Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Mechanical Sewing Machine
Quick Summary:
I have found that the Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Mechanical Sewing Machine With Bonus Accessories, Hard Case fits all the requirements of an all-purpose sewing machine. The Janome brand is a forerunner in the sewing industry making this machine appealing before the details are even known.
However, most appealing is the durable construction of the machine using metal working parts. Plastic parts in competitor’s machines are more prone to wear and tear while metal parts will prevail stitch after stitch.
Janome is Best for Heavy Duty Sewing
In the modern world, sewing machines are not something that is required in every household. The art of sewing has become a hobby more so than a necessity. Today’s seamstress may be completing home decor projects, stuffed animal projects, quilts, apparel, basic mending or maybe all of the above.
Consequently, most people would not think to purchase a heavy duty sewing machine when looking for something to do their typical sewing on. With all the options out there, including different brands and types of machines, it is important, that seamstresses of all types find a sewing machine that is well-built, affordable and practical.
Price
Janome products have a wide range in price tags. While the simplest, more kid-friendly machine may only run about $70, the most expensive of their products will go upwards of $5,000. The price tag for the HD3000 is in the middle at an MSRP of $509. Considering how long this machine will last, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Basic Features
Most sewing machines have basic features that seamstresses are already familiar with. Some of these include the top drop-in bobbin, allowing for the seamstresses to see when they are about to run out of bobbin thread. The one-step buttonhole is an attractive feature, even if many seamstresses are afraid to use it! Snap on presser feet, built-in needle threader, built-in thread cutter, and a bobbin winder are more standard features. Not having one of these features wouldn’t make the Janome HD3000 undesirable but if it didn’t have any of them, the machine would not be worth buying.
Additional Features
Depending on the sewing project to be completed, certain additional features would be beneficial to have. The Janome HD3000 has an extra high presser foot for thick projects such as multiple layer quilts and the hemming of thick denim jeans. It also has the ability to drop the feed dogs allowing for free motion quilting. This is a rare feature, mainly because it takes a lot of practice to use but the challenge would be exciting.
What Is Included
Most sewing machines come with accessories. The HD3000 seems to come with quite a few feet that other machines may only offer as an additional purchase. The following are included in the purchase: zipper foot, adjustable blind hem foot, rolled hem foot, button hole foot, zig zag foot, extra bobbins, small screw driver (for removing the stitch plate at cleaning time), extra spool holder, and an extra pack of needles. Depending on the projects being completed, an experienced seamstress who just purchased this machine may want to purchase additional bobbins for coordinating thread colors and additional needles for different fabric types.
Additional Optional Accessories
There are a ton of optional accessories for this machine. The complete list is available on the Janome web site and I would recommend checking it before purchasing from anywhere to make sure the accessory being purchased is compatible.
Set Up and Maintenance
The Janome HD3000 appears to require the same sewing space any other machine would. Generally, hobby seamstresses have a designated sewing space, and professional seamstresses most definitely do, but at 19 pounds, the HD3000 would not be hard to set up and take down after each use. The hard cover that accompanies the machine will keep it dust free while not in use. Basic maintenance looks as though it resembles any other machine. The feed dog area and bobbin area must be dusted every so often and a little sewing machine oil may be applied where indicated in the manual (most likely around the bobbin). Janome dealers are recommended to perform any labor that is more intensive, though I’m not sure what that would entail.
The manufacturer warranty on Janome products is fantastic. It includes 25 years on mechanical parts, two years on electrical parts, and one year on labor. I believe that as long as the machine gets cleaned after every few projects, it’s probably going to work for a long time before needing any further support.
Drawbacks of the HD3000
The HD3000 in appearance is simple. It will not catch the attention of a consumer who needs flash in order to buy a product. One of the reasons for this is it is not a computerized machine. In my opinion, computers do not necessarily make sewing machines better. The computer is just one more aspect that could break, rendering your machine useless and potentially costing more money in repairs than was originally paid for the machine.
Another potential drawback is there is no needle down position. This means that every time you want to start sewing, you cannot just push button to make the needle go to it’s farthest downward point into the fabric. The hand wheel must be manually turned. This may be a deal-breaker to some seamstresses but I have never had this luxury so I can’t say that I would miss it.
An additional note, though most people in the market for a sewing machine will already know this, the HD3000 does not have the ability to do embroidery, coverstitching or serging. Completely different types of machines are required for these processes.
A durable, smooth-running, quiet sewing machine is a valuable investment. The Janome HD3000 fits the bill. Not only will it help to fix clothes that are not ready to be trashed, among other useful projects, it can be the tool to create beautiful hand-made items that are cherished forever.
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