Brother 800 Deluxe: $22 Steal Or A Sewing Dud?

Hey sewing enthusiasts! Recently, I snagged a Brother 800 Deluxe sewing machine for just $22, and I'm super stoked to share my experience with you guys. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, right? I mean, in the world of sewing machines, where prices can soar into the thousands, a mere $22 seems like a drop in the bucket. But before you rush out to find your own bargain basement deal, let's dive deep into whether this vintage find was truly worth the money. We'll explore the machine's features, its performance, its quirks, and ultimately, whether it's a hidden gem or just a dust collector. The thrill of finding a vintage sewing machine at such a low price is definitely exciting, but the real test lies in whether it can actually perform and meet your sewing needs. So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's unravel the mysteries of the Brother 800 Deluxe! We'll be looking at everything from its build quality to its stitch capabilities, and we'll even touch upon the potential pitfalls of buying a used machine. My hope is that this review will give you a comprehensive understanding of the Brother 800 Deluxe and help you decide if it's the right machine for you, or if you should keep searching for the perfect sewing companion. Remember, the best sewing machine is the one that fits your budget, your skill level, and your sewing aspirations. So, let's get started and see what this $22 wonder is all about!

First Impressions: A Vintage Beauty?

When I first laid eyes on the Brother 800 Deluxe, I was immediately struck by its vintage charm. This machine definitely has that classic sewing machine look, with its sturdy metal construction and its no-nonsense design. It's a far cry from the sleek, computerized models that dominate the market today, but there's something undeniably appealing about its retro aesthetic. The Brother 800 Deluxe exudes a sense of durability and reliability, like it was built to last – a testament to the quality craftsmanship of a bygone era. But let's be real, looks aren't everything. A pretty machine that can't sew is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, right? So, while I appreciated its vintage vibes, I knew the real test would be how it performed under pressure. The initial inspection revealed a few signs of wear and tear, which is to be expected from a machine of this age. There were some minor scratches and a bit of dust, but overall, it seemed to be in decent condition. All the parts appeared to be present and accounted for, and the handwheel turned smoothly, which was a good sign. However, I also noticed that the power cord was a bit frayed in places, so that was definitely something I'd need to address before plugging it in. Safety first, always! My excitement was definitely tempered with a healthy dose of caution. I knew that buying a used sewing machine was a bit of a gamble, but the low price made it a risk worth taking. I was eager to see if this vintage beauty could still hold its own in the modern sewing world, or if it was destined to become a decorative piece on my shelf. Only time, and a few test seams, would tell.

Diving into the Features of the Brother 800 Deluxe

Okay, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk features. The Brother 800 Deluxe isn't exactly packed with bells and whistles, but it does have the essentials for basic sewing tasks. This machine is a mechanical model, which means everything is controlled by dials and levers, rather than a computer screen. Some people might see this as a disadvantage, but I personally appreciate the simplicity of mechanical machines. There's less to go wrong, and they're often easier to repair. The Brother 800 Deluxe boasts a range of stitch options, including straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and a few decorative stitches. It also has adjustable stitch length and width, which gives you some flexibility in your sewing projects. The machine features a front-loading bobbin system, which is pretty standard for vintage machines. It's not as convenient as a top-loading bobbin, but it's still fairly easy to use once you get the hang of it. The Brother 800 Deluxe also has a built-in light, which is a nice touch, especially for those late-night sewing sessions. One of the standout features of this machine is its all-metal construction. This gives it a solid, sturdy feel, and it's likely one of the reasons why it's still running after all these years. Plastic parts can break down over time, but metal tends to be much more durable. Of course, the Brother 800 Deluxe lacks some of the features found on modern machines, such as automatic needle threading, speed control, and a wide variety of stitch options. But for basic sewing tasks, it has everything you need. It's a workhorse, not a show pony, and that's perfectly fine by me. I was particularly interested in testing the stitch quality, as that's the most important factor for any sewing machine. A machine that can't produce even, consistent stitches is pretty much useless. So, I gathered my fabric scraps and thread, and prepared to put the Brother 800 Deluxe through its paces.

Performance Test: How Does It Sew?

Alright, the moment of truth! How does the Brother 800 Deluxe actually sew? I put this vintage machine through a series of tests, using different fabrics and stitch types, to see what it could handle. And guys, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. For a machine that's probably older than I am, it performed remarkably well. The straight stitch was clean and even, with no skipped stitches or noticeable tension issues. This is crucial for basic sewing tasks like seams and hems, and the Brother 800 Deluxe aced this test. The zigzag stitch was also quite good, although I did need to adjust the tension slightly to get it just right. This is pretty common with older machines, as the tension settings can sometimes drift over time. The decorative stitches were a bit less impressive, but that's not really a deal-breaker for me. I mostly use straight and zigzag stitches anyway, so the decorative stitches are just a bonus. I tested the machine on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, denim, and fleece. It handled the cotton and denim with ease, but struggled a bit with the thicker fleece. This is understandable, as the Brother 800 Deluxe isn't a heavy-duty machine. It's better suited for lighter to medium-weight fabrics. One thing I noticed was that the machine is a bit noisy compared to modern models. It has a distinctive whirring sound, which is typical of older sewing machines. It's not deafening, but it's definitely noticeable. I also found that the foot pedal was a bit sensitive, making it difficult to control the speed at times. This might take some getting used to, but it's not a major issue. Overall, I was impressed with the sewing performance of the Brother 800 Deluxe. It's not perfect, but it's a reliable and capable machine that can handle most basic sewing tasks. For $22, I'd say it's a steal!

Potential Issues and Maintenance

Okay, so the Brother 800 Deluxe sews pretty well, but what about potential problems and maintenance? Like any vintage machine, there are a few things you need to be aware of. First of all, parts can be harder to find for older machines. If something breaks, you might have to scour eBay or vintage sewing machine shops to find a replacement. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's usually doable. The Brother 800 Deluxe, is a mechanical machine, so it doesn't have any fancy electronics to worry about. This is a good thing, as electronic repairs can be expensive and complicated. However, mechanical machines do require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. This includes cleaning, oiling, and adjusting the tension. Fortunately, maintaining a vintage sewing machine is not rocket science. There are plenty of resources online, including manuals and tutorials, that can guide you through the process. Regular maintenance will not only extend the life of your machine, but it will also improve its performance. A well-oiled and properly adjusted machine will sew much more smoothly and quietly than one that's neglected. One specific issue I encountered with my Brother 800 Deluxe was the frayed power cord. This is a common problem with older appliances, and it's important to address it for safety reasons. I decided to replace the power cord myself, which was a relatively simple task. If you're not comfortable doing electrical repairs, you can always take it to a qualified technician. Another potential issue with vintage sewing machines is rust. If the machine has been stored in a damp environment, rust can form on the metal parts. Rust can cause the machine to seize up or sew poorly. Fortunately, rust can usually be removed with some elbow grease and the right cleaning products. However, severe rust damage can be difficult to repair. Overall, the Brother 800 Deluxe is a relatively simple machine to maintain. With regular cleaning and oiling, it should provide years of reliable service.

Is It Worth the $22? My Verdict

So, the burning question: Was my $22 Brother 800 Deluxe purchase worth it? Guys, I'm gonna give this a resounding YES! For the price of a couple of lattes, I got a solid, reliable sewing machine that can handle most of my basic sewing needs. The Brother 800 Deluxe is not a fancy machine, but it's a workhorse. It sews a good stitch, it's built to last, and it has a certain vintage charm that I find appealing. Of course, there are some potential downsides to buying a vintage machine. Parts can be harder to find, and maintenance is required. But these are minor inconveniences compared to the cost savings. If you're on a tight budget or you're just starting out with sewing, a vintage machine like the Brother 800 Deluxe can be a great option. It's a way to get a quality sewing machine without breaking the bank. However, it's important to do your research before buying any used machine. Check its condition carefully, test it out if possible, and be prepared to do some maintenance. But if you're willing to put in a little effort, you can find a real gem. I'm excited to use my Brother 800 Deluxe for a variety of sewing projects, from simple mending to more ambitious creations. It's a reminder that you don't need the latest and greatest technology to create beautiful things. Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. So, if you stumble across a Brother 800 Deluxe for a bargain price, don't hesitate. Snatch it up! You might just be surprised at what you can create with this vintage beauty. Happy sewing, everyone!