I got a new sewing machine last year. It is a Bernette 65. Twice now the timing has gone out. I took the machine to get it fixed, and the repairman tells me it keeps having problems because it was meant to be used 5 to 10 hours a week. I sew more like 30 hours a week.

I really don't have much money. I am disabled with Kidney disease, which is very expensive. Any way what I would like for a machine is a long arm, with lots of different stitches, with embroidery etc. But finances as they are I am very limited. I have been saving for a small laptop computer, and an I-pod. But could use that on a machine if I need to in order to be able to continue my sewing without so many repairs or time with my machine in the shop. I found at JoAnns a Singer machine that looked small and strurdy. It says Heavy Duty right on the machine, and it was only $199. Does any one have any feelings about would this machine hold up to 30+hours of sewing a week?

there is no such thing as a long-arm with many decorative stitches. long-arms sew straight stitches only...no zig-zag, no hem stitch...straight stitches.
for an inexpensive machine with decorative stitches/needle up/needle down features i recommend the brother machines. they start at about $89 ... the one i like the best (sorry don't know the number on it) cost $139 at walmart and held up to many teenagers using it for 4-8 hours a day for 3 summers plus after school time. then i gave the machine to one of the students and she is still using it 4 years later. i know what you are going through, i've managed to wear out a couple machines myself.

Brother is a good solid machine. Lots of choices in price range.

Check around and find an old Singer 50's or 60's or White, they have lots of stitches and metal gears, they don't wear out and most of them you can fix yourself. New machines are not meant to last. My friend just bought a Singer in a cabinet a Touch & Sew, non computerized,for $40.00. It sews like a dream and has some really unique stitches.

I like the old singers for quilting. I have a 301 and I have a zig zag attachment for it. It is really cool and works great. Also have the darning foot, 1/4" foot and SID foot for it. You can't go wrong with the old Singers. (in my opinion). Hope you find one that does all your needs for you.

I don't know about where you are ... but down here there are LQS' with used sewing machines for sale at reasonable prices. The previous owners bought newer models and traded up.

I have an older Necchi and it is a workhorse and I still use it for upholstery.

Also, some churches have members more than willing to help you out with a sewing machine. Your local quilt guilds would be another source.

Me: I would avoid the Walmart/Target/KMart machines like the plague. Know of folk who have bought the lemons of sewing machines there ... in that the machines are consistent in quality.

ali

check craigslist daily! I like older, all metal machines. When you go to look at it, take some fabric and a layer of batting and test it out.

I have an all metal Necchi and I love it - it is a work horse, it can sew through several layers of denim with no hesitation and it has quite a few decorative stitches.

I agree with the above. For an inexpensive workhorse, look on Craigs List for an older machine. You can probably get one in the $20-$75 range that will do what you need. It won't have a million decorative stitches and it won't have a long arm, but it won't be cheap, plastic either.

Thank You! Sounds like good advice! I thnik I will start looking for a used machine. My mom has an old singer. I think I will try it for quilting. It only has a straight stitch, which would not work for my doll clothes.

I've never heard of a time limit a machine is supposed to be used per week. It would be like telling your car can only drive 100 miles a week. That makes no sense. Am I the only one who thinks the dealer is giving you a line?

You got a point there!! Gee when I am embroidering, I may have it going 10 hrs straight. Only break it gets is thread change or re hooping.

check your local good will . uaually they are older machines but if they work . infact my fw was born 1946 i love it. Good will will let you try the machine before you buy it and they do have a return policy. I just bought a singer 301 for $8.39 not what your looking for but I wanted it. good luck. also post a not at grocery store most all of them have a some kinda of wanted or for sale board .

check your local good will . uaually they are older machines but if they work . infact my fw was born 1946 i love it. Good will will let you try the machine before you buy it and they do have a return policy. I just bought a singer 301 for $8.39 not what your looking for but I wanted it. good luck. also post a note at grocery store most all of them have a some kinda of wanted or for sale board .

I bought this 503 yesterday at the thrift store. $12.95. Sews like a dream and is quiet!!

I think some of the machines they make now are not made for heavy use. In talking with my OSMG (old sewing machine guy), he has indicated a difference in the machines, and a preference for the older, all metal machines. I found a kenmore (from the 50's or 60's) that uses cams for fancy stitches, is all metal, and stands up to a lot of use. You just can't beat the older machines for being built to last.

You said it all right there!!!! I wouldn't think of sewing heavy stuff on my Emb, machines.

I agree that many of the old machines were better quality but that means the newer ones won't last as long, not that they can only sew a certain hours per week.

Another way to say it - you will probably get fewer hours total on some of the newer machines, but it shouldn't matter whether those hours were a lot in a short period of time or fewer over a longer time period. :shock: :?:

He sounds like a lazy repairman! Machines should not have a meter! Can't imagine the machine knowing how many hours it's used.