unknown repair costs. How hard is it to find the tensioner if it is in need of replacement? Where I live there is no repair facilities. Its $200.00 travel costs to get to the sellers location to start with. There is a repair facility where the seller lives but having to stay overnight or return for repairs could get costly. Is this a good deal or should I pass. I am an industrial electrician by trade and very mechanically inclined. If I can find diagrams and setup procedures I am confident I could figure it out myself. Is this too much machine for my needs, should I be looking for a Sailrite clone or equivalent? Thanks in advance for your valued opinions.

 

Chuck

Edited October 24, 2019 by Charlie415
Added text

[Constabulary]

No one can evaluate the real technical condition from a distance . Its probably just a tension problem but that does not mean something is broke or needs to be replaced. The decision is yours you cannot outsource this to us (if you know what I mean). However - Singer 211´s are well documented and a lot of smaller issues can be solved by just reading the manual and turning a few screws. It´s not complicated adjusting the top and bottom tension (if that is the problem).

I attach a user guide for the 211 hopefully will help you.

Singer 211 Operators Guide-Small.pdf

Here is a service manual download link for the 211G156

https://www.supsew.com/wpfb-file/singer-211g155-211g156-service-manual-pdf/

 

EDIT:

BTW - I don´t know the add BUT to me it looks like the pictures are from different machines and the machine head seems to be "oddly" over painted. The "painter" has not masked the mechanics on the bottom side and seem they were painted white as well. So my alarm bells are kinda ringing here. But as I said - I don´t know the add.

Edited October 25, 2019 by Constabulary

[DonInReno]

That machine is perfect for what you want to do with it, and reverse isn’t as common as the models with reverse.  The price isn’t a steal, but if there aren’t a lot of used machines in your area it’s probably not unreasonable.

The real question is what condition are the parts in under the new spray paint.  These old machines get painted numerous times over the years so don’t put too much value on the paint job.

Use a good flashlight and look over everything for cracks.  Take off the cover that covers the nose and look at everything for cracks, bad repairs, impact damage and anything that looks out of place. Any cracks in the cast iron and the machine is only worth salvage value.  If any shafts or parts are welded they will need to be replaced so the seller has to adjust their price.

Explaining how to judge if the hook is usable and or able to be reshaped to a point is beyond this post, but search carefully and it’s been discussed before.

 There is a linkage in the foot lifting bits that breaks and fails to release the thread tension when the presser foot is up - it’s not the end of the world, but if anything needs to be replaced it gives you bargaining power to reduce the price.  

Without seeing it in person I’m guessing if the guy selling it says the hook is shot, then it most likely isn’t in great shape.  If you weren’t mechanically inclined I’d say pass, but if you don’t mind learning how to work on these machines and replace a few parts and adjust a bunch more, then this is a great place to start.

keep in mind many people have messed with it over the years and many things are needing to be adjusted and or replaced.  Replacement parts are cheap for these, but it’s usually better to only buy the parts that are worn and don’t expect a replacement assembly to be of the same quality as the original.  Tension assemblies from China are a good example - it’s best to replace disks and springs, but keep the older brackets and screws.

With normal use this machine will still be sewing 100 years from now.

[Charlie415]

Thanks for the replies. The owner of the machine has agreed to take the head to a shop and get it gone over and tuned up. I should be in touch with him soon. I will have a better idea of the condition of the machine after it gets back from the shop.

[nylonRigging]

Good for you... If owner has a Tech. put a timing/tune to it and gives it all a check-over and a thumbs-up  ( and it's stitching great ) . then ( 600-$ ) fair asking price .

call the Tech. he used and ask him If .." the machine Head and Table looks clean and GTG ".  and with updated 750w servo drive . the 112,  should run for years working for you, with little upkeep on your end .
.