By Earl Smith on
Jun. 30, 2014
Forums:
Ive been embroidering for a number of years now and when I make patches I have always stitched a satin stich around the edge.
Now I have an order for a large number of fireproof patches for a multination industrial firm. They need to be done properly, ie; with a Merrowed edge.
Is Merrow the only firm that makes machines for patches or are there other brands?
Ive looked at overlockers but not been able to see if they will do the job or not.
Can anybody give me some insight please.
Thanks
Earl
Location:
United States
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
If I remember correctly some have converted Juki overlock machines to sew a merrow stitch. I'd be more likely to just get the merrow since they kinda wrote the book on doing that process. Are the merrow machines expensive there? Maybe contract out the edges to someone who has one?
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I know that their are some companies from china building a machine like this. But I don't know the quality of this machine.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqJPzP3xWPk
But it costs around 2500 USD I think. Better you go with a used Merrow, you can't go wrong with a quality machine like this and they don't loose too much value if you decide to sell it a year later.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Hi and thanks for the answers.
pd87, Ive sent a PM.
Minimalist. The Merrow costs about double what it costs in the States. About $4,500+. A Juki costs around $2,000 but if its not the right machine there is no point in buying it.
Maybe I should think about buying the Merrow and let it be known that I can offer this service to other embroidery houses.
Earl.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I have a friend that bought a merrow machine and found that there was quite a big learning curve to get the edge just right. Btw, Merrow makes many models for different uses. The machine for patches is the MG-3U. They are very hard to find a used one and go for about $2000 used.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Earl,
Here's a youtube video of a Juki MO-2516N doing a merrow style stitch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2nehErUlBM
Atlas Levy: http://www.atlaslevy.com/Home-Sewing-Machines_c_4.html
I've never done business with them but maybe you could contact them about using a Juki instead of the merrow?
embthreads listed the style of merrow that does the patches but there are different configurations on the MG-3U as they can be configured slightly different.
http://www.merrow.com/a.php?app=5512
They have 5 different configurations with the last being a flat edge MG-2U.
Also, here is a link to merrow refurbished machines:
http://www.merrow.com/Sergers_and_Overlock_Sewing_Machines/m3u
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Earl,
I checked out the link for the chinese made machine. It's made in Taiwan which usually means much better quality. If the price is right maybe give it a try.
I called merrow and they don't have any refurbished machines. They quoted me around $3100 for a new machine.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I can agree with this! unless you have a SKILLED person waiting in the wings.. I would opt to sub this part out to someone who does.. The learning curve is up there, AND the amount of patches they have to do per hour... they get carpel tunnel , etc.
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Hi
Thanks for your suggestions etc. I finally just got the offer price for the Merrow in Germany, $5,700. A new one in the states is "only" $3,500 max. Thats taking the p***.
The Taiwan machine is $2,200 so it looks like thats the one for me.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I watched the videos for the Juki. He did not demonstrate sewing a circle and the ending stitches. Make sure it ends off properly. I own a home serger/overlock machine that will make the exact narrow stitches that he demonstrated but cannot finish the end that you need for a patch. This is necessary in patch making.
The price is enticing but I think I would stick with the Merrow brand. It's a proven machine. If you can't afford that or don't want to spend that much, contract your business out to a USA company. They do exist. Pennemblem.com is one that comes to mind.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Mr Smith. Per your own advice on another thread:
"Number one advice. Make sure whichever machine you buy has 100% support and that its nearbye. If you ever have problems it must be instantly sorted out and not just on the telephone."
Please let us know how this works out for you. Thanks!
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Good Point Mr Young but the Taiwan machine comes from a local supplier. It took the Merrow agent nearly 5 weeks to give me the quote price and I cant see their service being much better.
If I used the machine all day , everyday, I would buy the Merrow but at 60% more its just not worth it.
Ill let you know how it goes.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Update:
Thanks for all your comments and advice. In the end I found a second hand , two year old and hardly used Merrow for the price of the Taiwan machine. The guy I bought it from has a new DTG and is printing constantly with that so he had no time for the Merrow.
Lucky me.
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I think you made the right decision....
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
Hey Earl,
I wanted to ask you how you found the used one?
I have been looking but cannot find anything post 2012!
Any suggestions is GREATLY appreciated!
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I figured this would also be a good spot to ask,
I did find an M-3u,
Is the MG-3u greatly preferred because of its newer manufacturing
Re: Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.
I too am looking for the merrow mu 3 does anyone know of one for sale