I know nothing about this topic, but seeking advice. My dear apprentice, Shilo, outside of our blacksmithing work, is super active fabricating things like costume ears and fancy, fluffy tails…mainly out of high-end fake fur. Really beautiful work she does! Her Zombie Cat ears, complete with a small patch of exposed cartoon-brain, are the best costume thing ever.
Her machine died recently, and I thought to reach out and what is a good machine on a tight budget for her to get. Maybe something used and cool? In a perfect world, she would also be able to sew thicker fabrics and maybe even (slowly?) very thin leather, but I suspect that needs a much pricier machine. Basic for now is best.
Thoughts and advice welcome, please–I am sure I can have her sharpen some of your favourite Chef Knives or Tailor shears to our usual surgical standards (not kidding, you can shave with the knives we work on!) as a thank you for helpful insights or connection to the right equipment.
Huge thanks! Please feel free to ping me here or at work: 360.265.9272
Thanks so much Sarah! Appreciate you:) being on the lookout–she’s kindof like my kid so I try to care for her. Thx.
She is pretty tight right now, single mom too so as used / cheap as possible. She has an old $80 machine which seems to be slightly broken - maybe I could repair it w/ some advice from an expert?
check this:
-The founders of instructables are my frat brothers from my MIT days!
-I used to work in film too - miniature FX. And I used to date a super famous costumer, as well as sharpening for the main costumer for the Coen Brothers!
-Be welcome to come by my office one day or find me at the shop --I can show you some KAI 7000s that I put a shaving sharp edge on–and your shears would be that sharp when done properly. I refine the factory edge by taking it to polish and honing that they don’t have time for; it literally slides thru fabric, as it is dangerously sharp :)) Way sharper and prettier than brand new!
-W/ Jordan’s permission - I did some tuneups suggested by my leatherwork mentor on the mountain leather splitter / skiver at asmbly. I am now able to get cuts that are “just the skin” in thickness on it, as in I can skive down to like 1/4 of a millimeter. Wonderful!
You could give repair a shot, it couldn’t hurt. YouTube may be able to help. I only know how to maintain my industrials, I usually job out repairs on my domestics. I can send some names along too.
I found a couple for sale today that might be good but would require testing.
Love me a Bernina. I have the 1008 model and it’s my travel workhorse. This Bernina 801 is a slightly older model but should hold up just as well. The different presser feet get expensive though!
I didn’t used to recommend Brother but I think their models can be hit or miss. For $80 new, this Brother 6000i could be a steal. Fairly well rated and comes with a full-size bed.
And I’m glad to hear about the skiver, I’ve never gotten the hang of it. Once I’m done with 1923, I’ll be in the shop more and will check it out.
Thanks for this amazing info, Sarah!
I would be delighted to meet you, hear about your work too! and bring some leather to demo the skyyyyvver. it is a very nice machine and still sharp.
will pass on to shilo. 1923 is a movie or TV? that’s amazing–just shout whenever you have time free!
I’d love to second that Bernina option. I have a slightly newer model that my mom got as a college graduation present in the 80s, and I have been able to sew some pretty challenging stuff on it. It needs to get tuned up every now and then, but neither my mom nor I have had any major problems with it over the last 40 years. It’s a little pricier, but totally worth it.