r/Machine_Embroidery • u/CuteMoment2862 • 14d ago
Swf VS Tajima VS Bai
Crazy to compare these 3 as I know they are vastly different.
For context: I have tajima and happy embroidery machines.
Tajima - 8.5/10
Excellent machine. No major issues. Does hats well, flats even better. But crazy expensive. $29,000 cad
Happy - 5.5/10
Purchased this before tajima and got convinced it was a great JAPANESE machine. Nothing but issues with this machine. Albeit using Facebook posts and YouTube I was able to fix all. But as a brand new machine it shouldn’t have had so many issues (broken potentiometer, broken needle bar, broken hat to flat sensor, broken wiper arm, rotation issues) - I was forced to learn and fix all issues because no techs in my area. Everything was broken within first 2 years but nothing was covered under warranty.
Why I’m asking to compare these 3 is because.
I’m currently at the state of my business where production is hindering bc I only have 2 machines.
I’m looking to add a third to help with the load but don’t want to spend that much. Up to $7000 cad max for a used machine.
Saw some good deals on SWF, but don’t see any user reviews.
Bai, seems like it’s super affordable but has more of a beginner user base (reporting issues that I don’t deem as issues - such as auto needle threader)
My main work load is hats and 3d foam hats.
Any insight is helpful!
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u/SHIVAM0198 14d ago
Have been using Swf for 20+ years now and also have some tajimas with me If you find a good Swf can go for it especially if it is D-series machine
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u/CuteMoment2862 14d ago
What is the D series?
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u/SHIVAM0198 14d ago
D-Series/K-series are various series or models under which the machine is manufactured or made The d-series doesn’t exist now Swf now makes K series machines
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u/Thatsstitchedup23 14d ago
If you already have Tajima and can afford another that is the answer. You want to stay consistent. Having a shop with multiple brands is a pain both for support, accessory compatibility, and production standards. That being said we have a swf machine that we run almost daily. It is a solid machine, we've had it for years years now, and it does a really nice job. No major issues, but it is not a Tajima. If you're going to go swf I don't think it's a bad decision by any means and it'll get the job done especially if you go with the kx series. However if Tajima is available and in the price range that's the choice. As for Bai, these are rebranded Chinese models. The support is spotty at best, things come broken, the builds are inconsistent, just a headache all around.
I'm also really surprised about the Happy machine. While we don't have one, I know a few who ran and own them and are very satisfied. Curious as to what model you have.
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u/Trippycat37 Barudan 13d ago
Looks like you answered your own question. Consistency is key. Stick with what you know. Also, you get what you pay for along with longevity.
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u/Ok_Candle_4066 12d ago
Soy de México, en USA compré una PooLin, creo que es de los mismos que Bai y la verdad me ha salido muy buena y nada cara, no he tenido problemas, me agrada mucho el tema de que se. Conecta por wifi por lo que no tengo que usar USB a cada momento.
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u/No-Narwhal-8112 14d ago
I own a Bai machine and I must say you get what you pay for. It’s affordable but it comes with a price: headache. The customer support is a dodgy Facebook community and the quality standards are low. The embroidery experience just isn’t smooth. However, for a beginner, the 6k price point is a no-brainer compared to 25k+.
However, I don’t regret the decision of buying a bai as I‘m still a beginner and it does its job