Month: January 2022

In the mid sixties Singer was changing a great deal and freshened up the look of their machines with a sleeker body, and different controls, but underneath it was the same old dependable design you see in the 400 and 500 series machines. For the most part.

The Singer 611G looks virtually identical but differs in that it used a class 66 drop in bobbin while the revolutionary new 600 Touch and Sew, or Auto Reel had a bobbin that stayed in the machine, and wound in place.

At a glance it can be hard to tell these two machines apart unless you know what to look for, the 611G has a white cap on the upper guide and the top guide is plastic instead of metal.

Often derided as being unreliable, it was because aside from the auto winding feature, later versions of the T&S started to use plastic/nylon gears in the drive train and over time or through misadventure these broke.

The early models still used the same hand lapped metal gears, probably because Singer was still producing them for the other 6xx series machines and as yet, had not started their slow decline into mediocrity.

As a machinist I really appreciate the workmanship in these machines, the arm under the gear is part of the auto winding mechanism and in later models, these changed location and you guessed it, used more plastic.

This early 600 will be joining our permanent collection as it is historically significant, and because it runs beautifully and makes a great stitch, in addition to being able to chain stitch which was a feature the T&S models made standard.

This machine might still outlast me…

We have several early Touch and Sew machines in the shop that are available, a 600e and a 626 Special which are both metal geared models, if you are interesting in adding one to your herd drop us a line.

Pfaff has built many exemplary machines and the pinnacle of their 20th century production came with the 362 “Stop Matic”, aside from the plastic controls which are prone to cracking, the machine is an absolute marvel of German engineering.

This example is in spectacular condition (perfect dials) but has not been used since 2004, when it’s original owner passed away, Upon inspection the machine was pristine and spotless which suggests it may have been cleaned and serviced before going into a long retirement.

It comes with an original Pfaff cabinet with a vertical lift assist, which makes lowering the machine for storage, or raising it up to it’s sewing positions effortless, an insert for the table makes the machine a flatbed, while raising it up offers the flexibility of a free arm.

The machine came with it’s manual, accessories, and stitch wheel which shows you how to set the machine to do all of the stitches it is capable of. I have an original Pfaff tin for the accessories and I might even find an original sales receipt when I go through all of the drawers. These machines were very expensive in the 1960’s, selling for the equivalent of $5000.00

There is very little do do cosmetically on this machine but she is a wee bit sticky, so we will go through everything and have her up and running perfectly once her many moving parts get lubricated.

Almost tempted to keep this one, but think she will be enjoyed by someone who really appreciates some spectacular engineering and would appreciate the beautiful cabinet and lift.

Most people associate Husqvarna with chain saws and perhaps motorcycles but their history of being a sewing machine manufacturer goes back to the late 1800’s, after the need for arms waned the artisans in the industrial areas of Sweden turned their talents to making other things, among them were sewing machines.

And they made a fine sewing machine… during the early 1900’s they did as many European companies did and copied or imitated the Singer 15 and VS machines but after World War 2 they became extremely innovative and introduced a new series of machines with the 21 being the crown jewel.

Said by some to be the finest machine ever made and it really has few flaws or weaknesses… the controls are ergonomic and easy to use, the machine stitches perfectly and is capable of 20 different stitch patterns (via cams), the free arm is beautifully designed, and one feature that few other manufacturers offered was an actual low gear reduction.

These machines will sew a bumper on a Volvo and look beautiful doing it too.