singer 503

[mcordell 2]

Is a singer 503 a decent machine for small repairs, canopy patches, etc? I found a refurbished one for a pretty good price and was thinking about picking it up. I don't really have the money for a 20u or anything like that right now. Anyone with experience know of a reason it won't make a good small machine for basic stuff?

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[councilman24 37]

What's a pretty good price? Any more than $50 is probably too much. It would not be my first choice for an older home machine. Viking and Necchi have worked well for me and still do. I don't know about that one but stay away from any home machine with nylon/plastic gears. If can sort out how pull the top and see if the gears a plastic or metal.

Here is a much better choice in your area, in my mind. http://tulsa.craigslist.org/app/4613093560.html These have a low gear that slow it down and increases the power. I still choose to make toggles sewing through 6 layers of type four to make the nose with one similar to this rather than my industrial zig zag machines.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[monkycndo 0]

The Singer 400 and 500 series machines are great machines. Strong gear driven motor. All metal cams to do the zigzag and decorative stitches. If in pristine condition, collectors love them. In decent working condition, $75-125 is a fair price.

Be careful of the model of Viking that Terry mentioned. If it has been used and maintained, it is a good machine. If it has been a closet queen, check it very carefully. That model has sealed parts with a lube that if left unused, the lube hardens to a point that the motor will turn, but nothing else moves. I found one at the flea market for $20 and thought I could get it going. After a little research, found out it is a royal pain in the ass to clean and relube.

Hey, at least I got a decent case out of the deal.

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[mcordell 2]

It's all metal gears and from everything I can find it's got plenty of power to sew through several layers of whatever you feed it. I tried to research it on here but couldn't find the 503. This is coming from a singer service center and it's entirely refurbished and comes with the cams.

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[likestojump 3]

I had a Singer 401 as my first machine. I believe quality-wise it's a similar machine. It was a great starter piece and it's now in the hands of a another freshly minted rigger who says the same thing.

How much are you getting it for ?

[mcordell 2]

I'm getting it for $100. I figured since it's refurbished and not out of grandma's closet that's not too bad. I appreciate the responses. I know I can't afford a 20u or anything even close right now but I definitely want to have something to get smaller work done until I can afford something commercial.

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[monkycndo 0]

The 503 is the same body and motor as the 500. The 500 series is often referred to as the Rocketeer.

The 503 is a strong machine for a household model. To do zigzag (304 and 308) and decorative stitches, you need the plastic cam wheels. One weak spot on the 500 series. The hinged cover on the left side of the head is delicate. The housing that holds the hinge pins can crack and break if the cover is slammed shut. The manual for the machine is included in the link.

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[mcordell 2]

Thanks! I was looking for a manual but could only find the service manuals (admittedly I hadn't looked very long yet). I also liked that it can be used as a double needle machine which I will have a use for. When I searched the forum for info on good starter machines I saw a lot of recommendations for commercial machines that I know I can't afford right now and was a little bit disheartened that nobody seemed to have a home machine for rigging. Glad to know I'm not the only one wanting to start on one of these. I'm sending my wife after it today.

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[monkycndo 0]

The machine only has a single bobbin, so not a true double needle. Often referred to as twin needle. The single hook catches both threads on the underside and has a zigzag appearance.

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[councilman24 37]

For a hundred bucks your good to go. I'm a little worried that's too cheap from a service center. Has it been serviced or is it an as is trade in?

To expand on what monky said. This is not a double needle machine as used for parachute seams or binding tape. Instead of creating two independent rows of stitching with two needled,.two hooks and two bobbins this uses one needle shank with.two needles that looks like a pitch fork. There are two threads on the.top and only one on the.bottom. If.you want double needle for something completely unrelated to skydiving (crafts, decorative stitch on clothing) then it MAY do what you want. It will not .serve as a double needle for rigging.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[mcordell 2]

gotcha, thanks for the clarification. The machine is one they serviced and refurbished. Because it's one they refurbished they also are giving me a 1 year warranty on it.

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[gowlerk 2,275]

$100 is pretty good for a machine that's "serviced" considering that most places charge $70 for a basic service. But keep in mind that it's just a cleaning and oiling and that you could learn to do it yourself. One year of warranty is great, because if you have trouble figuring it out they will be more or less obligated to take the time to explain to you what you are doing wrong. This is a fifty year old sewing machine, it's tough and well built and not prone to breaking down. But somewhat prone to getting sticky internally from disuse and improper lubricants. (use only light sewing machine oil that leaves no residue when dried out). They are also prone to having both the top cover and the left door hinges break. It is a slant needle machine, which has it's own set of pros and cons. But just get a machine and learn to sew. After you begin to learn you will figure out more about what you want in a machine. (basically you will want several machines) A 503 is as good a place to start learning as any, and since it is a "Rocketeer" it's stylin' as well!

Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

[mcordell 2]

Well my wife brought it home today and I ran some test stitches with it. It came with 5 cams, although the only one I cared about was the zig-zag. It also had several presser feet but what surprised me was it had a binder foot to put binding tape on. I didn't expect it to come with that. It also had the original cardboard box with all the attachments in it and the original manual so I'd say someone took pretty good care of it. I'm quite happy with it. Thanks everyone for you input.

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