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  1. #1
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    Thread Injector...New vs Old

    I quenched the desire for a while but it's back. I need another hobby like I need...I don't know...something I don't need. BUT, some of the things you guys make are spectacular and d*mmit, even if it ends up costing me twice what I could buy it for by the time I'm done, I wanna make it!!

    So, I've never so much as touched a sewing machine before. I've done a little research and I love the look of the old machines some of you have, the old Singers, etc. I especially like the looks of the 300 and 400 series from the 50's and 60's. They just plain look cool. My question is, are they harder to use than the newer ones on the market now? I don't want to spend a ton of money on one...maybe $100 max. Seems like I can find plenty of working machines on Craigslist for $50-$60. Most are 10-15 years old, boring white plastic looking thingies.

    Any input?

    Thanks

    Kevin

  2. #2
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Read my guidelines post in my signature if you are seriously thinking about goin the Craigslist route. Personally I don't recommend it. But it is an option. I like going to the local sewing center and picking the mechainics brain for what they have to offer. IMO it saves money in the long run.
    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

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    What I did...
    I was in your same hiking boots 3 months ago. Seeing all this finely made DIY gear on HF. I had never used a sewing machine [Thread-Injector] in my life.

    After reading through Rambinrev's and a number of other DIY people in the know, I thought I would give it a try.
    For me, The Older Kenmore machines had caught my eye.

    I found a person on YouTube & Ebay [same person]
    http://www.youtube.com/user/tonysmoke20
    EBAY SELLER "NIFTYTHRIFTYGIRL"
    She deals in older refurbished machines, Quality machines. Her videos showing them in action sold me. But, I didn't want to pay that much for a machine. I am sure there are other people dealing in these Vintage sewing machines. YMMV

    I looked on Craigslist in my area, and found a Kenmore Model 52, $125
    The rest is history, and I am learning more with it every week.





    ...my $0.02

  4. #4
    Senior Member GvilleDave's Avatar
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    I lucked out and found mine on Craigslist for $30 but after having it serviced and tuned etc... I have almost $100 in it all together. If I was doing it over I would follow Rev's advice and see what my local repair / service center has used and already serviced. My guy here had 2-3 older used machines for sell in the $75 - $125 range...



    Good luck, dive in and have fun!

  5. #5
    Senior Member wirerat123's Avatar
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    I got a 1951 Necci Bu Mira off craigslist for $20. The manual has maintenance instructions and everything, she sews an excellent stitch, and will likely still be sewing long after most of the newer machines have been given to Goodwill. I just have to keep it lubed up, when the action on it stops being smooth I just put lube in the lube points and give her a good run, DING and she starts sining to me again about making my own gear and how proud I am when I finish up that latest project and it turns out better than I expected.

    This is my sexy thread injector.
    Fulfillment is living a life that makes the lives of others worth living.
    DIY is addicting and fulfilling!
    "If guns kill people, then pencils mispell words, cars cause people to drink and drive, and spoons made Rosie O'donnell fat."

  6. #6
    Senior Member easyriver's Avatar
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    I put out the word to some of the lady friends i knew. Wasn't long before i was offered a very good machine, just so that it could have a good home. Was previously used as a student trainer.

    I always did like to make/modify my own gear, and always kinda wanted a thread injector as well. So I just started seriously yesterday. My artic sleeping bag has been crying for a new stuff sack for years. Yesterday it got one. Today I'm trying to design/make a fold up container for my 5-piece fly rod.

    Off to the big city tomorrow and have a list of needed injector things!

  7. #7
    Senior Member Danalex's Avatar
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    So buying from a guy like this makes sense even if it's more expensive?

    He even offers free repairs after purchase.

    http://www.usedottawa.com/classified...mpact_14306577

    http://www.usedottawa.com/classified...Steel_14306509

  8. #8
    New Member
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    I got mine off of CL for $40. The only thing missing was the bobbin cradle. I took it into my local shop and tried to look as pathetic as possible. It worked. The shop lady spent 20 minutes are so showing me how to load the thing and explained what all the dials and switches did. Not bad for a total of $55
    Shoreborn
    ______________________________________
    A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9)

  9. #9
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    IMO buy that singer....

    It's local. You can try it out and there is someone you can go bother if you have problems with it. That would be my choice.
    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

  10. #10
    Senior Member Danalex's Avatar
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    So all those fancy stitches aren't really necessary for gear making?

    This seems decent but no guarantee.

    http://www.usedottawa.com/classified...PRICE_14226196

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