Sewing machine comparison and Selection

[bar-j]

Wow - this board is great. Sounds like the 3000 is the way to go.

Thanks - Jeannette

[Bob]

well for my two bits worth....

I bought a Ferdco pro 2000 about 14 years ago, the feed dogs were taken out on this model. Ferdco reworked the 441 juki head. The feed dogs were replace with a needle guide. Which I simply removed. This machine sews it all quite nicely. It's really hard to beat for versatillity...

Bob

[bcurrier]

I bought a Ferdco pro 2000 about 14 years ago, the feed dogs were taken out on this model. Ferdco reworked the 441 juki head. The feed dogs were replace with a needle guide. Which I simply removed.

Now that's interesting. You removed the needle guide? Why - Ferdco actually promotes the lower needle guide as one of the primary advantages of their machine.

Bill

[esantoro]

Now that's interesting. You removed the needle guide? Why - Ferdco actually promotes the lower needle guide as one of the primary advantages of their machine.

Bill

I don't understand how Ferdco's needle guide can guide anything with so much of the steel removed to ensure the needle doesn't crash down on the guide, though I have only Ferdco's website picture to go by.

ed

[Bob]

I broke too many needles with that @#$%^ needle guide. It would forever work itself loose, so I toke it out and no more problems...

Bob

[bcurrier]

To be honest, those few comments ended any interest of mine in Ferdco's 2000. It isn't that they aren't great machines with a good reputation and support (they are). Without the needle guide, it really boils down to a clone vs. clone quality discussion, and Artisan has a similar reputation and is better priced. I'm looking forward to my 4000 (and validation of my opinion!). It shipped yesterday.

Bill

[bruce johnson]

I started out with an Adler 205-64 when I upgraded from the Boss. It was a great machine, but had a couple drawbacks. It didn't have needle guide or center presser foot. It had a feed dog underneath that came up through the throatplate. The hole in the feed dog was fairly small. If I got much deflection with heavy leather (like reusing holes sometimes, or sewing tunnel loops onto back cinches), the needle would miss the hole and hit the feed dog. Then I for sure snapped the needle, and on occasion broke or bent the feed dog. Finally got a heavy duty feed dog that just snapped the needle.

I now have a two year old Pro 2000, and a Juki 2000 when Ferdco was still using the original Juki frames. They have the bigger hole in the bottom (diamond shaped). I am with Ed, not sure how much that helps, but the center presser foot dang sure keeps the needle from deflecting much, and my backside lines are straight. I have not snapped a needle in either 2000 yet. Curiosity question for the other 441 clone owners. I have never seen the underneath of any but mine. What kind of feed dog do they have? Also for the different Artisan 4000 models, I know the head is lighter in one of the 4000s, is the feed the same in both of them and the 3000?

[bcurrier]

The answers are suggesting limits to the 794 needle system, as the primary problem mentioned with the guide is deflection. Anyone aware of any heavier needle machine out there that would deflect less? Even the 1000H needle used in extremely heavy-duty machines uses a needle with the same shank diameter.

Or maybe the question is whether the deflection matters? Those of you who removed the guide still have the deflection, even if you're no longer breaking needles (or worse). I can only presume you just a little more careful on turns to make sure the hook is picking up the bobbin thread.

Bill

[Bob]

This pro 2000 I have has a center walking foot with a hole as well. Thats not what I'm talking about. The needle guide I'm referring to is underneat the plate and bolts into place where the feed dogs were. I don't have any problems with missing stitches. I can use a heavy needle and reline skirts that are twisted and sew in the same holes at warp speed, (with a reducer) and don't miss stitches or break needles. No troubles at all. For my money, I'm happy as a pig in poop with this machine. Won't trade it for nothing.

bobcat

[Bob]

I don't know anything about the artisons or aldler machines you all mentioned, cause I never used one.... This pro 2000 from Ferdco was reworked at new. They also shortened the needle bar, making it sew thicker material as well. This machine sews 1 inch if i asked it to. Sure you must have the correct sized needle and thread for that job.

bobcat