It says heavy duty but it is not like my old Singer of 50 years ago. (Unfortunately, I gave it away a couple of years ago. Who would have thought I would want to start sewing face masks?). This one is all plastic. Even the bobbins are plastic. When I start sewing it does not feed well, especially on thick or doubled fabric. Hard to describe. Suffice it to say that this is a practical, useful machine, well worth the price. It's just not what I would call heavy duty.
I've had other machines but there's really nothing like a Singer. I learned to sew on an old treadle machine. So glad I invested in this model. I love it. Easy to use and does a wonderful job.
Myself and my sister in law are sewing face masks for senior centers and senior apartment complex. We have sewn over 500. My Old machine has been struggling even after a cleaning. Glad to have a new machine.
Learned to sew on my moms Singer, my only complaint is the plastic shell, last singer I touched was my moms, it was metal. We have to protect the environment so I understand. Sews like a charm, no problems, so far standing up to its HD name, take care of my machine and I expect to have it for years.
Largely I've been using this machine to sew face masks, surgeon's caps and isolation gowns for a local hospital during the COVID pandemic. This machine is a huge step up from my previous hand-me-down Bernina, which had rusted solid controls. I've been having a great time learning the settings on this Singer. The stitches are much tighter, controlled and stronger than with my previous machine. One thing I had to learn by experience is to tighten the thread around the circular knob before winding the bobbin. Otherwise the thread winds over and under the bobbin. The only reason for giving the machine 4 instead of 5 stars is that the motor smells hot when the machine has been used continuously for more than 15 minutes. It still functions perfectly, but I'm afraid of doing something bad to the machine by pushing it further when the smell is noticeable.
Response from singer.comBy singersewingpwr, singersewingpwr, May 15, 2020
Dear M, I'm glad you are enjoying the machine. It's difficult to say with certainty what exactly you are smelling. Looks like by your order date that you've had the machine about a month. The smell could be just excess oil that's gotten on parts during shipping. If the motor area does not feel excessively warm, it could be just that. We have a service center in Iowa, but if you continue to have issues or concerns please email us at TalktoUs@Singerco.com. You can call, but currently our lines are extremely busy. 800-474-6437. Even our emails are bogged down, but a quick search and I didn't find that you had contacted us with your concern via email.. If the machine continues to smell or it becomes stronger please give us a call. If the machine is hot, stop sewing right away and unplug the machine then contact us immediately.
My mother always had a Singer when I was growing up. I learned to sew on her pedal type Singer. What great fun! I love this heavy duty machine. I highly recommend it.