I need advice on what are good machines to look at buying - please help ??

pkepneriv · February 9th, 2013, 02:04 PM

I need some advice on what is a good reliable brand of machine. I would really like to get a 10 or 12 needle commercial machine but I just don't know what are good ones. I hear different things about each. Besides the Toyota's what are some good reliable brands? It is getting very frustrating trying to find a machine. I found a nice newer Ricoma but then people say don't buy them because service is bad with them and they have a tendency to not be very reliable, They say SWF are not good machines because they are full of issues, I hear Tajima are good but can't find a portable 12 needle system. Do you have any advice? I have about $4,000 to work with.

Thanks,
Paul Kepner
Specialty Pouches
www.specialtypouches.webs.com
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DKgrafix · February 9th, 2013, 03:19 PM

Tajima, Toyota, Barudan, SWF, Happy are good.
Stay away from Chinese machines.

Find something that is common, find out if you have a local tech and what machines he works with. Tech will know if there is something used available in your area. Make sure that the machines are supported good and that there are parts available.
Imbro is out of business, older Toyotas have shortage of parts. SWF is a good machine, but not as good as Tajima/Toyota or Barudan.
I would go with 15 needles, not because you will have many 15 color designs, it is good to have as many possible colors on the machine, it saves time changing threads.

Good luck

pkepneriv · February 9th, 2013, 03:42 PM

What about Toyota's that are 7 years old and what about Happy machines? I have looked at 15 needle machines but again the price jumps up more. It seems that the nice 6 needle machines like Baby Lock and the commercial 10 and 12 needle machines are around the same price point. There are two people near me with machines for sale. One has a Toyota 12 needle that is 7 years old and a Happy 12 needle that is 10 years old. Both work well and were recently serviced and they are both the same price. In your opinion what do you think might work out best? I want one that has a very large embroidery field so when I get orders for large items I can do it. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Paul Kepner
Specialty Pouches
www.specialtypouches.webs.com
LIKE us on Facebook at Specialty Pouches and Embroidery

DeepWoods · February 9th, 2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkepneriv

There are two people near me with machines for sale. One has a Toyota 12 needle that is 7 years old and a Happy 12 needle that is 10 years old. Both work well and were recently serviced and they are both the same price. In your opinion what do you think might work out best? I want one that has a very large embroidery field so when I get orders for large items I can do it. Any advice would be great.

Not 100% but I don't think a 12 needle toyota is less than about 10 years old. I don't remember the last year they made the 860 and started making the 9000 but the 860 was the last 12 needle they made I believe. I know our 850's were made in 1998, the 860 was 2000 and the 9100 is a 2006 so somewhere in the range between 2000ish & 2005ish I'd guess. Finding parts for the 8XX toyota's is getting harder and more expensive so I'd suggest finding out what model the toyota they're selling is. All of our's have been EXTREMELY reliable though. I've never ran a Happy but I don't think you could go too wrong with any japanese made machine as long as you can find parts and service on the rare occasion they require it.

Rob

MMMEMB · February 9th, 2013, 10:20 PM

call me 714-550-9200 i will explain you all, i been in embroider business for 24 years

pkepneriv · February 9th, 2013, 10:31 PM

I could be wrong on the Toyota machine. It is a Toyota AD 860 and was refurbished two years ago by Data-Stitch in Fort Worth, Tx. The Happy machine is a Model # is HCS-1201-30. Does this help any? Do you happen to know what the largest size hoop I can put on either one?

Thanks,
Paul Kepner
Specialty Pouches
www.specialtypouches.webs.com
LIKE us on Facebook at Specialty Pouches and Embroidery

pkepneriv · February 9th, 2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMMEMB

call me 714-550-9200 i will explain you all, i been in embroider business for 24 years

What is a good time to call you?

Thanks,
Paul Kepner
Specialty Pouches
www.specialtypouches.webs.com
LIKE us on Facebook at Specialty Pouches and Embroidery

DeepWoods · February 10th, 2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkepneriv

I could be wrong on the Toyota machine. It is a Toyota AD 860 and was refurbished two years ago by Data-Stitch in Fort Worth, Tx. The Happy machine is a Model # is HCS-1201-30. Does this help any? Do you happen to know what the largest size hoop I can put on either one?

I'm not familiar with Happy's but the Toyota 860's sewing field is roughly 18" x 12" give or take a bit.

heidimacemb · February 10th, 2013, 12:53 PM

I have the Happy 12 needle machine and LOVE it. The company has always been responsive to my needs and helped me save money by explaining how to do some repairs for myself. I bought the machine used and they still treat me well.

The largest field for the Happy Voyager (HCS1202) is approximately 12 inches square, a bit less then that. I have found that to be more then sufficient for my needs and for jacket backs.

Jenn · May 7th, 2013, 03:17 PM

I own a RiCOMA 15 needles touchscreen rcm-1501ts and by far, it is very simple to use and quality is great! I am 63 yrs old and I needed the easiest machine possible. RiCOMA stuff have been always very helpful and understandable. My Husband looked at a few other machines and we feel we did the perfect decision!

Custom quilt & Monogramming of Tennessee
Jennifer Jones