Spotted a vintage Singer -- worth it?

[Sev]

Hello, all!

Once again I come to you seeking advice, because it has occurred to me that of all the crafty-type communities I lurk in, this one has the most knowledgeable people... so I apologize for making this not-so-on-topic topic, but I just didn't know where else to go!

My brother texted me this evening with a picture of a pretty little vintage Singer sewing machine that he found in our local Savers. I've spent the last hour or so scouring the internet to find out what model it is, how easily it might be repaired, and whether it would even be able to do what I'd like if it were fully-functioning.

From its serial number, AD163153, I've figured out that it's some variety of electric Singer 66, manufactured in 1930. It doesn't seem to have its power cord with it, and I obviously have no idea how well it might run, but for only $20, it might be worth picking up and playing with just to see.

Here's a picture: ((click me!!))

My question for you all is this: Can any of you tell me, or point me in the direction of someone who can tell me, what specific model this is, and/or whether it's capable of backtacking? I've learned enough to know that some 66s, but not all, had the backtack feature... I just don't know if this is a pre-backtack model.

Thank you so much for ANY help, I realize this is not at all the purpose of this forum, but I really just don't know where else to start!

Keep up the awesome <3

[Butch]

Wow!  For $20, you should swoop in and take it right away!  I got a 1907 Singer industrial model, with table, for about $22.  Just straight stitching.  It took around $200 to get it back online, but it sure is a peach now!  We have a business in Kansas City, Missouri Sewing Machine Company, that specializes in maintenence/repair of sewing machines.  I also got a 1954 Singer industrial model 351-2.  it is also just straight stitching.  The good thing about these machines is how STRONG they are!  They sew right through multiple layers without choking.

I have other machines for other stitches, but try to do most of my sewing on my 351.

Good luck!  I hope you part with that $20!

[Sev]

I've been very interested in older machines for a while now, since for my various projects I could REALLY use the strength and durability these machines are said to have compared to more modern ones. I'm honestly just very intimidated by the potential lack of a backstitch -- that's how I was always taught to "secure" the ends of my stitching lines, so without that I don't know how I'd do it...

[gem]

Easy!! Leave the long tails of the threads. Pull the top thread to the back side of the work (either with a needle, or by just tugging on the last stitch). Then simply tie a couple nice firm knots in the two threads, or thread them through a needle and secure them like you do when you're hand sewing.

I started doing this this summer on a project... can't remember why (maybe because I always forget to backtack my muslins?), and feel silly that it didn't occur to me before. We get so reliant on all them newfangled conveniences  , we forget there are easy manual alternatives! It will add a couple of seconds to each seam--but I definitely wouldn't let lack of a backtack turn me off a great vintage machine.

***
Butch, I wonder if MO Sewing could get my vintage 1930s White in working order....

[Auryn]

Shoot I would jump on that baby in a heart beat.
I bought a Singer 15-91 from the 40s a couple of years ago for $50
cost me $70 get her serviced- best money I ever spent.

I sew garment leather- and even upholstery weight finished leather on her like it was butter, she never misses a beat.

DO IT

[CenturiesSewing]

I'd be sure to check the underside of the machine for any rust damage and wear, on the outside it looks very nice.

If it doesn't have a back tack feature, sew your seam, end with the needle down, lift the pressure foot turn your work around and sew a few stitches back up the seam.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I rarely reverse or back-tack anyway: half the time it gets trimmed off when you trim the seam allowances, and any seam crossed by another seam won't go far anyway.  The only places I regularly backtack ar the ends of seams on corsets or stays, and the one at the back of a collar...

[LadyShadow]

I say its worth a good buy for that amount. But what I love about the older Singers is they will sew through dang near anything and everything. I have a Singers model very similar to the one in your picture from the 19-teens. Also, after Hurricane Ike when we were w/o power I was sewing on it, although it doesn't look like it has the option to switch stitch length and wether its sewing in a forward or backward direction, but the wheel is easy to maneuver in the direction you need. So you could in theory back stitch that way.

[Sev]

YOU ARE ALL SUCH ENABLERS AND I LOVE YOU FOR IT hahaha... I'm gonna go see if it's still there. <3

[Butch]

Butch, I wonder if MO Sewing could get my vintage 1930s White in working order....

Gem, I'd bet so!  That '07 would not even turn when I took it in to them.  A few replacement pieces, and a new set up for leatherworking, and it is great!

My other, more modern, machine is one that Vicki and I bought in the mid-80s (NOT the 251-3, that was from an auction).  It is a singer with a steel frame, and has 4-step button holing.  MO Sewing cleaned it up and adjusted it at the same time they fixed the '07.  Maybe that bill I quoted was for both machines?  Anyway, I'm sure they could do wonders with your vintage White!  I went to the main store E of 71 Hwy on Truman Rd.  You can park on the West side of the bldg (closer to 71) and go in either the side door right there, or the front door.  Good luck!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Be sure you will be able to get replacement parts before grabbing this vintage machine.

[Kate XXXXXX]

It's a 66.  Parts are easy.