High Speed Sewing Machine - Any Advice?
 

I sew for a living and business has picked up so much that I've been thinking of getting a commercial grade machine just for the speed. The machines I am using now have a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute. I looked at a couple of Singers that go up to 1100 SPM which doesn't seem like much of an increase in speed. There is a Brother that is tempting at 1850 SPM, but it only does straight stitches and I need at least a zigzag. So ... is it worth it? Any ideas? I primarily sew lace, nothing heavy like denim.

I don't know how fast my Bernina 830 is, but I turn it way down to probably 2 (on a scale of 10) and that is fast. So, I say a Bernina 830 would be perfect. It does everything. Even has it's own embroidery machine. Best machine out there, I think anyway.

I can't imagine sewing with a faster machine, since if I went faster I would just goof more things up. But if you are being kept back by the speed of the machine, perhaps that's a good idea for you. Can you try out the machines you're interested in to see if they work for you?

check out the Juki machines!

The Bernina 830 is a home machine only. Commercial use would void the warranty. Are you looking for a new machine or used? My local dealer sells new and used commmercial machines, so I'd start there.

bernina industrial 950 2000 stitch/ min. yes does zig zag. have one. would be happy to tell you about it.

Juki would be the first one I checked also

Would love to hear more! 2000 spm and zig zag sounds good to me.

I have had some experience with commercial machines and one of the vendors I liked dealing with are these people.
http://www.sewinggold.com/Index.html. They have a good selection and their prices can't be beat. They will ship to you via truck and are very fast to process the order. Maybe one of the new Singer 20U-109 machines would work. 2500 stitches per minute for straight stitch, and 2000 for zig zag. The machines are made in China but come with a domestic warranty from Singer and they are a true commercial machine. The U-20 machines in all of their variations have ben made for years and are the standard of the commercial dual purpose use in the sewing business. If I were going to buy one I would spring for the optional servo industrial motors, as the machine will be a lot easier to handle than the Clutch motor that is usually used on the commercial machine. If you are used to the clutch motor already then that might not be an issue for you and you could save an extra 150 bucks. I wish I had the extra space in my room as I would buy one of these in a minute.

John

Thanks so much, John. This is opening up a whole new realm to me. I've never used an industrial machine before, so a new skill to acquire. I'm starting to think that it might be time to move this little business of mine out of the house and into a separate space -- whether that means converting the garage into a larger studio or into a rented space. I've been thinking about getting a much larger commercial embroidery machine as well, so with one of these, it would absolutely be time for a change -- and time also to contemplate hiring some full time employees rather than sending out piece work. *sigh* Growing pains! Good ones, but still, growing pains!

One of the things about commercial machines, is that they do one or two things very well and very fast. They often use purpose designed feet to help in the production speed and efficiency. The good thing about that is that commercial feet are often cheap to buy. $5-$10 is rather common. They position the fabric being sewn in the proper relationship with the needle and pressure feet to allow for a uniform stitch placement. I think you might have to develop some different handling techniques to gain the full advantage to sewing with these machines at a fast speed. I remember the first time I used a Juki 5500 straight stitch machine. I stepped on the peddle and that machine took off at 5500 stitches per minute. It was like a sewing machine with a turbocharger. There are a number of machines that are used for specific types of sewing and having a talk with the people at the above referenced website, and explaining what you want to do with the machines, and how much money you want to spend, with give you a good idea of whether this is something you want to jump into with both feet, or maybe just tippy toe in a little bit at a time. The other thing to think of is that a lot of commercial sewing operations are closing down in the US, and used machines are a dime a dozen right now. That being said, they might not be a good deal unless you feel comfortable doing some maintenance work yourself. Good luck, and let us know what you think you will do. I have often toyed with going the commercial route myself, but I am having too much fun just playing around the edges.

John

I have a Juki that sews 1200 per minute and it has the extended arm length. It is not trully commercial and I really love it. When I sew on my Bernina now it's like sewing in slow motion. It has held up well, never been in the shop and I have had it for about 5 years and sew on it everyday. You will not be sorry.