By Ariel.langager on
Jan. 05, 2009
Forums:
I'm opening a new T-shirt business. What is the best embriodery machine for new-bees? I have my own design but I want to keep start up cost down. Any suggestions?
Ariel:confused:
Location:
United States
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
i've owned almost every machine brand known to man, and i can only say 2 things
No amaya xt. it sucks learners in because its so easy to operate, when it works.
Stay away from chinese manufactured machines
Ricoma, renaissance, feiya, cam five, melco, etc..
if you want reliability go with tajima. if you want good sew outs and a bit more money and still have reliability go with barudan
first time though buy a tajima
single head is a waste of money today if your starting out, a used single head is about 1000 less than a 4 head. stick with multi heads if you want to grow it will cost more to grow later after you already have a single head.
let me know if you have any questions ive dealt with alot of machines..
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
Best machine for newbees is the machine down the street! Want to keep start up costs down... again, use the machine down the street.
Use the money to build your business.. subcontracting out all embroidery... when you have more than enough business to warrant buying your own machine then do so... subcontracting out the overflow until it makes sense to buy another.
Sorry, makes no sense to me to lay out that kind of money without the work to keep it busy from the start.
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
Dangig is giving you good advice. Stay away from the Chinese made machines. Qaulity is bad and if you ever want to resell the their value is terrible. Tajima and Barudan are the way to go. I wouldn't even look at anything else.
As far as buying a machine up front, I would try to line up some jobs before you make the initial investment. I agree with not buying a single head though because you can buy a used multi head machine for about same price. Either way I would go with used....Let someone else take the big hit on the depreciation of value.
e-mail me at kyle@stitchitintl.com if you need any other questions answered. I have owned everything. I am speeking from experience.
Kyle McMinn
Kyle McMinn
Stitch It International
kyle@stitchitintl.com
www.stitchitintl.com
573-866-3676 Office
573-576-8636 Cell
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
Ditto to whats already been said ... Don't Go Chinese.
I too have owned / used almost every machine out there.
SWF is korean, probably on the higher end of the lesser machines, but still. I own one, It IS great for hats, I will give it that, but not much else.
I would go Tajima, Barudan, ZSK or even Brother ... I own a brother 4 head, and I do like it, The problem with brother is that you either love em' or hate em'. I love em' but if you're a REAL newbie, I would go with Tajima, cause they are the best at compensating for learning curves.
Good luck with whatever you buy!
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
If you do choose used make sure you can get training and machine support. Without that you could run into major problems.
Jennifer
Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts with your logo
Embroidered Button Down Shirts no minimum
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
Toyota machines are one of the best single heads on the market today. I have the following two machines for sale.
1 - Toyota AD 860 Embroidery Machine $6500
- single head, 12 needle
- auto color change
- auto trim
- cap driver with 2-270 degree cap frames
- cap frame sash
- cap frame loading device
- heavy duty stand with caster and levelers
- Hoops 2 each – # 12, # 15, 18 cm hoop, JB hoop 11” x 11” sewing area
- Excellent condition, well maintained
1 - Toyota AD 850 Embroidery Machine $5500
- single head, 12 needle
- auto color change
- auto trim
- cap driver with 2-270 degree cap frames
- cap frame sash
- cap frame loading device
- heavy duty stand with caster and levelers
- Hoops 2 each – # 12, # 15, 18 cm hoop, JB hoop 11” x 11” sewing area
- Excellent condition, well maintained
$11,000 for the pair of machines together.
I am located in Kansas. Our shop number is 785-484-9770. Please call if interested. Pictures are available.
Crating and shipping responsibility of buyer.
Re: Just starting out what is best to buy?
We have an ACIENT Barudan and are upgrading to an Elite Pro II. So I am familiar with searching for the 'perfect' machine . As far as embroidery goes, I love the Barudan machines. I do some sewing at home and have a Brother there, which I love too. Someone mentioned having good tech support/cust service type help especially if you go used! One of the factors for us in staying with Barudan (besides really loving the quality) is we have a great service rep and you can't trade that for anything, especially if your new. Good luck to you!!
Laurie :)
WORN IDENTI-TEES
wornid@yahoo.com