Singer straight stitch machines

[indyz 1]

I'm looking to step up from my 20U to a beefier straight stitch machine. In the last couple of days a 241-3 and a 111W100 popped up locally at pretty reasonable prices. Anybody have an opinion on these machines?

[gowlerk 2,250]

I can tell you that 241 class machines are high speed machines designed for manufacturing of clothing, especially shirts ect. They are fine machines, but not well suited to heavy materials used in rigging.
111 class machines are compound feed and are better for heavy work. Many of them are walking foot machines, but not the sub class w100. It is a combination of needle feed and drop feed. This means it advances the material on the bottom by feed dog like your 20u, and from the top by having the needle move back and forth while entering and exiting the work. This helps to sew more layers without them slipping.
It would be a good complement to your 20u, but it does not have reverse. You may consider looking for a walking foot (alternating presser foot) machine as it would feed material even better, but they are in higher demand and usually sell for higher prices.
Here is a link to a manual for a 111w100:
http://parts.singerco.com/IPinstManuals/111W100.pdf

I hope this helps
Ken

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