Used machines?

[Constabulary]

3 hours ago, Constabulary said:

I could justify a $2000-$3000 machine.

I meant I could NOT justify...

some folks say buy once cry once - maybe true if you have the money and you know you will have a good output. I have seen people buying f.i. a CB4500 and spent big money and soon figured its not the right hobby and sold the machine with a loss. If it is for a business then its a different story but still...

Just my 2 cents.

Edited September 27, 2024 by Constabulary

[AdamHaskin]

6 hours ago, AlZilla said:

Welcome to the rabbit hole. The problem is that whatever machine you look at, the next one up is a "just" few hundred dollars more.  But then at some point the machine becomes too big to conveniently do smaller items like wallets, bags, etc.

Keep us posted about your progress.

Exactly. I thought "I'll get a manual machine. That'll probably be a lot cheaper," but they're still just expensive enough that it's worth just saving a little more to get one of the less expensive motorized ones. Then I started looking at reviews and watching a bunch of videos and everyone raves about the cobras and I've never been one to refuse the temptation of having the biggest and best equipment, even if it stays just a hobby. Pocketbook be damned!

8 hours ago, dikman said:

Once someone mentions holsters it makes the machine choice easier - because there is very little choice! Either a 441-class machine or one of those "one-arm bandits", such as the Cowboy Outlaw. Nothing else can handle the heavy thread, has the clearance under the feet or the sheer punching power needed.

That is what I'm learning. Why do I pick up such expensive hobbies? Lol

[AdamHaskin]

7 hours ago, DieselTech said:

I recommend saving your money & just purchase a Cobra or Cowboy. If you can hold out that long. 

I bought a Cobra Class 4, then waited a couple years & then bought a Cobra Class 26. 

I couldnt be happier with my purchase of the Cobra machines. 

That's probably what I'll end up doing. Looks like I'm diving in head first!

4 hours ago, Constabulary said:

Don´t forget the good old Singer 45K or their modern clones like GA5-1 or CB2500. Also the Adler 5. These machines have been used for many decades before the triple feed machines became "en vogue".

https://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb2500.html

Sure, not as good as the triple feed machines like cb4500 and the like but they work. Depends a little bit how thick you want to sew and if you want to sell leather goods or if you just sew things now and then. I´m using a Singer 45 and for me they work. I could justify a $2000-$3000 machine. I restored my 45D91 ~8 yrs ago and still have it. I´m not selling leather goods but it works for me.

 

Well, while I probably shouldn't justify it, I'm single and have no kids, so I'm the only one left to spend the money on. Lol

[Constabulary]

2 hours ago, AdamHaskin said:

Well, while I probably shouldn't justify it, I'm single and have no kids, so I'm the only one left to spend the money on. Lol

I´m in the same boat. If you can afford the big machine go for it. Nothing wrong with that. Just wanted to share a different perspective.

[dikman]

15 hours ago, AdamHaskin said:

Why do I pick up such expensive hobbies? Lol

I have the same problem! Once I get interested in something I tend to collect things! I sort of got my setup on the cheap, I already had a spare table/servo so just bought the 441 head and adapted the table to it. Works for me.

Note that if you buy the needle plate/feed dog combo sold by a couple of members on here the big 441 can sew thinner materials with lighter thread. It won't replace a decent upholstery-class machine but it makes it more versatile.