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  1. #1
    Senior Member Big Jim Mac's Avatar
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    Sewing machines?

    Been looking at Craig's List for a cheap sewing machine, many to choose from and I'm not sure what features i need. Can I get by with a $35 oldie that just sews straight? One lady has a cast iron monster that also zig zags for that price. Dressmaker Brand. No cabinet, is that a big deal? Can I still stay in the man club if I buy a sewing machine?

  2. #2
    Senior Member gargoyle's Avatar
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    As long as it works, $35 is a steal!
    And it should set on a table fine IIRC. Maybe something to protect the table from the legs scratching?
    Or custom build a table?

    Those machines were made to last.
    Ambulo tua ambulo.

  3. #3
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Jim Mac View Post
    Can I still stay in the man club if I buy a sewing machine?
    No. Get a Polymer Fiber Injector instead.

    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  4. #4
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    (a real man isn't worried about staying in the man club! )
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  5. #5
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Read the link in my signature about the important guidelines for thread injectors. It may be of assistance.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

  6. #6
    Senior Member hiker_DC's Avatar
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    My first sewing machine was cast iron as well. It will scratch the table if not protected. Has a manly smell (think oiled gun barrel) and weighs a ton. Most items you will make only require a straight stitch. They are easy to use and will sew anything short of thick leather. If this is your first venture into the realm of sewing, I say go for the iron beast.

    Doc
    I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. ~G.M. Trevelyan

    Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright

  7. #7
    MacEntyre's Avatar
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    Not a bad idea... Hoppe's #9 for Thread Injectors.
    - MacEntyre
    "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin
    www.MollyMacGear.com

  8. #8
    Senior Member JohnSawyer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MacEntyre View Post
    Not a bad idea... Hoppe's #9 for Thread Injectors.
    GREAT idea! No more Singer oil for me... hmmm... I could use my rifle cleaning kit to do a better job wiping out the lint from my thread injector...

    Thanks Mac!

    Quote Originally Posted by Big Jim Mac View Post
    Been looking at Craig's List for a cheap sewing machine, many to choose from and I'm not sure what features i need. Can I get by with a $35 oldie that just sews straight? One lady has a cast iron monster that also zig zags for that price. Dressmaker Brand. No cabinet, is that a big deal? Can I still stay in the man club if I buy a sewing machine?
    Get the zig-zag machine, but be warned that a tune-up is probably in order. It's like buying a car, folks here have bought used machines and found the repair bill to be higher than the machine cost...
    "Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda


  9. #9
    Senior Member Big Jim Mac's Avatar
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    Thanks for the advice, I feel better armed knowing what to ask now! And glad I am now in the market for a thread injector. Thought I would pass along this site for other manly men who need one of these hammock makers: http://www.sewusa.com/index.htm

    They sell manuals for many models and offer tips on repairs.

  10. #10
    Senior Member pedro's Avatar
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    Just make sure that parts are available.
    "Interesting! No, wait, the other thing.....tedious!"- Bender Bending Rodriques

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