Have you taken your machine to a repair shop? I have a machine that is probably 50 years old. I took it in to have some minor things done and a cleaning.

The repair guy told me that these machines will run forever. The old Singer's have metal gears where as the new ones are plastic.

It may be repairable for far less than a new machine. Of course if you want all the new fancy gadgets, stitches etc. then the time is perfect to get a new machine, but you may still be able to trade in your old one for some cash!

Seconding the recommend to repair the old. You won't find a new one any where near that quality with the ability to sew heavy fabric that your old one has. maybe for $600 or $700...

I read a lot of online reviews when I bought a new sewing machine last winter. A lot were Amazon and Walmart customer reviews, but I also came across a website that was devoted to reviewing machines and I remember seeing mention of that sort of concern. I don't have a bookmark but I'm sure you could find it.

When you say "broken" ... what broke? It's really hard to permanently break one of the old machines. they might go out of adjustment or need new motor brushes, but they seldom break unless you run over them with a garbage truck.

To handle denims and upholstery you need one of the old tanks, like a Viking, Pfaff or old Singer.

If all you do is straight and maybe zig-zag, check Craigslist for old machines.

You want an older, all metal machine. I'd take the one you have to a good service guy and have him overhaul it for you. The new ones do lots of computerized stuff, but they're not as sturdy and well-made. I have an older industrial model, made for vo-tech education, and it's amazing. It can sew through steel, I swear.

There's also a sewing forum here on GW.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sewing Forum

I have an almost 40 year old Singer. It's been repaired once and I'm having trouble with it again. I'm shopping new. The old one may be more heavy duty, but it's also a royal pain to lug out of the closet whenever I need to mend something, because it's so heavy.

I am a Bernina fan. I got a top of the line Bernina for my 16th birthday from my Dad. 41 years later, it still runs like a charm.

I have a Bernina 165.

Surely there is a Sew and Vac near you? You should look into getting the old one repaired. People collect old Singer machines, you know. For a reason.

I agree with bestyears about looking for a good, used machine. I've had a Bernina for almost 30 years and have never had any trouble with it.

I've never looked into a machine that will also monogram, but I think they're pretty pricey. If you ever have anything you want monogrammed, I'd look into the places like Embroidme. I'm pretty sure you could have LOTS of items monogrammed there for what you'd pay for a machine.

I purchased my Bernina used on ebay. $800, 5 years ago...could have gotton a top of the line Bernina for that on CL.....didn't want to buy long distance tho. :0) It monograms and you can download embroidery or use ones already loaded. You can ask how many hours are on a machine, it will tell you. I found ones with less than 100 hours being sold as used....:0) I've done everything from upholstery to sewing the crotch seam of denim jeans with mine.

I was told if you sew a LOT, a machines head lasts about 25 years. Then it's pretty much worn out. My old Kenmore was 25 years old and the needle would be out of alignment every time I went to use it. I do at least one BIG project a year and was paying $80 each time to get the needle aligned. I went to Walmart, purchased a Brother, it lasted about 6 months. Something plastic made a crunching sound....now it's hosed. :0)The local repair shop said they won't touch a Brother, all plastic junk. :0)

I have my trusty 25 year old Bernina 601 Sport- all metal gears but no electronics which is good for me.( bought new)
I also inherited my Moms Bernina 14 years ago- and it was the top of the line electronic gizmo when she bought it- about 16 years ago.
So I guess mine qualify as older!

Wow, I also have a Bernina, which works ok on regular fabric, but I'm often frustrated at how many needles it breaks on heavy fabric--even using heavy duty ones. I was about ready to go buy a cheaper machine, just to see if they'd do any better. I've kind of learned how to baby it along, but the seams are weird on heavy fabric. Yes, I've had it serviced, but still the problem persists. Now after hearing so many rave about them, I'm wondering what the problem is. So for what it's worth--not all Bernina's are fantastic at home dec fabric--and especially denim!

My DH bought me a Husqvarna machine about 12 years ago for Valentine's Day and I use it. Alot. That beauty runs like a charm and I clean it regularly and have it serviced when necessary. It does monogramming and can handle the heaviest fabric without wilting. I have an old portable Singer that was my mom's and I keep it for posterity, taking it out now and then for a spin ;o)
Definitely go to a sewing machine store if you're planning on purchasing.

Anyone familiar with the lower priced Bernette line from Bernina?

Here is a link that might be useful: Bernette

I bought a Bernina the first year I started working (1968) and it still runs great. And it's all metal; the newer ones I think are not.

If you want a good older machine, check your local newsapaper's classified ads for a used one ... if none are listed; try putting an ad under the *want to buy* column and see what happens.

Another Bernina fan here, and home decor sewing is my business. My Minimatic 807 has been purring along steadily for close to 40 years. I do take it in to a swing machine shop every few years for a professional tune up and oiling. I'd recommend an older model metal Bernina over anything else out there.

I asked the lady at our Farmer's Market what she uses to make her dog collars and leashes because she has to sew through several layers of webbing and ribbon at a time - ELNA. She said it was a true workhorse and never hesitated on the thick materials.