Begging for opinions on a sewing machine

[Dreadbelly]

Dread,

I don't know anything about your specific machine but your last comment made me say something.

If people say the machine is noisy and rattles I would immediatly look elsewhere. One factor of any machine is vibration control. High vibration leads to excess wear and failure.

My Pfaffs are all over 30 years old. Each runs smooth and vibration free. And each is still in daily use.

Now some machines are called thumpers. But they run at very slow speeds and have a lot of weight of metal moving. Most of these are very heavy duty machines like those used to sew saddles and harnesses. The mass of moving metal is needed to drive a needle thru 1 1/2" of solid leather.

The reason that a good quality machine cost so much is because "you get what you pay for" and they are proven over the years to do the job they were designed for and to last for years.
And in the long run are very inexpensive to operate.

A craftsman is only as good as his tools. Buy the best you can possibly afford.

Bolting it to a table or otherwise mounting it on your work surface helps considerably from what I was told.

And I am thinking that noise is a relative thing. When looking around, I keep finding these whisper quiet models... And find all of the internals are made from things not metal. It looks like people give 1 star ratings about sewing machines for even a slight electrical hum. I mean, I can't say for sure, but it seems to me that a machine made from metal parts would probably draw fire from some types.

I've done a lot of looking... This model has been around for years and years and years it looks like, since before I was born, and it has remained virtually unchanged. It still comes in the dull army olive drab green. It only has 10 stitches. I've found some kind of kit where you can alter this particular model and hook it up to a foot powered pedal. (No electricity required) I've also read in more than one place and heard it from a sale person in an customer service email that they are probably going to drop this model from production, which is why the prices have dropped on it so much recently. Some places still have them listed for 600 or 700 dollars or more, but most have dropped down to 399.99 or even 299.99, including some refurbs for 199.99. I could actually get one of the refurbs right now this minute... For 199.99. I mean, that is not a bad deal at all for a good 'starter' machine. But the refurbs don't have the 25 year coverage on the machine and free in home servicing that the new ones have.

School is going to provide me with a 'free' sewing machine, a midrange Brother unit, which is going to be mine to keep. I've been told it is nice enough for light to medium duty work.

[Canuck]

I started with a straight stitch singer built in 1929. This one is black with gold decals. I can sew almost anything with it. Bought it used for $125. Trick is to keep it well oiled and change your needles for every project.
Like Steve I'm running a couple of Pfaffs. Mine are different than his. One is a model 460 with a computer control. The other is a walking foot model a 1245. I also have an Adler and it's a thumper but it can sew plywood!
You can get a good used industrial for a reasonable price. If you keep it lubed, and some have oil baths, It's rare that something will go wrong. Knee controls for presser foot operation or foot controls just can't be beat.
I buy needles in packages of 100. Different types for different materials.
If you plan on producing 50 - 1000 garments a year the heavy duty domestic units are not going to cut it. Most of the warranties are void if you use them for comercial use. Read the fine print.
The Industrials will stitch up to 3500 stitches per minute, domestics 200 stitches per minute
Also I use 1-2lb cones of thread, large bobbins. If you are serious about this, I think I would hold off, look for a good machine, see who in the area services machines and see what they are selling. If a machine breaks down even if it's covered under warranty how long is that machine going to be out of commision?
If I look around my shop I have thousands of dollars invested in Sewing machines, cutting tables, presses and tools. I'm a one man operation! I know Steve has a number of machines and tools. Rocky as well. For us to do this properly and have good quality product and if you want to compete with the big guys, you need good tools.
as well as have the knowledge and experience to use them.
However a hand sewn kilt is something of beauty, good eyes, good needles, proper thread and materials and patience. Another route to follow.
Figure what you're going to make with what materials. The do everything machines are may not give you the results you desire.

[bunchdescendant]

Dreadbelly-

Remember to keep your eyes open-this Rex industrial was a give-away from one of my schools. Sews like a champ! Just don't get your fingers in the way-they will be sewn with no effort at all!!



It was going to be tossed if I didn't save it from the dumpster!

Ask around-you never know where you might find a gem.

Ray

[kiltedcougar]

heres another heavy duty low-cost alternative