Basics....look for a metal body. Regardless if it's black or cream (they did a funny orange/brown one for a little while in the 70's too) If it says Merritt on it, then it's a blooming good more modern Singer in disguise
and it'll tackle almost all that the old 201 or 99K's will.
If the light is a seperate tube thing at the back of the machine then the electrics must be taken as suspect unless you are buying from a reputable dealer.....factor the replacement costs into your purchase/budget. Rubber perishes, and old wiring is a dangerous thing. If there is
any smell of burnt rubber about it, don't plug it in. Stop and really look at it first if you've bought it. They shouldn't smell of burnt rubber, regardless of what the seller tells you.
If you find one that doesn't turn smoothly when you turn the hand wheel, then you're in for a power of work to sort it out. It can be done, but it suggests either that it's rusty inside, or it's absolutely filthy and gummed up with oose, or it's damaged (dropped is the usual flaw...check the bobbin winder, they often break off when the machines are dropped) If you don't know what you're doing, think hard about it at that point.
Anything that they claim is extra is worth checking. It should come with a foot pedal if it's electric, if it doesn't you'll need to factor that into the budget too. Not all gadgets will work with all machines. Basically for those older models if the gadgets don't say Singer, and they don't have a screw on shank, then they won't fit. You can buy a seperate screw on shank that will accept modern press fit feet though, so not all lost; just be aware. It's a quality thing though.
Be aware before you go to buy; carry some thread on a bobbin, and thread up the machine. Even if there's no electricity on the site (car boot for instance) it should still sew smoothly when you turn the hand wheel. If it doesn't, see my first point.
A few chips or scrapes in the enamel is one thing, but totally rusted and chipped? walk on by. If it's that bad outside, then the inside will need a power of work too. More fish in the sea, sort of thing.
201 and 99K's will sew canvas, denim, thin leather, webbing and your missus' silk undies
Treadle machines, unless they're blake's machines (leather stitching) are a pain in the neck after a while. There is no stitch length control and like the hand crank it's a bit like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at first. It'll come, but don't expect it to be perfect right off.
66K is a good machine, and it will (with the right needles!) go through multiple layers. The featherweight is a lovely machine, but a bit more domestic.
The first one, depending on how it's been cared for, is well worth £30 or so. It's simply so reliable and easy to use. Needs oiling a fair bit.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/singer-se...Collect_SewingMachines_RL&hash=item2ed27dca99
Featherweight's are in demand, and attract silly amounts of money. Nice machine, but I'd spend my money on sommat else unless I was getting a real beauty at a bargain price.
Loads of advice from others coming your way I suspect
atb,
Toddy
