Starter Machine

moss_wi · November 25th, 2008, 10:29 PM

Hey,
I've read all of the threads and have a good sense from everyone else's posting what I'm looking for. We currently hire out for our embroidery and our goal is not to change the mass work, but we would love to have the ability to embroider one-offs to try new designs. So I'm looking for a reasonable one head used machine, hopefully a SWF, Toyota, Tajima, or even a Happy Voyager.

A couple questions:

The best advice for getting started seems to buy a used machine based on what service is available close by. Since we are in Green Bay, WI I haven't been able to find a technician close by with the closest technician being in Janesville or Chicago a few hours away. Will this be an issue? Any adivce if there are other sources of finding a technician closer by?

What about number of needles? More the better, right. Can we get by with 6, if not what is the minimum?

How about digitizing software? Reading the forums it seems like the best option is to hire out, but what would be a good basic software to just do some basic trial and error digitizing? Nothing fancy or expensive, just a good software to get the feet wet.

Thanks for any advice!!

garagewear · November 26th, 2008, 03:09 PM

You can get by with 6. I have a 12 and in the last year have done only one job that is more than 6 colors. You can download EFP software for free to do just names and such. It would be a good one to get your feet wet. It is a repackage of DataStitches older version. If you watch you can get a single head 6 or 9 color that is 5 to 7 years old between $3K & $5K. I see there is a post from MESA with a 6 needle with training, software and attachments right now.

Bill

poopopo · November 26th, 2008, 08:05 PM

i have a toyota esp9000 with everything ready to go for $10,000. It was barely used I know there are less hours on it but im just going to say there are 12 hours to be safe. It was purchased for my girlfriend at the time but was never used. if interested contact me at [email address]

stacismom1988 · November 28th, 2008, 02:32 PM

hi,

We have a happy 1501-40 single head 15 needle embroidery machine for $7,000.00 or obo

we have had it for too years and because of medical problems with my wife she can no longer use it. It was not used much. We purchased it for $15,000.00 2 years ago. Texmax says it is worth $9,000.00. We will sell it with everything the software, threads and all the hoops and manuels.

Please email me at [email address]

or call at 609 381 0339.

Mark & Sue