This might not effect many because the machine usage is small but I hope that expands over the next few months. The baby lock embroidery machine currently has a fee based on number of stitches. We have a stockpile of thread that I haven’t maintained to be honest. It will soon be taught a bit more so more people will have access to this machine (it’s easy and great). I would like to do one of three things
Make it a small donation based on time of machine usage
Make an investment of $200-300 for a stockpile of thread and make it free to use (donations accepted) and maintain inventory of thread based on classes taught
Reduce the cost per stitch
my thoughts
that could work because the machine has a digital timer
some people believe without a small buy in lack of respect happens and I believe this as well. But I like the idea of not needing to pay a small amount.
I personally don’t like the cost per stitch thing because you need to realize it. The timer is easier.
It’s free if you bring your own thread. I want to say it’s somewhere around $1 per 1000 stiches
I think time is easier as well. take a known pattern with X stitches and
amortize the time it takes and determine your cost per minute.
BTW, I’ll be there for the next class so timing for this is good.
I don’t know if this applies to the machine your talking about, but one reason we don’t charge for machine time in the machine shop is that it can encourage people to rush projects and do risky things.
If that isn’t a concern with this machine (which I suspect is the case) I think charging for time is a good way to go.
Another possibility is to have a tiered system. Something along the lines of 10 pesos per square inch of sparse embroidery, 20 pesos psi for moderate, and 30 peso for high density. Then have three samples (or photos of samples) to allow members to have a feel for which category they may fall into.
I agree people should pay something to cover consumables, but I don’t know the right answer. I think I like the stitch count, but we may need to increase the price unless we choose to make an investment.
(1) We don’t charge if you bring your own thread, but we are providing stabilizer and bobbin thread and needles for free.
(2) The timing on the machine is WAY wrong. It takes about 33% longer than the estimated time.
(3) Each programmer (not user - the person who programmed the design) drives the machine at a different speed. Something that was programmed using our SewArt64 software will run VERY slowly but won’t use any more thread than something that was programmed by a professional.
(4) If someone uses mostly their own thread but a little of ours, which charging method should they use?
Maybe an alternative is to charge people a flat fee per job … $x for the stabilizer and bobbin thread without embroidery thread … $y for the whole “kit” - and nothing if you provide all your own materials? It still doesn’t address item number 4 but it gets close.
I would agree with no charge for own thread / cost for consumables if DMS provided. It’s similar to how the 3D printers are run. Would this decision also propagate to the other sewing machines (fabric and leather)?
3D Fab is currently free if you bring your own filament, but I do know there had been discussions about charging a small amount even for that because extruders do clog and they are not free to replace.
I have been threatening to use this machine since I joined, but have not made the time to teach myself how and I missed the one (?) class on it in that time.
I will not know until I do use it what 1000 stitches means. If it is too high compared to the cost at a commercial embroidery place, few will be doing it here - we might as well sell the machine and use the money and the space for something else.
Totally free is not the answer because there is nothing to prevent users doing frivolous things.
I really like this idea! it allows for payment of the annoying consumables to buy, Bobbins & Backing. It also doesn’t charge for thread which is often fractions of a cent in cost and annoying to bill for.
I’d like to point out that we already have tons of (mid-weight cut-away) stabilizer and bobbin thread that it will take eons to consume. Rather than encourage people to bring their own, I’d rather see a small fee for those, especially in the case of the stabilizer. If they wanted to bring their own, individuals would have to buy an 8 yard roll of stabilizer ($8 - $10) and if they were making just one item that clearly wouldn’t be cost-effective for them. Obviously if you need something special then that is a different case.
FWIW, the stabilizer we have is in a huge roll. Periodically I cut sheets from that and place them in the Babylock tub. Anyone else is welcome to pre-cut these sheets for general Babylock use. The cutting instructions are written in marker on the stabilizer bag.
Also, charging per “job” (i.e., one piece of stabilizer and something embroidered on it) is easier for the individuals to keep track of, unlike minutes or stitches.
I’m not giving you shit, that is an awesome rack. Just made me smile as if we fully utilized it we would be doing an amazing amount of embroidery! Talking more use than you ever seen in the wood shop.
If we were going through that much thread DMS would be renamed to Embroidery Space!!! What a dream.