Singer CG-590 Sewing Machine: A Comprehensive Review

The Singer CG-590 has gained popularity in recent years as a heavy duty, commercial grade sewing machine. Marketed as being superior to standard household machines, the CG-590 promises professional power and performance. But does it truly live up to its claims?

In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, capabilities, and real-world performance of the Singer CG-590. We’ll cover everything from its powerful motor to high speed stitching ability. You’ll also get the details on noise levels, ease of use, accessories, and reliability.

Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or beginner, this review aims to provide all the details you need to decide if the CG-590 is the right fit for your sewing needs. Let’s start by looking at the key specs and features that set this Singer apart.

Main Features and Specs

The Singer CG-590 certainly looks the part of a commercial grade sewing machine. It has an all-metal inner frame and outer body, weighing in at approximately 20 pounds. The arm and bedplate are constructed of heavy-duty stainless steel. As you browse the key features and specifications below, it’s clear the CG-590 was built for power:

Powerful Motor

• The CG-590 is equipped with a 1 amp motor advertised as 60% stronger than standard sewing machines. This allows it to punch through heavy projects with ease.

High Speed Stitching Capability

• With a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute, this Singer can blaze through projects in a fraction of the time of regular machines.

Heavy Fabric Handling

• The combination of powerful motor and all-metal construction allows the CG-590 to sew through multiple layers of fabrics like denim, canvas, and quilting materials.

Automatic Tension

• For frustration-free sewing, the tension automatically adjusts appropriate settings for different fabric weights and types.

Drop Feed Function

• Easily lower the feed dogs for free motion sewing and quilting with the convenient drop feed lever.

18 Built-In Stitches

• Includes a selection of 18 stitches for utility and decorative sewing, including 1 four-step buttonhole.

See Key Specs

Type	Mechanical
Motor Power	1 Amp
Maximum Stitch Speed	1,100 SPM
Built-In Stitches	18, including 4-step buttonhole
Frame Material	Metal
Bedplate	Stainless Steel
Weight	20 pounds
Warranty	25 years limited

Now that we’ve covered the key specs and features, let’s move on to evaluating real-world performance metrics like stitch quality, noise levels, ease of use, and durability.

Performance and Stitch Quality

One of the main reasons someone invests in a heavy duty sewing machine like the Singer CG-590 is for smooth, consistent performance even at high speeds. Does the CG-590 deliver on straight, balanced stitching? Here’s what users are saying:

With the correct settings dialed in, the CG-590 produces nice straight stitches without excessive skipping or looping. The powerful motor provides plenty of piercing power to maintain seam integrity – even when sewing multilayered projects.

Having the ability to adjust the stitch length and stitch balance is important for optimizing the stitch appearance. Taking the time to set the balance properly helps achieve smooth feeding through both lightweight and heavy fabrics.

Multiple needle positions allow for precision placement of stitches when needed for projects like topstitching. The automatic tension feature also takes away the guess work for properly setting tension across different materials.

Overall, the stitching capabilities of the Singer CG-590 are quite good FOR STRAIGHT AND UTILITY STITCHING. It’s geared more for speed than creative stitching though. With only 18 built-in stitches, decorative options are very limited. But for workhorse projects like creating apparel, home decor items, and quilting, the stitch performance shines.

Noise and Vibration Level

One trade-off that comes with a high powered, heavy duty sewing machine like the Singer CG-590 is increased noise and vibration. The 60% stronger motor that gives the CG-590 its fast sewing speed also makes it much louder than a standard home sewing machine.

User comments indicate the noise level can reach up to 70-80 decibels when running at full speed. That’s equivalent to the noise of a vacuum cleaner. The amount of audible noise and physical vibration produced depends on a few factors:

• Speed setting – The higher the speed, the louder the noise and more intense the vibration
• Mounting – Placing the machine on a sturdy table or in a cabinet can dampen vibration
• Maintenance – Keeping the CG-590 properly oiled/greased helps reduce excess noise

The noise and motion does take some getting used to. It’s a good idea to place the CG-590 away from high traffic areas in your home. Using a silicone machine mat can keep the vibration from transferring to work surfaces. Ear protection may be warranted for prolonged sewing sessions.

While home sewers may see the noise as a nuisance, those used to industrial machines expect a certain level of clatter and vibration. Just be aware the CG-590 sounds and feels more like a workshop tool than a home appliance.

Ease of Use

Despite its bulk and commercial design, most users report the Singer CG-590 is straightforward to set up and operate. Convenient features like the automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin make getting started a breeze.

Key settings like stitch length, stitch width, and tension are clearly marked and positioned for easy adjustments. The maximum stitch width of 6.5mm gives flexibility for basting or decorative stitches.

One area that takes a bit more practice is mastering the foot pedal control. The CG-590 accelerates to full speed rapidly, which can lead to stitching mishaps. After a learning curve, most sewers find a pedal technique that allows fine control over the speed.

Having the free arm capability also improves ease of use when navigating small or hard-to-reach spots like sleeve cuffs and pant hems. The automatic 4-step buttonhole function ensures uniform buttonholes with no guesswork.

Overall, the Singer CG-590 offers good usability considering its commercial design. As with any machine, new owners should allow time to get comfortable with the settings and develop a feel for the pedal responsiveness when test sewing.

Reliability and Durability

The longevity and durability of any appliance comes down to its design, construction quality, and proper maintenance. Unfortunately, the Singer CG-590 gets mixed reviews when it comes to reliability.

On the plus side, the inner metal frame and stainless steel bedplate should provide a long service life for the key structural components. However, some owners report issues with select parts wearing out or breaking with regular use:

• Plastic gears/mechanisms – Unlike the exterior, the inner workings do contain some plastic components that may fail earlier than metal parts
• Bobbin winder – There are complaints of the bobbin winder breaking with minimal use
• Electrical – Some users have experienced motor or electronic issues
• Tension discs – The delicate tension discs can get damaged if not cleaned properly

Proper routine maintenance like keeping the machine oiled and removing lint buildup is especially critical on the CG-590 to prevent premature wear. Singer provides decent warranty coverage on parts and labor for defects. But damage from normal use would not qualify for a warranty repair.

Consider purchasing a maintenance kit with brush, screwdrivers, oil, and grease to keep your machine tuned up. Also be prepared for potential repair costs should parts like the motor, foot pedal, or internal mechanisms need service.

Accessories

The Singer CG-590 comes with a starter set of sewing accessories. Here’s an overview of what’s included:

• 4 Snap-on presser feet (general purpose, zipper, buttonhole, special purpose)
• Pack of needles
• Bobbins
• Thread spool caps
• Auxiliary spool pin
• Spool pin felt pads
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper
• Screwdrivers
• Soft cover
• Foot pedal
• Power cord
• Instruction manual

This allows you to get up and running for basic sewing tasks. However, there are a few add-ons that could further improve the user experience:

• LED lighting – The incandescent bulb doesn’t provide great illumination. An LED upgrade would reduce shadows.
• Extension table – Provides more work surface for managing large fabrics.
• Quilting feet – Specialty feet like an open toe foot improves stitch visibility for quilting.
• Maintenance kit – Includes key tools and supplies for keeping the machine tuned up.

Overall, the included accessories cover the basics but leave room for upgrades if desired. Check that any additional feet are compatible with the slant shank attachment.

Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve covered the major aspects of the Singer CG-590, let’s do a quick pros and cons recap:

Pros

• Provides very high sewing speed for plowing through projects
• Strong motor easily sews through heavy materials
• Straightforward operation and settings
• Good for uniform topstitching and straight seams
• Affordable for a commercial style machine

Cons

• Loud operation with substantial vibration
• Limited built-in decorative stitches
• Accessory lighting could be better
• Mixed reviews on durability of plastic internal components
• Not portable due to heavy weight

Conclusion

The Singer CG-590 delivers on power and speed for productive sewing in a commercial style package. The combination of high stitch speed and muscular motor allows it to blaze through heavyweight fabrics with ease. It also offers good performance for straight, uniform stitching – especially when dialed in properly.

However, the increased noise and vibration levels may discourage some home sewers. And reliability concerns around some of the plastic internals keep it from scoring top marks for durability. With care though, the CG-590 should deliver years of service.

For sewers that prioritize productivity and strength over decorative options, the Singer CG-590 is tough to beat in its price range. Just be prepared for the noise and need to secure the substantial machine during operation. And stick to projects that don’t require delicate handling.

We hope this comprehensive review gives you all the details about the features, performance, and real-world user experiences of the Singer CG-590. For sewers seeking commercial power at an affordable price point, it’s certainly an option worth considering.