Not what I expected to hear

The sewing machine repairman came back Monday to figure out what's going on with my machine. He found a number of burs on the throat plate and removed them. What we determined, though, is that the grabbing problem I was having only happens at really fast speeds. He recommended I slow down (sigh), and that if the problem persists, he'll bring a new bobbin case. The other thing we decided was I should only use singer bobbins, rather than generics. Bleh. Oh well.

After he was done with the fine tuning, he told me not to buy another Singer. While they may have been the standard in the past, that is no longer the case. He also advised me to stay away from Brother. When I'm ready to buy a new machine, he recommended going to ebay or a local second hand store and buy a machine that's at least 20 years old or older. Not as fancy, but he says I won't have as many problems. How frustrating to think how much is being charged for new machines that come with built-in failures.

In other news, my machine seems to be all better.

I'm not fond of the Singer machines but I do like my Brother machines. When I'm ready to upgrade I think I'll go with Babylock. Good luck with your machine :)

I really think it is the luck of the draw. I have an old mechanical singer that I say my mother bought in the 80's and she says the 90's that works great but is loud. I have a Singer Futura ce-350 embroidery machine that I dearly love and does everything it is supposed to do and ironically this machine was discontinued within the first year because of so many complaints and issues. My Singer Serger is 40-50 yrs old and it is a workhorse and as long as I tie on the existing threads I have no issues threading it. When I got a new machine I got a Juki for their reputation, youtube videos and personal recommendations. I needed a large throat and even though I have tested a few Janomes I really wasn't impressed with the price compared to what my Futura does for so much less. The Sweet 16 was out of the reasonable price range I thought. I also tested a couple of Brothers because I was told they are basically the same as a Juki and there was a huge difference and I would not ever purchase a brother.

Like anything else in quilting it is a personal preference and choice. Your repairman may have different views than the next 3 you talk to about the same thing.

There is no wrong choice here just make the best choice that you can at the moment. I am really glad you have your machine back and working.

Lisa, are you liking your Juki? I noticed a Juki being used on the Fat Quarter Shop videos and I've been looking at them online.

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Originally Posted by Lisapc

When I got a new machine I got a Juki for their reputation, youtube videos and personal recommendations. I needed a large throat and even though I have tested a few Janomes I really wasn't impressed with the price compared to what my Futura does for so much less.

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I have been amazed at how so many appliances are made to break - intended to be disposable! Two years ago, within a two week time period, my dishwasher, washer, dryer, and water heater all had to be replaced. Our friend, who is in the business of selling such things told us that they were all meant to last around 3 years, 5 at best, in other words, they were made to be be disposable. We stayed away from all the prominent inexpensive brands that break so fast, and went with a Bosch for the Dishwasher, and Speed Queen for the washer and Dryer. So far, these have been great (but it's only been 2 years). I kind of agree with your repair man at the moment, given my set of experiences, that older models may be a better bet.

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Originally Posted by MRoy

Lisa, are you liking your Juki? I noticed a Juki being used on the Fat Quarter Shop videos and I've been looking at them online.

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Honestly. I am still afraid of it. I have been a Singer girl my whole life. I have no problem with a scant quarter inch with my eyes closed and yet I have not been able to find that sweet spot with the Juki. It is quiet and I love that. It is heavy, about as heavy as my Futura. I got it and haven't had the time to play with and become familiar with him. I did use use him to FMQ on a runner and that was amazing. I love it. I keep hearing how great it is for piecing and yet I keep going to the Singer. I want to get through Christmas and then do a quilt start to finish on it and then I am sure I will be singing it's praises. I have so many UFO's started with the Singer I want to finish them there except for the quilting. I did take my king sized comforter off of my bed and put it in the Juki to see how much space the 9 inch long and high throat harp thing wold offer and I can say that it was amazing and I will never need another machine for quilting. If I upgrade my regular sewing machine I will go for the Juki 600 for the fancy stitches but just went with the 2010Q because I wanted a workhorse for quilting.

I got it from Sewing machines plus and do have a dealer an hour away but I chose Sewing Machines plus because I would very likely use a local repair shop anyway and not drive an hour. For me it was a smart decision even though I have heard their customer service is wonderful.

Our local repair guy said the same thing about Singers. Not made like they used to be. Also warned about Brother machines, but many here seem happy. I have Grandma's old singer that works like a charm and my Bernina. Both work great. Like was said, it is pure preference I think.

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Originally Posted by Miss Sheri

I have been amazed at how so many appliances are made to break - intended to be disposable! Two years ago, within a two week time period, my dishwasher, washer, dryer, and water heater all had to be replaced. Our friend, who is in the business of selling such things told us that they were all meant to last around 3 years, 5 at best, in other words, they were made to be be disposable. We stayed away from all the prominent inexpensive brands that break so fast, and went with a Bosch for the Dishwasher, and Speed Queen for the washer and Dryer. So far, these have been great (but it's only been 2 years). I kind of agree with your repair man at the moment, given my set of experiences, that older models may be a better bet.

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They call that planned obsolesence. And they have it pinned pretty much to the month if not day things will break down. Sad how times have changed, when you could buy a major appliance and have it for 30, 40 or 50 years and now 5 is about it if your lucky.

I like what Lisa said about making the best decision you could at the time.

My repair guys in Ohio said those Brother machine keep them in business, but they sell Babylock's and many great trade-in's.

Slow down??? Sorry Meli, no more Pedal to the Metal Meli. Glad it's working better for you now, that is the good news :-)

I have old Singer Featherweight machines and love them, but they were made in the 40's and 50's. Sadly the quality and reliability of Singer machines has declined. I bought the first electronic machine Singer produced, the Athena and it spent more time in the repair shop than at home. I've never gone back to Singer for a machine after that. I love Janome and BabyLock machines and have had zero trouble with either. I'm sorry you are having these issues.

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Originally Posted by Miss Sheri

I have been amazed at how so many appliances are made to break - intended to be disposable! Two years ago, within a two week time period, my dishwasher, washer, dryer, and water heater all had to be replaced. Our friend, who is in the business of selling such things told us that they were all meant to last around 3 years, 5 at best, in other words, they were made to be be disposable. We stayed away from all the prominent inexpensive brands that break so fast, and went with a Bosch for the Dishwasher, and Speed Queen for the washer and Dryer. So far, these have been great (but it's only been 2 years). I kind of agree with your repair man at the moment, given my set of experiences, that older models may be a better bet.

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Unfortunately for consumers... companies have figured out that they can make more money if they make products that break easily...same thing goes with new cars... if the car last 30 or 40 years...well then they can't make anymore money off of you that whole time..so they make it last 5-10 if your lucky. It is sad really.

So far I have managed to stay away from machines that have computers on the front. I'd like to say at all, but after I took the bottom off of my machine to remove the dust bunnies and saw the green boards with wires plugged in I can't say that. My Bernina Bernette has been fabulous for me. While the throat isn't really designed for quilting I have managed a full size with her so far. If I ever replace her I'll look to the Bernina brand again.
My serger is a Babylock, and I am very pleased with it as well. I have the AirPort threading system, and really love that feature! I usually cheat and just tie off the threads too!

Mom has a Lady Kenmore that she has used for at least 35 years (maybe longer) and it is on my list of things to inherit! It weighs enough to double as a boat anchor, but it sews anything and everything. The decorative stitches come on cams instead of computer chips, but that is one less thing to short out.

Except for my first machine...bought in the late sixties....I think....was a Singer... I think I would still have it, but I accidentally left a chair leg on the pedal, and burned up the motor....

The next one...bought in 2001....was a Janome Jem Gold.... I later gave her to my daughter, and bought a Jem Platinum, which I really liked.

One day... 2007.. I thought the JP had broken, so I ran down to my dealer, and bought my DC2007LE. My JP foxed itself.....the computer just needed to reset itself.... But, now I had this nifty new Janome that I still love. She's never given me any problems...

I will,probably stick with Janomies, if my budget allows... They are super reliable. No problems with any if the three.

I would actually love to have a Singer, simply because that's the name I grew up with. It would just make me feel good... Ok, so. I'm a hopeless romantic... Surely, there must be a few good Singers around!

My mom bought a singer in 1964. I don't know that it ever needed servicing. Dad has said several times that he would like to give it to me, but every so often, mom asks where it is, so he has to go get it and show it to her. It has black discs for the different stitches.

I'm normally a Janome lady but my last one is a Babylock and love both brands but my pick would be Janomes. Genny

Started with a Kenmore as a teenager and used it for kids clothes for many years. In the late 90's I got my "dream" Viking, but it turned into a nightmare. About 4 years ago hubby bought me a Brother and I love it! I am sure the other brands are comparable, I've used Babylock and find it as user friendly as the Brother, but am totally hooked on Brother.

If most of what you do is piecing... get a high speed METAL Janome.. or equal simple machine... Brother has come a long way and a close second I feel to Janome... Juki as well makes a good machine.. it will be my next purchase... all the models in the current years are as someone said,, not meant to last and do not shine a candle to the older models..I use the Janome 1600 for my pieceing...around 1000 rpms.. later i'll show the chain piecing/assembly line i'm doing for my 2013 ornaments.. will be posting an album as I have in the past..

I love my new Brother. Baby Lock and Brother are manufactured by the same company. You couldn't pay me to buy another Singer. I think most of it is personal preference. If you look at all of Jenny's tuts, her early ones she is using a Singer. Later she is using a Janome, and now a Baby Lock (current sponsor)

Brother makes some OUTSTANDING sewing and embroidery machines.

Just don't expect to get a quality machine from a cheap big box store. In fact, don't expect real outstanding quality from any machine you can buy off any chain stores' shelf. Go to an authorized dealer, for both Singer and Brother.

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Originally Posted by Cat n bull

Brother makes some OUTSTANDING sewing and embroidery machines.

Just don't expect to get a quality machine from a cheap big box store. In fact, don't expect real outstanding quality from any machine you can buy off any chain stores' shelf. Go to an authorized dealer, for both Singer and Brother.

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I agree. The Brother, and other brands of machines you buy from big box stores are basically "throw away" machines. They are the cheap"get you to buy" not built to last machines. That can be said for any brand. The more expensive machines reflect much better quality.

One question though, is there actually a Singer Dealer, other than Joann's or Hancocks?

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Originally Posted by K. McEuen

One question though, is there actually a Singer Dealer, other than Joann's or Hancocks?

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Yes,there are authorized Singer dealers! A good dealer will back up their machines and offer you ongoing support, owners classes and routine maintenance.

Just go to Singer's website and look for dealers in your area. It is WELL worth it to find a good dealer!

I have heard that Singer is starting to produce some quality machines again. I can't personally say one way or another, just what I've heard.

Brother, on the other hand, I am confident has some truly outstanding, user friendly, reasonably priced machines. I would not hesitate to buy a Brother, and I am a die-hard Pfaffie! I love sewing machines, love talking about sewing machines, and there are so many people that are surprised at how excellent Brother machines are.

Just don't expect excellence off a chain store shelf. Go visit a dealer.

I agree. I've had my Pfaff for about 20 years (purchased used) and it's still going strong. I also have a higher end Brother that is wonderful. I have a Featherweight as well.

Not too impressed with any Singers that have come out in the past 20 years and wasn't sure there were dealers for them.

Singers are made by Husqvarna/Viking and I really do think it is a personal preference. I just happen to think that a sewing machine should not cost what a used car costs.

I have been drooling over a professional embroidery machine for a long time. I need a bib when I go in that shop!

Recently I visited many dealers and have heard the same thing from almost all of them. The Singers found at the big box stores are not the Singers of old. In fact one Singer dealer/repairman said that those machines were commissioned by the stores and manufactured to their specifications which were dramatically lower than the typical Singer standards of old. He sees a lot of them come in for repairs and can't work on them because of the differences. He never specifically stated it but I took it to mean the fabric store chains may fall into the same category.

I also learned that the machines that only do a straight stitch (old Featherweights to new Juki) are most accurate for piecing because the needle strictly and uniformly goes up and down. Those with a zig-zag capability can have stitches that slant because there is some "play" in the mechanism that holds the needle. And was also told the older zig-zags were sturdier because of the metal parts; the plastic (as we all know by now) just wear out quicker.

Just like computers, technology changes all the time. The advice given me was: "If you are on a limited budget it's better to invest in an older well-maintained and inspected metal machine rather than putting the same dollars into a new one. And it's better to get a machine that was traded-in and inspected before being sold by a dealer/repairman. Getting one through a private sale is OK only if they can show you the maintenance paperwork. "

ETA: I guess if you got an older machine from a second hand shop at a bargain price you could still get it checked and serviced and still stay under budget. But, personally, I'd rather get it professionally checked out before I bought it.

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Originally Posted by Lisapc

Singers are made by Husqvarna/Viking and I really do think it is a personal preference. I just happen to think that a sewing machine should not cost what a used car costs.

I have been drooling over a professional embroidery machine for a long time. I need a bib when I go in that shop!

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Lisa they aren't really "made" by Husqvarna/Viking. Both companies are owned by the same parent holding company, Kohlberg & Company LLC, which already owned Singer when it "acquired" VSM, which made Viking and Pfaff.

Now the 3 brands are manufactured under the SVP Worldwide name, and they are managed in the US and Sweden. They are truly a global company, with facilities all over the world! But each brand is still unique in it's design, features and capabilities.

The only thing that's truly shared between the brands is the embroidery software, shared between Viking and Pfaff.

And some of these machines cost what a BRAND NEW car costs! I have a VERY hard time comprehending machines that cost well over $10,000. Each manufacturer now has machines in this uber high price range.