Singer model 239

[Serenyd]

I have an old sewing machine I've had since I was teenager. I haven't used it in about 5 yrs. I know the bobbin threader doesn't work anymore. I want to start using it again to do some simple sewing projects but I'm not sure if I should take it in for maintenance first, or just buy a whole new machine. It has a plastic casing on it. WDYT?

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by Serenyd

I have an old sewing machine I've had since I was teenager. I haven't used it in about 5 yrs. I know the bobbin threader doesn't work anymore. I want to start using it again to do some simple sewing projects but I'm not sure if I should take it in for maintenance first, or just buy a whole new machine. It has a plastic casing on it. WDYT?

Are the gears plastic or nylon? I might get something newer if it's been sitting say in an attic or basement where the gears may have detioriated.

[Serenyd]

I don't know, where do I look? It's been in my bedroom, but we have a lot of humidity here. The last time it was worked on was 5 yrs ago, and my friend who works on them (and gave me the machine) has passed away.

[rubelin]

take off the top or the bottom and look inside. If you see ivory colored gears, then it's best to get it serviced to make sure the gears are still in one piece. If it worked ok 5 yrs ago, it's more likely to be ok, but it's a good idea to check.

Oh, the main reason that the bobbin winders stop working is the rubber "tire" that makes it spin wears down and doesn't make good contact. That's usually an easy fix

try the Vintage Singers group on Yahoo for more info. Your machine sounds like it's just on the cusp of being too new for them, but they might be able to help.

[Serenyd]

Originally Posted by rubelin

take off the top or the bottom and look inside. If you see ivory colored gears, then it's best to get it serviced to make sure the gears are still in one piece. If it worked ok 5 yrs ago, it's more likely to be ok, but it's a good idea to check.

Oh, the main reason that the bobbin winders stop working is the rubber "tire" that makes it spin wears down and doesn't make good contact. That's usually an easy fix

try the Vintage Singers group on Yahoo for more info. Your machine sounds like it's just on the cusp of being too new for them, but they might be able to help.

Thanks!

[Kristin0105]

I have read online that an old singer is better than any of the newer machines available today at say Joanns or Walmart. So if you are not going to spend $$$$ on a new machine it seems like having your old one tuned up might be a good idea. I picked up my mom's 30 year old Singer, it had been sitting on her sun porch for years, then I put it in my closet for 6 years. Finally, dusted it off and it works okay, and it has the white gears. It needed a little oil here and there that was it.

[rubelin]

Singers from the 60's and earlier are the best, the ones in the 70's are hit or miss (plastic gears and other issues) and the ones from the 80's to today tend to be crap (though some people love them). The company was bought out back then and they just aren't the same as they used to be.

[Think of Winter]

I'd get it fixed. There's a yahoo group called Vintage Singers. You can get a ton of information there, I bet, and possibly fix it yourself if you're inclined.