Posted: 6/23/2004 8:31:45 PM EDT
Need a cheapie that will work "good enough" for the occasional callsign-tape (kinda like a name tape for you .mil people, but the amateur radio version  ), brass catcher, gear modifications (attaching elastic loops or things like that).Wallyworld had one made by "Brother" (don't they make typewriters?  ) for about $90 -- is there better, cheaper stuff out there?and what should I be looking for in one? what makes one "better" than another? -FOTBR |
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The main difference between the cheapies and the expensive models is: a. Ease of use for people who REALLY use the things (Like having several spindles of thread available without having to change out, etc, etc) b. Stitching patterns (sometimes programmable). As you will probably be like me and just want to very rarely sew up something small, then a cheapie is just fine. So what if it doesn't do some crazy cool stitch!? I use one or two basic stitches at most. The one that goes in a straight line from point a to b and always at the tightest setting for the max number and strength of stitches per inch. All my thread is either white or black so I don't have to worry about changing out too much either. Sometimes I'm really lazy and one side of the stitch will be white and the other black because I'm too lazy to change out the inner thread spool. Who cares as long as it holds tight! The motors are pretty much the same within certain price ranges, you just need to get stronger needles to punch through that webbing material! Don't worry abuot the ones they advertise as being able to stich 5000 miles worth of stuff. Your a guy, you'll be happy with your 6 feet per year of stitching and the $90 doller one will last you forever as long as you dont physically mistreat it. |
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Ebay. look for a singer 401A I use mine for everything up to custom covers/tops for my 4WD's and seat covers. they are stone reliable and should be fairly cheap. and will work better than all but the really expensive newer machines. (they are 1960's vintage but parts are not much of a problem.) or just look in a want ad type magazine for them. there are a few in there now for $22-up shipping should be 22-25.00 |