Sewers of Mefi, WWYD: repair vintage Husqvarna or buy a new Janome?
November 28, 2019 1:10 PM Subscribe
We took our second hand, old Husqvarna Viking 2000 for a servicing...turns out the thing is in desperate need of a full overhaul, which starts at $250 (and could be more, if things look bad in there). The woman at the shop (a well reviewed place in Toronto) mentioned another option would simply be to buy a new all metal Janome, around the same price. I’m not a serious sewer, just hemming and repairs, tapering jeans. What would you advise?
I'd go for the new one. It will probably have a good warranty. Sew with it for a week, and if you don't like it maybe you could return it and reconsider the repair?
posted by antiquated at 1:25 PM on November 28, 2019
posted by antiquated at 1:25 PM on November 28, 2019
Get a new machine. $250 goes a long way to a newer machine. Be sure to take scraps of denim and "test drive" the suggested new machine to see if you are satisfied with its sewing power.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 1:31 PM on November 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 1:31 PM on November 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
A new all-metal Janome for $250??? Or is this factoring in the unknown cost of parts & labor so it's probably closer to $500-$1000? Or is there some trade-in value for the Husqvarna?
For occasional hemming and repairs, you probably don't need an all-metal machine at all. Something around $250-$300 is going to have plastic gears etc. but a strong enough motor for denim.
posted by muddgirl at 1:33 PM on November 28, 2019
For occasional hemming and repairs, you probably don't need an all-metal machine at all. Something around $250-$300 is going to have plastic gears etc. but a strong enough motor for denim.
posted by muddgirl at 1:33 PM on November 28, 2019
I recommend biting the bullet and overhauling the old machine. The price feels steep for several reasons:
• Repair shops and expertise are scarce these days. This may be reflected in the price.
• Perhaps you haven't been doing routine maintenance on the machine (stitch in time effect).
• You don't mention any other repair quotes. There may be lower quotes if you shop around.
Many of those older sewing machines are designed for *regular people* to maintain them, and if you keep up this practice, your machine may last many more decades without major repairs. People who keep their old machinery running and out of the landfills are A++ in my book. It pains me to think of giving up on such as good machine.
Newer sewing machines in the $250 range do indeed sew like a dream. This is not always a good reason to buy them. Consider that because they haven't stood the test of time, they are actually a large risk: Since they're not as durable, eventually they'll need a repair, and perhaps that will be nearly impossible because they're not designed with repair in mind, (not to mention that all the sewing machine stores in your community will be extinct) and disposal will be your only option.
Instead of starting over, it's worth developing a relationship with a trustworthy local business. Don't let the repair people scare you. A full overhaul is really just going into the machine, cleaning the dust off and lubricating the parts. It may not be as major as it sounds. Your Viking 2000 is merely a little under the weather. Pay the $ to make it well, and learn how to keep it in good working order.
posted by oxisos at 2:30 PM on November 28, 2019 [4 favorites]
• Repair shops and expertise are scarce these days. This may be reflected in the price.
• Perhaps you haven't been doing routine maintenance on the machine (stitch in time effect).
• You don't mention any other repair quotes. There may be lower quotes if you shop around.
Many of those older sewing machines are designed for *regular people* to maintain them, and if you keep up this practice, your machine may last many more decades without major repairs. People who keep their old machinery running and out of the landfills are A++ in my book. It pains me to think of giving up on such as good machine.
Newer sewing machines in the $250 range do indeed sew like a dream. This is not always a good reason to buy them. Consider that because they haven't stood the test of time, they are actually a large risk: Since they're not as durable, eventually they'll need a repair, and perhaps that will be nearly impossible because they're not designed with repair in mind, (not to mention that all the sewing machine stores in your community will be extinct) and disposal will be your only option.
Instead of starting over, it's worth developing a relationship with a trustworthy local business. Don't let the repair people scare you. A full overhaul is really just going into the machine, cleaning the dust off and lubricating the parts. It may not be as major as it sounds. Your Viking 2000 is merely a little under the weather. Pay the $ to make it well, and learn how to keep it in good working order.
posted by oxisos at 2:30 PM on November 28, 2019 [4 favorites]
Owned a Husqvarna Viking 7060 and used it until the innards gummed up. Replaced it with a Janome New Home 2014. There's no comparison, sewing on the Janome is infinitely more pleasant.
posted by Vervain at 2:30 PM on November 28, 2019
posted by Vervain at 2:30 PM on November 28, 2019
The internet loves its indestructible vintage all-metal behemoths and old machinery can be a lot of fun but I think if your interest is "sewing" rather than "vintage sewing machines", you should just get a new machine. New machines are easier to use, have better features (although you really don't need to go overboard), and as someone who does not have a dedicated sewing space lightweight is a feature not a bug. I've managed to do a lot on my hand-me-down $100 modern plastic machine over the last seven years without ever taking it in for servicing (just occasional cleaning and oiling at home). Give/sell the Husqvarna to someone who is really excited about fixing up old machines.
Also I too would really like to know more about the $250 all metal Janome???
posted by yeahlikethat at 7:49 PM on November 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
Also I too would really like to know more about the $250 all metal Janome???
posted by yeahlikethat at 7:49 PM on November 28, 2019 [1 favorite]
I would kind of be surprised if the Janome was actually all metal (it probably has at least a plastic gear or two, and most or all Janomes have a metal frame) but regardless, they're known for being good machines.
If you're trying to save money and don't care much about having a relationship with a sewing machine store you could get a cheaper Janome online, or something like this Singer Heavy Duty.
With the Husqvarna, if the machine is basically frozen and it doesn't seem like anything specific is broken, then if you don't want to pay fix it you (or someone you know who enjoys this kind of thing) could look up the process for fixing a frozen Husqvarna 2000 on YouTube. It's a well-known problem with that series because apparently to make it "self-lubricating" they used a kind of grease that gums up at some point. The usual recommendation is to heat it up with a hairdryer until the stuff starts to melt, get in with a degreaser, and then relubricate.
posted by trig at 2:57 AM on November 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
If you're trying to save money and don't care much about having a relationship with a sewing machine store you could get a cheaper Janome online, or something like this Singer Heavy Duty.
With the Husqvarna, if the machine is basically frozen and it doesn't seem like anything specific is broken, then if you don't want to pay fix it you (or someone you know who enjoys this kind of thing) could look up the process for fixing a frozen Husqvarna 2000 on YouTube. It's a well-known problem with that series because apparently to make it "self-lubricating" they used a kind of grease that gums up at some point. The usual recommendation is to heat it up with a hairdryer until the stuff starts to melt, get in with a degreaser, and then relubricate.
posted by trig at 2:57 AM on November 29, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks y'all!
Given what a wee sewer I am, we went with a cheap Janome 2212 for C$229 (definitely oversold you on the all-metal business, I just meant that the internals are apparently aluminium) and am very happy so far.
Never fear, we're giving the Husqvarna to a keen sewer who will service it and love it.
posted by stray at 7:38 AM on November 29, 2019 [3 favorites]
Given what a wee sewer I am, we went with a cheap Janome 2212 for C$229 (definitely oversold you on the all-metal business, I just meant that the internals are apparently aluminium) and am very happy so far.
Never fear, we're giving the Husqvarna to a keen sewer who will service it and love it.
posted by stray at 7:38 AM on November 29, 2019 [3 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by HotToddy at 1:19 PM on November 28, 2019 [1 favorite]