Whoa

Oh. My. Heavy. Huge. Complicated. Scary. Help.

Wow, choosing the right industrial machine was really hard.  That's why I've put it off for so long.  Let's hope this machine is right for me.  The Consew 199RB-1A with the Sewquiet 4000 motor.

I only hope I can get it up and running in time for Christmas orders!  Tons of parts, belts, rods, oil, oil, did I mention oil?  The bobbin case is drenched in oil.  Not sure if that happened during shipping?  How do I clean that up?  So many questions and unknowns...I'll have to figure it all out as I go (any advice is welcomed)!

I narrowed it down to this machine because it Zig-Zags, has a double capacity bobbin and can sew anything from leather to lace.  I'll submit a review once I put some mileage on it!

Comments

[Mary]

Congratulations on your new industrial machine! It looks awesome! My industrial machine isn't that fancy. I'd love to hear your reviews. I love your blog by the way! :)
When ever I have oil spills on clothing or objects, I find baby powder or any talcum powder helps to soak up the oil!
Have fun with your new machine! :)
Mary

[Allyson Hill]

TypePad HTML EmailHi Mary, Thank you so much for the tip!!! Do you get oil spills often? What kind of industrial do you have? Nice to meet you! -Allyson

[Mary]

Hi Allyson,
Nice to meet you too!
I have a Juki DDL-555.
It works really well and I am really happy with it. Sometimes things go wrong and I want to tear my hair out, but I always end up fixing it somehow. :)
The only time I had an oil spill with the Juki was when I was moving and then once when I tilted the machine to check the oil level my bobbin case fell into the oil-well.
I learned the baby powder trick when I worked at a high end one of a kind clothing shop and getting oil on anything was a serious crisis!
I absolutely love all of your photographs, your work and your writing! You are super talented and I wish you the best of luck!
Mary

[Jen]

This would scare me.

[Crystal Keilers]

Industrial Machines are not for sissies. ;)~. Can't wait to see what you create!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=554743935]

Congrats! I just hauled a highlead industrial made for leather and heavy duty goods up to the studio (not by myself =) last week.
Just getting the hang of it but already there is soooo much more I can do. Good luck!

[UK lass in US]

and I thought that my dinky machine was intimidating. I hope that you'll both be very happy together.

[Cheryl - Lula Ballou]

Hi Allyson,

You will LOVE working with an industrial (I just switched to industrial machines this past year). They are so fast and smooth (and you can produce so much more at a faster pace than a home sewing machine). I still have one home sewing machine (a Juki HZL E80 for fancy stitches) but it's very hard for me to use it now (because it feels like I am going snail speed when you compare it). I have 2 Juki Industrial machines (DDL-8500-7 automatic as well as a DNU-1541 walking foot) and I LOVE sewing with these. I also have a Juki Pearl serger (YES, I am a Juki girl). I hope all is well with you and Micah. I'm doing well (just feel like I'm going to pop) I am 8 months pregnant! Take care and enjoy your new machine!

[Cheryl - Lula Ballou]

I forgot to say, if you ever have questions (not that I'm an expert on Industrial machines) just let me know and maybe I can help you out (because I might have had the same questions when I first started). Take care = )

[wende]

What? A double capacity bobbin? Lucky girl. That's worth its weight in gold, eh? Congrats and happy sewing.

[Allyson Hill]

TypePad HTML EmailWow Cheryl, I had no idea you had 2 industrials...Or that you had a Juki obsession...Or that you were pregnant. Congratulations on all three!!! I looked up your models and they look amazing, especially the automatic thread trimmer and automatic knee lift, awesome! I may have questions for you so thanks for the offer. I just hope I can get this thing running, my Dad is coming today to help out...

[Cheryl - Lula Ballou]

Hi Allyson,

I tried and purchased 1 Juki (and from then on I loved the way they run). My favorite is definitely the one with the auto thread trimmer and knee lift. I had a couple of wristlet SALES (and saved my money from that) then I sold some of the other machines I had and was able to buy all of my Juki machines (every time I sold a machine, I would replace it with another). The auto thread trimmer one I got from a t-shirt shop that was going out of business (so I got a WONDERFUL deal). The others off of Craigslist and Ebay (so they were also good deals). It looks hard, confusing and intimidating, but I'm sure your Dad will figure it out fast (because it really is not that intimidating). There are so many great videos on You Tube and Industrial sites that show you how to do everything from thread the machines to install new motors and belts (I did most of the work myself after watching the videos). Most machines are similar, so even if you find a video with another model, chances are it will be same installation/or very similar as your model. Take care and I can't wait to hear how you like yours = )

[Valerie]

Nice machine! I got an industrial machine for Christmas last year. I got a Tacsew DDL8500 (am told it's the exact same one as Juki makes, just has a different name on it). Mine isn't as fancy as yours - only does straight stitch and single bobbin capacity. I bought mine from a local dealer in Auburn NY, and he set it up for me and I just had to bring it home. I was looking at the zig-zag ones but the dealer told me it was a bad idea to get an industrial w/zig-zag for some reason, he totally talked me out of it. Said it put too much stress on the machine or something and I should EITHER get a zig-zag OR a straight stitch. He didn't put any oil in it when he assembled it so it wouldn't spill on the way home. Was yours shipped with oil in the drip pan?? Or did the oil bottle leak that you are supposed to pour in it? Can't wait to see what new creations you make with it, I'm sure you'll love it! Looking forward to updates (and pics!) of your new machine!

[Valerie]

Almost forgot - when I was getting used to using mine, I found this website very helpful!

http://www.sewone.com/video/206howto.htm

[Jennalou]

wow. so jealous!! Maybe it's time for me to make the next step into an industrial machine. Can't wait to hear your review and any info about how you came to choose the brand and model you did would be great to read too.