Not what I expected to hear

[Meli]

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.

[buckeyequilter]

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

[Lisapc]

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.

[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.

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.

[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.

[Lisapc]

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.

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.

[BellasQuilts]

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.

[Iris Girl]

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.

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.

[HdWench]

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 :-)

[Bubby]

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.