Singer Heavy Duty vs. Janome HD3000 - Watch Before You Buy the Best Heavy Duty Sewing Machine!

I'm a domestic machine tech here in Oz, and my experience is similar to your assessment. I rarely see a the Janome model but I have repaired quite a few Singer "Heavy Duty" machines.
Losing timing is fairly common but the biggest problem I have found is that the needle plate gets bent by needle strike.
The metal in the needle plate is not much stronger than mild steel, and the plate bends down enough to prevent the loop forming behind the needle in the scarf and so the machine starts to slip stitch.
I usually give the machine a clean and service, turn the needle plate over, hammer it flat again, give it a buff on the polish machine, and when I return the Singer to the customer I suggest to stop using the machine on that process and shift it down to lightweight domestic work.
The motor is fairly strong but the rest of the machine should not be described as "Heavy Duty"...that is my honest opinion.

Also a 'potted' history of the Singer company...the company was huge about a century ago, machines were made and/or exported all over the world. Following WW2 Singer didn't seem to withstand a lot of competition, mainly from Asia. A number of other sewing machine comanies also had these issues and got into financial problems.
So the washup is that Singer bought out Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking ( not sure who was first) and formed a company called SVG, Around late 1990's (I think).
Production was gradually off shored by all SVG brands to China.
Then about 2 years ago a Chinese venture capital company bought Singer (domestic machine side of the comany).
So most Singer, Pfaff and Husqvarna domestic machines are now manufactured in China by a Chinese owned company.

I purchased a refurbished Janome machine from Ken’s Sewing in Muscle Shoals, Al. The first machine I received the bobbin winding knob was frozen. I sent it back per Ken’s instructions. The cost to send back was 85.00. Ken’s evaluated the machine, diagnosed the problem and asked for 135.00, plus shipping to fix the machine. After many discussions I paid for the labor and Ken’s shipped. The machine I received was NOT the same machine I sent in. Not only was the machine scratched up, but the attachment arm for accessories was missing a hinge. I desperately needed to finish a project and decided to use the machine, as is. It worked fantastically, until I tried loading a new bobbin. This time the bobbin rewind knob released, however the needled of the machine continues to go up and down. I feel that Janome machines are temperamental. I would NEVER again purchase a refurbished anything… especially from a sketchy company that is out of state from me.

So sad for SINGER ,seems you need to buy an industrial grade machine .

Is there a way to slow down the speed of the singer?

The ending was both hilarious and heartwarming

Get a good singer 201.

West Trafficway

The Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116 & 118 is a Janome in Husqvarna skin. I do not know the Janome equivalent but the Emerald has sewn thru 14 layers of denim and sewn thru WOOD. The the price range and low number of stitches I would go with a Emerald 118 but 116 would do.

I have a Janome HD2200 (British specification) and it really goes through the layers. I really am pleased with my purchase.

The Janone runs smoother, and quieter too!!
For my money, its Janone!

Thanks for actually showing samples sewn on both machines. Beats the talking heads style of review. Interesting info on company history. I’d love to see how they work with leather but seems not your medium. Liked and subscribed.

Needle should be changed to a tougher needle for multiple layers.

Best ending ever!❤❤❤

Is Singer HD 4452 stronger, more durable than Singer HD 6800C? Which is better for denim and leather?

I LOVE my Singers.

Can this sew woven polypropylene (tarp material)? I'm looking to make tree frost-bags for this winter.

meh.... I do fine with a 1956 Singer 223 Fashion Mate. 40 pounds of stability. Punches thru 8 layers of dacron sailcloth, or canvas, or light leather. Smooth and quiet as a Mercedes Benz. No plastic except the knobs. Made in Japan at the height of the quality revolution there in post-war times. C-List: $80

That Singer 44 series is no where near HD. Your first clue is that you can spin it like bottle on a table with one finger.

The Janome is a good machine, but not as good as the 223.

Can I use 64s singar hevy duty in india

Have the Janome HD3000BE and Singer 6800c but both are great no issues

I'll wipe your butt when you're done... go poop. LOL so funny to see that little moment with your kid at the end.

So glad I watched this! I was contemplating buying the Singer because my old Husqvarna (Optima 630) doesn't like thicker layers when making bags. Singer is definitely not an option now. TY for posting.

Awesome video, can you as a pro please do a review on the Pfaff 1212 or 1222E I use them both for my kites.

I have SEWN not sewed. Are Americans not taught third verb form? Very useful information though thank you.

Should be Singer vs Brother ST150HDH. they are in same class and price

I bought the Singer 6700c last year. It sews more like the machines that I grew up with, that just sewed on. It cost me $300. The biggest reason I bought this is because I do use the embroidery stitches on projects. It was OK.

This was my compromise because I wanted a Reliable Barracuda or SailRite for heavy wool and denim. Although the Barracuda is half the price of SailRite, $600 was out of my means.

I have a Bernina Bernette that I bought 20 years ago and it's so damned weak and jammed on everything. It cost me about $400.

My kids told me if I can come up with $200, they will match the rest for a Barracuda. 😊

I have had both of these machine and they are junk!

I have had a Janome for years and have never had problems with it! I love it!

Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts on buying a Janome. Till recently Adam Savage has used the Janome HD3000 for all his projects and now he moved on to a Sailrite. I’m just starting so I’m glad to hear you prefer this over the Singer!

Thanks for this great video! I am looking for some help. How is this machine with stretchy knits and elastics? I need this to zz down the elastic on knits. Thanks!

Great Video and to add the ending showing his personal side was great. I'm glad my son is not the only one who asks the same.

Stephen, you are one good looking knowledgeable man. Love watching your videos

Singer is plastic junk. No way.
Janome rules!

Talking about price when comparing products is stupid. The price is NOT A FUNCTION! The price is an indicator of the market, not an attribute of the product itself. You don't use the price to sew, do you. Only functions and objective qualities should be compared.

Super helpful vid, was questioning whether to buy a Singer or Janome and you have definitely made up my mind now. Buying a Janome!

Looks to me, Singer has an LED work light. The Jenome looks to me no light at all?

Lord I worked at wrangler blue jeans and landau uniforms for 20 years as a sewing machine mechanic!

Agree on stitch number. I bought the 4423 anyway, but I don't even like decorative stitches. I only need the useful ones. Used it today. Finding it good. Many thanks.

You have a Pfaff style cylinder bed machine behind you and you are using these cheap plastic crap? They aren't even walking foot machines, try going over a thick seam and see these cheap machine break needles. I think you would be better finding an old Singer 211.

My singer HD was an open box on amz it struggled with heavy multiple layers... and did ok on 2 1000 D layers.

I will not be buying another one because it isn't expected to hold up under heavy duty sewing applications.

It got me started in the industrial fabric products design business and so I'm just gona baby it along until it goes poof!

I am looking for a machine to make webbing halters, up to 7/16" thick. Will either of these work?

dang it, I just ordered my Singer 4423 from amazon I hope its a solid one

The simpler the sewing machine the more heavy duty, with the right needles and thread, a machine is. Protect the old machines.

So glad I watched this. My 20 y/o $100 Kenmore broke, and times like they are— no yard sales, no hands-on trying out… after a bit of research I bought a Janome home quilter w/100 stitches (I use 3 layers; 2 fabric + 1 layer batting for custom patches) on top of jeans. It should work.

In your turtorial I could hear the difference in the Janome motor as soon as you pushed the pedal, it was a bit of a lower hum, which to me, meant a more powerful motor. I just got mine.

I’ve used Brother, Singer, and Singer Industrial in a designer shop and at home. I fell in love with the Industrial machine— but wow are they heavy and hard to move.

Thanks for the tutorial, my mind is eased! Great backpacks. I met a guy years ago who made his own jeans and jackets to match, the first time I ever saw black jeans (1974), I asked him where he got it, he said “I made it.” Men make great clothiers, tailors, cooks, pianists, and more.

I sew garments and costumers and my experience has been much more postivies with Janome machines. Singers are unreliable in the long run. I don't do gear, but I'm currently using BabyLock sewing and sergers and they handle well and hold up for domestic sewing.

the life of being a dad lol.

btw great comparison

Hmm my (boomer) mom who is a professional seamstress for 50 years always told me never to buy a (all) plastic machine ever. Rubbish bla bla bla 😂. As I'm pretty poor, a beginner/intermediate and decided i want to work more with leather, I just bought the Singer 4432 on sale, because it's mostly metal where it counts. I think I did pretty good, and the janome doesn't appeal to me somehow. While I use the Singer I can save up for a professional industrial machine or see if I can find a second hand one with table attached to it somewhere. Lol goals!

Thank you!

thanks

Comparing how many machines of one model/brand end up needing adjustment or repairs versus the other model/brand without knowing how many of each are out there in the market in that particular area makes little sense. What matters is the rate of repairs needed relative to the number of machines being used (and for how many hours), not the total number of repairs.