good deal on sewing machine

[usarmyharley]

hey guys this really isnt a project thread...i was jus looking at harbor freight and never realized they had sewing machines....people are always askin what kinda sewing machine to get including me so i though i would post this link to one that harbor freight has....ive never used this machine and dont know much about this kinda stuff jus compared to others ive seen this one seems reasonably priced.

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-shop/machinery-accessories/single-needle-industrial-sewing-machine-3914.html

 

[redfury]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

wow, that's a great link. I've seen a machine like that in a customers house...real PITA to move, but it was industrial...the guys wifes. He said it was a 1200 dollar machine and that she'd better make some money with it!

For the price, I think if one were to consider doing a bit of vinyl work for themselves and possibly have some other uses, that would be a great machine for the weekend warrior ( of sorts )

I've always been of the mindset that Chicago electric tools were the equivalent to a starter house. It's cheap, it gets the job done, but you'll eventually dump it for something better. However, sometimes if you pay attention, you can find that you can upgrade some of the components to their tools and make a decent one for a cheap price.

In this case, the worst thing you'd possibly have to deal with immediately would be the foot and the needle quality. Get the extended warranty and start sewing up some seat cushions!

 

[andgott]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

Remember, though, you often get what you pay for.

I researched this machine- It'll do an OK job, but it really isn't up to 'par' with other industrial machines.

Like a lot of what Harbor Freight sells, It's actually a 'knockoff'- A Japanese Juki machine in this case. While it looks very similar, It's not as finely machined or well made. It has other drawbacks, too- The biggest thing it's lacking- and this is huge- is that there is NO walking foot. Reviewers also commented on it's poor speed control at low speeds, but this could possibly be fixed through a combination of tuning, perhaps a motor speed control change.

But, It'll get the job done- For about 1/2 what a nice machine will set you back- So if you don't have a lot of projects to do, it might be a good option.

Oh- Plan on buying the table- You NEED one with a machine like this, because of how the motor attaches, they are not portable.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

That price does not include the table. A buddy of mine recently bought a used Juki off of craigslist for $125 with the table.

 

[usarmyharley]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

cool thanks for the research on it......guess i coulda done that before i posted the link ....i jus dont know much about them and reading about them on here people say a industrial machine with metal parts instead of plastic is the best and this one had fit for a fraction of the cost of any other new ones.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

I don't like to buy TWICE, stuff from Harbor Freight is just that.

Look around, I found an old light industrial machine at a flea market for $15, it had a completed repair tag from a local repair shop.
Been about 15 years ago and seen some heavy duty work with me, it must be around 30+ years old.
Made a table similar the one pictured and I can add sheets of plywood to do sail or very large work.

 

[oops!]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

that thing looks allmost identical to my singer.

thanks for checking into the machine.....the other thing you need to know is LIGHT LEATHER applications.....you need somthing that will do heavy leather.....8 layers of good vynal and that thing will stall.

the other thing is that it does not say the thread size.....that is a must know as we use larger thread than the home machine will do.

the high speed is for sewing drapes.....possibly sail cloth...
with my machine....on wrong step on the pedal and you will go 1000 stitches in a half second.....the thing just rips.
it is really hard to adjust for lower speeds....as the gearing is from stop to full bore....you would need to re pully the motor belt set up

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: good deal on sewing machine

Well, I'm using a Regular Non Industrial 40 year old Kenmore with NO walking foot and while it was a challenge to get it adjusted correctly, and I WOULD recommend using an Industrial machine, It now sews through 6 layers of vinyl using vinyl upholstery thread and #20 Leather needles with NO PROBLEMS. And I think my seats look pretty good even if I do say so myself. You can see for yourself on my thread below.


I'm just sayin...