How to Buy a Vintage Sewing Machine
So you're at a garage sale, and you've spotted a promising-looking machine. After a cursory Google search, you're convinced that this is a machine you can service. But how do you know how much work you're getting into?
First, if an outlet is available, plug it in. See if the motor revs up and if the light, if it has one, turns on. Those are both positive signs.
If it has visible wiring, ex–volunteer fire chief Flanagan recommends scoping it out for faulty connections or corrosion: 'As machines get older, the wiring can get degraded to the point where it's a safety hazard.' Wiring can be replaced, but it's still something to consider.
Next, take a good look at the machine's head and body. Do you see any cracks or bends? Is anything warped? 'Those are telltale signs that probably other things are happening inside,' Gunsmerotti said.
Rust on the body is another bad indicator, she noted. 'It's like a car. If you're buying a used car, and it's rusty, you're probably not going to want to purchase it.'
Looks aren't everything, though. Thorpe has found some gems inside horrific storage cases.
'The case is filthy and looks just terrible, but you take the top of the case off, and you find that there's not even a scratch on the throat plate,' she said of past finds. 'That's a machine that somebody got for graduation, never learned to use, and it sat in the closet.'
Gruber recommends getting hands-on, too, saying that you should 'apply some firm pressure to the machine head and push, [but] not too hard' to verify that the structure is stable. You should also see whether the machine's handwheel turns without any resistance.
The bobbin holder should also move with the rotation of the handwheel. If the parts aren't moving in coordination, that could indicate a broken gear in the machine — and a more expensive repair.
Finally, check that all the parts, including the bobbin case, hook, and bobbin winder, are present. Accessories aren't as crucial, but you should account for all of the machine's core components. A missing slide plate or other easy-to-replace part might give you room to negotiate the price down, offsetting potential future repair costs.
'If it's a really low price and [the machine] might need some work, it's probably worth the risk,' Gunsmerotti said. But if it's a little higher in price, and it still needs work, you might be better off taking a pass on it.
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