councilman24 37 #1 March 24, 2007 Is an older blue Singer 20u with made in Japan on it better quality than the new versions or clones?I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybeergodd 0 #2 March 24, 2007 I've found the quality to be about the same...I have both 20U, the older blue and newer tan color and really can not tell the difference. I use both alot, I just have one set at a wide zig zag and the other is set for straight stitch....I really think that the 20 U is the best all purpose machine out there Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #3 March 25, 2007 Was the tan one still made in Japan? The newer white "singer" and all the other clones that look like they come from the same factory line are made in China.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aironscott 3 #4 March 25, 2007 Terry you hit it on the head. The difference between the Japanese and Chinese made Singers is the difference. A Japanese made machine has historically been much tighter than the Chinese made versions. And that's important to know when purchasing a 20u, especially when considering purchasing an older machine. That being said the Chinese are closing the gap in the quality of their manufacturing. For instance, Consew is moving towards more manufacturing of their machines in China. It's cheaper for them and recently the quality has been moving up to Consew's standards. Plenty of people will tell you that they love their 20u. Personally I'm partial to the Bernina 217. Others will tell you that they are down with the Consew 199. Between the three the 20u is a distant third in my book. The other issue is finding any of these machines at a reasonable price. If you try to go to your local industrial sewing machine shop you will be hard pressed to talk them out of any of these for under $1500. But then again, when you find a good 304 machine that works for you it is worth its weight in gold. Your best bet is to do your research and be patient. One will come your way eventually if you keep your eyes and ears open. If I was allowed only have one sewing machine in my loft it would be a Bernina. Preferrably with a cam attachment. Aaron“God Damn Mountain Dew MotherFuckers!” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #5 March 27, 2007 My vote is a Juki 486! Great machine!!! Cost more but it tops everything out there, even the Durakopp 265.( I have both) The presser bar location on the 20U is bad. It centers the hinge of the presser foot too far back behind the feed dog. This makes starting material thicker than say 3-4 layers of Cordura a problem at times. The fix is to put a piece of something of like thickness under the hinge point when starting. I have a like new Blue one that I only use to make BOC pouches. I just got back in the shop here, but in the near future we are working on web page of our sewing machines. ....Probably photos and brief descriptions of what they are good for, etc... Back to work, MEL PS- Aaron did yoy pick up the 7 Class yet???Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #6 March 27, 2007 Quote Is an older blue Singer 20u with made in Japan on it better quality than the new versions or clones? Yes, they are better MHO. Just like Aaron stated MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #7 March 27, 2007 Doesn't matter, didn't get it anyway. It was ebay listed as a professional machine and was coming out of a home. Looked like new in the photos. But got out bid in the last 13 seconds. It was really more than I hoped to pay and probably at the top end of value anyway. But MEL, help me out here. I've convinced my wife I need a commercial zig zag so I need to strike soon. Actually I have one that is about the level of the 20u that I need to get running. But would like a heavier one.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #8 March 27, 2007 Quote But MEL, help me out here. I've convinced my wife I need a commercial zig zag so I need to strike soon. Actually I have one that is about the level of the 20u that I need to get running. But would like a heavier one OK... don't miss it!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/INDUSTRIAL-SEWING-MACHINE-PFAFF-418-LEATHER-SAILMAKING_W0QQitemZ130092534845QQcategoryZ26256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Also, here is what a Juki LZ-586 looks like. The 586 is a newer model than the 486. http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/webdoc1/juki/lz-586.htm Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #9 March 28, 2007 Didn't check email in time. And for some reason didn't see it myself.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
