Limited funds / first tools

[Cumberland Highpower]

4 hours ago, kgg said:

For the last six months in Ontario there have been very few used industrial sewing machines for sale and most of what's around looks like they were rode hard and put away wet. The cheapest prices are for the Consew and PFAFF machines as both have always been hard to sell at any price irregardless of condition or age. The ones that sell fast are the older Juki's and Singer's but are commanding a premium prices if in fairly decent shape. Then you have the  portable walking foot machines like Sailrites / Sailrite clones and those are the easiest / fastest selling.

kgg 

 

A well used but functional machine is what the OP needs.  Something cheap but functional.  If a Consew is a hard sale and usually cheapest on the market, then it's to the advantage.

When I was a teenager my dad bought a used Pfaff 145 at an auction for around $80 or so. had most of the paint worn off the bed and was on an old singer table.  My mother made quite a few things on that machine over the years, coats/mats/covers etc. They even contracted a small run of nylon goods through me a couple years back.    Did all that good and still have it.  

Rode hard/put away wet, probably so.  That's really where a new hobbyist on a budget should start out I think.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Cumberland Highpower

[AlZilla]

1 hour ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

 

A well used but functional machine is what the OP needs.  Something cheap but functional.  If a Consew is a hard sale and usually cheapest on the market, then it's to the advantage.

When I was a teenager my dad bought a used Pfaff 145 at an auction for around $80 or so. had most of the paint worn off the bed and was on an old singer table.  My mother made quite a few things on that machine over the years, coats/mats/covers etc. They even contracted a small run of nylon goods through me a couple years back.    Did all that good and still have it.  

Rode hard/put away wet, probably so.  That's really where a new hobbyist on a budget should start out I think.

My first Industrial was a 111W153 that someone gifted me, table, clutch motor and all. I spent countless hours cleaning, freeing it up, taking it apart, putting it together and learning why I really didn't want a clutch motor for leather work. The lack of reverse doesn't really bother me. If I try to go back over more than about 2 stitches, it starts to look messy. I usually use the "stop, pull it back and sew over it again" method on bigger pieces. Smaller stuff, I start a stitch or two down the line, sew to the "beginning" and then turn it the "right" way. Or, leave long tails on one or both ends and tie it off like a saddle stitch.

It was and still is a great learning tool for me. I keep it threaded up with 138 and it does a variety of things from jeans to 5/16" of leather.

All that is to say, I agree. For the OP, I hope he gets into something along those lines.  That Consew earlier in the thread looks like a great starting point. For $600, I'm assuming Canadian, it definitely looks like a great starting point.

[chuck123wapati]

"Put another way, this is almost the opposite of the dream machine post  "

It is interesting how folks interpreted this lol. 

[fredk]

On 12/23/2024 at 6:55 PM, Cumberland Highpower said:

Come on, who buys new machines?!??!  LOL

Me does,    

[kgg]

On 12/23/2024 at 6:55 PM, Cumberland Highpower said:

Come on, who buys new machines?!??!  LOL

If I am keeping for myself I buy mostly new but occasionally near new machines. Based on my experience if it's a Consew or PFAFF they are going to be hard to resell down the road and you have to almost give them away.

[Cumberland Highpower]

5 hours ago, fredk said:

Me does,    

Good for you     lol

I guess someone has to buy new machines or there'd be no market for the manufacturers, or good deals on used machines a few years down the road.

 

[Cumberland Highpower]

6 hours ago, kgg said:

If I am keeping for myself I buy mostly new but occasionally near new machines. Based on my experience if it's a Consew or PFAFF they are going to be hard to resell down the road and you have to almost give them away.

Nothing wrong with buying new if you have the budget.  Gotta keep the factories going.  If you know of any Consews that are close to being given away, I always can use a machine or 2.   277r2 227r2 or a 756R (Japanese)  I could go for a Pfaff 335 (German only).

 

 

Edited December 26, 2024 by Cumberland Highpower

[fredk]

I only bought new each time some money investments gave me some cash to play with

[Pan5N3]

On 12/24/2024 at 6:47 AM, kgg said:

For the last six months in Ontario there have been very few used industrial sewing machines for sale and most of what's around looks like they were rode hard and put away wet...

I've found the same thing when looking myself  Part of why I was looking for other options.. For the time being looks like I'll be sticking with my old Pfaff and Singer fabric sewing machines.  They work on thin soft temper stuff.  Won't be able to build the messenger bags or other heavy items on them, but that pen cases and tool / knife rolls will work until I can get a heavier machine.

 

 

[Pan5N3]

Thanks for all the feedback. Nice hear from so many voices.  :-)