Need advice on an ind. sewing machine
 

I'm getting ready to start doing auto upholstery on the side, and I'm looking into buying an industrial sewing machine. I know alot about upholstery, except for the sewing, the shop owner where I worked always did all the sewing. If someone could make a list of some walking foot machines that would work well for upholstery, that would be very helpful. After finding out that allot of ebay listings for machines weren't even listing that the machines were actually walking foot machines, I figured a list would help me find what I need without the confusion. Thanks.

Do a search on this site for "sewing machines." You should come up with a few results.

I use a Consew 226R. Older Singer's, Juki's, Pfaff's, and some Brother's are good. The older ones are bullet proof. Your best buy is going to be an older rebuilt machine. The main things to look for are walking foot and reverse, some older machines don't have reverse.

What would be a fair price range for one of these older machines (your Consew for example). What parts normally wear out and should be checked before purchasing?

Thanks

Somewhere around $1000-$1500. Mine was $1200, with a rebuilt head (all new working parts), brand new motor, and brand new table. As far as what goes out first, I really dont know. You would have to find a reputable repair shop and ask them.

I got my old singer industrial for $200 at the local singer shop all reconditioned. The old Black metal ones with a all metal drivetrain. Nice unit with a 1/3 hp motor and a clutch. It will sew leather quite nicely, and even much thinner materials cleanly. Down side it has no reverse, or zig zag, but it will sew anything in a strait line. It's the muscle car of singers.

Anyone have any feed back on a good or bad brand name. I have seen good prices on Consew and Juki. There is also Brothers and Artisian that I am not very familiar with. And finally is Pfaff really worth the high prices I see?

Thanks

All those are good, although I havent heard much on Artisan machines. I love my Consew. Pfaff's do bring high prices, but are good machines. My Consew was cheaper than a Pfaff and I have not had a single problem in over 5 years (knock on wood). It's a Consew 226R.

144 Singer LONG-ARM :mwink:

LINK >>> http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/contents.htm

1245 Pfaff :mwink:

Damn.

If that is yours Shannon, I am truly jealous (the long-arm machine).

Both are mine. I've had the Long-Arm for a long time also. I got it from the link I posted. They redone it and painted it white to match my Pfaff. I use it to sew into door panels. Both with sew into 1/8 wood board no problem!! They are night and day the way they work. I still use the 1245 to sew into my headliner boards. I'll take a pick of all the pedals on the long-arm tomorrow


http://www.interiorsbyshannon.com/large_poorstreet4.JPG

How much did you pay for the long arm? Ive considered buying one. I love my Consew, I sew through 1/8" LuAnn plywood all the time with it. I dont know if I really need a long arm, but it would be nice to have sometimes.

It's been a while I think $3,500.00

http://www.industrialsewmachine.com/...ngers/144w.htm

I use it on every car to sew into the doors and so on...........

:confused:

:drunk: