Mechanical vs. electronic sewing machine
12-28-2012, 08:00 PM
#43
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 12,026
Yes, this and I own a lot of machines. One of my favorites is the vntage Bernina 830 but those are hard to find for $400.
I would take the $400 and buy the best mechanical refurbished machine I could. I received a 401 Slant-O-Matic Singer for Christmas in Original case with original manual and original box with feet and accessories for $198. Just think what you could buy with $400!!! Go to a 2nd hand store or a sewing machine store that deals in used machines!!
12-28-2012, 08:28 PM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mansfield, Ohio
Posts: 104
I am looking for a new sewing machine too, but I want a computerized similar to the one Eleanor Burns uses on her show. I have been looking on Amazon.com. Sewing machines are listed under arts, crafts and something else. I am looking at a cp7500 by brother. I have a xl2600i that I love, but my grandaughter is begging me to get myself a new machine so she can have my old. So I have taken the hint am looking. Good luck in you decission. It will be a hard one. There are lot of good companies that produces a really good machine.
I am at the point where I need to buy another sewing machine. The machine that I have is mechanical, very simple Singer about 12 years old. It is a good little machine that never had a temper tantrum. But, If it dies I will be in a pickle. I have never worked on an electronic (digital) sewing machine before. What are its pros and cons? I do not like overly sensitive machines that throw a fit if I use a thread that is not high end. I would be using the machine primarily for piecing and occasionally for quilting small projects. I have my Bailey for bigger quilts. The options that I like but do not have are automatic threader, thread cutter, dog feed lowering, and maybe a few decorative stitches. My budget is small, about $400. What are your thoughts - stick with the devil I know and buy a mechanical or join the 21st century and buy a digital machine? Help!
12-29-2012, 06:39 AM
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 228
This topic is of interest to me, too. I currently have a 30 year old Kenmore machine that doesn't do a whole lot, but is still in pretty good shape. I'm looking to upgrade and want to get the most bang for my buck, but I don't want to buy features I don't need or won't use. Also being very new to quilting, I'm not sure at this point exactly what it is I do need, so I'll continue to monitor this topic and keep reading to see what's available. I am leaning toward a Bernina, but definitely open to other brands based on what others have experienced.
Marsha
Marsha
12-29-2012, 06:42 AM
#46
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
This topic is of interest to me, too. I currently have a 30 year old Kenmore machine that doesn't do a whole lot, but is still in pretty good shape. I'm looking to upgrade and want to get the most bang for my buck, but I don't want to buy features I don't need or won't use. Also being very new to quilting, I'm not sure at this point exactly what it is I do need, so I'll continue to monitor this topic and keep reading to see what's available. I am leaning toward a Bernina, but definitely open to other brands based on what others have experienced.
Marsha
Marsha
12-29-2012, 07:16 AM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
As you are obviously new here, please tell us about yourself, your sewing experience, how you found this board, what you like to make on the sewing machine, and send some pictures of your projects. We like to share these things.
12-29-2012, 08:19 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,250
I would look for a used computerized machine. Look for a name brand machine. But you will have to save for a bit more. When it comes to sewing machines, you get what you pay for. You will love sewing on the newer technology machines. 
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