Pfaff tiptronic 2040 for grand daughter questions.
 

My 17 year old grand daughter has expressed interest in sewing/quiliting and is sewing with an old kenmore, and I have the opportunity to buy a barely used Pfaff tiptronic 2040, is it a good machine? Are their any 2040 quilters out there who can give me some feedback?

I owned a tiptronic, although it wasn't the 2040. I loved the IDT foot and it stitched out the most beautiful stitches I have ever seen on a home sewing machine. They are good machines, very reliable.

To be honest though, a machine is a very personal purchase, and sometimes, regardless of how fabulous the machine is, the user just isn't comfortable with it. For me the Pfaff was like dealing with a gal on PMS, and it was too complicated for me. I'm a seasoned sewer and I found myself writing notes in pencil next to every button on the machine. If it's possible for your granddaughter to try the machine out first, I would recommend that before you purchase it. If she is not comfortable with it, then it is not the machine for her.

I have a 2020 that is 10 years old & I LOVE it. The IDT is so great to help ease in a little fullness! It's not hard to sew on at all-I only use it for straight stitching . I'm sure she will love it too!

I love my Pfaff machine. I have a 7550 and a 2144. The duel feed is wonderful. I have had no problems with either machine. Just keep up regular maintainence with a dealer and Pfaff will be a work horse for you. Your granddaughter will have the machine figured out in no time. Kids are not afraid to try new things out. It is good that you are getting her a machine that will work well for her. I have seen new sewers become discouraged when their machines don't work well. They get frustrated and give up way too soon and miss out on a lot of fun sewing.

I do agree with her trying it out if it is not a surprise because machines are a personal choice, and everybody likes different brands, so you don't want to get it for her if she gets frustrated using it

Often times old Kenmores are great machines.

I have used a tiptronic 2040 for almost 13 years now--love it and have had no problems at all with it. Have it cleaned every couple years but is easy to keep lint and such cleaned myself. Have always made all my clothes, lots of daughters clothes and now do lots of quilting with it so it has many, many miles on it. Dealer says it still has a resale value of $450-500 if I wanted to sell it--which I don't!

The Pfaff Tiptronic 2040 is the machine I use. I bought it used a few years ago for $500. Have had no problems with it. If you can get it for a reasonable price for her, don't pass it up! I also have an old Kenmore in the classic 158. series and love it, too, but bought the Pfaff because I wanted the dual feed dogs and "needle down" capability for machine applique. Now it's all I ever use.
Just make sure she knows not to place it in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight messes up the electronics on computerized machines. I do have mine in front of a window because I need bright light, but I keep the curtain drawn at all times unless I am using the machine and there's no sun shining in. I think she will be thrilled with the new machine. The more complicated something is electronically, the more kids like it.

I have one and use it for my heavier sewing. Love it and wouldn't sell it for anything.