thrums

I have a friend who is looking for a new (to her) machine. She was using a Janome Magnolia, but it sustained damage in a move. I have only purchased new machines in the past, so I'm hoping you can give me pointers to share with her. She periodically sews costumes and crafts. I'm hoping she takes an interest in quilting.

Currently she is looking a used machines in quilt shops that offer repair. I know people will trade in nice machines to upgrade to a better machine. Could you recommend some brands and models that stand the test of time? Also, what questions should she ask the repair shop and what signs of a good condition or a bad condition machine should she be aware of? If you know the lowest cost starting point for a reliable machine I would appreciate it.

Thank you so much for your time.

loisf

I can't help with pricing, but I will give a full-throated shout out for Janome. I have a 13 year old 6600 and a 12 year old Jem Platinum on which I have made about 110 quilts. The smaller machine travels with me in the winter; the 6600 stays at home. The only issue I ever had was when I mistakenly used a non-Janome bobbin. It didn't damage the machine; it just didn't sew well. It's always fun to get a new machine, if possible, but a good, used one can be a real bargain. I would look for a machine that looks like it has been cared for. If the machine is clean and undamaged, it has probably been well cared for mechanically too. Look for one that has been serviced every couple of years. The repair shop may have records. I'd also look for one with a needle threader and thread cutter, if possible.

KalamaQuilts

if she loved the machine she had check Janome dealers for used ones of those.
that said, I was a Janome only girl for 50 years and suddenly last year for various reasons, nothing to do with Janome
I bought a Viking Epic for home and a Brother innovis PS500 for the RV. I actually love them both

she needs to visit shops herself

eparys

I am on the other side of the fence - lol! I have only purchased used machines. And to top that off almost all have come off of Craigs list. That being said.... I would not hesitate to purchase a used machine from a dealer if they offered a warrantee and had a good reputation. Here is my recommendation .......

I sold Vikings for several years but now all my big machines are Pfaff. I have gravitated to them because of the built in walking foot. My best advice is that for the most part - all big name brands make good machines . The driving factor for your friend should be options such as number of stitches/type, whether she want a needle up/down selection, does she need a needle that can be moved left/right .... etc. Then she should go to all the dealers around her with a price in mind and look/audition all the machines that fall into her price range! Make sure to to tell her to purchase one with a warrantee and if they are non negotiable on price - they will more than likely negotiate on accessories! So if she likes a machine and they tell her they are firm on price tell her to ask for additional feet (walking foot, welting foot ....), embroider hoops (if she goes that route) or any other accessories that look useful. If she gets a good offer from one shop but likes a different machine at another shop - tell her to say "Well so an so gave me this offer on that machine but I might like this one better - what can you do to make the deal sweeter for me"! Also make sure that they will offer her at least a few classes on how to use her machine.

Three Dog Night

I have only purchased new machines but as someone who has traded in machines for a new machines I will say that I took good care of them and had them serviced by store where I purchased them. The store does refurbish and offer a limited warranty on machines that are turned in so I wouldn't have a problem purchasing used from them. I don't think I would buy from an individual unless I knew the person and use of the machine.

thrums

My machines are QDC Janome and Bernina which I purchased new. My Bernina is my workhorse for all around sewing. I bought the lighter weight Janome for retreats. The only regret I have about the Janome is that I wasn't aware of throat size at the beginning of my quilting adventure.

Are there any models/production years within brands on should avoid? If I'm not mistaken, Brother had some issues a few years ago.

Again, thank you so much for your time and information.

KalamaQuilts

myself, I'd avoid any over the counter singers from the last 30 years. Really just a company trading on the name.
But that said, whoever owns the name now, also just bought Viking for whatever information that is worth.

My understanding is there are only three sewing machine makers in the world now so at least mid-range would probably be a safer bet for her.
but there are 10K lemons and 200dollar dream machines, so again, she really needs to go sew with her own fabric, at a dealer, or at the home where she might buy. With wish list in hand

RedGarnet222

I have had bernina machines for some fifty years. I love them and even though they are expensive, I can't see me changing any time soon. Only one was a used machine. My friend kitty passed away and her sister-in-law sold me her almost new bernina 440. Still hums like a dream.

Snooze2978

I've only purchased 2 used machines. The 1st one was an Elna SU62 back in 1977 and I loved that machine and wished I hadn't sold it in 2000 when I bought my 1st combo embroidery machine. Back then I thought I only needed one machine, boy was I wrong. Then in 2010 I purchased a used Juki 98Q to have stretched to 18" for my quilt frame. It also was a great machine but I've sold that one when I went to a larger quilt machine. Both times I got lucky. I've also ordered a simple Brother machine fron online which I never thought I'd do. It's been years since I did that and just recently it decided to sew backwards only. It had been sitting on the floor for over a year and I didn't spend much on this machine and I rarely used it but I decided to just go ahead and order another Brother machine but all metal as it can use all the same feet, table and foot control so I'll have extras if one of these items goes bad for me.

bkay

What do you mean by "all metal"?
bkay