Which (used) machine for an Aussie noob?

[Fognozzle]

Wow thanks everyone, that's great info and a handy lead. What do you think might be a reasonable offer for that 132K6? And is that also a good machine if I want to sew leather in future? (I'm not anticipating that as a need, just curious).

Also - and I feel a bit daft for just realising this - I picked up an old singer off the side of the road in Melbourne many years ago, mostly I was interested in using the bench and motor as a base for a grain mill for brewing. I know I still have the bench and motor, but I may also still have the machine somewhere in the back of the shed. It is probably a domestic machine, and/or irretrievably broken, but I'll have a look today and see if I can find it!

[dikman]

Always difficult to put a price on sewing machines, depends on the condition, demand for that particular model, how many others there are out there, how badly he wants to sell it etc. If you search gumtree for 132k6 there's a few on there. All you can do is check it out, get him to demo it and feel him out pricewise. I would consider $1500 to be at the top end myself (I've seen some at $1200 in the past). Don't let him make out that having the servo is a reason for bumping the price, like I said before you can get one off ebay (Aust) for around $100 which will be more than adequate.

As for leather, no worries, it will likely do most things short of holsters and harnesses!

[Bert51]

If we were not in this lock down, I would go for a drive and say "Giday" and maybe go and have a look at that 132K6.

But like dikman said, he might be willing to drop the price, I did not pay any where near that for mine, but I had a lot of work and parts to replace. The good thing with this old machine, you can still buy consumables for it today, I got mine from Sewing Machines Australia https://www.sewingmachinesaustralia.com.au/shop/buy-spare-parts/singer/singer-132k6

Bert.

[Fognozzle]

Well, I struck out on both counts. No sign of the roadside Singer, and the seller in Echuca isn't really interested in selling the 132K6 as he's not able to get hold of its replacement just yet, so it's "only half for sale". Basically I'd have to offer his asking price AND twist his arm 

I'll keep hunting.

[Bert51]

How patient are you?

Bert.

[Fognozzle]

Hey guys, any idea what this might be?

 

[Bert51]

I cannot see all of your pictures, but I would say it is a Singer 96K41.

I have one out the back, but it wet out there to go and check.

Basically a tailoring machine, but can sew light canvas and light leather.

Bert.

 

[Fognozzle]

Thanks Bert, doesn't sound heavy enough for me. I'm just cruising ebay at the moment as we have to do a Melbourne run this weekend.

I think I need to try and  compile a list of models and their basic specs, this is a bit of a crapshoot for a beginner!

[Fognozzle]

Any opinions on a 211-166 (walking foot)? Found a dealer offering one for $1250.

[dikman]

That guy shouldn't have the ad up if he's not selling it!!

The 211 166 is an upholstery class machine, 10mm under the feet and should handle #138/M20 thread and sew what you want. I had one for a while and paid a lot less than that, sold it for $250 (head only). Extra feet are easy to buy and cheap. Do you have more details on it? What does it come with etc?