"mv" > wrote in message
ink.net...

> Come to think about it, I wouldn't mind bringing
> my (very) old Singer with me to France.
> Do you think the voltage would kill it no matter what?
> (I would hate to lose that $25 I spent for it!)

I brought all of my small appliances when I moved to Denmark, with the
understanding that, considering how often I actually use them, a
step-down converter would suit my needs. Now, that the 200 watt
converters I bought in San Diego wouldn't run my kitchen appliances
because of the cycles was something I hadn't counted on -- which is
why I ended up with the 1000 watt beast (not really -- it's actually
rather discreet) sitting on my kitchen counter. Most things run fine,
if perhaps a tad *under*powered. My sewing machine, however, runs
fine on one of the original 200 watt converters and I don't notice any
performance difference.

I'll probably have to replace my small appliances sooner than I would
if they were running directly on 110 current, but the cost of
replacing them here (considering the 25% VAT in addition to just
higher prices) versus the cost of a good converter plus shipping made
it worthwhile to bring my existing appliances. I'd say bring it, use
it, buy another when it fails -- you'll find used sewing machines in
France, too.

-j