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[BigRig]

Just wondering why the value on the old machines is so high? I have no idea why old technology is priced half of new and it can be up to 80 years older? Would it not make sense if you had the extra few $ to buy a new machine like what are listed here? I am just puzzled by this.

[Matt Hamblin]

Maybe the old adage "they don't make 'em like they used too" would apply? I have often wondered myself. All this new Chinese stuff may work now but i bet they wont be around in 50 years like those old German, US, and Japanese machines are.

[BigRig]

@Matt Hamblin ,

I have a 1955 Adler, an original Singer 111 156 and a Japanese made Seiko. I am just curious on the new equipment I can tell you for 100% sure the repalcement parts are mighty unsturdy compared to the day. I want a new machine here soon just dont know which direction to go.

[Matt Hamblin]

@BigRig I have a 2yr old Juki LU-1508N, and a 2-3yr old Consew 206-RB5. Both have pros and cons but overall i think they were both good choices.

[BigRig]

@Matt Hamblin ,

I can only think they would be super smooth and the stitch length dial and modern stitch length must be wonderful. I do not think that steel will last like the old days though and spinning a screw into the cast too many times may be problematic.

[Adam12]

New machines are nice but no way they will be stitching in 60 years. On the other hand, i won't be using them that long anyway.

[MalcolmM]

There is a practical longevity to buying machines, how long does it really have to last? Overbuying equipment is negative to a businesses profitability, but if its equipment that gets daily hard use then buying gear that won't easily break down is valuable. Some machines I have I bought inexpensively, others were quite expensive, depends upon the expected usage as to what's a good "value".

[John]

One of the reasons people prefer the old used machines isn't because the steel used back then was much better than what is used today. I have heard that many of the old German, American and Japanese machines actually poured the machine casting and then let it sit outside and settle for over a year before machining every thing and assembling the sewing machine. They did this because when you pour cast iron the metal continues to settle and change shape for a long time. The process of allowing the metal to settle for that long is called seasoning. This ensures the tolerances will be perfect for a long long time. Now days most of the steel comes from china the pour the cast iron base and have the machine made in just a few days never allowing the metal to stop settling.

That's not to say new machines are better or worse. You just get what you pay for. I wouldn't recommend spending less that $1800 plus on a newer machine. Everything new below the price point is poorly made in my experience.