I would first like to thank everyone for getting back to me with your
thoughts on what works best out there for sewing machines. Without
going into much detail it looks like the following (some not
posted…Thanks John)
1. Sewing machines, I would suggest SUPREME
2. We use nothing but ConSew in our business and we have had very
good luck with them
3. Look at the CONSEW, used in sweat shop around the world. Look
on ebay for good pricing and make sure a local shop and fix it if
needed.
4. I have and Adler/Sutton that’s still going strong since I
purchased it in 1974! It’s definately got my recommendation!
5. In our O&P technology program we have 6 Pfaff 1245 flatbed machines
from several different eras. The 2 newest ones are 4 years old and the
oldest one is from the program’s inception back in the early 1980s.
They have been very reliable and student-resistant! The link to the
manufacturer’s product website is
http://www.pfaff-industrial.com/pfaff/en/products/sewing/pfaffcatalog?ma
inbr
6. Adler cylinder bed machine. You can use it as a flat bed; as a
patcher; works on straps and leatherwork for any metal brace as well.
Look for one with narrow cylinder bed, goes inside the shoes well. Very
versatile. Very reliable. Looking at about $4000 new from the box. Used
vary at around $2500 – $3000. But you have “all in one” machine, instead
of buying flat bed and patcher.
Use narrow stand with it, one that allows full access to the bed from
underneath.
Of course, same goes for Pfaff, but they tend to be more expensive.
You can get a knock off made in China, for about $2000 but quality is
nowhere close to the original, I have one.
7. German made Adler’s last forever period.
The End.
8. I just purchased a Singer bench top heavy duty industrial
model#CG-550C (all metal housing) online for about $300 (1/2 suggested
retail price). It works great for most of our sewing needs but have not
tried to sew a thigh corset yet. Great machine for price.
In conclusion and with some response I cannot post it seems choosing the
“Right Machine” depends on what type of clinical or fabrication system
you are in. It really boils down to the old law from John Ruskin…
It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you
pay too much,
It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you
pay too much, you lose a little money – that is all. When you pay too
little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was
incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of
business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot – it can’t
be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something
for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for
something better.
Good Luck in choosing your new machine let’s just hope you don’t try and
pay to little and find yourself paying a lot more in the end!
Brad Mattear M.A., CFo
General Manager O & P 1
(319) 234-7942 Local
(800) 408-3598 Toll Free
(800) 408-3595 Fax
527 Park Lane # 200
Waterloo, Iowa 50702
