Thread: Which machine do you use?

I have never found the "perfect" machine that does it all so I currently have three machines set up and rotate around them depending on what I am doing. I love my Juki TL98Q for quilting or stitching long seams (fast, powerful and excellent stitches), my Juki Exceed 600 for fancy stitches and piecing and my old vintage Singer 201 for mending coveralls, horse blankets and running my buttonholer (can't beat those old Buttonholers for large or thick buttons). I also have a Singer Featherweight and a Husqvarna Prelude that I keep packed up and ready to go to classes or Community Quilt stitching days.

Originally Posted by dcamarote

Here is my question; which machine do you favor and why?

I'm only answering because you asked:

Back in the 80's my Singer died and I just ended up at a Viking dealer to fix it. He told me it was full of plastic and I just wore it out, which was believable since I used it a lot.

I remember asking him "You got anything without plastic in it, with no computer (computerized machines were just coming on the scene)?" I ended up with a Viking 630. It had stitches I never used, or use, and I love it. It enables my abilities to shine.

I still have that machine and use it, but then I had a TBI (brain injury)in a car accident in 2008. One of the lasting deficiencies it left me with is the inability to learn how new things work, but for some reason it left me with all my sewing abilities I had.

So I got to thinking, I'm screwed if this old machine dies, and try to find parts to fix it, if it's even fixable. So, I started to buy 630's on ebay. I ended up paying $30 - $50 for each and have 4-5 (can't remember), for parts. Thing is, they ALL work! One even came with a walking foot.

It was a machine schools used when schools bought such things, so I guess it's pretty tough.
I would never suggest that route for someone looking for a new machine, but you asked!

Originally Posted by RugosaB

I ended up with a Viking 630. It had stitches I never used, or use, and I love it. It enables my abilities to shine. I still have that machine and use it, but then I had a TBI (brain injury)in a car accident in 2008. One of the lasting deficiencies it left me with is the inability to learn how new things work, but for some reason it left me with all my sewing abilities I had.

So sorry about your accident, but so happy that you can still sew. You will have that into old age.

I have acquired eight vintage/antique machines in just the last 4 months. I only paid for two of them. I like to sew on the "newest" one as soon as I get it. One does not work; it's my play toy. I have to try to see if I can get it to work. If it doesn't, it will be a toy tractor.

One had such strange threading of the needle thread, I couldn't figure it out. Then I got an Eldredge Two Spool, and viola, it had the same threading. My young sewing machine guy, the one who found that machine in his shed, showed my how to thread it, so now I have two more I can use.
I enjoy the Two Spool and the Columbus treadle. Haven't use my Bernina much in the last 4 months.

Like a lot of you, I use an old Singer. Mine is an early 1960s Singer 500 Slant-o-matic, nicknamed the Rocketeer. About six months after I got it, I started thinking the same as RugosaB did.

Originally Posted by RugosaB

So I got to thinking, I'm screwed if this old machine dies, and try to find parts to fix it, if it's even fixable. So, I started to buy 630's on ebay. I ended up paying $30 - $50 for each and have 4-5 (can't remember), for parts. Thing is, they ALL work!

I got all of mine by watching Craigslist. I now have four 500s and one 503. I bought each one because the seller said, "It doesn't work." But when I would get them home, I found that they'd either have a fist-sized lint ball under the bobbin or it was as dry as the Sahara. I'd clean them up, then oil and grease them, and they'd run like a champ. I kept buying them because I was looking for one that didn't work. Finally, my daughter pointed out that I didn't need a parts machine any longer because if the first did break, I had three others waiting to take its place.

Whenever someone is snide enough to suggest I should buy a "new, good" machine, I point out that A) this machine was top of the line when it was built, B) since it's all metal inside, if I treat it well, it'll last longer than me, and C) as it says on the owner's manual, "The Greatest Sewing Machine Ever Built!"

I also have an old-style buttonholer and monogrammer to go with it. It takes all the abuse I throw at it and keeps on sewing. What more could I want?

Tate

Originally Posted by tate_elliott

Like a lot of you, I use an old Singer. Mine is an early 1960s Singer 500 Slant-o-matic, nicknamed the Rocketeer. About six months after I got it, I started thinking the same as RugosaB did.

Tate

For years, while growing up, I used my Mom's Singer. In my mind, all Singers were like hers, old and reliable. That's why I wore out my original, I thought hey, it's a Singer, it must be good.
I'm a much better shopper now

Originally Posted by RugosaB

For years, while growing up, I used my Mom's Singer. In my mind, all Singers were like hers, old and reliable. That's why I wore out my original, I thought hey, it's a Singer, it must be good.
I'm a much better shopper now

For years I assumed all Singers were junk after using a Touch and Sew in Home Ec...