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From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 01-05-2006, 09:38 AM (1 of 11)
| My blind hemmer machine has "broke" for the 2nd time in last 6 mos. It is a portable Brother 101. I'm wondering if this is the nature of these machines. The last time they told me the timing was off and it appears to be doing the same thing this time. That time it cost me $75 and a 100 mi round trip. Anyone have experience with blind hemmers. Should I just trash it and get another machine? I bought it 2nd hand for $180 about a year ago. It had been used only a short time period by previous owner. I use it almost daily. It works like a charm when it works but is a pain when it doesn't. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-05-2006, 09:17 PM (2 of 11)
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I'm thinking if you bought a second hand machine, it's like buying a second hand car. Once it starts 'nickle and diming' you, it's time to get rid of it. (besides if it's a 'cheaper' model full of plastic (very light weight) then it's best it goes to the big plastic shredder in the sky...cause you will never KEEP it fixed.) Kath's 11 cents( once cent more for postage  )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-06-2006, 12:38 AM (3 of 11)
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I had priced the Baby Lock (this is something that I would love to have). You got a good buy on it. Unfortunately, I would bet that most of the money spent on repair was in labor, not parts. Too bad you don't know how to service it yourself. It sounds like you are giving it a little more work than it is designed to handle. If you happen to be using it as a business, I'd opt for a little heavier model. They are amazingly affordable compared to sewing machines in general and you will eventually write off the expenses in tax cuts.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 01-06-2006, 12:48 PM (4 of 11)
| I've called couple places this morning. I live 50 miles from nearest sewing center. They both tell me this machine has a timing belt in it and it is common for it to get out of time. One place recommend a Tacsew machine and another a Consew. After looking at them on the internet I think it's just matter of which place I'm going to want to get it serviced. They look nearly the same and price is close. But I am confused because the price is close to what the BL101 would have cost new. Guess it's another one of those deals that until you buy something you don't really understand what you should have bought. I really lucked out on my ULT2001 but now want one with the USB port on it! I've got Little League cheerleaders calling for embroidery now so the hemming will have to wait till I get a new machine. Anybody got any experience with Consew or Tacsew. Looks like both made by Tacsew in China. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 01-07-2006, 09:38 PM (5 of 11)
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If you are looking for a portable blindhemmer the Tacsew 500 @$479 or the BLST 2 @ $289 either one is pretty good. Because of the price difference I prefer the BLST 2. I have sold dozens with no compalints. If you are looking for a full sized model the Tacsew 718 does well. Any of these you can expect years and years of trouble free operation. The Plastic "home" versions do not have a very good track record. On average I would say they perform ok for a year or two then start needing repair about twice a year until they just reach a point they won't stay adjusted.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-07-2006, 10:12 PM (6 of 11)
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Who makes the BLST or is that the company you look for? Can just anyone service one? Sorry, I just haven't heard of that one.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 01-07-2006, 11:28 PM (7 of 11)
|
As with alot of industrial machines today it is hard to tell who is making it. It is almost identical to the Tacsew 500. Yes, anyone that can service any blindhemmer can service it. Parts are readily available through a number of distributors. It is an all metal commercial machine. It has been around for years as the BLST 1 but a couple of years ago they made a couple of minor improvements and renamed it the BLST 2. There is a picture of it At www.sewmuchmorinc.com (www.sewmuchmoreinc.com) Its' not a real good picture but its a picture.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-08-2006, 02:03 AM (8 of 11)
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Wow! Thank you for the pic and the information! I've dreamed about one of these for several years. This does look like a reasonable choice.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 01-08-2006, 11:33 PM (9 of 11)
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Thanks for your information re: Blind Hemmers. I have been using a Morse Blind hemmer that I bought 3 years ago - it has been problem free except for my inability to skip a stitch. It appears that my stitches are too close together - this isn't a problem on thicker fabrics where the stitches don't show at all. Any ideas on this - is the skipped stich only a feature on some models? It's great to have a contributor with so much machine knowledge, Tom..thanks!
sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 01-09-2006, 12:38 AM (10 of 11)
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Helen, I am not familiar with the Morse blindhemmer but I can not imagine a blindhemmer without a skip stitch feature. Are you sure it doesnt have one. It is ussually located on the right side of the front of the sewing bed?
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 01-09-2006, 01:28 PM (11 of 11)
| Thanks for all your advise. I ordered a Tacsew BLST-2 this morning. My husband has the Babylock 101 apart working on it but I don't hold much hope he'll get it fixed as neither of us really understand at what point the thread is suppose to be picked up. But our electricity went out this morning and there didn't seem to be anything else to do. He took it to kitchen table where natural light was coming thru double doors and now has it all spread out. Our electricity as since came back on. In Kentucky today it's not too cold so we were OK, just meant I lost most of morning doing any sewing. I'm backed up with friends needing garments hemmed so am anxious to get new machine. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
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