Need Help Choosing A Machine

[Jsoul1]

Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to read and help out. I know there is a bunch post like these, I read a lot of them. I still am having trouble picking a machine, I'm looking for a good machine to get started that will last a good while until I save more to buy a higher end machine. I don't have a huge budget honestly, Id like to be in for one for under $750. I'd love to be in for around $500 if possible. I'm very open to pre-owned because I know there might not be new ones in my price range. Ive been searching, i see some heads on eBay and was thinking of possibly purchasing and getting a servo motor. If there are any new ones capable of my needs even better. I'd be trying to sew light leather &  thin PVC. I'd like to make light wallets ,card holders & key chains. Thanks in advance for taking time to read and respond. 

[Jsoul1]

Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated. 

[kgg]

I would be very wary of buying a machine head off eBay particularly a used head. I would first try your local sewing machine shop/dealer they may have a good used machine in stock within your price range. Another alternative would be go to your local Homedepot and look at a Reliable Barracuda for about $500 new. Buy it, bring it home and give it a try on your stuff. If you don't like it or it cann't do the job return it back for a refund. The Reliable Barracuda is portable walking foot very similar to the Sailrite LSZ ($900) and the Tandy Stitch Master ($1500) machines but a whole hell of a lot cheaper. In my opinion if the Sailrite LSZ or Tandy Stitch Master can sew it, the Reliable Barracuda can sew it just as good. I have used both the Barracuda and the Sailrite. This maybe a viable alternative until the dollars allow for a higher quality machine.

kgg

[Jsoul1]

21 minutes ago, kgg said:

I would be very wary of buying a machine head off eBay particularly a used head. I would first try your local sewing machine shop/dealer they may have a good used machine in stock within your price range. Another alternative would be go to your local Homedepot and look at a Reliable Barracuda for about $500 new. Buy it, bring it home and give it a try on your stuff. If you don't like it or it cann't do the job return it back for a refund. The Reliable Barracuda is portable walking foot very similar to the Sailrite LSZ ($900) and the Tandy Stitch Master ($1500) machines but a whole hell of a lot cheaper. In my opinion if the Sailrite LSZ or Tandy Stitch Master can sew it, the Reliable Barracuda can sew it just as good. I have used both the Barracuda and the Sailrite. This maybe a viable alternative until the dollars allow for a higher quality machine.

kgg

Thank you for your reply. I will look into the Reliable Barracuda. I'd have to have on shipped to store for pick up if I decide to go that route. I was under the assumption the portable walking foot machines were kinda bad buys ( from some post on here). Thanks again for response 

[Jsoul1]

Is anyone else familiar with the Reliable Barracuda? I see very similar machines just sold as different brand name. Does anyone know if these are the same machines? 

Consew CP206RL 

REX RX-607Z 

 SEWLINE NEW 146-7

NEW-TECH Portable Walking Foot Long Arm Zig Zag & straight sewing Machine 110 V

 

 

Edited May 1, 2019 by Jsoul1

[Jsoul1]

Any thoughts on getting one of these machines and putting a Sailrite Monster ll Power Wheel? Even Possible?

[kgg]

It all depends on what you need the machine for, your budget, space restrictions, etc. Yes some of the portable walking foot machines are terrible and sound like a bucket of bolts rattling around of which I will not mention. I do recommend the Barracuda based on my experience, it was sewn off by Reliable and worked properly right from the get go. I pushed that little machine too it's limits and then some.  Remember that the Tandy Stitch Master is just a Sailrite portable walking foot planked into a table with a servo added.

Reliable has their version of the Monster wheel called the Cuda Crank for about $110 US.

kgg

 

[Jsoul1]

42 minutes ago, kgg said:

It all depends on what you need the machine for, your budget, space restrictions, etc. Yes some of the portable walking foot machines are terrible and sound like a bucket of bolts rattling around of which I will not mention. I do recommend the Barracuda based on my experience, it was sewn off by Reliable and worked properly right from the get go. I pushed that little machine too it's limits and then some.  Remember that the Tandy Stitch Master is just a Sailrite portable walking foot planked into a table with a servo added.

Reliable has their version of the Monster wheel called the Cuda Crank for about $110 US.

kgg

 

Gotcha.  I'm thinking about getting one asap and seeing how it goes. Thanks for the info, you've been a lot of help. I really appreciate it.