Buy Yard Sale Sewing Machine? What to look for.... 

Thank you for this, you encouraged me to go back to using a mechanical machine. Years ago I had an old Elna and grew up sewing on it. I loved it but it got water damaged in a flood and now have a computerized one and it is ok ... you don't have to oil it and it's all push button. but it has its quirks and I have been told that is just the machine - you must use the same cotton in the top as the bottom or you get issues and it is picky about needles. And there is this weird thing with the pedal - sometimes it just won't start and then it goes off like crazy. So I decided to get a second machine as a backup. I was bidding on a 2nd hand Bernina 730 on eBay and I ended up getting an old 830 Record. My one question is what is the best thing to clean the years of dirt off the surface of the machine so you don't damage the paintwork? Love your work, please keep it up.

Great video!

The main wheel should be counterclockwise only and some controls may only move when the machine is set up a certain way. Especially true with machines using interchangable cams. Never force a movement, refer to the manual if parts don't move freely. My machine screamed like a banshee when I tested it at the store. It had lots of dirt, a little rust and a small crack on the the metal bed. It had the basic accessories but no box. Walked away two times but returned to the thrift shop and bought it for $35. After cleanup and oil, the Singer 503a works perfect. Have now spent more than $300 buying accessories including over 30 specialty feet.

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hello beautiful video thank you for filming it please kindly film how to operate the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much