Getting into embroidery

BradleysTrophy

Hi,
I am the manager of a Trophy and Promotion shop in Northern New York looking to expand into embroidery. We are looking at the possibility of purchasing embroidery equipment to expand our custom apparel ability as well as production of a variety of military regulation embroidered items. We serve the military as our prime customer base and as such we would need machines that are capable of producing to the regulations of the military. The largest items we would need to produce would be battalion colors or guidons (the flags with the triangular notch out of them.) with the largest embroidered area being around 14" square. I'm also a fully trained graphic designer and would like to be able to digitize designs myself. I'd like to get your opinions on what machines and software we should consider purchasing.

Thanks for your opinions!
Ken

AJST

You might want to look at this post.
meistergram machines

Wilcom seems to be the most popular software. Whatever machine you buy may have software included.

DASWholesale

Just because you are used to creating in multiple software platforms, don't try digitizing until you have some experience with embroidery. Thread is a predictable media, but your experience level is a major factor that will hinder you. Get a machine first, watch it for a few dozen runs of different styles. The insight you gain on push/pull on different fabric types by different digitizings etc. will serve you for a long time.

BradleysTrophy

Thanks for the help, after looking around for a while I'm currently torn between a Melco Amaya Bravo and a RiCOMA RCM 1201PT. Any thoughts on either of those machines would be greatly appreciated.

AJST

The Melco is probably the better machine but you will probably pay more. Check and see what kind of service techs are available in your area.

Flint54

IMO you would be better off with a Tajima or Barudan, Tajima machines are distributed by Hirsch Intl and they are located in NY so your tech services will be very available.

Both of the above mentioned machines have a large sewing field that fits your needs and are a stand alone machine that do not require you to attach your computer to the embroidery machine. Melco machines require an external computer to be loaded with the operating software in order for the machine to operate so if your computer has a problem ( plethora of possible problems) your embroidery machine will not operate. On the other hand with a machine that has its own built in computer you can store designs on flash media or floppy and when required load and run, all you need is power, a small 3500 watt generator will run any machine you may need. Just run it through a back up power supply to condition the power.

I cannot give you hands on information on the Ricoma but have not heard a lot of good about the Chinese built embroidery machines and that parts, electronics are hard to come by.

I would also like to add that I have done some guidon work and it is not easy, you need to do two items if it is lettering or one side is backwards and sewn in bobbin thread and designs need to be done with manual wound bobbins to match the top thread, they are very labor intensive as you need to change bobbins with every color change. They can look fabulous when done right.

Check out the machines for sale, there is an almost new TMFX 1501 IIC for sale with under 20,000,000 stitches for 13K that would fill your needs other than software. This is a workhorse, ours has over 95 million stitches with no breakdowns just routine maintenance. That machine for sale has less than 450 hours of run time and is 4 years old, this is less than 120 hours a year.

As always best wishes to all and best of blessings.

Zain

Oh i would suggest you to drop the idea of buying a Ricoma. Its user reviews have been terrible. Go for a Toyota or a Tajima. As for the software Wilcom will be the best choice. Do remember to read the manuals that come along cover to cover. They will be great help.

Embroidery King

It looks like maybe RiCOMA had a bad reputation years ago, my experience has been absolutely great, I own an embroidery / Screen Printing shop and I started with a two head 2 years ago and I just bought another 4 Head machine. First, it was a very smooth transaction, the training for both of the machines was a great experience, the trainer showed me all the steps and explained all the questions I had, customer service after i had the machine was + +. it exceed my expectations.

I think its the same when buying a car, if you treat it right, it will last forever!
I did my research before i bought a RiCOMA and take my word. they have come a long way with new innovations that other brands don't have.

Mark

dgsp7

I have owned a Meistergram and would not recommend it. I may have just gotten a lemon, but it was a terrible experience all around. Selling a used one is impossible from what I have found. Most places will not even take them as a trade in. I have a 6 head Barudan now that I bought brand new this year and I LOVE it. As for the software, Wilcom is the only way to go.

boatmat

Hello,
I own several Tajima's and can attest to the fact that they are great machines.Flint54 hit the nail on the head with his great advice. Buy a quality used machine with low hours and you will be satisfied for many years to come and save a substantial amount of $$ as well.
I have owned several embroidery machines over the last 15 years and although I am partial to Tajima,everyone I know (including my tech) loves the Baradun's, and I have heard nothing but great things about the company.

As for the machine training, many independent techs are certified on Tajima and Baradun's and will come to you and train you one on one for a nominal charge.(well worth the investment)!

Wilcom is by far the best digitizing software out there and this comes from a Pulse software owner.Unfortunately,before the internet age and sites like this one were available,we had to rely on a salesmans word and the hirsh rep at the time,only sold Pulse and "Assured me" that it was the best available,which come to find out was total BS.

Hopefully this helps you out and best of luck on your new endeavors!