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I'm wanting to pick up a thread injector but didn't want to shell out a ton on one to start with. Has anyone used the Singer Simple 2263 from Wally World? I didn't figure I needed a bunch of bells and whistles. If ya'll have any recommendations for one under $100 I'd appreciate it.:confused:
Check my guidelines post in my sig. Others have found it helpful. Brand is less important than quality imo. Some folks have had good luck with the WW type machines but I honestly can not recommend them.
I've got the same question. I've been looking at the cheap-o machines at the big box retailers and all I can tell is that:
1) The more stitches the machine will make, the higher the price. Most of my stitching will be straight line. I don't need a machine that will do a flower pattern stitch.
2) Really cheap ones (sub-$50) seem to be "light duty" making me wonder about whether they can stitch through thick poly webbing.
So what do I need to stitch rip-stop nylon and webbing? I realize name brand recommendations create fights, but I am looking at Brother (TM) and Singer (TM) because I have access to them and they're cheap. I am open to others as long as I can keep it under $120. Model number recommendations are great, too.
Ramblinrev, thanks for your insights. I'll read more on your post later. You've got a lot of info I want to read through! Quality is less important than brand, I agree. But price is as important to me as quality (in other words, I'd rather have a machine that will do a good straight line stitch that costs $100 over a machine that does several patterns equally well and costs $300).
Thanks!
if you have a local sewing repair place, START THERE! they will have some older heavier machines that you will more than likely be alot happier with, probably pay less for and be built a whole lot better than the current plastic version you will be finding at most of the big box store
boot
Ramblinrev- you did have a lot of useful info Thanks
Boothill - I'll have to do some research and see if there are any repair shops. I been offered 25+ year old my mother has, but there was a reason she replaced it a few years back.lol It might be fixable though.
I've got a model from the '60's that does one stitch. With that stitch I've sewn:Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrianb
5 gathered end hammocks
Bug nets
Mesh Tarp Holders (very similar to Snake Skins)
Loops on webbing
Stuff sacks
Wrist warmers (very similar to Wristies (c))
Jerry Chair
In the process of an underquilt
All with one stitch. I picked mine up for around $30 and it's been going strong for over a year. I already got my money's worth.
+1! I started out with a WallyWorld machine and had nothing but trouble with it. For less than thirty dollars more at the sewing machine place, I managed to score an old 70s-vintage Husquvarna that has had no problem with everything from PU-coated 1.3 oz polyester up through three layers of nylon webbing and four layers of 1.9 oz nylon all together. It's definitely worth the investment.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boothill
If you buy refurbished, expect to pay in the $130 to $170 range for a good machine, in my experience. It's worth it.
I have my Mom's old Viking/Husquvarna that so far runs, well, like a sewing machine..........no problems with the machine. The operator is another story.
Thanks, thats what I figured about the WW machines. I'm going shopping with the family later today and I've already looked up some repair shops. As long as the wife doesn't fuss.(never thought I'd be saying that)Quote:
Originally Posted by FLRider
I picked up a Singer 237 for about $100 from my local shop. Great solid machine. Plus I got a service.contract for 6 months as part of the deal.
I've had really good luck with Goodwill. I've bought five so far, three singers and two white rotary. My first was a singer dated 1947. Table and all cost me $75.00 and I made many a DIY project until I picked up my first white rotary. I only use my white now and I love it! I was told to pick up a spare white for parts if I see one so I picked up a second white at Goodwill for, are you ready.....$8.00. After I cleaned it, it works awesome! I've found that the older machines work better than the new plastic units. Just my take on things. Good luck and enjoy
i actually got my sewing machine (singer 533) for free at a goodwill type store, hard to beat the price and there wasn't a thing wrong with it, just plugged it in and started making gear
boot
That's the kind of deal I'm talking about!Quote:
Originally Posted by Boothill
I've been instructed that my next purchase should be a single stitch industrial sewing machine (used ones are fine) Reason being is that they are made for heavy usage. I'll be looking into it as soon as my 35 year old Sears kenmore sewing machine ever gives me any issues. :laugh:
I got rid of my Walmart special and bought a 1961 Singer and a 1936 Singer (I converted to hand crank) off ebay. The first was $80 but I ended up getting it free since it was damaged in shipping and wasn't working right. It just needed a new belt. The second was about $40 and the electrics were shot and cordless so I ditched it and now it's hand-powered (very convenient to use when watching tv). I use the younger one for big projects and long stitch runs. I use the older one more for short projects. Both sew leather like a dream as well as ripstop nylon, canvas and fleece.