Which "new, crappy" machine should I get?

**stefprez** · 06-18-2011, 16:47

So I just moved into my new apartment, and in the move process, the thread injector, albeit nothing special, and technically my mother's, got left behind. (In Michigan, I'm in New York. Not going back for it...) Anyways, I know there are thread injector snobs (cough Ramblinrev cough) on here, which is great, but I just want something that will take care of the basic needs for me, and I don't feel like jumping through hoops to get a good used machine. I know the new machines are hard to repair and maintain and everything, but that's really the only feasible option for me unless some sewing genie appears and hands me one of the good ones.

My question is, which of these new, flimsy, plastic machines will get the job done for me, and not leave me beating my head against a wall. The cheaper the better, and just to confirm, I'd probably willingly beat my head against a wall before you find me needing all those fancy stitches. Any help for a young guy looking for an old woman's machine?

(No offense to any old women out there!)

**Randy** · 06-18-2011, 16:59

I have a Singer from Walmart and it works for my needs and projects.
hammocks, bags, webbing, grosgrain.....I am happy with my under $100 SEWING MACHINE......

**gmcttr** · 06-18-2011, 17:09

Originally Posted by Randy

I have a Singer from Walmart and it works for my needs and projects.
hammocks, bags, webbing, grosgrain.....I am happy with my under $100 SEWING MACHINE......

+1...my cheap Walmart Singer has worked well on ripstop, tree strap loops, mosquito net and tulle.

I did just replace a broken gear in my '69 Singer 648 to have a backup when the cheap one breaks.

**nothermark** · 06-18-2011, 17:46

craigslist is your friend

**stefprez** · 06-18-2011, 17:55

Originally Posted by nothermark

craigslist is your friend

Like I said, I'm not really feeling up to playing that game. I'm sure there are deals to be found on good machines in good conditions, but it would require a lot of sifting through bad machines or good machines in bad condition. I would rather have the easy, no-fuss solution.

**Catavarie** · 06-18-2011, 18:59

I don't think you can really beat the Wally World $100 machine without going the used route.

Unless you do like me and marry a theater costume designer

**Ramblinrev** · 06-18-2011, 20:38

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.

**Ramblinrev** · 06-18-2011, 20:40

Originally Posted by Catavarie

I don't think you can really beat the Wally World $100 machine without going the used route.

Unless you do like me and marry a theater costume designer

I married a professional theatrical costume seamstress. The designers she worked for couldn't sew for beans. That's why they liked working with the shop she worked at. Them folks was good.

**Catavarie** · 06-18-2011, 20:45

Another option is to check and see if your area has a DIY membership club like the Techshop. While not neccessarily cheap, the memberships do provide you with access to extremely nice equipment to use to create nearly anything you can dream up.

Think about it, you could be the next Dutch.