I am looking for a good used sewing machine for canvas work. I am new to doing my own sewing and would appriciate any advice or information anyone may have as to where to purchase a used machine and the supplies to do my own work. I plan on repairing my sail cover and bimini and want to learn to do any other repairs I may need.
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Check out Sailrite.
Check out www.sailrite.com. They have supplies and also have a listing for Used machines. These machines are made for this type of sewing. They are pretty good machines from what I have heard. They also have good deals on new machines (depending on what you are looking for).
Check out www.sailrite.com. They have supplies and also have a listing for Used machines. These machines are made for this type of sewing. They are pretty good machines from what I have heard. They also have good deals on new machines (depending on what you are looking for).
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hp (Gary Jensen)
sailrite is very good
Three years ago I bought a Sailrite machine...I had zero experience with sewing machines. I went to the local adult school for only one afternoon and learned the basics. I took the machine and sewed all the canvass on my 36 Catalina. I did everything and it came out great. I sold the machine for $100 less than I paid for it. I really got my $$$$ worth. The machine is strong and bullet proof. Sailrite has a good knowledge of the industry and really helped.I bought the cheapest model that did not sew zig-zag and it was good enough....good luck, Gary
Three years ago I bought a Sailrite machine...I had zero experience with sewing machines. I went to the local adult school for only one afternoon and learned the basics. I took the machine and sewed all the canvass on my 36 Catalina. I did everything and it came out great. I sold the machine for $100 less than I paid for it. I really got my $$$$ worth. The machine is strong and bullet proof. Sailrite has a good knowledge of the industry and really helped.I bought the cheapest model that did not sew zig-zag and it was good enough....good luck, Gary
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Jim Cook
Do it yourselfers!
Most STURDY machines should be capable of doing this canvas work. I just made my own sailcovers and bimini using my old 1944 model Singer portable (stronger and better made than most new machines). I used Sunbrella which I purchased at a local upholstery supply store. Words of caution..... 1) If you are using an old sailcover or bimini for a pattern, make the new pieces slightly larger to compensate for shrinking of the original fabric from age. 2) Try to find UV protected thread. It is more expensive but will last much longer (so you don't have to resew the pieces). 3) If you expect to use the machine to repair ripped seams, etc on your sails, then you MUST HAVE a large zig-zag stitch. Straight stitching your sails is like perforating a line down the fabric and weakens it significantly. The zig-zag stitch distributes the tension on the seams. Jim Cook "Dream Chaser"
Most STURDY machines should be capable of doing this canvas work. I just made my own sailcovers and bimini using my old 1944 model Singer portable (stronger and better made than most new machines). I used Sunbrella which I purchased at a local upholstery supply store. Words of caution..... 1) If you are using an old sailcover or bimini for a pattern, make the new pieces slightly larger to compensate for shrinking of the original fabric from age. 2) Try to find UV protected thread. It is more expensive but will last much longer (so you don't have to resew the pieces). 3) If you expect to use the machine to repair ripped seams, etc on your sails, then you MUST HAVE a large zig-zag stitch. Straight stitching your sails is like perforating a line down the fabric and weakens it significantly. The zig-zag stitch distributes the tension on the seams. Jim Cook "Dream Chaser"
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Brian Stevenson
Used sewing machines
MC-You would be interested to know that Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has a huge garment industry dating back to the turn of the century. As a consequence, there is a large sewing machine sales and repair business to support clothing maufacturing. I was looking for a machine to sew a dodger and went to a company called ABW Sewing Machine Company and they have hundreds of used machines. Most factory machines are driven by 220V --3Phase detached motors with clutch (belt drive)on a large industrial sewing table, but they will sell the used machine heads separately. New single phase motors with clutch cost just under $200.00 Canadian. They have mainly Singer and Juki machines, some other makes also. I put a hand wheel (directly attached to the drive pulley-no drive belt) on my Singer and it works fine, especially if you have a first mate to turn the crank. These machines are all commercial duty and are heavy, but the price to purchase and shipping may be sufficiently offset by the dollar difference. To contact:Fax (204) 956-4254, ph. (204) 943-1230 E-Mail: www.abwsewing.com ABW Sewing Machine Company, 125 Adelaide,Winnipeg,Manitoba, R3A 0W4 Hope this helps.
MC-You would be interested to know that Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has a huge garment industry dating back to the turn of the century. As a consequence, there is a large sewing machine sales and repair business to support clothing maufacturing. I was looking for a machine to sew a dodger and went to a company called ABW Sewing Machine Company and they have hundreds of used machines. Most factory machines are driven by 220V --3Phase detached motors with clutch (belt drive)on a large industrial sewing table, but they will sell the used machine heads separately. New single phase motors with clutch cost just under $200.00 Canadian. They have mainly Singer and Juki machines, some other makes also. I put a hand wheel (directly attached to the drive pulley-no drive belt) on my Singer and it works fine, especially if you have a first mate to turn the crank. These machines are all commercial duty and are heavy, but the price to purchase and shipping may be sufficiently offset by the dollar difference. To contact:Fax (204) 956-4254, ph. (204) 943-1230 E-Mail: www.abwsewing.com ABW Sewing Machine Company, 125 Adelaide,Winnipeg,Manitoba, R3A 0W4 Hope this helps.
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David
sewing machines
allbrands.com is where I bought mine. They have the same models as sailrite. I always recommend sailrite if you are going to get involved in marine canvas or sailmaking. They have terrific support. Used machines are available all over on and off line but you need to know what you want (straight stitch, zigzag, walking foot). There are many suitable machines but if you don't know the manufacturers and model numbers your search will be frustrating. The book, "the sailmakers apprentice" and literature available from sailrite discuss a few old models suitable for sailmaking and canvas work you are likely to find on the used market. David
allbrands.com is where I bought mine. They have the same models as sailrite. I always recommend sailrite if you are going to get involved in marine canvas or sailmaking. They have terrific support. Used machines are available all over on and off line but you need to know what you want (straight stitch, zigzag, walking foot). There are many suitable machines but if you don't know the manufacturers and model numbers your search will be frustrating. The book, "the sailmakers apprentice" and literature available from sailrite discuss a few old models suitable for sailmaking and canvas work you are likely to find on the used market. David
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