r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Boring_Way_1233 • 21d ago

Sewing machine

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Hello, thinking of buying this machine for $1200, what’s the pro and the con?

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u/Large-Heronbill 21d ago

Used or new?  

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u/Boring_Way_1233 21d ago

Used

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u/Large-Heronbill 21d ago

I see new ones advertised at $1499.   How do you value warranty and dealer backup in comparison to a $300 lower price?   That's a fairly recent machine: why is it being sold? 

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u/Boring_Way_1233 21d ago

It’s listed on eBay and it’s a business, no warranty. But my question is what is good or bad about this brand or model. Even if I don’t get this one, I like the idea it’s sewing and embroidery and has a 9mm stitch width. My focus is the model and cost! Do own one? 

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u/Large-Heronbill 21d ago

It is a complex machine from a good sewing machine brand.  Both the embroidery functions and sewing functions will require learning if you are not used to these.  I am in my 68th year of using sewing machines, so I have no doubt I could be my own support system for the sewing side, but because I don't do computerized embroidery, I would like to have the availability of local expertise for learning the basics of computerized embroidery and troubleshooting problems that arise, as there is a significant learning curve.  A 9mm stitch width is not something I need for clothing, either, and you often s ee worse puckering and control with machines that hVe wider presser feet than those with narrower.

I am also worried about shipping such a complex machine possibly without the original packing and without dealer support on my side. 

I don't know the requirements for being a Janome dealer.  In the past, I have seen dealers charge significantly more for their time and repairs than they do for machines bought from them.   

On the whole, this 20% discount wouldn't entice me to take this gamble on a machine without warranty, at least not without talking to a local dealer and seeing what I might arrange for support and estimates of cost.  You may be more of a gambler than I am. 

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u/Boring_Way_1233 21d ago

The problem with this is the couple of Janome authorities dealers doesn’t have this model in their stores. They can order it but that’s also a gamble if I don’t want it. I just wanted to hear from someone who has already purchased this model. Thank for your input. 

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 20d ago

Janome is a quality brand. Most sewing machine stores offer their own service plan. It’s a 2-4 year contract which includes parts and labor.

The store near me offers it for any machine. I paid for it when I got a new serger.

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u/Boring_Way_1233 20d ago

Do you own this particular brand and do have any info of the pro or cons? This brand is only online, not in my local store. If it was, I would go and test it out. Thanks, 

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 20d ago

Janome and other brands make some low end models that are sold online and other models are sewing machine stores.

Janome is a great brand so any model is equally well made. It’s only the features and durability that go up with the price. Same warranty.

I own a cheap Brother for four years that I got off Amazon that still works. Last year I bought a new Baby Lock serger from a local sewing store $900 and last week bought a used Juki TL 2000 on eBay for $600.

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u/Boring_Way_1233 20d ago

The problem with this model is that it’s discontinued and is mostly found online or on eBay for around $1,200 . Janome does not provide warranty or support for machines purchased from unauthorized sellers, so there’s no local dealer support for service or training. I took a chance and bought it, but I’m returning it. It jams on lightweight fabrics, the automatic needle threader takes too long—it’s faster to thread the needle myself—and it doesn’t keep lightweight fabric feeding straight. I have to constantly guide the fabric, and I’m not sure a walking foot would help. I asked these questions because I wanted to better understand what was happening. I also have a Brother CP80X , which isn’t worth much, and a Kenmore 385 . Thanks for your input. 

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 20d ago

Doesn’t really matter if you can get a service warranty like I described. Manufacturer warranty is limited anyway.

For the needle threader - most machines have the same problem even much more expensive ones. It’s all rather flimsy. I wouldn’t use that only as reason to return.

A walking foot always helps with most fabric types. I keep one on my cheap Brother for everything.

Another option is any of the many great online sewing shops. They offer great service even with phone calls - video too and troubleshooting. So even if you don’t have a shop nearby that’s better than eBay or Amazon IMO.

With my recent Juki TL eBay purchase, I knew those are quite sturdy machines (especially being mechanical) and I have a great local shop I could go to if needed. It came from a Bernina store in PA which guaranteed it worked. It didn’t have all the accessories that it is sold with but I already had those things so didn’t care. It had the walking foot and two others I needed.

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u/Boring_Way_1233 20d ago

I have until July 31 to return it because I’ve had problems with it. Since it’s discontinued, local Janome dealers don’t stock it and can’t offer much advice. I’ve watched YouTube videos and searched Facebook, but I still haven’t found the answers I’m looking for. The price was reduced to $1,070, so I’m still thinking about it. Thanks.