Sewing machine lemon
 

Hi, I recently bought an industrial sewing machine, Kwonglam, from Global Sewing Machine Company in Cleveland, Ohio. The thing weighs a ton. I had to return it twice to Global for repairs, and it now needs to go the third time. I have only had this machine for about 9 months, and I have not used it very much, due to it not working. Pete said he would trade it in on a Juki, for an additional $300-$400. I paid $1,395 for the Kwonglam. I want to know if the lemon law would be applicable but I don't want to pay a lawyer another $1,000 to file. I upholster chairs, that is why I need it. Every time I have to take it to Global, my grandson has to come to my house and load it into my car, and then put it back when I return. Has anyone had an experience with this machine, or this company? Thank you for your reply.

Sorry, I've never heard of that machine or that company, and since I'm not an attorney, I can't advise you about lemon laws. You could take them to small claims court, I suppose.
I'm curious. You're asking if anyone has had experience with this machine and this company ... What did people say about it *before* you purchased the machine?

Foolishly, I didn't do enough research. I wanted a Juki, which I had read about, but the dealer didn't have one. He gave me a great sales talk on the Kwonglam. Globe was the only place in my vicinity that sold industrial machines, and I needed one, as I was in the middle of a project. I think the machine probably is a good one, I just have one that has problems - a lemon. There isn't too much info on the web, and I have written to the manufacturer. I have not been satisfied with their response. I think a lot gets lost in translation. Thanks for answering.

What juki were you looking at? I have a janome HD9 that is a great machine for working on leather denim and other materials.

I’m so sorry to hear you are having issues with your new machine. I bought a Kwonglam from Peter last year and have been very happy with my machine. He’s known to be a standup guy and has been very helpful. He offered to set up some days so I could come up and make bags on the different machines before I purchased one. He had the Juki in stock when I was there and honestly after I played with it I didn’t like it. It has a tiny throat space and didn’t seem to have the power that I thought it would. I completely understand the issues of running it back and forth. Commercial grade machines are not designed to move. The head on mine weighs around 90 pounds and was a bear for my husband (who is 70) to get in my basement sewing room. I hope you can get the issue solved to your satisfaction.

Thanks for your reply. My Kwonglam is in my basement also. I am 85 years old, and cannot lift it and it is such a bother to get someone to put it in my car. I think my individual machine, not the whole brand, is bad. I guess I will make another trip to Cleveland, because if I don't, I own a very expensive paperweight. The last time it broke, I had just brought it home from Globe's repair that day, sewed about 100" of piping, the needle broke, and the machine jammed. I found the pieces of the needle, replaced, rethreaded, etc. but the wheel will not turn. This was the 3rd time it jammed. Something is off with the alignment. I am glad to hear your endorsement of the machine and Pete. It is certainly a funny place, and Pete does seem to know what he is doing.

I hopefully do not have to buy another machine, but will get this one fixed to my satisfaction. Thanks for your reply.

Sounds like a shaft may have bent or tweaked out of alignment. I owned my own Upholstery business for over 20 something years before I retired from it. The most reliable industrial machine I ever owned was a Phaff 545, I had i converted to use Singer feet because of the price of the Phaff feet. It had a walking foot and reverse. My oldest daughter now uses it in her business.

I hope this Peter guy works with you and solves the issue. One would think after 3 times he would offer you a replacement. Not just a "deal" on another machine. BTW a Juki with a walking foot is a good machine.

Like others I am unfamiliar with this machine. I am sorry that you are having these problems with the machine. It is unlikely the company would take it back after 9 mos. Your husband had the right idea about trading it in and getting the other machine. It is hard to cut your losses and run.

Good to hear from you. I own a Pfaff 7510 with a walking foot and piping attachment. I love it, but it is not good for heavy double piping. I would have purchased that brand if it had been available and still made by the German company that originally made them. I am going to try to see if Pete will do something about my machine - replace it or fix it for good. Thank you.