I know there are a few of you out here that sew. Kites, bags, seats, etc. My question is what machine or machines are you using. I've been thinking about this for some time and am looking for something that is very versatile. I am expanding my art studio.
Thanks

After all the crap you and Carol gave me.
You need to buy a Singer to go along with your dancing.:singing::singing:
Nice recovery by the way, for your art studio.

What type of material are you going to be sewing on.

Susan (npw goddess)

Susan, at this time it is still very variable. In my head, I would like to be able to sew, very thin metals, i.e., copper sheet, aluminum, etc, also leather, canvas, as well as nylons. So it needs to be able to handle heavier threads. So you can see, it is a varied agenda. I realize that finding one machine to do all is probably not going to happen, but I want the most versatile. I was told by a shop the other day, that the older machines have more potential to do what I what to do, but then you run into problems finding parts if needed. The old Catch 22. My wife has several machines that she uses for her art quilts, but isn't to keen on the idea of me messing about with those.
The forum is part of my research, I do have use of one of my wife's old Bernina's and a very old treadle singer, to be able to start the exploration with various materials.
Thanks

Berninas, Pfaffs, older Singers and Brothers.

Newer Singers and Brothers tend to have plastic vs metal gears which tend to wear over time (classic "they don't make them like they used to" syndrome)

Find a older, well cared for unit and chances are that it will outlive you.

Some additional reading from Gary Engvall's site:
https://sites.google.com/site/kites4all/home/kite-sewing-101

ATB,
Sam

To be able to sew the real heavy stuff you need a industrial machine. Be sure to get one that has a compound feed.

Susan (npw goddess)

What Sam said about the older machines. Look on Craigs list and they can be found, not cheep.
Sewing sheets of steal makes me think of making Iron Shorts. I thought you and the wife were getting along better than that.

Looks like you are going to end up with at least 2 machines, if not 3. I talked to a few old timers, Shoe repair shops and they told me to look for a shop that was going out of business or find one that has an old model in the back room they would be willing to part with.

If I had the use and the money, I'd get one of these:
There's also some videos on youtube of this machine running from very light fabrics into leathers/canvas etc.

Never heard of anyone sewing light metals though....[url=]http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine[/url]

Quote:

Originally posted by John Holgate If I had the use and the money, I'd get one of these: There's also some videos on youtube of this machine running from very light fabrics into leathers/canvas etc. Never heard of anyone sewing light metals though....[url=]http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine[/url]

:wow: $700 seems low for a HD machine was Expecting alot more

Not direct help for you but in my searching I found the Bernina's nice but the price tag more than twice what I ended up paying for my Pfaff. Not quite an industrial machine but very happy with it and the dual feed is fantastic for even feeding of lightweight material. It's standard on nearly all new Pfaffs...the Bernina's you gotta pay extra to jump up to the higher end models. It'll plow through some pretty thick stuff but never thought about sewing thin metals. Quite sure it wouldn't handle that.

Fletcht, u2u sent.

I use a juki 1541. Its a compound fee walking foot upholstery machine. I use it to sew all my seats and rubber sheets. I use a size 22 needle. It will do what you want but its $1800.