Could you guys recommend a brand or model of sewing machine that would be able to handle heavy fabrics? I’d like to do some repairs to my horse blankets, and possible even a little bit of repair work on some leather (soft leather.) Since horsey clothing repairs and home dec stuff is the only sewing I do I’d like to get something that’s really built for heavy duty fabrics. I know there was a thread about this topic ages ago but I searched and wasn’t able to find it, thanks!
Adler, Juki, Singer, Consew-any commercial or industrial strength machine that has a compound WALKING FOOT. and do youself a favor and get one that has reverse. Do a search on Ebay for industrial or commercial machines. this will give you an idea what the going prices are…then find one locally and test sew it b4 you buy. You should be using thread at least size 69. Commercial machines are really cheap right now…what with the demise of production sewing in this country. A good heavy machine should not cost you…more than $300-500 including table and 110volt motor.
Beware…once you start doing heavy sewing everyone with a blanket needing repairs will become your best friend…then you start fixing halters…then fixing chaps…then(fill in the blank) etc etc…:lol:
and I know this how? see me-the self employed sewing machine slave…
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Old Singers can sometimes be found at yard sales – I used to have a Singer 99K that was great on 1200D Nylon and such. It won’t do halter leather though.
I have come to the conclusion these repairs are best done by hand. . .
If you shop for commercial sewing machines, look for a zig-zag machine that when the stitch width is set to zero it sews a nice straight stitch. We have a Consew 146B that does sail work using a wide zip-zag but will do a fine straight stitch. It’ll will fix a blanket without a blink using the heaviest sailmaking thread. I also bought a Singer 99 straight stitch machine at an auction for $75. Make sure you get a single phase motor unless you get it really cheap and have to buy a motor.
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[QUOTE=Tom King;4422652]
Make sure you get a single phase motor unless you get it really cheap and have to buy a motor.[/QUOTE]
Single phase motor?? 
Places that use a lot of electricity, like sewing factories, use 3-phase power. Single phase power is what comes into homes. Two different motors. A lot of really cheap industrial sewing machines typically found in auctions have three phase motors and will require replacing the motor so you can use it at home.
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[QUOTE=Tom King;4422831]
Places that use a lot of electricity, like sewing factories, use 3-phase power. Single phase power is what comes into homes. Two different motors. A lot of really cheap industrial sewing machines typically found in auctions have three phase motors and will require replacing the motor so you can use it at home.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-phase_electric_power[/QUOTE]
Ah. Thanks. Good thing to know about “re-homing” commercial machines
Most zig zag sailmaking machines are needle feed…not walking foot… so you cannot effectively sew leather. Ok for sewing blankets…
Thanks everyone, just the info I needed!
No sailmaker I ever knew used a machine that was not a walking-foot. The Consew 146B is a walking foot machine.
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My Consew 175 RB is a zig zag… no walking foot… Needle feed. The sail loft I worked in 30 years ago used nothing but these and they had 30 machines in production, sewing 2 shifts a day 6 days a week. That is where this one came from and I still make sails with it today. Walking feet are nice.
try to get your hand on an old Pfaff, model numbers around 260. they are semi industrial and about impossible to kill. My mom still has the one she got when she got married, and many other people I know who sew have one of these or wish they had never gotten rid of them.
It is easy to hook up a three phase line in your home. All you need is a spot in your electrical box for a 220 line to hook up and a static converter.
When looking for a phase converter for three phase equipment, most places want to sell you a rotary converter. Which is heavy duty to be used 8 hours daily. This cost in excess of $1000.00. If you are not going to use it that hard, a static converter works great.
I purchased a static converter from $175.00 about 15 years ago. Bought it at the local industrial electric supply company. Electrician wired it into our box and made us an extention cord.
Don’t let three phase scare you away. Usually this equipment will sell cheaper because people think they have to purchase a rotary phase converter to use it.
I have been repairing blankets for nearly 20 years on my grandmothers very old Singer. She got in in 1952.
Doesn’t zig. Doesn’t zag.
Just goes forward and backward.
Has lots of nifty attachments that I haven’t used in years.
I keep it very clean and well oiled and I get it ‘tuned up’ every year.
Love that machine!
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I have a Brother Walking Foot, 85lb. head and table. F & R. I’ve had it since 1988. Had a Bernina before that because I made human clothing. Now I just make horse clothing and do lots of leather repairs. I have a portable walking foot also that I travel with. That was just shy of $800. The Brother was new also and it was about $1500. I tried lots of used ones, but ended up selling a Bernina and a Pfaff and 2 old treadle Singers and some cash and got the Brother. I’ve never had any problems or repairs and I’ve used it almost daily. I am really careful with my maintenance though, and I had a great person who taught me to take everything apart and put it back together. That was the best education in the world. Nothing worse than having to schlep an 85lb head into the truck and drive it to the shop. :lol:
My leather sewing machine is an industrial straight stitch Juki LU562 walking foot. I have had that one for 15 years. It will sew up to 1/2 inch of leather, does extra heavy canvas repairs with ease and parts are readily available. They are a great machine if you can find it.
You can find 110 volt clutch motors cheaper now than you could 20 years ago if you find a deal on an industrial sewing machine with a 3 phase motor.
I did a search and found this thread. Does anyone know of any good machines that are not commercial/industrial?? I have been doing repairs on my blankets for years on my old machine (denim machine) and it just kicked the bucket last night.
Right now I don’t have the time to do a ton of research on the various industrial models and can’t find any used models that were mentioned in this topic. Does anyone have any recommendations?? I don’t mind doing industrial/commercial but I just have NO clue what to look for and how to determine if it’s a good machine, good deal, etc.
Thanks!!
I called up my favorite sewing machine dealer and asked what he had available used cheap. For $100 he shipped me an old Bernette which lives in the garage and only does blanket repairs and other utility work. It has more than paid for itself and I don’t care if it dies.
