Tough cheap machine???

I know this type of discussion usually starts a war, but just looking at
possible options. I had to take my Janome 5124 in for adjustment today.
I was sewing a backpack and going through thick fabric layers.

The machine has not been adjusted in 5 years, so it might not have been
the fabric throwing it off. It has served me well with my shirts
though. But its supposed to be able to handle heavy duty work too.

I'm looking for an inexpensive ($300) machine (yeah, I know, dream on),
with straight stitch and zig-zag. I want strong and durable, and not a
lot of bells and whistles.

I usually sew my own shirts, but am venturing into some outdoor gear.

I was in JoAnns today, dropping off my machine for repair, and the woman
kept trying to show me more and more expensive machines (all Huskys),
even though I kept telling her I wasn't willing to spend that. Kept
saying "This tells you what foot to put on, etc", like being a guy, I
must need a bunch of help.

Seems I remember Pfaff has some rugged basic machines, but can't
remember the models.



--
-------------------------
"Work like no one is watching,
Dance like you've never been hurt, and
Love like you don't need the money"

\
=8{B
\

at that price you want to look at used machines. An old Singer
401 or 500 would be great tough machines.
Taria

duh wrote:

I know this type of discussion usually starts a war, but just looking at
possible options. I had to take my Janome 5124 in for adjustment today.
I was sewing a backpack and going through thick fabric layers.

The machine has not been adjusted in 5 years, so it might not have been
the fabric throwing it off. It has served me well with my shirts
though. But its supposed to be able to handle heavy duty work too.

I'm looking for an inexpensive ($300) machine (yeah, I know, dream on),
with straight stitch and zig-zag. I want strong and durable, and not a
lot of bells and whistles.

I usually sew my own shirts, but am venturing into some outdoor gear.

I was in JoAnns today, dropping off my machine for repair, and the woman
kept trying to show me more and more expensive machines (all Huskys),
even though I kept telling her I wasn't willing to spend that. Kept
saying "This tells you what foot to put on, etc", like being a guy, I
must need a bunch of help.

Seems I remember Pfaff has some rugged basic machines, but can't
remember the models.

duh wrote:

I was in JoAnns today, dropping off my machine for repair, and the woman
kept trying to show me more and more expensive machines (all Huskys),
even though I kept telling her I wasn't willing to spend that. Kept
saying "This tells you what foot to put on, etc", like being a guy, I
must need a bunch of help.


Huskys are not exactly the best built machines. And mediocre sewing
machine salespeople will always try to show you more machine than you
need.

A used Singer 401 is one model that meets every last one of your
requirements, unless you need a free arm. Look at the bottom picture
he http://www.sew-rite.com/machines.html (no affiliations with this
site, but the guy has a good reputation)

You might be able to find one in a thrift store for $20 or so, too.
Most people don't want them because they think newer is better.

Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply wrote:
duh wrote:


I was in JoAnns today, dropping off my machine for repair, and the
woman kept trying to show me more and more expensive machines (all
Huskys), even though I kept telling her I wasn't willing to spend
that. Kept saying "This tells you what foot to put on, etc", like
being a guy, I must need a bunch of help.



Huskys are not exactly the best built machines. And mediocre sewing
machine salespeople will always try to show you more machine than you need.

A used Singer 401 is one model that meets every last one of your
requirements, unless you need a free arm. Look at the bottom picture
he http://www.sew-rite.com/machines.html (no affiliations with this
site, but the guy has a good reputation)

You might be able to find one in a thrift store for $20 or so, too. Most
people don't want them because they think newer is better.

Thanks. Your name looks familiar from a few years ago when I used to
frequent this list. You live in the Bay Area?

Dwight

--
-------------------------
"Work like no one is watching,
Dance like you've never been hurt, and
Love like you don't need the money"

\
=8{B
\

duh wrote:

Thanks. Your name looks familiar from a few years ago when I used to
frequent this list. You live in the Bay Area?

You betcha, and I remember your name, too.

Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply wrote:
duh wrote:


Thanks. Your name looks familiar from a few years ago when I used to
frequent this list. You live in the Bay Area?


You betcha, and I remember your name, too.

I bought my Janome out in Walnut Creek, but can't remember the name of
the store. I seem to remember you live in that direction. I live in
Newark now, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't take my machine in to them
to take a look at, instead of going through this service at JoAnn's.

The name was something like "The Sewing Machine Place" or something
orignal like that.

It hasn't been adjusted since I got it, about 4-5 years ago.

--
-------------------------
"Work like no one is watching,
Dance like you've never been hurt, and
Love like you don't need the money"

\
=8{B
\

Oh, yes, The Sewing Machine Shop in Walnut Creek (it's about 6 or 7
miles from where I live), where I bought a wonderful 80s New Home with
30 stitches just a few short years back!

http://www.sewingmachineshop.com/

Well, I know they are reputable, and they definitely are
older-machine-friendly. Whether the store that holds the contract for
the Joann's nearest you is a good store or not is beyond my knowledge.
Some are and some aren't.

duh wrote:

I bought my Janome out in Walnut Creek, but can't remember the name of
the store. I seem to remember you live in that direction. I live in
Newark now, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't take my machine in to them
to take a look at, instead of going through this service at JoAnn's.

The name was something like "The Sewing Machine Place" or something
orignal like that.

On Sat, 29 Jul 2006 19:34:50 -0700, duh wrote:



Seems I remember Pfaff has some rugged basic machines, but can't
remember the models.

I got a 130 at a second hand shop for $40 just last month.
IMHO the thrift and second hand shops are the first place to look for
the tough old machines.

I am a firm believer in all (or mostly anyway) metal, all mechanical
machines. Also IMHO if you are sewing heavy or tough fabrics you won't
do much better than such a machine. If you don't want anything
fancier than maybe a zig zag, and you need rugged you may want to look
into an old machine.

You may have to do some serious cleaning and oiling of a vintage
machine, you may also have to do minor parts replacement (belts and
such), but in the long run they usually provide a very good value.

NightMist
--
The wolf that understands fire has much to eat.

Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply wrote:
Oh, yes, The Sewing Machine Shop in Walnut Creek (it's about 6 or 7
miles from where I live), where I bought a wonderful 80s New Home with
30 stitches just a few short years back!

I heard back from Jim in Chico. He doesn't have any machines that will
do zigzag right now.

Is there some trick with straight stitches that will emulate bar tacks,
like maybe multiple parallel lines close together. Do these old 401s
stitch in reverse?

THanks.

Dwight

Taunto wrote:

Is there some trick with straight stitches that will emulate bar tacks,
like maybe multiple parallel lines close together. Do these old 401s
stitch in reverse?


Well, they have zigzag attachments you can buy.