05/26/2016
Check out this flashy beast!
New to sewing? Need a sturdy beginner's machine that ISN'T a hunk of plastic designed to crumble to dust in 2-3 years?
Experienced seamster looking for a FANTASTIC, super-classic, and definitely unique portable for your retreats and classes?
Look no further! What you see here is a classic Morse model 4300 "Fotomatic". Built by Toyota in Japan in the 1960's, this hefty hunk of metal is covered in chrome, with a gorgeous aqua and cream auto-paint finish. This machine has every bit of flash and style seen in cars of the era, and is every bit as sturdy.
The Fotomatic is a straightforward straight-stitch, zigzag, and blind-hem machine, with a two-step buttonhole setting. It also has the capacity for a twin-needle setup for perfect, crisp double seams in all types of decorative and utility sewing. This machine has a sturdy one-amp motor, and is powerful enough to handle any number of layers of heavy denim, canvas, or garment leather with ease, and all your fine silks and stretchy knits, too. I would not hesitate to use this machine for straight-line quilting, and it turns out absolutely perfect applique.
It's really a great, stylish and sturdy machine--it doesn't have a zillion fancy stitches, but for all of your utility home sewing needs, this tank will get the job done in fine style. And did I mention that two-step buttonhole system? Perfect, tidy buttonholes of any size with two clicks of that awesome analogue setting lever. No more messing with attachments and templates, like with your old Singer.
This Morse Fotomatic was lovingly cared-for, and sat preserved in its case for several decades. I have gone over it front-to-back and top-to-bottom. I've timed and tuned it, lubricated all parts, checked all gears, belts, and wiring, and thoroughly tested it. It sews an immaculate stitch on all settings. The original lightbulb even works, too. I would love to keep it for my collection, but honestly it's just too cool a machine to sit on a shelf. This flashy tank needs to be used and appreciated.
Please don't waste your sewing machine buck on a new hunk of plastic. Those things are designed to be unserviceable and with a planned failure of about two years. If you take even basic care of this machine, it will run for many generations.
The price for this machine is $250, a really great deal for such a cool classic. Take a look around--similar models from other sewing machine restoration places sell for upwards of $450 all day long. You might find one in mystery-condition a bit cheaper on the e-auction site, but I promise you, the cost of shipping this hefty critter will eat up the difference and quickly... and this beast is ready to go, in absolutely like-new condition.
If you buy this machine from me I'll give you half off your first annual service, a $25 value, and if you are a beginning seamster I'll happily throw in an hour's sewing lesson to get you started (another $50 bonus!).
Here's a video of a Morse 4300 in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7TYSAY3lyU
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. This is a truly fantastic machine. You won't be sorry!
