The Sewing Machine Scoring Criteria | Ep. 66 | Ripstop on the Record

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a scoring system that gave you quantitative info on what machine might be best for you? Heath Jackson has devoted the last 6 years to creating this tool.
Like many makers, he had a dream of making a project to enable his outdoor pursuits. What started as just a tool became his infatuation. Since then he has bought and restored over 30 machines. While working with these machines Heath, kept careful notes on 7 distinctive features. With the help of friendly internet compatriots the homemade spreadsheet has become fairly extensive.
The Scoring System:
1. Power - Not including industrial machines
2. Strength - Punching power
3. Finesse - How delicate of an item can you put through?
4. Machine Tolerance - Finely tuned or thrown together?
5. Durability - Is it metal parts or plastic parts?
6. Ease - Can I find information/parts about it?
7. Features - What are you trying to accomplish?
Machines MUST HAVES:
Has to have reverse
Round bobbin
Must have zigzag (for maker generalist mahcine)
Must have power/motor
Readily available for sale
Avoid non-metal plastic critical parts
Top Home Machines Mentioned:
Kenmore 1914 or1941
Necchi BU Mira
Pfaff 130, 1200 series, 117
Bernina X30 Series, 530-930 for mechanical, 1130, 1230 for motherboard
Singer 411G, Rocketeer 500 series with slant needle
Viking 19-22 series
Elna
Janome 50’s - 90’s any machine especially if made by New Home
Top Industrial Machines Mentioned:
Bernina 217 - $1,000
Pfaff 138
Brother TZ1-B652
Singer 20-U
Pfaff
Juki 8700
Consew Rb