Elna Lotus SP . Portable Sewing Machine 1972 (1 Viewer)

scotjimland

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Jul 25, 2007
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ScotJimland submitted a new Showcase Item:

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The latest edition to my sewing machine collection.. not a Singer..

An Elna Lotus SP, made in 1972 .. and runs like a Swiss watch..

Is it better than the beautiful Singer 222k portable.. ?

Lets put it this way.. The Singer was made in Scotland from girders.. the Lotus made in Switzerland from old pocket watches. The former will still be working in another 100 years time.. not so sure about the Elna..

It's like comparing a Steam Engine with a modern Electric train..

But oh how it sews.. it truly is a lovely bit of engineering.. quiet, accurate and a joy to use.. and oh so small...

The attached images are from the seller in Germany .. so not high quality..


The Best Portable Sewing machine ever made..

probably..



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Mar 31, 2014
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I sold loads of them!I think they were £49 for the zz and £59 for the sp.The only thing that ever fails is the bottom gear!still replace the odd one!although I,ve retired.Singer 222/221k fail on the electrics!seen a lots of them with perished wiring!
 
Oct 8, 2014
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My wife was given one for her 18th birthday, and it is still going strong! Over the last 45 years, it has been used for clothes for us and our three children, home furnishings, curtains and much more. Still runs perfectly, and is used regularly.

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scotjimland

scotjimland

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Jul 25, 2007
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Suffolk Coastal District, UK
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I sold loads of them!I think they were £49 for the zz and £59 for the sp.The only thing that ever fails is the bottom gear!still replace the odd one!although I,ve retired.Singer 222/221k fail on the electrics!seen a lots of them with perished wiring!

Good ones fetch a bit more these days.. £100 to £180 for an SP in top condition.. they fetch more in the US.. upwards of £250 http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...lna+lotus+sp.TRS0&_nkw=elna+lotus+sp&_sacat=0
ones in need of repair or sold as spares around £50 ..

there is one in the New York Museum Of Modern Art , MOMA .. http://www.moma.org/collection/works/4067

The wiring is fine in both my Singers 221 and 222 but as you said it can perish.. I've replaced it in older machines..

what have your retired from?
 
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scotjimland

scotjimland

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Jul 25, 2007
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Suffolk Coastal District, UK
Funster No
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Timberland
The only thing that ever fails is the bottom gear!still
You spoke too soon.. :(

Mine has just failed, replacement being supplied by the seller.. hope it's an easy job..

Any tips on changing and re-setting the timing will be greatly appreciated.. thanks



The former will still be working in another 100 years time.. not so sure about the Elna..

I'm sure now...:rolleyes:


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scotjimland

scotjimland

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Jul 25, 2007
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@robrace

New gear arrived today and I spent this evening changing it.. not too difficult, .. but resetting the timing took a bit of patience..

Jan is now a very happy sewing bunny

The old gear looks like it is made of a brittle plastic... unlike the new one which is white and probably nylon..
IMG_0306.JPG
 
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