hi i have a friend that use to have a bussiness that use to run signs, he also used to work in a company fixing comercial embroidery machines, so yes he used to do embroidery in his bussiness too, well the thing is i only know a little about embroidery cause of him and what i read, so the thing is he has offer me his help and he really want me to get into this area of embroidery since i already have the equipment for doing more than mugs hats and shirts (i do shirts too, airbrush and transfers), well im not going to spend 1000's in amachine right now so here we go i was looking at the brother pe700 embroidery machine, is this a good starting embroidery machine or its not worth the investment? the bigger size it does is 5x7 wich is not big, but still can do logos, names, hats, and a couple more things, what are your experiences and what do you think?
If you can still find one, also look at the PE 180. It's almost half the price of the 700 and from what I can tell, does the same things. Also, the hoop attaches to the machine on the opposite site of the swing arm so you are able to do oversized items (backpacks, larger garments) that you might not be able to do on the 700.
Also remember, these machines do not come with digitizing software ($300+) or proprietary memory card and drive ($200+). so make sure you budget for those.
This is one area where I strongly suggest that you go big or stay home.
As COEDS points out, the small sewing area is extremely limiting.
Just because you can hoop and place a bag on a machine, doesn't mean that it's a good idea. Home machines weren't made for those types of items.
You will spend a good deal of time changing thread. Even on a 2 color design, it's wasted time.
You will not be able to do hats. The customer who wants shirts and caps, for example, is going to go to the person who can do both.
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. There are times when I have expressed the opinion that starting with smaller equipment to test the waters and the market is wise; but in this case, the kind of machine you're looking at is just too small to be effective in creating any kind of business.
I agree w/ the above 2 postings......I started out w/ a small home machine and outgrew it in a matter of months......If you have the funding, I would suggest a large machine......I bought a used Toyota (miss that work horse).....and then went to a new machine a year later .......now 3 years after that purchase I have moved into a 1501 SWF and will never regret my choice......the quick change hat frame is great and the machine purrs along over 8 hours a day........I can do anything from a left chest design, full chest or full back design, to hats........
The home machine limited me way too much to be able to make any money at this.......and has been a wonderful addition to my DTG machine, vinyl, and sublimation.
Think twice b4 putting out money on something you might outgrow in a matter of a couple of months.....
Also...if your budget is limited, you can always consider leasing. That would allow you to keep your cash in hand for other start-up and operating expenses.
And one last thing...knowing what I know now (that I didn't know then), I would not be afraid to buy a used machine.
Don't let these guys talk you out of not buying a machine at all because you can't afford a $10,000+ commercial unit. I started with the PE 170, and even though I have Tajimas now, I still use my 170 regularly.
If you can afford a commercial unit, then by all means, buy it. But if it means you won't buy anything at all, then start with the 700 and work your way up as your needs/finances warrant.
well thanks for all your answers, i apreciated a lot, yesterday and today i was in a seminar and right now im really tired but stop here to say thanks, also that 5x7 i see it small and with this pe700 i cant do caps, so i think im going to stick with what i have been already doing at least for now. in the seminar i spoke with some embroidery people too and they told me that with that size i wont get any advantage since all i do its way bigger and they told me in this area there are a couple of embroidery bussiness and they have the big industrial machines, i even spoke with this area equipment supplier and he confirm that, i mean i have saw a couple of this shops in the area so im going to stick with what im doing right now and i apreciated your inputs, later
is this a good starting machine? 
