First Embroidery Machine - Please Help

By kpinkinc on Aug. 12, 2010
Forums: 
Embroidery and Digitizing

-Embroidery Pros

I have a screenprinting shop and now have enough embroidery orders to justify buying my first machine. For now, the work will be very simple. I'll only be doing small 1 color designs on polos, tees, jackets, similar look of Polo & Lacoste. And then I'd be doing perimeter run stitching, zig zag stitching for Greek Letters.

I have no clue what I need to buy....any advice would be MUCH APPRECIATED. And, no I won't be doing the digitizing or running the machine, will just hire someone that knows. What do I need to buy for them though? 1 Commercial head to the trick?

Please educate me.

Thanks guys!

Location: 
United States
Submitted by Texas Tom on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 17:23

First embroidery machine.... First see what technicians are close to you. Buy ONLY a top name which in my opinion is Tajima, Barudan, Brother or Melco. I am a Brother / Tajima tech, and all other machines are after thoughts. Start with one of the top names, get to know your tech if possible and who you have to deal with after the sale before you buy. Ask if they charge for phone support, are parts readily available,etc ....... etc......Decide on the one easiest to work with, then go looking for that brand machine.

Submitted by Flint54 on Mon, 08/16/2010 - 16:41

First, Do Not Buy used for your First Machine! :eek: :confused: ;)

You will need the benefits provided by the company and the warranty provided by them for your first purchase. Additionally you will be getting the latest electronics and features along with training, setup and tech support. You will use all of these so don't skimp or be stingy!

I HIGHLY Recommend a top of the line machine.

These would be Tajima, Barudan, Toyota, Brother, SWF. Of these who has the best service and nearest service techs, closest training facility etc. Most will charge you for transportation and travel to your place of business.

Get to a show and see the machines, get digitizing software with your machine purchase, I would suggest something at mid level that gives you as much manual editing as possible. You may not think that you need it now but you will and will be glad you get it. Digitizing takes time to learn and is a completely different subject on it's own.

Most of the better brands also have Factory Refurbished Machines that have good warranty's and may also have the benefits of a new machine, this is something you can check on with the sales reps at the shows.

Hope this gives you a bit more info. Best Wishes! :cool: ;) ;)

Submitted by billabongdesigns on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 19:32

Flint54 wrote:
First, Do Not Buy used for your First Machine! :eek: :confused: ;)

You will need the benefits provided by the company and the warranty provided by them for your first purchase. Additionally you will be getting the latest electronics and features along with training, setup and tech support. You will use all of these so don't skimp or be stingy!

I HIGHLY Recommend a top of the line machine.

These would be Tajima, Barudan, Toyota, Brother, SWF. Of these who has the best service and nearest service techs, closest training facility etc. Most will charge you for transportation and travel to your place of business.

Get to a show and see the machines, get digitizing software with your machine purchase, I would suggest something at mid level that gives you as much manual editing as possible. You may not think that you need it now but you will and will be glad you get it. Digitizing takes time to learn and is a completely different subject on it's own.

Most of the better brands also have Factory Refurbished Machines that have good warranty's and may also have the benefits of a new machine, this is something you can check on with the sales reps at the shows.

Hope this gives you a bit more info. Best Wishes! :cool: ;) ;)

I am pondering buying an embroidery machine, not for business but just a bit of a hobby, do the name s on our club uniforms, (Keen Lawn Bowler) have some fun. but I do want quality. Sewing with Bernini machine and over locker so this would be an extension.
Went onlne to see what software is about, guess that's putting the cart before the horse.
Software for one Brand wont work on others. Its all very confusing.

Submitted by brotherD on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 16:25

you have to add HAPPY to the list of good machines. Tajima is great, brother can be fantastic, thought the smaller six needle home machine is just that, more for home and hobby than commercial. I was looking at them and decided to pop up to the voyager. 12 needles (so I can keep common colors on and change fewer for jobs) bigger field for embroidery and more options. faster speed, heavier duty machine. plus it's portable (that's all relative for weight) for shows and fairs. the big limiting factor for me was as simple as the inside doors here are only 28-29 inches wide, so many wonderful machines were eliminated strictly by size.. I got the best for what I do and for what would fit.

Submitted by Flint54 on Wed, 08/18/2010 - 08:30

I don't know of any digitizing software that is "Brand Specific". All that I have used/seen is able to save the stitch file in all of the various file extensions that are used by the different brand embroidery machines. This is how digitizers are able to work for any shop and only need to know what brand machine they use.

For your line of embroidery I would seriously look toward one of the Brother 6 needle machines. They should serve your needs well.:cool:

Submitted by Flint54 on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 16:41

;) ;) ;) Size and what will fit!! ;) ;) ;) VERY GOOD POINT!! I did not even think of this as a factor as our doors are all 36". Many homes you may get it in the front door but then you are stuck with a machine in the entry, not a good way to make points with the family!! :D

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