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| Riccar:750 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 229 time(s) | | Review rated Very Helpful by 2 people | | Reviewed by: | johnr55 | About johnr55 | | TX USA | | Member since: 3/22/08 | | Reviews written: 22 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 1 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 10 | | Bio: Freehand machine embroiderer and freehand quilter since early 80's, virtually no garment sewing. Healthcare manager, sewing work is a hobby. No interest in computerized embroidery machines out now--I ...full profile |
| | Posted on: | 5/3/08 2:08 PM | | Approx price paid: | $100 | | Had this machine for: | <1 month | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What johnr55 likes about this machine
This Riccar 750 is a very, very close cousin to my Necchi 4595 and also the Bernette 700 series of machines sold in the 90's. The main difference between these three brands is the cosmetics on the outside casing. Bernettes were sold in several different models, ranging from a very basic machine with a few stitches to their best, a machine with needle up/down and adjustable speed control. Necchi sold this machine in a variation roughly equivalent to the Bernette, only without the needle up/down and slide speed control. Riccar sold this machine as a 650 and a 750, with the difference again being these two features. I purchased this Riccar 750 off of EBay, being obviously so close to my Necchi.
These machines were made in Taiwan, enclosed in a heavy and durable metal casing and a one-piece frame. They utilize a two-belt system instead of one as most machines use, with the better models using an electronic foot pedal to give full power at low speeds. Stitch selection is entirely mechanical with a large knob, counting the 4-step buttonhole as one stitch. There is a number of decorative stitches as well as the most common stretch stitches (triple straight, triple zigzag, three types of overlock). There is an infinite selection of stitch length and width, both adjusting by knob between 0 and 5mm. For machine embroidery, this is much preferable to punching buttons dozens of times, and length/width can be adjusted while working. Reverse is accomplished with a large push-in button that is easy to use without looking.
Threading is entirely conventional and uses built-in tension discs instead of the slower rotary tension knob on the front of the machine. I find it both easier and faster than a knob on the front. Like my Necchi, I haven't found tension to be fussy at all, and the settings are consistent with repeated use. Additionally, the left side of the arm opens up, and there is a several-step presser foot pressure knob there. The light is the industry standard, and very simple and cheap to replace. The top of the line Bernette cousin to this machine has a needle threader, but this one doesn't. However, one thing I really like about this machine is that the needle mechanism is very visible rather than being set back from that part of the arm. Combined with the bright light, I've had no trouble with threading, even with my old eyes.
Bobbin winding on all these machines is considered unusual nowadays, being on the right side of the vertical part of the arm. The old Vikings also used to use this system. There is a hinged cover that covers the bobbin winder, as it is always on--one doesn't disconnect the handwheel. Incidentally, the handwheel pressure required is about average, and certainly smoother and lighter than many of the computerized machines with their servo motors. There is a choice of 3 needle positions, easily adjusted on the arm with a lever. Feed dogs drop on this machine with a control next to the front-loading bobbin. This machine uses the very inexpensive series 15 bobbins with a conventional bobbin case.
The Riccar 750 has a sliding speed control on the base along with needle up and needle down buttons. I have machines with and without these features and I just adjust within a short period to whatever I'm using. The presser foot lifter has an extra-high option for very thick fabrics, and the machine uses standard low-shank feet and comes with the handy snap-on foot adapter. Riccar included all the most common desired feet. I have played with the 4-step buttonhole using the standard type sliding button foot, and the quality is great. There is a buttonhole stitch balance control recessed in the top of the arm; one can easily adjust the stitches for the sides of the buttonhole to ensure they are in balance. My computerized Berninas have one-step buttonholes but I don't care a fig about how many steps there are as long as the machine makes a great buttonhole!
Unlike the Bernette and Necchi versions of this machine, the Riccar version has a base that extends a few inches forward of the arm, rather like recent Pfaffs. The front part of the base contains a capacious storage area and the entire accessory box removes easily to convert the machine to a free arm. This affords extra area for a working surface, obviating the need for an accessory snap-on sewing table. This machine does use standard Schmetz 705 home sewing needles. What johnr55 does not like about this machine
There really aren't any drawbacks to the use of this machine. It ain't computerized, it doesn't thread itself, and there are no flashing lights or LCD screens. You actually have to decide your own stitch length and width, though there are colored guides on these two knobs suggesting optimal settings for the various color-coded stitch selections. Machine threading is quick and easy for those of us who have owned conventional machines. The machine isn't noisy, and it is certainly powerful. It has twin spools for twin-needle sewing. My machine came with a straight stitch foot and a straight stitch needle plate; apparently this was standard as it is also mentioned in the excellent owner's manual. As this is a very conventional traditional machine, the front loading bobbin requires oiling. Additionally, there are instructions in the owner's manual to easily remove the top plate with oiling points there along with the needle mechanism accessed through the swing-out end. Though so many of my machines don't require oiling, I prefer manual oiling because I know the machine has the necessary oil. Besides, it doesn't take but a minute. There certainly isn't the silky feel of my Berninas or my Swiss-made Elnas, but it is roughly comparable to the Asian mechanicals I've worked with. Stitch quality is excellent--possibly not of Bernina quality, but comparable to the other Asian machines I've seen. As 99% of my work is freehand embroidery, I've mainly used the straight and zigzag stitches with the feed dogs down, and it's worked great for that; the infinitely adjustable length/width knobs are a great advantage for my work. It hasn't jammed on me yet through tens of thousands of stitches, though it's not sold as jam-proof. As with my Necchi 4595, anyone wanting and/or familiar with traditional mechanical sewing machines will be quite satisfied with this Riccar. I consider it a great advantage that any competent sewing machine dealer can service this machine, not requiring seeking specialist dealers at all. Recommended highly. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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