Please help me decide!!! Janome or pfaff
11-30-2011, 07:22 AM
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kentucky live in WV
Posts: 8,482
Excellent points. If you don't buy from a dealer, you must have a working machine knowledge and have a good ability to train yourself--even manuals are a challenge when self learning a new machine. If not, you risk damage to the machine which will be more costly in the long run and possibly harmful to yourself. Have you used either of these machines before? Do you have someone (friend or family member that will be able to assist you?
I agree with most of the comments. First, figure out what you are going to be using it for. Second, are you familiar with machines and won't need any help getting started? Third, is there any warranty on the Craig's List machines, Fourth, with every kind of machine, there can be lemons. You'd get service at a dealer, whereas you wouldn't from an individual. Fifth, there are always deals out there. I don't think either one is a REALLY good deal for used machines.
I have a 7570 pfaff, a 2170 Pfaff and a new 830 Bernina. I use each of them for different things and I have had good luck with them all. However, I am partial to the Bernina because of the way it is built and the LARGE harp. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
I have a 7570 pfaff, a 2170 Pfaff and a new 830 Bernina. I use each of them for different things and I have had good luck with them all. However, I am partial to the Bernina because of the way it is built and the LARGE harp. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
11-30-2011, 07:40 AM
#63
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: North Central Ohio
Posts: 194
Oh what the heck, why not get both? :-) Seriously, if possible test drive both machines and be sure to spend a fair amount of time on each doing the things you like best. If you free motion quilt, make sure you do that with both machines and don't just work with a very small "sandwich." You can do that just to get the feel, but take along a large project so you can get a feel for how it will be to work with a large quilt. Play with some of the feet to make sure you understand how they work, how they are attached, etc.
I'd be sure to ask for any service records on the machines and do a little research to find out what came with the machine when originally purchased. (A friend bought a 1 year old machine and it seemed like it had everything it should have only to find out later that a walking foot was part of the original purchase. The previous owner decided to keep that and another foot because they fit her new machine and didn't come in that "package." She didn't want to have to buy them, so she kept the other ones.)
Also ask about the manual and any additional training materials. I know when I bought a new machine, I had a "Get to Know Your Machine" class that included some helpful handouts that were not included in the manual.
Good luck and let us know what you decided!
I'd be sure to ask for any service records on the machines and do a little research to find out what came with the machine when originally purchased. (A friend bought a 1 year old machine and it seemed like it had everything it should have only to find out later that a walking foot was part of the original purchase. The previous owner decided to keep that and another foot because they fit her new machine and didn't come in that "package." She didn't want to have to buy them, so she kept the other ones.)
Also ask about the manual and any additional training materials. I know when I bought a new machine, I had a "Get to Know Your Machine" class that included some helpful handouts that were not included in the manual.
Good luck and let us know what you decided!
11-30-2011, 07:43 AM
#64
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
I just bought the Janome 6600 brand new from my dealer. His price was $1700 with a trade in for my old machine of $600, which made it $1100 final price. It comes with his two year warranty for free service though. I have several postings on here from others who say their dealers are selling this model for the $1100 with no trade. I know my dealer is high, but he's the only one within about 40 miles, so it's worth it to me to have the support and service.
11-30-2011, 07:54 AM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 8,113
I love my Pfaff!!!!! I have a Pfaff 7550 and a 2144 with the updates. I love the duel feed feature. i won't have anything else but a Pfaff. My quilting buddy was looking for a machine. I took her to my Pfaff dealer and she purchased the machine you are thinking about. She loves hers! No problems at all. You can't go wrong with a Pfaff.
11-30-2011, 08:04 AM
#67
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: I live on the North Shore of Long Island
Posts: 46
I would not buy either one. The Janome is too old. I have the Pfaff Ex. 4.0
Its a great machine, But my dealer has had to tweek the tension and the auto thread cutter. Now it working great.
So I dont know if I would buy it unless I could really try it out and make sure it sews without problems.
Esp. FMQ. That is were you will see things like skipped stitches and thread shreading. The thread shredding with this machine could be atiny burr, as that seems to have been a problem on the ones produced early on. But as I said mine is sewing great now. If you want to ask more questions, email me.
Its a great machine, But my dealer has had to tweek the tension and the auto thread cutter. Now it working great.
So I dont know if I would buy it unless I could really try it out and make sure it sews without problems.
Esp. FMQ. That is were you will see things like skipped stitches and thread shreading. The thread shredding with this machine could be atiny burr, as that seems to have been a problem on the ones produced early on. But as I said mine is sewing great now. If you want to ask more questions, email me.
11-30-2011, 08:11 AM
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: metuchen,nj
Posts: 553
I agree with Candace, to check out a dealer first. There might not be much difference in price, but the support and tech help would be worth it, plus the guarantee. Just a thought. It would also put you in a more knowlegable bargaining and decisioning position.
11-30-2011, 08:14 AM
#69
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 99
Mine also can with the table and many extra feet. Plus the maintenance and the usual lifetime lessons. You are fortunate to find such a deal, that would be difficult where I live. Enjoy!
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