singer stylist 513

[lizard]

i would like to know how a singer stylist 513 is compaires to the current lower end sewing machines on the market. my mom told me i could have my grandma's old machine if i got it repaired and i don't know if it's worth it.

[lendube]

Hi, You must be an Elizabeth. It's my daughter's name and all through elementary school she was called Lizard and Lizardbreath (begun by a teacher, no less) and hated it.

Anyway, I have a Singer Stylist 534. Got it in 1977 and it was always a wonderful primary machine and is now a great backup machine. If the 513 is similar in quality I'd say it's well worth getting an estimate on repair/maintenance and keeping. These old machines are workhorses and if you're a beginning sewist it'll be great to start on and then if you find you love sewing think about getting a newer machine. In short, there's a lot to be said for the old mostly metal machines.

I do however remember SewClassic (?) just recently mentioning here on the board that the machines of this era are nearing the end of life for the plastic gears inside. No idea what it takes to replace those.

I still say get an estimate from a Singer dealer. Good luck, welcome to the board and let us know, will you?

[Sew-Classic]

It's likely to cost $125 to $200 to have the gears replaced if they are bad, and yes, they are at or very near the end of their expected lifespan.

I would advise against this type of investment into this machine unless it has sentimental value. My suggestion would be to clean and oil the machine yourself. If it requires much of anything beyond that, keep in mind that the Singer Stylist 513 doesn't has little or no resale value, and it doesn't have the over-all quality of the better Singers from an earlier era. I generally don't bother with these models, but a few have crossed my path. I either donated them or gave them away on freecycle.

Resources for DIY Sewing Machine Repair & Maintenance