help picking a thread Injector

[exup]

Sorry if this has already been discussed. I looked pretty far back and used the search option couldn't find much.

I'm fairly new at all this so you'll have to forgive me. I've decided I need a thread injector. I grew up using one but sure has been awhile. My question is, what do I get? I know that's very broad but so far I've only came up with 1950s american and german are the way to go. I would like to be able to sew some typical stuff, stuff sacks, backpacks, tarps, polyester webbing, etc. I guess I really don't know where to start. Are there some brands I should be looking at? Should it be heavy duty idustrial type?

Thanks for all the help.

[Ramblinrev]

Check my "guidelines" post in my signature. You might find that helpful.

[exup]

Thanks rev, I started watching you're series but didn't get to far because my internet started having trouble so now I'm stuck on my blackberry.

[nacra533]

Most of this is covered in Rev's videos but...

Older is often better than newer because of:
metal gears and parts vs. plastic
made in USA, Germany, Taiwan vs. China

But, the newer computerized models have a lot features and the reality is we don't sew heavy fabric so plastic gears are not really a concern.

I strongly prefer industrial type machines with the motor under the table but they are tough to store and you have to get used to the clutch motors. I have a Singer 20U and a Bernina 217N-8 and they are both really good machines. The Brother TZ1B652 is a good machine. It has a 10mm (I think) zig zag. You don't typically use a 10mm zigzag, but the wider feet and feed dogs really help with the feeding.

[exup]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all your advices. They've already hrlprf a great deal. Originally I was thinking about going with a new singer. Something simple in the $150 or less price range. But I'm really not in a super hurrt, just have all these ideas in my head and instructions on here so I'm getting antsy. I think now ill just look around for a month or two for an older machine and if that doesn't work go with the new. I know at a thrift store near me they had 4 of them and ranged from $10 to $20. Worth a double check.

I'm also thinking about the sewing classes as well. I've called a few places and it seems fairly cheap. I assume ill only need to take the basic. To bad the don't have a "ultralight backpack build 101" and a "under/top quilt making/working with down" haha.

[skyclad]

like Nacra says, the older all-metal machines will run forever if adjusted, cleaned and lubed periodically. to me the zig-zag stitch is important for things like sewing a loop or other onto a tree sling. the Singer 237 is a tank - frequently selling on ebay for less than $50, some less than $20.

[gargoyle]

How much money do you want to spend?

Most use a basic sewing machine. All you need is a straight stitch. Some folks like the extra stitches, (zig-zag, overcast, etc.) but it is not neccessary.

Consew, Juki, Pfaff are some of the higher end models available. But some of these can run several $100's to several $1,000's.
Singer, Brother, White and others are also popular.
Visit your local sewing center for a good example of whats available.

Avoid plastic gears.
Old school machines are generally indestructible. All this depends on maintainence and how abused the machine was in its previous life.

Several folks have found machines on the cheap. Local garage sales, hand-me-downs from family or friends, etc.

Brand names are kind of decieving.. alot of the machines are built by the same company and labeled differently on the outside only. So don't get stuck in the mind set of one brand.
If you have the chance to see the machine run, do it. Do not buy a machine that you can't see run. Check that it sews straight and all the functions work. Learn how to thread it correctly.

Ask around, maybe someone you know has one collecting dust?

[millarky]

I have an antique, nay, ancient World's Rotary all metal one stitch wonder, with hieroglyphics painted on the side in charcoal . It is a mighty fine machine that my mom used and prolly Betsy Ross before her; if not Cleopatra's seamstress. One day last fall I found myself wanting a machine I can carry around without a front end loader. Off to my local quilting shop I went in search of an affordable Husquvarna Viking. I returned home with the E20 and couldn't be happier. solid machine with lots of options. OK, so I can't embroidry the Hammock Forum logo on the side of my tarp but I can do a bunch of other cool things with it. BTW, they seem to be perpetually "on sale" for $199. Pretty good price for a machine that will last you and your offspring and prolly their offspring yada yada yada.....

Happy hunting

http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/17650_17651.htm

[jbo_c]

If you go to church, mention you're looking and you'll likely have a cheap or free machine within a couple of months, perhaps significantly less.

If you don't go to church, how do you feel about dating older women?

Seriously, if a general group of older people(women especially) has an idea you might be interested, you may find yourself with a good free or cheap machine in a fairly short amount of time. Once it was known I was looking, I had (many) offers for a good loaner and shortly, a nice Singer 404 for free from somebody who got it from her mother and was thrilled that a "nice young man" was going to put it to good use.

Jbo

[exup]

Well I guess I lucked out and one of the in laws got me an "older singer" for christmas. Ill be antsy to get it and see what model it is. I'm also very nervous as I found a guy whose a friend of a friend who has a repair shop and has some "old black singers" that he's refurbishing and can sell me one around the $200 mark. Said hed call me when one is finished and have me come in and test it with some fabrocs and threads I'd be using to make sure its what I need.

I guess selfishly I'm worried the one bought for me might be on the not so good side. But either way I'm very stoked and excited to see it. Ill share when I get it.