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Deluxe Sidewinder? Have you tried it? Is it better than the basic Sidewinder?
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6117	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/11/12 2:12 PM The reviews of the basic Sidewinder bobbin winder here on PR point out several major problems including the inability to control tension, lack of speed control, and inability to use the Sidewinder with Viking's green bobbins (the kind I use). Supposedly, these problems have been addressed and corrected with the Deluxe model, but no one on PR has reviewed it yet. Simplicity.com is now selling the Deluxe Sidewinder for 25% off ($99.99 marked down to $74.99 with free shipping through 2/14), and I'm debating over whether to buy it or not. I understand the Deluxe has tension and speed control and a real start button so you don't have to keep the button depressed while the machine winds. Supposedly, the machine also works with all types of bobbins -- though I read a comment on Joann's websiteinternet that the green Viking bobbins have to be wound upside down. Anyway, if anyone here has any experience with the Deluxe model, I'd be eager to learn your opinions about it. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
clotheshorse   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 3/24/10 Posts: 632	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/11/12 2:59 PM I purchased one through Amazon for 49.00. I was somewhat doubtful that it would work well but so far it seems just fine. It will accomodate bobbins for all my machines and yes, Viking bobbins go upside down. I have found it to be very simple to use and it winds quickly and evenly. ------ Viking D1, 1+, Pfaff 7570, Singer 503 Rocketeer, 66, 15-91, Featherweight 5 Flock, Babylock Enlighten & Coverstitch and Pfaff Creative Performance
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6117	Login to reply to this post In reply to clotheshorse Like this post Date: 2/11/12 3:46 PM Thank you for the information. Amazon now sells them for $60 used and $68 new, and shipping is included. I'm still undecided. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
frame Advanced USA Member since 2/19/04 Posts: 2039	Login to reply to this post In reply to nancy2001 Like this post Date: 2/11/12 4:12 PM I have the basic Sidewinder (made by Wrights) - it must be because I've had it for several years and I bought it at Joann's for less than $20 (with a coupon). It has speed control and a real start button. The speed control is the tension knob. You just turn it one way or the other to control the speed and I suppose it controls the tension. I just have to press the start button once to start it. I don't have to hold it down. I have to release the bobbin bar to stop it, or it may stop automatically. I rarely have to fill a bobbin that much, so I think I usually stop it. I have no idea if it works with Viking bobbins. ------ "framed" was taken
skae   Advanced MN USA Member since 4/23/07 Posts: 2746	Login to reply to this post In reply to nancy2001 Like this post Date: 2/11/12 4:37 PM I have a sidewinder. I use a stand separate from it to wind my cone thread . It works very well. ------ Galatians 5:22-23 The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these
threaddy   Advanced WY USA Member since 4/22/09 Posts: 2313	Login to reply to this post In reply to frame Like this post Date: 2/12/12 11:50 AM I didn't know that...I'll try it. I like my basic model a lot. I have been wondering about the super doooper model too and wondering if it was worth it. Thanks for asking the question Nancy. I'll watch for replies too. And again, yes, the Viking bobbin...you just put it in upside down which reverses the threading direction... ------ "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Theodore Rubin "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw Bernina vintage and embroidery serger 234 and BLcoverstitch
clotheshorse   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 3/24/10 Posts: 632	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/12/12 4:03 PM I do think having the speed control is important so you can adjust for various thread types. ------ Viking D1, 1+, Pfaff 7570, Singer 503 Rocketeer, 66, 15-91, Featherweight 5 Flock, Babylock Enlighten & Coverstitch and Pfaff Creative Performance
justgail Intermediate IA USA Member since 1/19/06 Posts: 519	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/13/12 3:32 PM I have no clue how the old and new Sidewinders compare. I did notice that the local Joann had a separate package of just spindles for various bobbins, including the green Viking ones. I got a package, intending to see if I can open the old Sidewinder I have and swap spindles. When the green Viking bobbins are wound backwards, does the machine still sew OK? Or does it make no difference?
Janie Viers   Advanced OH USA Member since 4/8/02 Posts: 2171	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/14/12 7:30 AM I have an old machine set up by the tv that I use just for filling bobbins. Sometimes I will watch a old show while I wind dozens of bobbins full of the basic colors I am using. I bought a gross of bobbins a few years ago and it's a great investment. I store them on the spindles of a thread rack. I usually wind about 20 white, 20 red, 20 black, 20 tan and then whatever other colors I may be using - like the olive green I needed to make the 190 pair of fleece socks for military. I am not kidding I think I went through an entire cone of olive just for bobbins. I hate to stop and wind bobbins when I am sewing.... can you tell? ------ JanieV
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6117	Login to reply to this post In reply to justgail Like this post Date: 2/14/12 8:05 AM Gail, please let us know if you can get the spindles to fit your basic Sidewinder. I understand that if you wind the green Viking bobbin backwards (by placing the bobbin upside down on the Sidewinder), you can then use the bobbin right face up (just as you would normally place it) in your sewing machine. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins

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