It's been my experience sewing machines in thrift stores don't work or need restoration. I think you did well considering the machine works. The seller should have disclosed the smell issue. I would have a problem with the machine not being cleaned for the sale. I have restored many vintage machines and I can tell you it can be a lot of work to bring them into working condition. Some of the vintage machines are so difficult to repair and/or adjust I would not trust them to a modern repair shop. Those machines would be the Pfaff's like the 230's, 330's, 260's, 360's and the 1200 series machines. In my opinion $200-$400 or more spent on a restored vintage machine is a far better value than what you get for the same money in a modern machine. The Singer 201-2 that is well cared for will last more than one lifetime, that's value. The challenge is finding a good machine that has been restored by a skilled artisan that knows what they're doing. I just restored a friend's 301, a great machine. Over 1000 stitches a minute.
I have been fortunate a few times with finding machines at thrift stores that just needed a cleaning. My area might not be typical. Also in my area, repair shops won't work on vintage machines. I understand, I think it's a shame though. I agree that the modern machines just are not worth their price tags. Thanks for your comment!
And, regarding the reporting of great price finds, I always try not to price-shame others when they pay more. We all do the best we can in the settings that we live. ❤❤❤
Featherweight shop sells a tune up kit for 301 as well. It includes a new felt drip pad, that could be some part of the smell as well. Worth looking into to help Renew your new to you machine.
Congratulations, Thea. I have never seen in person or owned a long bed Singer 301. I like the slant shank Singers that have the oil port to lubricate the motor bushing. Even though these Oilite bronze bushings are sintered bronze and pre-lubricated with oil, occasionally replenishing with 20 weight nondetergent oil (sewing machine oil) is a good idea. Especially after all these years. As I recall there is a wool wick that absorbs the oil inside that tube. When disassembling these motors I remove the old dried up wick and replace it with a fresh new wool wick. At one time, I thought those slant shank motor wicks were impregnated with grease like the Singer 221 motor wicks but they were lubricated with oil. Oil with detergent or PTFE additives might clog up the sintered bronze. Thank you for posting this video. If you ever want to sell this machine and case, contact me!
I actually did not see a 301 long bed in person until mine was delivered. I was convinced there were none in my area at all. It has been my understanding that you can just remove the oil wicks on the 301s. I did and I just put a few drops of oil in the ports as part of my maintenance routine.
I’ve been faced with many vintage smells! And, I’ve tried many solutions. For fabrics and porous materials (NOT painted machines or varnished finishes that you want to keep the finish). Denatured alcohol + heat (sunshine| hair dryer| heat gun) is VERY EFFECTIVE. I just reversed spilled heavy perfume from a 70-year old sewing cabinet. Possibly spray lightly or dab so as to NOT soak and dissolve glue in the travel case. 🎉🎉🎉
Oh man, heavy perfume smells are equally as bad. I've passed up a few cabinets because of that. So far, the hot sun method seems to be working for me. But I appreciate your tips to keep in my notes.
@@TheaStarr Definitely! It took a week of sun, alcohol, and a heat gun to “excite” the oil molecules and cause them to evaporate! But it can be done. It was the only cabinet that I came across with a vertical lift. After the “burn off”, several coats of polyurethane can help to seal any residual traces. 🙂 Good luck in your searches! ❤️
She is beautiful! Can’t wait to see the things you make with her, I don’t think you overpaid. She is going to be so consistent in how she functions and has a gorgeous stitch. You will have her forever! Subscribed!
Thank you. I really love the 301s for all the reasons you mentioned. I've actually watched a few of your Featherweight videos and they were so helpful. You're amazing and I appreciate your comment!
I especially enjoyed this video since I have a 1953 301A short bed in black. I just love this machine and it makes me so happy to use it. I wish I would run across some of the low cost or free machines that you seem to find so easily!
Thank you! I do have some luck finding some good deals on machines at secondhand stores. I think it's a lot about my area. Older generations retiring and moving away. Too bad they're not always 301s. I just love that machine. Thanks so much for your comment!
For the smell you need to kill the fungus, so use bleach I use scented bleach so I won’t die trying😅 just mix it half and half with water and up to sun for a little bit to dry and it should be fixed, however if the bleach is not for you, spray some freeze and also helps with the smell, I hope it helps 😊
Oooh! Such a beautiful machine! I've recently purchased my first Featherweight 221. I'm sure I over paid a little bit. But, she's perfect and I'm so happy I did finally get the one I wanted. Yes, my case smelled too. I left it in the hot sun for a couple of days, and it helped.😊 I know the Featherweight Shop is a really good place for just about anything you'll need.
Aww congratulations on getting the machine you wanted! It's such a good feeling. I am so glad I searched the stinky case problem. At first I wasn't sure what was going on with the smell. It was actually a relief to know that it's a thing. I am hopeful that the PNW's two weeks of summer sun will be helpful for my case. I have become very familiar (a fangirl) of the Featherweight shop in recent times. Thank you so much for your comment! Happy sewing!
Beautiful machine, and I do the same as far as some times I pay a little more, and sometimes it’s a super bargain. Good luck with the stinky case, and sorry I don’t have any tips for you on that note. Nice vlog, and congratulations on your new addition to your machine collection!❤
It's all a balancing act right? I didn't love the price, but I've missed out on a couple already. I just decided to go for it. (So worth it.) Thank you so much for your comment!
Love your machine. I just purchased a 301 beige short bed. I have been into painting vintage machines in need of a make over. (on my channel if you would like to see.) I enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.
Oooh! I will definitely check your channel out. I have one machine that I will definitely need to repaint. It seems daunting though. Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your info!
i over paid for some of my vintage machines depends how they have been stored if it dont smell an has been kept in good condition i think its worth the money compared to the plastic machines you can buy today but i got sum at a real good price the stich quality of my singer206k 306 319k an 320 is top notch
I have tried the Featherweight Shop stinky case deodorizer….I HATED the product….it has such a bad weird perfume type smell ( undertakers use it, that is how potent it is) Almost impossible to remove the smell once used. My best advice is two or three heavy applications of Howards Feed and Wax on the interior of the case. Cat litter didn’t work as well for me. Congrats on the machine, one of my favourites!
Thanks for sharing that info on the case deodorizer. I hadn't heard that feedback about it being perfumed smelling. I do have Howard's Feed and Wax on hand and will give that a try if the sun baked method doesn't work. Thanks so much for your comment, I really appreciate it.
I think the only thing worse than buyer's remorse is passers-up remorse, so congratulations on not having the latter. If the machine inspires you to put it through its paces and excites you - as it obviously does - then the price you paid ceases to matter in the big picture. The newest member of the brood looks great with your other 301. Any thoughts of pursuing the other variants?
100% Passers=up remorse is far worse for me for sure. I regret nothing about this purchase. :) Oh I've been bitten by the 301 love bug. I have the strong urge to have one in each bed style and color way. But I am thankful that I got this black long bed, because that's the one I wanted most.
Most of the cases smell. I order the deodorizer fro the Featherweight Shop. I tried all the remedies on my FW case nothing worked. refinished that. Now I my 301 long bed case only has a musty smell not nearly as bad a FW. First LIGHTLY spray with mix of 2/3/ water 1/3 white vinegar wipe inside and out with sponge or rag. Do not soak that will ruin your case. REPEAT if still dirt. Buy the deodorizer. The Vinegar will help with the odor and clean the case. Best luck
I actually decided against the Featherweight Shop's product and used Howard's Feed & Wax. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WSJBOA-2ax4.html
I’m so happy for you! 301s are just freaking awesome. I hope to find a black long bed one day…in the meantime I hope you enjoy yours and thanks for the great video.