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.
During this covid-19 pandemic, i took on making face masks as much as i could given what i had. The necessary tools were becoming very scarce, then my machine broke. Thank you singer for helping to continue my mission. This is even better than my other singer, 20+ years old. I had to stick to the same brand, it proved itself !!
My machine arrived about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I've used it off and on for a total of maybe 2 hours. Today it started acting up and will not stitch. It appears the feed dogs are pulling the material to the side and down and the thread is getting caught underneath. I do not have a manual. Just a instruction flyer for basic use (threading needle, bobbin insertion, etc). My advice? Unless you know how to fix sewing machines, spend your money elsewhere.