XL-2600i Brother

I'm about to pull the trigger on getting a thread injector. I'm looking at the Brother XL-2600i which can be bought at Wal-Mart for $85. I KNOW this is not a $300 machine. I'm curious as to the limitations it might present me. I'm also curious as to how well it will sew through some thicker items like an UQ.

I also saw the XL-6500 for $150 that is computer controlled and has more stitch options. I'm not sure what computer control gives me. I like the extra stitches.

I also don't want the machine to run away from me since I'm a noob. I like to go slow.

Chris

Limitations? That depends. One big one for me on my home machines is presser foot lift. That will limit the thickness of what you can sew, as will the power. On multiple layers of webbing and 1000denier nylons, expect to hand turn a lot, and get a lot of needle movement. Also, the small bobbins are a pain on long runs. Better than hand sewing though. It should sew an underquilt, it just won't be the bee's knees for it.

I have a Brother machine from Wally world. Not the same model, but about the same price range. Works fine. Just the other day I injected threw 4 layers of fleece. It may not the the best out there, but it functions fine for me.

Sounds like a newer model of my 2125 Brother that I bought used. It works fine.

Check a sewing repair shop... you might find a used machine that's more heavy-duty, and somebody to ask questions of and who might just show you how to operate it... all for the same price...

Newer isn't always better...

I've used that machine for about a year now. Never had a serious problem or run into something I couldn't sew, I've done 4 layers of cotton duck canvas at one time and while that taxed the machine going slow worked just fine.

I have two gripes about the machine the first was already mentioned.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hippofeet

the small bobbins are a pain on long runs.

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Obviously, with small bobbins being aware of the thread level is important and requires checking before making a long seam. Not the end of the world but it's a pain to run out in the middle of a stitch.:rolleyes:

Second gripe is that the reverse lever is spring loaded so if you want to sew in reverse you have to constantly hold it down giving you only one hand to manipulate the fabric.

It's a value machine, it's cheap and it works.

i have the older ver of that machine i got at walmart a few years back... i still use it to this day i make LOTS of gear on it many UQ's have been made on the machine ....
for the price ti's a nice starter machine very solid .....

I bought the Brother LS-590 from Hancocks, $89.00, and it has performed well on everything I have put it thru, a gatherered end Hammock, a tarp, an UQ and Tree Straps. So the cheaper Brothers are good in my opinion.

I got the XL2600i a few months ago, and I've had no problems while making several things with ripstop and fleece. If you get it, make sure you hear the bobbin thread "click" into place when you pull it thru the slot; you'll know what I mean when you see it. If you don't, it can become loop city. Otherwise, I like the machine a lot.

Thats the machine i use. Its great, and for the price...can't be beat. I've done a couple $20 craigslisters (thinking older is better) only to have them not work. Finally sucked it up and bought the new brother 2600 and it was soo worth it. So easy to use and versitile. I've even patched my buddies jeep soft top with it.

Bigtime thread revival! I have one of these and I struggle to control the sewing. Even barefoot with good control, I can't make the foot pedal do what I want. If I ease into it the machine hums (like a transformer) without doing anything yet, then all of a sudden it pumps out 4 stitches at full throttle. Horrible variable speed control. I thought it was just me, but I don't think there's any getting the hang of this.

I'm picking up a machine from my parents tonight they have since my aunt passed recently. She was into sewing bigtime, so I'm betting it's a really nice machine. I'm not very experienced, but if I can't control the speed properly I'll never learn!