What are the differences between a new and used commercial embroidery machine?

We are commonly asked what are some of the major differences between new commercial embroidery equipment and used commercial embroidery equipment.

In all general aspects, an embroidery machine as old as 1990 (or older!) will be very similar to a brand new machine. Most of the mechanics are very similar if not almost identical. The general concept has not changed much at if at all.

Most of the changes you will see over time are in the electronics systems. For example, a brand new embroidery machine might have a nice big LCD screen whereas an older machine does not. However, the embroidery machines from both these eras are operated more or less the same and the nice big LCD is really more of a bell and whistle, as nice as it is.

Most of the newer commercial embroidery equipment runs about the same speed as the older equipment. Newer machines can run a little bit faster under some circumstances but the difference is not drastic

Newer embroidery equipment will sometimes experience less thread breaks but no embroidery equipment will make a difference for poor digitizing.

When buying a new embroidery machine, you will generally receive and extended warranty which, can be nice when parts are needed

Major changes in the early 1990s made cap embroidery much easier. Over time small tweaks have been made to that design but over, one the 270 system was created no much else has changed.

The process of digitizing and editing is done on a computer apart from the machine. So modern software can still be used and acquired to create the designs to operate older equipment.

Overall, if money is not a concern then its always best to go new. But if you are on a budget or happy with buying used, then you wont be missing out on too much if anything.