New Ricoma RCM1206C 1000rpm vs used Tajima TFHX 2C 1204

ourson

So... I have some problem with choosing my first machine...
We produce some shirts,tshirts and sweaters and we decided to go into embroiders (instead of buying this service on the market).

So we are totally new into embroideries and after small research I am standing in front of first serious decision - what machine should I buy.

Both of them:

brand new Ricoma RCM1206C 1000rpm
and
used, 11yo Tajima TFHX 2C 1204

are nearly in the same price. And I just don't know what should I choose. We will do a lot of small embroideries (5-10 letters- 7mm height or some small logo's like square 1-2 cm side)

I have read some bad opinions about Ricoma - but they are pretty old (2-5years) and the serviceman has said me that many of those problems have been solved since then. I have spoke and visit to 2 companies that use RICOMA machines, but I had the contact from the salesman so I am not sure if I should trust so much in their opinions.

I know Tajima makes very good machines but i am not sure if 11yo machine is still better than a new one from RICOMA...

If anyone could help me with some opinions both of this machines?

Robert Young

I would not take that machine.. really, not being a smart#@!... just saying they are NOT worth the hassle. period. so yes.. an 11 year old tajima would be a better option... doesn't that ALONE tell you something... that the value of a Tajima that is 11 years old is the SAME as a brand new Ricoma??? really? and I have SWF machines... and still recognize that Tajima is the brand to beat.

__________________
Modern Embroidery Designer
www.volant-tech.com
www.volantfineart.com

AJST

I agree with Robert, Tajima is the flagship of the commercial embroidery machine industry, and the value of a 11 year old machine campared to the value of a brand new Ricoma machine says volumes. If you are just starting out in embroidery, you may want to consider paying a little more and getting a new machine, you cant beat the training and service that generally comes with a new machine.

This topic has been hashed a lot. Look at this article for more informaton and insight on Chinese machines. Looking Fairly Used China Brand Embroidery Machines

__________________

gnizitigid

So whats your advice and which machine, one of my client asked me for the same and looking for machine, just taking more views before suggesting anything...

__________________
Steve
Embroidery Digitizier and Color Separation
20 Years Experience
(Price : 10 USD Flat OR 1.5 USD/1000 Stitches)
First Two designs Free to Try

ourson

Ok. The big advantage of the Ricoma for me is that they are giving me training in order to start the production. I have also better financing options for a new machine than for an used one.
I have also done some research and called 3 or 4 companies that use chinese embroidery machines (two of them use Ricoma) and they all said that of course Tajima are better machines and probably even 11yo machine may be better than a new Ricoma. But at the same time they all said that probably both of them will work for me for nearly the same time ;-) 5-6 years and both should be replaced.

I think due to the training the Ricoma gives me at start I will decide for Ricoma. If the business will expand than the next i will buy an used Tajima (or maybe a new one ;-) )

One more thing - i have read in some advertisements that there are number of stitches done by the Tajima machines - are there any counters inside of the computers? Or these are just estimates?

Robert Young

Training on an embroidery machine? WOW, all of 3 hours? They are not exactly superconductors that need advanced degrees to run.... But the bigger red flag to me is you are mentioning better finance options? If a few points of interest is a deal breaker then I would strongly suggest you hold off on buying ANY machine right now because you cannot afford it.

Spend the time and energy in selling embroidery and outsourcing it to a local embroiderer until your sales make it a "No Brainer" that you CAN afford a machine and have enough work to keep it busy.

But you will probably have to try to re-invent the wheel... members on the forum advise against your choice... and apparently the companies you researched on your own ALSO advised that Tajima is a better machine and STILL you are doing the CHEAP way. So they told you that you would have to replace a RICOMA in 5-6 years? The SAME time it would be for you to need to replace the used Tajima??? Well doesn't that mean the Tajima, which is already 11 years old.. will tend to last 16-17 years in total vs a Ricoma's 5-6??? That is their numbers, not mine.. and you STILL think Ricoma is the way to go?? I dont get it... heck, save your money and buy a NEW tajima then... 16-17 years sure beats 5 and I can tell you 5 years goes by REALLY REALLY quickly...

__________________
Modern Embroidery Designer
www.volant-tech.com
www.volantfineart.com

ourson

In fact much more than 3 hours.

Financing options - it's not the matter of the interests, more the way of financing and tax issues...

I do not need to concentrate on selling embroideries because I already have enough embroideries to start it. I know that for the next 3 years I will have enough work to do - that's the reason we have decided to buy an embroidery machine and start the production by ourselves. I don't know what will be next as the market is changing all the time and in these times i think it is more dramatically and unpredictable than ever.

And what if the used machine is really used? I mean what if someone is selling the machine because it is not working properly any more?

Robert, no doubt Tajima are better machines than Ricoma or any other chinese machines... but the choice between new Ricoma and used Tajima is not so easy for me... maybe because i have some bad experiences in the past with used knitting machines...