Which "new, crappy" machine should I get?

**stefprez** · 06-18-2011, 20:56

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

The reason I can be a snob is because I happen to get my wife's cast off machines. As a professional seamstress she always had good ones.

My only problem with the cheapo machines is as follows: They are fine for what you will be doing in the short run. But as a long term solution I suspect you will move beyond its capacity quite quickly. If that is not a concern, then I would say go ahead. However, if you want to invest for the longer run I would still recommend checking with a local sewing machine center for a used machine. Often they are available for the same or less than you would pay at Wally World. You don't need to do the sifting because that has already been done for you by the dealer.

I must have looked over that little gem of advice somewhere. I will check that out first, and if no luck, I'll settle for the plastic. Thanks again!

**Catavarie** · 06-18-2011, 21:15

Originally Posted by oldgringo

*ahem* There's only one.

There are two Techshops in the San Fransico area, and one in my local area that I'm aware of, plus plans to build others around the country. There are also other similar businesses. There are atleast 2 others that I know of in my area as well. Plus reuse centers abound.

I'm lucky to live in a highly DIY centric city though.

**oldgringo** · 06-18-2011, 21:17

Originally Posted by Catavarie

There are two Techshops in the San Fransico area, and one in my local area that I'm aware of, plus plans to build others around the country. There are also other similar businesses. There are atleast 2 others that I know of in my area as well. Plus reuse centers abound.

I'm lucky to live in a highly DIY centric city though.

I should have said, "There's only one Dutch."

**Catavarie** · 06-19-2011, 04:11

Originally Posted by oldgringo

I should have said, "There's only one Dutch."

Ah, sorry misunderstood.

True none could be as...Dutchy as the Dutch of course.

**Dutch** · 06-19-2011, 06:59

Actually I have started to breed.

**hppyfngy** · 06-19-2011, 21:00

Originally Posted by Dutch

Actually I have started to breed.

Well cut that out.

I know we all have monetary constraints, but I'm with Ramblinrev on the "don't cheap out on your equipment" idea.

I guess it's more of a philosophy though if the budget is that tight, but a cheap machine may not work on the thicker stuff in particular, like webbing. You might just waste $80 on a piece of junk...

ymmv

**stefprez** · 06-19-2011, 21:06

Hahaha you guys are silly.

I actually did just check out Craigslist and may have stumbled upon a gem my first go. Older singer stylist, all metal, beefy machine that supposedly has just gone in for all the routine maintenance and works well. $85. I sent an email, so we will see what happens. I also was looking at the Singer Heavy Duty 4423. Only like $130 on Amazon, and seems like something that would last. Any opinions on either?

**hppyfngy** · 06-19-2011, 21:14

There was an era of crappy Singers that hopefully somebody like Ramblinrev can reference for you. I know I had a beautiful fancy early 70's one that drove me absolutely freakin' nuts for several years before I gave it away and bought something new.

Somebody got that info?

Edit: Oh yeah, and you're silly.

**Ramblinrev** · 06-19-2011, 21:17

The guidelines post in my signature might be of help.

**Boothill** · 06-19-2011, 21:24

if it were me i'd go check out my local sewing machine repair places, you will pry be able to get twice the machine for the same amount of $ you will pay at a big box store, especially being that you only need something that will do a basic straight and zig zag stitch

boot