hvl Report post Posted October 1, 2008 Hi everyone, I'm looking at buying a machine and getting close to a decision. I've found a freshly rebuilt Singer 7 and an Artisan 3000. We do chaps, saddlery and horse tack and looking for a machine that is capable of sewing the heavy, stiff leather. I understand from reading here that both do verywell but now that I've found both the Singer and Artisan for approximately the same price, I've having a tough time with the decision. Anyone have opinions on which would be the best choice? Thanks again, you all have been so much help! Joy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted October 1, 2008 as a 3000 owner, I'm biased, but in this case, I would tell you to go new. Same money for an older machine... with little advantage? You should check around, though. I have seen a good 7 go for less than half new artisan. I also don't believe the 7 can sew the depth of an artisan..it might do 7/8th of an inch, I think. I saw these in use at a lot of sail lofts. They are not a saddle/tack machine. Support is terrific for the 3000. Good luck with your decision. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randy Cornelius Report post Posted October 1, 2008 There is little to decide, go with the Artisen you will not regret it. I bought mine 3 years ago and have never regreted it. Jerry and Steve and great people to work with and give lots of free support. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esantoro Report post Posted October 1, 2008 Grab Regis' 3000 if it's still available. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bree Report post Posted October 1, 2008 I just bought me a T-4000 with a 25" arm. Haven't sewn on it yet but I think it's just about the best deal in town. Of course, I am prejudiced in favor of my own decisions. But I think it is clear from the preponderance of the evidence that the Artisan guys are top rated for service, stability, and commitment. So several years down the road you should still be happy you selected them. My $.02 on it. :soapbox: :soapbox: :soapbox: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 2, 2008 Hi Joy, As a lover of old iron, a 7 class is a nice machine. However, for you and your type of work, the Artisan is a better selection. Reverse, servo motor, new, great support, but most importantly, the cylinder arm, and the availability of specialized needle plates and feet. This just makes it a nobrainer; Get the Artisan 3000. Art Hi everyone,I'm looking at buying a machine and getting close to a decision. I've found a freshly rebuilt Singer 7 and an Artisan 3000. We do chaps, saddlery and horse tack and looking for a machine that is capable of sewing the heavy, stiff leather. I understand from reading here that both do verywell but now that I've found both the Singer and Artisan for approximately the same price, I've having a tough time with the decision. Anyone have opinions on which would be the best choice? Thanks again, you all have been so much help! Joy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hvl Report post Posted October 3, 2008 Thanks for all the support and help! Everyone seems to love the Artisan so it's probably the way we'll go although I've not seen one in person yet. We did try out the Singer 7 and as much as I like old anything, it reminded me of when I was a kid and my daddy let me help him push buttons and pull levers on a D9 Cat. Very noisy, very powerful and a bit scary (although the Cat was less scary cuz daddy was always right there and I knew he'd keep me safe) Thanks again for the help can't tell you how much I appreciate it! Joy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
