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| Tacony:CM500 - WSM500 Blindstitch (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 244 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | hammerdulcimerplayer | 
 | | About hammerdulcimerplayer | | MA USA | | Member since: 12/6/07 | | Reviews written: 7 | | Sewing skills:Advanced Beginner | | sewing machines reviewed: 3 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 10/22/09 11:36 AM | | Had this machine for: | 1 week | | Recommended? | Yes | | | What hammerdulcimerplayer likes about this machine
This is actually a blindstitch machine or blindhemmer. It's a nice little machine and for the money, it functions well doing what it should do. It's a chinese version of the standard inexpensive blindstitch machines that you can find around like the consew75t or the REX RX-518. Many of these machines are made in the Zusun factory in China - http://www.sewingmachinechina.com/1_6cm-500.html. I tried to put this review under "Feiyeu" because I think their budget blindstitch machine is made in the same factory. But it won't let me put it under Feiyeu, so I changed to Tacony. They have a very similar model. Anyway, My particular machine was private labeled by WSM - Westchester Sewing Machine Company in New York - http://www.westchestersewing.com/.
A word about Westchester Sewing Company - I wanted to buy a blindstitch machine locally (in Massachusetts) but there were no dealers for anyone but Tacsew. The Tacsew model is backordered at the factory and no one was able to give a ship date. There is a good company about an hour away that sells industrial machines but they wanted $350 for the same type/grade of machine. The Tacsew dealer said that he could fix any blindstitch machine, so if I bought something online and had problems with it, he would help me. So I started shopping online. I checked out all of the standard, aggressively-priced companies like Allbrands and Sewing Machine Outlet but wasn't getting a great feeling from any of these box houses. I called Westchester Sewing Company and everytime I dial there number the same guy answers and seems really happy to answer my questions. I called him to find out availability on a Rex 518 and he switched me to the WSM-500 for $50 less as it's made in the same factory (which I believe to be true.) He offered to ship the machine out (no charge for shipping) that afternoon and I got it the next day. Really good service.
I just realized that I wrote a bunch under the "what I DON'T like about this machine" section, that really belongs up here. Because I really like this machine a lot. But I'm not going to redo the review. I hope you don't mind! :)
Addendum - due to Nancy's curved needle question: Nancy - Mine uses a curved needle -LWx6T. All the blindstitchers I looked at use a curved needle except the BabyLock/Simplicity blindhemmers, which use a straight needle. I ruled these out early for a few reasons. 1. They are very expensive. 2. They are currently unavailable (the factory is working on them, apparently.) 3. I read a review that said that the stitches were disturbingly visible (which kind of defeats the purpose!)
Those models appealed to me because they have a light, which the more industrial versions don't. And they are more attractive. I know it's silly, but my family laughs at me when I'm using my blindstitch machine and says I'm turning our home into a sweatshop. :) It does have a distinctly industrial feel to it and requires oiling, etc. But I am thrilled with the quality of work it seems to be turning out. It's pretty cool how it shoves the fabric up into the path of the curved needle allowing it to just catch a few threads. The design of the curved needle machines really is pretty neat. :)
What hammerdulcimerplayer does not like about this machine
When the machine arrived it didn't work. The controller was bad (the power cable/ foot pedal thing.) I called WSM and they immediately sent me out a new one. And the machine works beautifully. It does just what it should do, which is hem. I used a contrasting thread color to see how effective the blindstitch is and I am very satisfied!! There are a few controls that one can tweak, but the machine worked really well out of the box. I adjusted tension slightly for a better result and have played a bit with depth on different fabrics. Overall it is a very intuitive machine to use.
Many have complained about the manual that comes with this type of machine. I suspect we all have the same manual, but I find it to be pretty clear. There is a threading diagram and explanations of all of the adjustments and how to oil the machine, etc. There are clear pictures. It did talk about the difference between a double folded hem vs. a single hem which I don't understand. but I have done both types with satisfactory results, so I guess it doesn't matter.
I had also read that these machines are difficult to thread so I was ready with a serger looper threader and the machine takes about 30 seconds to thread.
I had also read about how to finish to keep the chainstitch from unraveling. Sadly I forgot what I had read, but it was ok, since the manual covered it and was clear and understandable. You basically make sure the needle is free of the cloth, lower the plate (equivalent of the presser foot) and quickly tug the work straight back. It works well.
I have hemmed several pairs of pants in moleskin and stretch twill with excellent results. I also attempted a huge moleskin circle skirt which was an epic failure (not surprised? me either. :)
Overall, I am very pleased with the machine. I think it is $199 well spent and will save me TONS of time. I hate hemming by hand. So most of my hemming ends up with a coverstitch. I have never been super happy with blindstitching done either on the sewing machine and even less so from the serger. It just never lays quite right (my problem? perhaps.) Regardless, the results on this little machine are very professional, so I'm happy.
And I would definitely buy from Westchester Sewing Machine Company again. Good blend of price, service, extensive knowledge and personal attention.
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| Reader Comments | | Mufffet | 10/22/09 | Thanks for all the information. I vaguely knew these machines existed, and due to your review, I know a whole lot more now! Good information on vendors as well, and quite a useful machine to have. Probably more things to hem all told than you want to use a coverstitch on! Thanks! | | * * * | | my_seamstress | 10/22/09 | Good Review. I recently bought a blindhemmer, too. I will review mine some day. It took me 2 days & help from PR ppl to figure mine out. I agree, the threading is pretty straightforward. | | * * * | | annenet | 10/22/09 | I have the Consew and it's great, especially when you are doing big things like a bed skirt. Enjoy! | | * * * | | maryl | 10/22/09 | Thank you so much. A really interesting review. | | * * * | | JDpenelope | 10/23/09 | A very educational review. I want a blindhemmer, but have much to learn about them. Sounds like you got a good one, and that you are patient and skilled in using it. | | * * * | | Rebecca Szetela | 10/23/09 | What a great review! It makes me want to rush out and buy one! Seriously! I love that you did so much great research on the blindstitch machines and found a dealer who is so helpful. Thanks for writing such a clear, concise and helpful review of this sewing machine! | | * * * | | Nancy Rhodes | 10/23/09 | I am curious about this, Does yours use a straight or a curved needle? | | * * * | | hammerdulcimerplayer | 10/23/09 | Nancy - mine uses a curved needle -LWx6T. All the blindstitchers I looked at use a curved needle except the BabyLock/Simplicity blindhemmers, which use a straight needle. I ruled these out early for a few reasons. 1. They are very expensive. 2. They are currently unavailable (the factory is working on them, apparently.) 3. I read a review that said that the stitches were disturbingly visible (which kind of defeats the purpose!)
Those models appealed to me because they have a light, which the more industrial versions don't. And they are more attractive. I know it's silly, but my family laughs at me when I'm using my blindstitch machine and says I'm turning our home into a sweatshop. :) It does have a distinctly industrial feel to it and requires oiling, etc. But I am thrilled with the quality of work it seems to be turning out. It's pretty cool how it shoves the fabric up into the path of the curved needle allowing it to just catch a few threads. The design of the curved needle machines really is pretty neat. :) | | * * * |
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