Canadian sewing machine in the UK

Hobb

Hi all. Apologies for the strange nature of this request. But would anyone know if a Canadian Brother SQ9130 sewing machine would work in the UK?

Basically, would a Canadian sewing machine work in the UK? I've also posted this in the Techie forum as it's...well, partly technical I guess.

I have asked Brother themselves and they say no, but a contact in the UK tells me it should. I'm not sure who to believe - probably Brother - and a relative is on her way here in a few days and wants to bring her sewing machine which is part of her business. Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Hobb

PipneyJane

The sewing machine will work IF your relative has a converter to reduce the voltage from our power supply.  We have 240 volt electricity, while Canada and USA use 120 volt.  Additionally, the plug shapes are different.  

It may be possible for your relative to buy a UK power cable for this sewing machine.  like computers, it will contain the necessary converter.  Try www.sewingparts.co.uk.  A quick Google shows that they have parts in stock for this machine.

HTH

- Pip

Hobb

Thanks a million. Query sent to the link in your response. Ta.

wondercollie

How much would a similar machine cost in the UK?
It will most likely incur over weight baggage charges unless she travels super light.  Canadian airlines love to charge overweight fees.  And yes, the electrics is the biggest issue

short_bird

What Pipney and Wondercollie said. By the time you've got a converter and paid baggage fees, possibly cheaper and more convenient to get a similar machine here. 

joedenise

Does she need an all singing all dancing one while she's here or could she make do with a more basic one from here?  If she could then Lidl have a sewing machine coming up in this week's specials for £99.  Not sure what it'll do but I'm sure it will have at least straight and zigzag and probably buttonhole making facilities which is enough to do most things.

wondercollie

OK, I have to ask.  I'm a Canadian who was born in the UK.  Every time I enter the UK on my Canadian passport, it is stamped with a phrase along the lines of "no permitted to work, use the NHS or social benefits".

If your cousin is planning to do business in the UK, she probably should have all of paperwork in order.

PipneyJane

@wondercollie, good question.  I’m not the original poster but, at a guess, I’d say either the relative is a quilting teacher - however, the Festival of Quilts was cancelled this year - or something connected with London Fashion Week.  (Is that even happening???  No idea when it occurs.)

- Pip

[Deleted User]

Mains voltage and frequency is your issue here. Take a look at the power brick for the machine and see if it will work at 240v.
Most modern electronic power supplies will work with both 110v 60 and 240v 50hz