Durability and reliability? I just got rid of an inexpensive Brother computerized sewing machine whose instructions were much too complicated for my needs, and which had tension adjustment problems from the very beginning. I only need to do mending,...
1964005
Have used my machine for quilting classes and retreats for over 2 years. The first time I used it I did need to make a very minor tension adjustment. Very happy with the results it gives. Very basic and simple machine.
1521277
Tension settings are never "one size fits all". And at this price you do NOT get automatic tensioning. The only way you know what works, is to test it on scraps of material before you sew on your project. If the machine is not threaded correctly, or the bobbin is in wrong, you will have problems that not even resetting the tension will help. Learn to thread these new Brothers correctly, or you'll have problems and it will seem like the tension is off. The machine will come set at usually 4, and that is for medium weight cotton fabrics. From there on, you need to learn how to set the tension.
521537
To be honest, I haven't been thrilled with it's performance on heavier materials. It usually performs adequately, but seems to struggle when I have sewn several layers of material, especially when they are heavy like duck cloth. This particular machine really is designed for average consumer use, not industrial.
1705636
Can't answer the durability question, but have a question for you. Are you looking for a machine that does embroidery? I believe the SE 350 is one of those. That can fall into the plus or minus column in features. Some people feel that the more things a machine like this does, the more that can go wrong. If you want to dabble in embroidery though, without big expectations, get this one. It's got some great features. The 7470, on the other hand, has some terrific reviews on patternreview.com. Good luck and let us know how this works out for you!
1383511
I use it every day and have no problem. Another thing I would suggest is looking at their new Vertuoline system. I think those machines are even better and I wold look into those if I were buying my 1st machine
2254400
I just bought a new one in 2014. The old reviews complained about plastic linkage parts breaking. The new machine I just received has all steel parts in critical areas. I believe the machine has been redesigned and improved. It is now extremely well built. Make sure we are talking about the 1215 machine as Stamina produces cheaper models.
215496
That is right. Being said. It is a reliable machine. And if you can solder, it is a cinch.
1446057
I trashed mine and bought a Stihl. Very reliable. You get what you pay for!
128544
I just got this machine and set it up last night. It was delivered with 4 regular-sized spools of thread with not much thread on the spools. Already threaded. I will tie new threads on to each as suggested and use the hand wheel to advance them through the needles. I was forewarned not to let the thread run out so I don't have to rethread. (Though looking at it, it's clear where the threads go and perhaps it's not that difficult on this machine? Time will tell, I'm sure.) I'm a little worried the delivered spools will run out quickly, so haven't run the serger yet -- will install new spools before trying. Order thread or buy it before the serger is delivered. (Someone on a diff question suggested one site to buy. Hancock's has Maxi-lock on sale these two weeks.) Remember you need 4 spools to run full - that will be 4 white spools at a time, for instance! Even on sale it adds up! I did read that one can even use a bobbin for small jobs; that a bobbin would hold enough thread for perhaps one small tee? There's something called a Bob'n Serge - a little tray with small pins for 5 bobbins that fits on one of the pins. Mixed reviews, found 2 who really love it, some who said why bother. If you're only serging a little, makes sense. I also saw an expert who piggy backs sequential bobbins without cutting the thread between? Lots to explore. HTH.
397241
Personally, I follow the philosophy/advice I learned years ago from Consumers Report magazine..."If the item sells cheap enough, consider it an eventual throw-away item" and save your money for its' potential replacement, rather than purchase an extended warranty...This is a quality machine and I have no regrets whatsoever.....Caveat Emptor.
1491196
I think it's a gamble. They seem to have production inconsistencies - some people get a stable product and others get models that fall apart. Mine broke a blade on the first branch I put through it.
1137404
I have had both machine and definitely prefer and highly recommend the Janome. The stitches are perfect no misses and I work this machine a lot. I use a lot of spandex fabric and it still never misses a stitch even going over the seams. Releasing the fabric is always a problem unless you want to 'run off the edge' of the fabric and end that way. The brother always gave me problems as it would not always release the stitch like it was supposed to. The Janome does. Just make sure as you pull your fabric out you have hold of all 3 threads else you will unravel the stitches. I work with doll clothes and the only thing I wish the Janome would do was to give me a narrow stitch which the Brother has, but having used it now for over 6 months and it runs so smooth I can give up that for not having missed stitches or thread breaking. The arm extension is useful to be able to drop your fabric down and around. This feature is not on the Brother. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone wanting a cover stitch machine. This machine is used daily by me so 6 months of my life is probably over 12 months in someone else's life. :)
1501587
I've had this machine for about a year. I've made many quilts with free motion quilting and a few garments so far and have not had any problems. It is fairly simple to learn to use and has many features that a new sewer could "grow into" as they improve. It comes with many attachment, a nice money saver. It is a fairly heavy duty machine--I have sewed denim and twill. My opinion is it would be a good first machine because it has enough features and attachments that you would not need to upgrade to a more complex machine for quite a while as you learn sewing. It however only has one stretch stitch and doesn't embroider if these are important to you.
1414120
My Touch & Sew is Model 600E from the 1960s. I wasn't able to find bobbins that worked in it either in local fabric stores or thru Amazon.com. I finally took the machine to a reputable local sewing machine repair shop for servicing. I was promised that with servicing and the proper bobbins (which they sold), the bobbins would wind. So far so good. The bobbins, at .$75 each, were called "white line" bobbins by the shop owner. I'm buying all they have!
1537695
That will be dependent on your needle, as far as the machine itself, the best investment we have made with amazon, we sew clothing, canvas bags, sheets and drapes, and just about anything friends of ours can tear, will handle everything from silks to denim no problem, if you want to stich leather get the right needle, watch your speed and go
2186804
I used on a brother 6 needle pr500 and a bernina embroidery machine and had absolutely no problems with the machine or thread.
443886
I got the 140 this past January.. My advise to you would be to get neither.. I have nothing but problems with it from day one.. It's a very inconsistent, unreliable machine.. Spend a little extra money and get a name brand machine.. Even a Lincoln Electric would be far superior.. My main problem with the Longevity is the feeding mechanism and all it's gritty components.. From the spool, the liner, right down to the nozzle.. Absolute junk!! Read the reviews of a the various longevity models.. The same people leave the same reviews for all the machines to boost the rating.. Don't waste your money on any of their machines.. You will be very disappointed and aggravated.. I got the 140 this past January.. My advise to you would be to get neither.. I have nothing but problems with it from day one.. It's a very inconsistent, unreliable machine.. Spend a little extra money and get a name brand machine.. Even a Lincoln Electric would be far superior.. My main problem with the Longevity is the feeding mechanism and all it's gritty components.. From the spool, the liner, right down to the nozzle.. Absolute junk!! Read the reviews of a the various longevity models.. The same people leave the same reviews for all the machines to boost the rating.. Don't waste your... » Read More I got the 140 this past January.. My advise to you would be to get neither.. I have nothing but problems with it from day one.. It's a very inconsistent, unreliable machine.. Spend a little extra money and get a name brand machine.. Even a Lincoln Electric would be far superior.. My main problem with the Longevity is the feeding mechanism and all it's gritty components.. From the spool, the liner, right down to the nozzle.. Absolute junk!! Read the reviews of a the various longevity models.. The same people leave the same reviews for all the machines to boost the rating.. Don't waste your money on any of their machines.. You will be very disappointed and aggravated.. « Show Less