Sewing Machine for Canvas/Vinyl/Leather

[antFJ]

just like the title suggests... I'm looking for a good sewing machine - something that can handle upholstery/soft top sewing jobs - i'm thinking at some points it will need to be able to go through several layers of thick material.

Any suggestions? Not sure what sort of $$ we are talking about here but I'd like to keep it $300 or less

 

[spressomon]

Not sure why this thread wasn't moved to Tools...but you can probably get some useful info for what you're after here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/542259-looking-info-sewing-machine.html

 

[antFJ]

Not sure why this thread wasn't moved to Tools...but you can probably get some useful info for what you're after here: https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/542259-looking-info-sewing-machine.html

This is the tools forum? and thanks.

EDIT: you're talking about the other thread.. roger that!

 

[Junk]

Pick up an old Singer like the 201, 15-91, 66 etc. You can pick up old 66's for under $50 and they'll last forever although may need to be rewired. We found an old 201 for $10 and it only had to be cleaned up a bit.

 

[AdventureToolCompany]

I've had good luck on Craigslist for commercial sewing machines. JUKI make several HD machines for sewing heavy materials.

Good luck.

 

[Walton]

Washington State Surplus often times has commercial sewing machines from the state prison system that go cheap.

 

[antFJ]

thanks for all the advice guys!

i was able to pick up a used Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 for a decent price off ebay so we'll see how it goes!

now i need to figure out what canvas to use...

 

[spressomon]

^^^ finding a used one is like finding hens teeth! You'll like it especially on super heavy materials...where the walking foot shows its value.

 

[antFJ]

I'll continue to post updates here - I thought about just getting a old school singer like suggested above but I thought the walking foot would be worth the extra $$

 

[SEX ARE 600]

This is an old post but I am looking for a machine to do the odd job with canvas an vinyl. I see a few Singer 15-91 and 201 models on ebay but 5 there looks to be different models in the 201. Is there a particular one to go for and anything else that I should look out for.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Be aware that using an old Singer can create some issues - mostly with the arms getting out of time , and re-setting them is a pain in the butt . I've used my old model 66 quite a lot on canvas and vinyl and it will do the job but also have knocked it out of time more than once . If it were me , I'd just keep an eye out for a used commercial walking foot or maybe get lucky and find a used Sailrite machine or new .
Sarge

 

[tclark]

Would any of the old Toyota machines work? That'd be kinda cool.

 

[Trollhole]

Walking foot machine is what you want. Juki, Singer and Brother are all good machines. If your going to get something get one that has a separate motor on the frame. Machines around here usually sell for 300-400 at auction around here. I'm in the textile capital of the US though. Site I have bought from before that always had good machines. www.yellowtagauctions.com

 

[Weber Sarge]

My bro in law has 2 industrial walking foot machines - they are awesome but the learning curve to run the constant clutch system is a trick for sure - I know he initially broke a lot of needles , lol .
Region sure makes a difference , used machines go pretty high around here - north of $500-600 .
Sarge

 

[cliff71]

I have a few Plaff machines they are german made. might be willin to sell one

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

how 'bout a rental?

 

[NCFJ]

My wife sews a lot of restaurant seats and upholstery, I will ask what machines she uses. We have a Singer 211G155 here at the house