What Should I Look For When Buying A Used Embroidery Machine?

Have you found yourself asking this question at least once?  With the prices of top-quality embroidery machines being what they are, it is easy to feel like you are falling into the price trap of buying used equipment.

However, we have a secret: a used embroidery machine CAN be a great deal and addition to your embroidery journey.

 

Things To Consider When Choosing Between New & Used Embroidery Equipment.

Technology Changes

When you buy an embroidery machine second hand, the odds are that you’re not getting the latest model. More often than not, by buying a used embroidery machine, you’re investing in outdated equipment that can’t grow with your business. Remember there are machines that use outdated hardware that will include things such as floppy disks and lower-bit processors that are difficult to upgrade. However, a bonus with Stitch It International’s 22-Step Certified Checklist is that one of the included standards is: Update Hardware to USB.

 

Damage, Wear & Tear

Embroidery machines can take a beating, especially if used for commercial applications. Buying a machine with wear and tear is always a risk and should be one of the biggest considerations when shopping for a used embroidery machine. The age of the machine is much less important than the damage it has. The amount of damage a machine has is solely dependent on the user. Some operators treat their embroidery machines like babies and others will throw them through the wringer.

When making the used machine purchase decision, rest assure that certified used machine’s sold through Stitch It International have gone through our 22-Step Certified Checklist, which includes:

✓10-Point Diagnostic Electrical/Mechanical Check:

• Ensure control panel and power box work properly
• Test electric moving parts (20-30 parts)
• Ensure pickers are properly firing and adjusted
• Ensure upper thread hooks fire and adjust to move between magic strips
• Ensure knives open and close properly
• Ensure main shaft spins 360 degrees
• Check X-axis frame movements
• Check Y-axis frame movements
• Test color change motor
• Ensure holding device functions properly

✓Align, Center and Sync Machine Heads
✓Inspect Needle Bar Case and Internal Parts Behind Head:

• Service needle bar cases, rubbers and felts
• Check bushings
• Clean and re-oil needle bars

✓Check and Replace Knives
✓Remove, Service and Readjust Magic Strips
✓Remove, Clean, Inspect and Replace Reciprocators
✓Inspect Fasteners, Nuts and Bolts, Replace as Necessary
✓Check Rotary Hooks and Bobbin Cases, Replace as Needed
✓Inspect Cams, Bearings and Bushings
✓Inspect Pulleys, Belts and Gears
✓Check and Reset Needle Depth and Stop-Position Collars
✓Check and Adjust Hook Timing
✓Regrease and Oil Moving Parts (20-30 parts)
✓Check and Adjust Upper and Lower Tensions
✓Resync Cap Driver and Tubular Arms
✓Update Current Version of Software if Applicable
✓Update Hardware from Floppy Disc to USB if Applicable
✓Check Wiring from Power Box to Control Panel
✓Inspect and Fix Accessories Equipped for the Machine
✓Test-Run Machines on Cap and Tubular for Approximately 120,000 Stitches
✓Clean the Surface of Machine and Necessary Components
✓Add 90-Day Electronic Components Warranty Service

 

Establishing Value

One of the hardest parts of buying anything used, especially something like an embroidery machine, is establishing its value and getting a fair price. 

If the machine does everything you need it to do and then some, it is a worthwhile investment to pay a little more for it than you would a machine that may hold you back.

Are you considering buying a used embroidery machine? Browse the available machines below and then reach out to one of our team members at Stitch It International through the link below.

Shop Certified Used Embroidery Machines here.