The Sewing Place

Jones 553 sewing machine

Lilian

Jones 553 sewing machine
« on: October 04, 2020, 22:46:57 PM »
For sale in my local charity shop. Does anyone know if they are any good?

It's £30 and comes with an instruction book, case, and some feet.


Willing but not always able :)

LeilaMay

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2020, 08:57:05 AM »
Probably VERY heavy, Japanese made, and may work well but may not. It's hard to generalise about machines like this (of this era) Will they let you try it out, and take a look underneath at least?
Leial

Gernella

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2020, 10:07:07 AM »
Looks very clean must have been well looked after.  I picked  this off a website that had one for sale:

Fully Serviced ands sews a fantastic stitch. It is a lightweight machine and Great for eveyday use. It Features:- Straight stitch, Reverse etc. You can see in the photographs that this can sew through some thick layers of materials, We have easily sewn through 4 layers of denim and 4 layers of PVC and cotton to. This also has the Built in Light which is ideal for a dark room. This will come with the foot control, extra needles and bobbins and some feet and carry cover. There is an instruction book that comes with this but it really is an easy machine to use. This machine will come threaded up for you so that you can begin to sew as soon as you receive the machine. It Will be left threaded up and has the stitch off under the needle from the service to show you some of the stitches and the quality of the stitch. You will not be disappointed with this machine.

My SIL has a Jones from around the 60's which she still uses and had upgraded (to electric).

Also this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/254626986463?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=254626986463&targetid=939009505346&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046231&poi=&campaignid=10204071489&mkgroupid=107296306292&rlsatarget=aud-629407027345:pla-939009505346&abcId=1145987&merchantid=119056897&gclid=CjwKCAjwiOv7BRBREiwAXHbv3MY351BQJCJxhLepmLz6AODbrmOgySP-X84PeW9waj32EMw4ceotlBoCaekQAvD_BwE

£30 is a good price for a clean old machine.  If its in a charity shop you will be able to have a good look at it @Lilian .
Stash extension 2024- 6.1 meters
Left at the end of 2023 - 66 meters now (includes fabric found hidden out of sight)  Lining fabric not included

LeilaMay

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2020, 12:13:58 PM »
It's not lightweight - trust me.  0_0  Even the ebay link says that their machine is heavy. These are cast metal, often heavier even than a Singer of similar build.

Ohsewsimple

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2020, 12:43:21 PM »
They were nice machines and well suited to heavy work.   My mum had one years ago.
This looks well looked after.  But you’d need to know if it worked ok.

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2020, 12:54:18 PM »
Thanks all, I am trying to ring the shop but no answer yet.  I did sell an old singer 475 I think it was and that was cast metal and very heavy.  I am looking to replace that with something better.
Willing but not always able :)

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2020, 13:13:35 PM »
Thanks @Gernella I did a little search and saw that one.  It is the next model by the look of it.  £99 is a lot more than £30. 

Hopefully I will be able to look at this one in the shop.  There is a label on the top which may be certification of a P.A.T. test  :)
Willing but not always able :)

Gernella

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2020, 16:13:01 PM »


  There is a label on the top which may be certification of a P.A.T. test  :)

Probably is if sold in a charity shop @Lilian they are usually very keen on safety with electrics.
Stash extension 2024- 6.1 meters
Left at the end of 2023 - 66 meters now (includes fabric found hidden out of sight)  Lining fabric not included

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2020, 12:36:07 PM »
I have just been to see this machine in the shop. It is very clean and has a lot of different feet and also a homemade clapper with it.  It has not been PAT tested as they didn't realise it was electric  :facepalm: but are sending it off for testing and will ring me when it is ready.  I can't wait to try it  :vintage:
Willing but not always able :)

LeilaMay

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2020, 11:57:08 AM »
I would just say that PAT testing is not a guarantee that the machine will work well, only that it is electrically sound. So do be sure to check it out. But it sounds lovely, I hope it's fine :)

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #10 on: October 07, 2020, 19:01:17 PM »
I would just say that PAT testing is not a guarantee that the machine will work well, only that it is electrically sound. So do be sure to check it out. But it sounds lovely, I hope it's fine :)

Thanks I am aware, and told them I won't know if the motor works yet.  But I can try it out when it comes back from the testing.  Everything moves smoothly by hand and it is in very good condition.  It will be two weeks they said  :)
Willing but not always able :)

BrendaP

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #11 on: October 07, 2020, 19:19:29 PM »
Two weeks to build up your muscles  0_0
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #12 on: October 07, 2020, 19:20:57 PM »
Two weeks to build up your muscles  0_0

It's no heavier than one I already have. But once it's where I want it, it will stay there  :vintage: :)
Willing but not always able :)

Acorn

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #13 on: October 07, 2020, 19:27:58 PM »
I think it's very pleasing to look at.  It looks extremely capable.   :thumbsup:
I might look as though I'm talking to you, but inside my head I'm sewing.

Lilian

Re: Jones 553 sewing machine
« Reply #14 on: October 07, 2020, 19:31:30 PM »
That's what I thought @Acorn I think it grew on me, I walk my dog along there most days but they are alway closed.  I will see how it well it works before I buy it  :vintage: :)
Willing but not always able :)