Not A Sewing Machine For Beginners

I've wanted a Rocketeer for some time, so I was pretty excited that I got one a few weeks ago.  I thought it would take a high place in the sewing machine line-up.  It turns out this is a very picky machine.

First, it doesn't like its automatic thread control to be threaded or the tension is off.

Next, it must have the bobbin tension set for either a plastic or metal bobbin--don't try changing between the two or the tension must be reset.

And now I find that if the tensions are set correctly for straight stitching the top one needs resetting every time a zigzag is stitched.  Yep, picky.  I went back to the Yahoo Vintage Singers group files because I thought I remembered seeing something about this and found that it is an issue with this machine.  The top tension must be adjusted for zigzagging to get the tension right--sometimes by at least two numbers up.  Change the tension every time I want to go from straight stitching to zigzag?!  Too much!

On top of all that the foot pedal on mine heats up badly.  It looks weird in the photo because it was mounted in the cabinet and has a knee lever on it.  When I took it out of the cabinet I didn't remove the knee lever but left it on for now and turned the controller around to use it. It's also sitting on a piece of wood I put under it. I sewed practice scraps for five minutes and the foot controller was suprisingly hot.  I've had this problem before on another machine and bought a new electronic controller--these don't get hot.  It's a simple fix, but at this point I don't think this machine is going to get the use I thought it would so I'm not bothering to buy a new foot pedal.  I have far less picky machines I can use.

I would have hated to have learned to sew on one of these sewing machines.  In fact, the old tan Singer I learned to sew on was out at the same time as the Rocketeer --1961.  My mother couldn't afford an expensive machine and bought what is considered a cheap model Singer.  It might not have been one of the better machines, but it sewed well (without any issues) until the mid-90's when it's motor burned out.  This Rocketeer is getting by on looks, in my opinion.

Note:  Added 9/2/10:  I got a message about how this post was getting some attention on Pattern Review and how some people were writing some negative things about me because they love their Rocketeers and can get them to sew anything while I can't.  Even the phrase that I'm not "the end-all-be-all authority" was used.  Hmmm...if you've read more of my posts you would know I never once claimed such but rather enjoy playing with sewing machines and writing little posts about them.   I say how I use the files at the Vintage Singer group all the time.  And if you know anything about machines of any type you know that just because something is the same model doesn't mean they all work the same --especially if it's vintage.  I have two Singer 15-91s.  One is my favorite sewing machine; the other doesn't sew as well.  So, if your Rocketeer sews better than mine --that's good for you!  Yes, I've used other slant shank machines that work fine; this particular one doesn't.