Need some advice

thecatslair · June 19th, 2010, 01:06 PM

I am looking into buying a machine. I have a Baby Lock Ellegante and now I want something more commercial. My budget is less than $8000 so I am looking at used machines but they are hard to find. I don't want something that is 15 years old so my options are limited.

I can get a brand new BabyLock BMP9 but then I only get 6 needles and a smaller sewing field.

I want to stay with a reliable brand. How do you find used machines? I am in Washington but would travel to Oregon or British Columbia for the right deal. Are their used dealers anywhere?

dubiat · June 19th, 2010, 01:16 PM

look at the used embroidery machines forum on this site. Also try embroiderytrader.com or the embroideryyellowpages.com
A machine 15 years old is still a great machine. Mine is 20 and works like a charm 12 needles on a single head. Its a Toyota 850 I bought it used. Just make sure it comes from a seller that kept it well maintained and serviced.

gnizitigid · June 19th, 2010, 02:16 PM

U are lucky, as its hard to find exact machine

SunEmbroidery · June 26th, 2010, 02:41 PM

Unless you know you'll be embroidering designs with lots of colors I wouldn't be too concerned about a machine that has only six needles if its in good condition at the right price. 97% of the designs we do are five colors or less with most being 2-3 colors. Yes, having the capacity for more colors will save time but that may be the comprise you'll have to make to stay withing your budget.

dbjerknes · July 1st, 2010, 10:35 AM

I have a Toyota 850 in good working condition. Hoops, stand, upgraded cap attachment, editing software, magnetic hoop attachment and hoops. Would consider letting it go for around $5000. Works good and was gone through and updated by a tech three years ago. I am looking to get a 9100 to link with my other 9100. Any interest, let me know. Located on Mn/ND border.

Bill Graham · July 1st, 2010, 06:28 PM

Step # 1 is to decide what is the largest design you will need to sew. The Happy Voyager is a great machine, but will not sew larger than 12 inches by 12 inches. It has 12 needles, and is semi portable, but a good workhorse. 8 or 9 needle Brother or Happy machines are good workhorses as well, IF they have been maintained. Cost should not be your first concern. Any of the 3 machines I mentioned will work for 10 years and sew very well if you maintain them. 3 hours a day, times 5 days a week times 50 weeks in a year times 10 years and a $3,000 difference up front could wind up being only 50 cents a day! Do the math for the amount of time you will use it and see what it comes out to be.