What's the difference between mechanical and electronic sewing machine?

Question

What's the difference between mechanical and electronic sewing machine?

Answer 1

Both mechanical and electronic (computerized) sewing machines use a foot pedal.  

The main difference is that an electronic sewing machine has a computer "brain", and a mechanical one doesn't.  I've used both and much prefer an electonic one.  They're faster, easier, and more accurate.

A mechanical one requires you to manipulate most controls by hand.  For instance, you push a lever or turn a k**b to select the stitch to use, and it's width and length, on a mechanical sewing machine.

On an electronic sewing machine, stitch selection is made by the main PC board stitch memory and stepping motors which control the stitch configuration, including preset length and width.  So, all you do is push a button to make a selection. It's much more precise than a mechanical stitch selection.

Electronic sewing machines are almost like robots at times. They can recommend the proper presser foot, divine the right thread tension and stitch length, size and sew a buttonhole automatically to exactly fit a button, and automatically cut the thread.

Answer 2

Mechanical uses a foot pedal to provide the energy to make the needle go up and down.

A fine machine to use , once you get the hang of it.

Answer 3

the electronic ones you can use with a computer -- very awesome!

Answer 4

Ok, I'll try. I'm a sewing machine technician. A mechanical machine does not have any electronics (circuit board) in it. Everything works mechanically. You have to turn a dial to change stitches.

There are many machines you can get that are electronic. This means that it has a circuit board inside that allows you to change its functions electronically. You can push a button to make the needle stop up or down. You can push buttons to change from one stitch pattern to another. I believe that's basically it for electronic machines. Some are called electronic when its only the foot control has a circuit board.

A computerized machine on the other hand is much like a computer as it has memory that allows you to pick up later where you left off on different projects. Also they can accept memory cards, sticks, etc. that you can download information such as designs and load them into the computer in the machine. The machine will read this and pretty much adjust and set the machine and sew it for you. Usually these are embroidery machines. The computerized machines can also be connected to the internet via USB patch cords and download designs from the internet.

I believe that's it. Hope I answered your question.

Answer 5

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

My personal preference is for electronic machines... they use stepper motors to control the needle, so you don't get stalling at

low speeds, and you get full "punching force" of the needle.  They will likely not last 100+ years as will a good mechanical that's properly cared for, but neither will I.  I find the sewing advantages far outweigh the costs, imo.