Looking for advice on a machine...

HIDesign · June 18th, 2009, 08:27 AM

I am new to embroidery and have been shopping vigorously trying to find the best machine for the best price. After browsing these forums it seems everyone has their own opinion but from what I gather, Tajima seems to shine pretty bright.

I have gotten quotes from Melco, Prodigi and now Tajima. I think I am going to pass on the Melco. From what I've read online, they can be troublesome. Where I'm really torn is between the Prodigi and Tajima. I can get into a certified used Prodigi 2-head for the same price as the Tajima TFMX single head.

Has anyone or is anyone using a Prodigi machine? They say their software is top notch. They are really nice and the lead tech gave me his cell phone number at the last show I attended.

Any feedback would be appreciated as I am getting dizzy trying to make a decision!

Thanks

-HID

twok4hd · June 18th, 2009, 11:20 AM

I am surprised that you didn't look into a Barudan. In my opinion, there are only 2 high quality machines out there, Barudan and Tajima. I personally own a Barudan and it is a great machine. The deal we got while attending the ISS show in Orlando was better than I expected considering all that got included in the quote.

I have no experience with any of the other machines, so I will not be one to say good or bad about Prodigy. I know some others will chime in, so hang in there.

Eric · June 25th, 2009, 12:03 AM

I didn't think Prodigi was still in business ...

A Prodigi vs. Tajima. is like a pinto vs. and escalade ...

Go with Tajima, or Barudan, if you are looking at a smaller machine I would go Tajima, their single heads are easier to use out of the box than Barudan, of course you will never go wrong with either machine.

twok4hd · June 25th, 2009, 08:49 AM

Prodigy just bought Rennaisance back in January. I feel for the people that still own any Rennaisance machines.

imeccentric · June 28th, 2009, 11:09 PM

The big boys (tajima, toyota, brother, and barudan) are the only brands I'd go with. Look for close support and decide based on that. Support for my Barudan hasn't been stellar and for my area, I'd never recommend them. For your area, it might be just fine. You won't go wrong with any of the above machines. Stay away from the rest

IMHO of course.

Eric · June 30th, 2009, 01:43 PM

Indeed ... I have never used a Toyota, but people who have them don't seem to have too much bad to say about them. I have never owned one.

Brother's aren't bad, my only complaint about brother's is the bigger "M" size bobbins, although yes, they are bigger, last longer, so there is less user intervention with the machine, they are a real pain to get the tensions correct on. However, if you ran Magna-Glides I suppose that would help.

I would personally go with either Tajima, or Barudan, If you are looking for a single machine, I find tajima to be a little easier to use out of the box, if you have no experiece with commercial machines.