The Singer Touch and Sew 600E: Buyers Guide & Reviews
It’s known by a variety of names. “Touch and toss,” “Totty and stitch,” “Totty and swear” are all well-earned nicknames for this sewing machine that has been in operation for more than 50 years. It’s up to you what you label it.
The bobbin is the most common problem cited by almost every owner. This sewing machine’s bobbin couldn’t be made to work properly by Singer for whatever reason. On its own, it’s worth roughly $100 in cash.
Continue reading this article to learn more about this ancient sewing machine. It provides the details you need to know before making a purchase of a discounted item. Owning an antique machine might be a priceless experience.
Contents
Our Singer 600 Sewing Machine Review
In addition to the Touch and Sew, the Singer 600 had another moniker before it became well-known. The 600 Slant-o-Matic sewing machine was originally referred to as the “auto reel” by the company. Only a few rivets and a nameplate separate this variant from the touch and sew series.
A wind in place bobbin was included with the 600E, which Singer intended to be the final machine in this series to be composed entirely of metal parts. Another modification Singer made was to remove the top-mounted rocketeer bobbin winding mechanism from prior generations.
Some people like this sewing machine because of the limited number of stitch options compared to the 401 and 500 models. Stitch patterns you’re most likely to utilize are included in this template. A vintage sewing machine may be worth a few dollars if it can still sew like new, even though it’s decades old.
If a machine was created entirely out of metal, it will still function properly. Avoid the ones with plastic bobbins, as they are prone to breaking. Basically, you can still rely on this machine if you don’t have any other options.
Some sewers, like the ones who gave it the above-mentioned colorful titles, revere it because it worked beautifully and never gave them any trouble throughout the years they owned one.
To get a sense of how this reel will function, it’s best to compare it to a model created by Singer. There are some issues with some of the units, but it is a sturdy machine overall. However, there are always going to be lemons in every product line.
Touch and Sew 600E Year Made
This sewing machine has been reworked and reworked throughout the years. The 600E was introduced in 1963 and lasted until 1965, while the 600 was in production from 1962 to 1964. There was also a 600A and a 600W1, but little is known about them.
603 and 603E were also manufactured during this time period and appear to be enhanced versions of the Auto Reel type, just like the 600 and 600E were.. The 604 and 604E are the same.
Other 600-series models were produced, although they were not sequentially numbered. From 1965 to 1967, the 611G sewing machine was produced, while the 606 and 609 sewing machines were produced from 1969 to 1972.
Between 1969 and 1972, the Golden Touch and Sew was manufactured. Almost all of the 600 Touch and Sew versions were produced during the 1960s and the 1970s and early ’70s.
At least one Touch and Sew sewing machine was part of the 700 series, which was manufactured primarily in the 1970s. Singer originally called the 900 Touch and Sew, but after the 900 came out, they renamed it Flip & Sew for some reason.
Singer Touch and Sew 600 vs 600E
These two machines are virtually identical. The 600 was nothing more than a rebadged version of the original Auto Reel. Built-in stitches and built-in stitches were included, as well as built-in stitches and zigzag stitch.
This version contained a single thread chain stitch feature, two needle stitching, and a push-button bobbin, the only difference between these two models. However, both machines were composed of metal and could sew just like any other Singer machine.
The 600E’s steel gears ensured that it operated at peak efficiency and did not malfunction at the first sign of trouble. The new model’s bobbin winder button was originally located on the front right corner, but the business decided to move it inside the bobbin chamber.
Both machines perform admirably when properly cared for and regularly serviced. If you come across one in need of minor repairs, a competent repairman should be able to take care of it. If not, they’ll always be able to construct a decent parts machine.
Singer Touch & Sew 600E Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Coat-and-daisy
- Gears were made of all-metal.
- needle with a slant
- Multiple attachments were included.
- Updated winding mechanism for bobbins
- Sturdy enough to stitch for decades with no problems.
Cons:
- She’s a bit finicky.
- Exactly the same as the Auto Reel.
- They can’t retain much thread on bobbins
- Not many built-in stitching
- Bobbins can get damaged over time.
- Metal quality is lower than that of the 600.
Singer Touch and Sew 600E Value
The value of older equipment diminishes over time. It’s not that they’re bad; there were simply too many of them manufactured at the time for them to be worth anything. The 600 or 600E is more valuable than it should be in certain situations.
Normal, 600E sewing machines aren’t worth that much money. ” As long as you’re willing to search, you’ll be able to locate one if you look hard enough. In general, Touch and Sew 600E prices range from $100 without a cabinet to $200 if one is included.
The price will be determined by the overall condition of both. There is, however, one exception to this rule. All but a few 600Es were sold during trade shows and expositions. As an example, they were handed a World Fair badge from 1962 in Seattle.
Depending on the appraiser, a 600E with a non-generic Singer badge or one that mentions a specific fair, exposition or the like is worth between $700 and $800.
Your 600E’s resale value will be determined by the price a potential buyer is willing to pay for it. If you’re not in a hurry to get rid of it, you have the luxury of waiting for a better offer.
You can also make more money if you remove all of the sewing machine’s good and functional parts and then sell it. You will always make more money selling parts than you will trying to sell a whole machine.
Downloading the Singer Touch and Sew 600E Manual pdf
A PDF version of the owner’s manual is available for download from a variety of sources. There is a challenge in selecting one that is both complete and affordable. This link will take you to one such place. One of our go-to manual webpages, it’s almost always reliable.
If it doesn’t work, you can always contact Singer personally. This link will take you to their manual web page if it exists. They should be able to point you in the right direction. Then there’s this business, which you can find by clicking on this link. You don’t have to worry about shipping fees because the manuals are all available online.
You may be able to get extra components from that company if you need them in the future. This link will take you to a different location. There appears to be only one of them.
If you aren’t successful in finding the ideal combination of style and affordability, a fast search on the internet will provide you with a plethora of additional possibilities. There are simply too many to fit in this small space.
A hardcover original will be more expensive than a PDF copy, although it could be possible to find one on eBay if someone has posted one there. The same holds true for antique shops, flea markets, and sewing machine repair shops.
Common Singer Touch and Sew 600E Problems
No machine is faultless, and the 600E is no exception. Upgraded models with plastic parts may have more issues than ones with complete metal components, as you may discover.
This is a list of some of the issues that come with the 600E and its later updates:
Even the greatest machines occasionally make strange noises, and on the 600E, that noise means lint or a spool of thread has been lodged somewhere.
You may have accidentally removed the bobbin casing when cleaning, or it may have come loose on its own. It’s merely a matter of tightening, however be aware that it could possibly be a loose bottom plate.
The bobbin thread is looping because the thread tension is adjusted incorrectly, causing the problem. It’s as simple as making a small modification.
Check the bobbin winding spindle to make sure it was installed correctly, and then check to see if the bobbin was properly wound. The presser foot should also be checked to see if it is in the correct position.
If the needle keeps going up and down, the needle winder isn’t disengaged properly and needs to be replaced. Re-oiling your machine should take care of the problem.
Having the correct bobbin in position before you begin stitching can sometimes be a problem. Sewing machines are finicky, and your 600E will have issues if you use the wrong bobbin.
Even if you are confident that you have the correct bobbin in position, double-check. Even the finest sewers make simple mistakes.
Cleaning and Oiling a Singer Touch & Sew 600E
First, remove any lint, thread, or fabric that has become stuck in any of the uncovered or easily visible areas of your 600E. Use a soft cloth to clean the tension disks and take-up levers as well as the thread guides and machine arms.
If you have a lint brush, use it to wipe out the feed dog and rotary hook on the 600E, if you have one. You don’t have to dismantle the machine every time you need to clean it.
When you’re finished, the owner’s manual recommends using only 1 drop of Singer oil. Using a scrap piece of fabric and a straight line of stitching, remove any excess oil from the machine.
Some Final Words
Your experience with this gadget might be either positive or negative. Whether it was well-maintained or whether you were given one that was too finicky to handle will be a factor. Even after 50 years, the 600E is still stitching, so you know it’s an excellent machine.