Industrial Sewing Machine

[Weasel Mender]

Does any one on the forum have any expierience with the "industrial" sewing machine sold by Harbour Freight, I know it is a Chinese knock-off of someone elses machine. If is of any quality it would be just the thing for me with kilt work and other projects I have planned like packs, bags, and tents etc. I know that you can get first quality machinery from China along with complete junk the trick is in the sorting.

Weasel

[The Wizard of BC]

The only problem that I have ever had with Harbor Freight is that sometimes the item they have in stock at the time your order is not always the same as that in the picture and you end up with a totally different and usually poorer quality product.

I would never buy from Harbor Freight over the website. If you happen to have one near you and can hand pick out the machine you want then great.

The price is almost too good to be true.

The table alone is $129.99. That means your buying the machine and motor for $140.00. I spend that much for just an electronic control motor.

[sydnie7]

[snip]The price is almost too good to be true.

The table alone is $129.99. That means your buying the machine and motor for $140.00. I spend that much for just an electronic control motor.

Your first statement is more correct. They show machine and table, but description says "table sold separately." So it's $270 for machine plus $130 to get what is pictured.

I have an Omega brand Chinese portable that has performed well, so far (they were quick to point out that the bobbin mechanism is from Japan LOL oh, how the times have changed. . .)

[Southern Breeze]

My advice would be to find a good used one. Singer and a Pfaff industrial model are what I have. Better to have something you can rely on and find parts and service for.

[kevinkinney]

Howdy,

In this economy, I would give Ebay a whirl. I've seen plenty of new machinery that would not match the performance of older vintage models.

My shop rule is 'nothing younger than 2000', unless it's a premium machine.

Kevin

<edit> I am a well versed machine mechanic, and member of the freak sewers union.

[The Wizard of BC]

A note on Industrial Machines that I think needs repeating here.

If you are only going to do 5 or 6 Kilts for yourself don't go through the expense of an Industrial Machine.

These things are heavy duty, run all day long, day after day, month after month workhorses.

Most of them are pretty specialized. They are designed to do one job really well but are not always adaptable to do everything.

They also cost a pretty penny. My 5 Pfaff 138-6 zigzag machines cost $2000.00 each and then another $450.00 each for electronic motors instead of the older friction clutch ones.

If I had to buy all new machines today I'd go with Juki's. But that is because they no longer make the 138's.

But that is perhaps a good thing for a home industrial because many Pfaff 138's can be found second hand for very reasonable prices.
If you do canvas for tents, or boat covers in addition to Kilts then a good used Industrial could be a good investment.

I would never tell someone to buy a used sewing machine sight unseen though. Never, ever spend that much money without having a sewing machine tech take a look at it.

Most good sized towns have a sewing machine shop. Go in and talk to the technician there. Bypass the sales person and go direct to the person who fixes the machines in the back. Take a sample of the fabric you plan to use and perhaps a sample of the type of Kilt you are planning to make. Ask the tech to suggest a machine that will handle the job.

Then don't buy anything better, newer, or fancier than the one they suggest.

If they don't have a good machine in the shop tell them to look for one for you. Most shops repair all the machines in their area and will know everyone who sews and has machines.

Your local sewing machine repair shop (Independant, not a chain that just sells machines to quilters) is your best and smartest resource. Use them.

[Canuck]

In addition to what that guy who posted above me says. I would add bring in the thread you are using as the tech can also adjust the tension for you to give you a base point.
I have a couple of Juki Industrials and two Pfaffs. My sewing machine tech is saying there is still a strong demand for the Pfaff. He also handles Juki. Like Steve was saying they are a well built machine and parts are easier to come by.

[Southern Breeze]

I'll second the advice of those two above.
The Pfaff I have came out of a "If you don't want it, it's going in the dumpster" conversation. It was originally used to sew carpet together. It's a beast.