[benchracer1]

I have been using my old kenmore 120 for a while but I think I am going to start looking for a next step up machine. Can anybody give me recomendations on what machine would be good for auto upholstery. I would like a walking foot and I have no problem with a good used unit

[JrJohnston]

Originally Posted by benchracer1

I have been using my old kenmore 120 for a while but I think I am going to start looking for a next step up machine. Can anybody give me recomendations on what machine would be good for auto upholstery. I would like a walking foot and I have no problem with a good used unit

There's alot of good quailty sewing machines around,it just depends on your budget.
This place has a few,and a fairly good deal on a Tacsew head and stand.
www.qualitysew.com

[schlock rod]

A good machine for auto upholstery would be the Consew brand. The 206 RB models are great, and will handle anything that you will be doing in an auto. There are good used ones available. Check with some of the local upholstery shops, as sometimes they have one for sale, or know someone that might. Also, a good source is Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Sales, in Toledo, Ohio. I bought a new Seiko from them and had it shipped to my house cheaper than I could get the same machine locally. I have their contact info if you are interested, just E-mail me and I will provide it. You might check the internet classifieds also, as they pop up there regularly, too.

Schlock Rod.

[DanTwoLakes]

Don't be afraid of used industrial machines, they are very dependable. Once you find a used machine, take it to a professional sewing machine mechanic and have it timed and checked over. Consew 205, 206, 226, 255, Pfaff 1245, Singer 111W, Adler, and Juki all make good compound feed walking foot machines. The Consews, and Singers are Chevrolets, and the Pfaffs, Jukis, and Adlers are Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs. A lot of companies make knockoffs of the Singer 111W which is a workhorse. Try to find a machine with reverse, you'll be happy you did. Also, the higher the lift of the foot, the better. I personally prefer machines that have the bobbin on the right side of the foot and sit horizontally as opposed to on the left and vertical. The bigger the bobbin the less you have to change bobbins. Most industrial machines use a "G" bobbin, but if you can find one that uses "M" bobbins or larger, that can be an advantage. If you can afford an extra $150, replace the clutch motor with a servo motor for more speed control.