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  1. #1
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    New Sewing Machine

    Okay seamsters, if you were buying a new machine, what would it be?

    I've been happy with my serviceable Brother 6000i for a few years and it does a fine job as long as you take your time. But I've found that I'm faster than it is.

    Not to say it doesn't have speed, but I can only run it at about half speed before things start to get wonky. Faster than that and I get the birds nest in the bobbin, or jamming elsewhere, or it just jumps around all over the place because it's so light weight.

    So I've looked at older machines and may end up with one, but wondered if I were to look at New ones, what would I be looking at?

    Discuss!
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

  2. #2
    Senior Member Lost_Biker's Avatar
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    I would find a vintage machine. Singer 201, 15-91 or similar. You can find refurbished ones all over the net.

    All metal gears and heavy enough not to vibrate off a table. Will outlast you if you take care of it.
    I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."


    Underquilts.com

  3. #3
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    I can find vintage machines, I was just curious about new ones.
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

  4. #4
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    What do you want to do?

    That's an important question. If you are gear making any good machine will do the trick. Be prepared to spend some money though. You won't be happy with the disposable toys now that you have cut your teeth on a real machine.

    There are machine optimized for embroidery. If you want to get into "sewing" instead "gear making" then you might consider something like that but they are wicked pricey.

    I think the biggest question you need to ask your self is "Why do I want to change." From your description I would steer you toward one of the old vintage jobbers. They don't move. But that's if you are going to stay with gear making. If you are going to be doing more advanced sewing then look at the new machines to be found in sewing shops. Don't go big box or internet. You want to be able to put the thing through its paces.
    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

  5. #5
    Senior Member ibgary's Avatar
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    I just got a new one on Monday. It's a Singer 4423 or something like that. It sells for 260-70???. Picked it up for 99$. So far so good.
    I read a bunch of reviews, & its little brother was consistently mentioned, 4419 or something like that.

  6. #6
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    I'm just curious RR.

    I'm really just making gear but heavier stuff gives my little machine some trouble. Speed is definitely an issue. Overcast/overlock would be nice too. I'm still learning from repairing my jeans to making curtains.

    Was hoping to get your opinion on these machines.

    http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=63567
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

  7. #7
    Senior Member gargoyle's Avatar
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    If your gonna drop some coin, go with Consew, Juki, Sailrite or an industrial grade Pfaff or Singer.

    The more electrical gizmos you get, the more repairs will be. Avoid the doo-dads, IMO.
    If your looking to sew a lot gear, these machine will go the distance.
    Crazy fast, excellent durability, good stitch quality, no fancy stitches.. Check youtube for some vids.
    Some need tweaking to handle light material, but once dialed in...HANG ON!!

  8. #8
    Senior Member hppyfngy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gargoyle View Post
    If your gonna drop some coin, go with Consew, Juki, Sailrite or an industrial grade Pfaff or Singer.

    The more electrical gizmos you get, the more repairs will be. Avoid the doo-dads, IMO.
    If your looking to sew a lot gear, these machine will go the distance.
    Crazy fast, excellent durability, good stitch quality, no fancy stitches.. Check youtube for some vids.
    Some need tweaking to handle light material, but once dialed in...HANG ON!!
    Cool. Had my eye on a Consew or two.

    Thanks G man
    Some say I'm apathetic, but I don't care. - Randy

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