How powerful are sewing machine motors?
 

The question that comes to mind is when someone is in the market for a sewing machine that can stitch through thick layers, does the power motor make a difference? I read about sewing machines on the mfgr. Website but I don't see anything about the motor. Is it in horsepower? Hmmm. I just assume that the machines have different power capability. Smaller machines are not as powerful as full sized machines, for example.

Anyone?

sandy

Don't know about horsepower but all I know is that I no longer put several layers of
fabric through my Janome 6600. I drag my old Kenmore for that. I think the difference
is electronic vs. mechanical. The electronic ones are more fragile and can get the
timing thrown off.
Here's a review of three heavy-duty sewing machines. Not affiliated but if I were
to buy a machine to replace my Kenmore I would go with the HD1000 or HD3000.
http://grandmalikestosew.com/best-he...ewing-machine/

The size of the motor is important, but I think there are many other components that also need to be upgraded for power -- for example, the feed dogs. A machine such as a Bernina made in Switzerland will have very high quality parts -- with materials selected for strength and longevity as well as cost, and with parts tooled to much higher standards than most machines made in other countries.

This website explains EasyPeezy's experience. I honestly don't think it's about electronic vs mechanical. It's about over-engineering vs modern production decisions. Anyway, it makes for an interesting read.
http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/04/di...ndustrial.html

Excellent article, Prism!
Sandy

I ma very careful with my older Bernina 1530 computerized machine. I just do simple quilting never forcing multiple layers. That is why I won't ever try quilting two layers of batting.

If the machine hesitates on thick seams then don't force it.

Motor power is important but internal gearing and energy transfer is probably more important. A solid metal gear set will sew more layers than a plastic gear set over the long run, no matter what the motor power is.

I can't imagine having a machine that doesn't do the job I need it to do. My 30 year old Bernina 1031 is still doing its job and can sew 4-6 layers of denim. My newer (12 years or so) Bernina 440 can handle multiple layers of batting and fabric when I sew quilted bags. If your machine isn't doing what you need it to do, see what your service tech recommends. Maybe just replacing the feed dogs or an internal part is all that is needed. If the machine is just so worn that it won't do the job, it is time to look for another machine (either new or used).

Pam

My neighbors repair leather for a living..they have 1 machine that has a 1/3 HP motor on it! They also have a couple machines with (to me) what look like the same size and shape as the old small Singer motors. So..it has to be more than just size of the motor..after all..a motor can be huge and powerful, but if the belt and gears are not, then all you have is a big motor, I would think.

you might ask this question on the vintage machine forum. Some of these machine can power through anything, so if you are looking for a good basic machine you'll be over the moon at how reasonable they are and easy to self service too.

I think there's a lot more to it than power. When my mother's old 301 wouldn't handle things because of the thickness she used to sew them on my grandmother's treadle. It seemed to sew thru anything. She even mended horseblankets and made saddle pads on it for me when I was showing horses.