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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Does anyone have any experience the the Artisan 70D Mid Gauge 7mm Double Bed Knitting Machine, Ribber, Stand* Built In Intarsia. Would like to purchase a midgauge but possibly with a ribber. Research shows limited selection.
 
I had an Artisan 70D+ (think the newer "+" model needles come with larger hooks [same size as hooks on my bulky], but both 7 mm) but sold it after I was able to acquire an SK860 (6.5 mm) - I was trying to go "all electronic". The 70D is a very well-made quality KM, and the stand is exceptionally stable (in case you have small children around). It can handle virtually any weight yarn you want to use, even the common #4 size Red Heart from Walmart. I had absolutely no complaints. The metal may not be quite as sleek & smooth as the Japanese KMs were, but everything on mine worked, and it had no rough edges to interfere with knitting.

It is strictly a manual machine, without any punch card capability, so hand manipulation is required to create fancy stitches. Hand manipulation goes easily because of the larger needle hooks and needle spacing. I never tried doing Intarsia with mine.

The retail on a brand new 70D+ is only $800, and a bargain with the ribber & stand included. However they are often back-ordered (slow boats from China?) and people sometimes have to wait months. Expect to pay about 30% less than retail if you find a used 70D+ & even less than that for a used 70D. Anywhere in the neighborhood of $500 would be a good deal.

The needles on the mainbed and on the ribber are interchangeable. The regular mainbed KC can work on the ribber bed too, but NOT vice-versa = ribber carriage will not work on mainbed. What that means is that you can move the KC back and forth between mainbed & ribber - without cutting the yarn - and actually make a few rows of GARTER stitches without a garter carriage (GCs are only available for Brother standard gauge KMs). Had I known that before I sold my 70D+, I'd probably have kept it!

Almost all the new machines coming from China, especially from the Creation group are just clones of the old Singer/Studio/Silver Reed (maybe of a few Brothers) KMs and work basically the same. The Chinese did not reinvent the wheel - they just copied it. And replacement parts & new needles are readily available.

You can change out the standard row counter for one with a plug-in for a Knit Radar 11 (about $35 for a new row counter) and let it guide you as you shape garments. Or if you have DAK, there is a cable to connect the KC of any KM to your computer for interactive knitting. (BTW, I have one of these DAK cables for sale, so if interested send me PM. Also have an extra KR11.)

All in all, I really liked my 70D+, and if I could only own one KM, I would definitely opt for a mid-gauge!
 
What do you want to make and what gauges of yarn do you want to knit with?
If you search former topics on the model you will be able to read what others have written;

http://www.knittingparadise.com/t-29525-1.html
http://www.knittingparadise.com/t-227722-1.html
http://www.knittingparadise.com/t-374963-1.html

I think if you feel you'd be interested in knitting tuck, slip, fair isle, lace, knit weaving and patterns while ribbing you may be happier with a machine that has a pattern reader, either a punch card or electronic.
 
Are you saying that there is a DAK cable for the Artisan? I didn't know that.
Just edited my question, are you referring to the magnetic DAK cable that can be used with non electronic machines?
 
I have been looking at these machines for about 2 years now. AllBrands.com seems to have the best price. I have seen many reviews and overall it appears to be a decent machine and I am saving my pennies to get one at some point. May not be as good as the old work horses put out by Silver Reed and Brother in the past, but for the current times this may be the answer for a new machine.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Right now I have a Brother KH551 and an USM so I am used to the hand manipulation. I like the Brother because it is easier to use than the USM, most of what I knit is in the baby, sport, worsted categories so I do use the USM more. I do like having the option of a slightly lighter yarn but we only have 1 LYS and they don't carry much in the line of sport yarn even much less in a lighter weight. I don't have the room to have both out. I do think a midgauge would be my next step, I keep looking on ebay and other auction sites but have not found any that interest me. Money is a factor right now as I am retiring in a couple of weeks and need to see how we manage on the reduced income for a while before I commit to any purchase. Thanks for the input.
 
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