It took me awhile to try this beautiful hd500 out as my 9985 does so much. But needed to mend my son's busted out work cargo shorts and it sewed beautifully! Nothing better than singers stitches. I put a walking foot on it to do this and for this to be my quilting machine. I like quilt as you go work and this sews wonderfully. Great machine. fantastic value. The hallmark of Singer.
I have been buying new machines over and over, just feeling like I was not getting the performance that I expected from a truly high-quality, solid sewing machine like my mother had when I was a kid. This machine is what I wish I had been able to buy years ago. It has a strong motor, consistent stitches and easy adjustments that I can make without taking it to a repair man. I LOVE this machine.
I have had this handsome machine for several weeks and I'm so happy I bought it. It handles heavier fabrics without issue and is very quiet compared to my 1970's Creative Touch 1036, which I still really love!
I found the threading to be very easy and had no problems with bobbin winding. And it looks awesome!!
For those looking for a free version of the manual, here is the link from Singer: https://svpworldwide.widen.net/content/ehfjsyjhum/pdf/HD500_EN_FR_ES.pdf?u=cko5pg
The only thing I would suggest to Singer is related to the ruler they have created at the bottom front of the machine. That was a great addition, but it is nearly invisible. It would really help if you enhanced it with gold metallic paint to match the rest of the machine. That is what I did and it is much more usable. I've included photos of before and after to see how it turned out for me.
I have been very happy with this machine. I have to admit that I bought it because of it's stylish retro look and thought it would be a beauty for my sewing room! It has proved to me that it can sew anything that I throw at it. I have not mastered the self-threader because I have not sat with it long enough to give myself a chance, but I will get there. I can tell that it is a good, strong motor and a fine addition to mastering my sewing projects that need it's strength. I'm very happy with this machine.