The Simplicity SA200 Pioneer II sewing machine is a good starter, or travel machine. It’s a simple Zig-Zag machine, using an oscillating hook and class 15 bobbins, and One O’clock class 15 bobbin case, and a low shank presser foot.

There isn’t a lot of info on this machine, but we know it was manufactured in Thailand by the Tacony Corporation, and sold under the Simplicity brand. The user manual is copyright 2002, so it’s a safe bet it was in stores around then, give or take a bit.

Motor

The motor was seized when I got the machine. The sticking point was in the front (pulley end) motor bushing. Even though these are “oil free” motors, they’re lubricated when they are assembled, and just like any other part with close tolerances and oil, that oil will eventually turn to varnish. I pulled the motor apart and repaired it. Works great now.

Simplicity SA200 Pioneer II Construction

Obviously you can remove the outer plastic shell to reveal the metal skeleton inside. The cast metal inner frame is pretty common in these “Plastic” machines. The Plastic isn’t really structural, it’s cosmetic.

Drive parts

The Zig-Zag gear and cam are the only plastic drive parts, so if either fails you should still have a straight stitch machine.

Is the SA200 Pioneer II worth buying?

This is a good machine to learn on if you already have it, or it’s given to you, but I wouldn’t recommend going out and looking for one. It’s not a terrible, machine, it’s just that you can do better for the same money. I’ woul’d always recommend an all metal machine like the Singer 328K Style-O-Matic over something like this. That said, if you have your heart set on a SA200 I wouldn’t pay more than $30 for it.

Specifications

Brand	Simplicity
Model	SA200 Pioneer II
Year	~2002
Manufactured By	Tacony Corporation
Made In	Thailand
Hook Type	Oscillating Hook
Bobbin	Class 15
Bobbin Case	Class 15  “1 o’clock” position finger
Needle System	15×1
Foot Type	Low Shank
Construction	Plastic and Metal
Construction Drivetrain	Plastic and Metal