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Sewing machines

Wirrex

Wirrex

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Wisconsin
First off, I have absolutely no clue about sewing machines. All I know is I could really use one for some projects.

I want to get a sewing machine capable of sewing webbing and possibly tarp material.

From what I gathered here I want a single stitch machine with reverse.

Can anyone suggest ideal models to look for?

Thanks in advance,

Shawn
 
There are alot of mach out there. If you want an all around , readonably priced mach, go to sailrite. com, and check them out. I have one , and its great.

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If you go on Rokslide.com, they have group of guys that are constantly making and modifying equipment. They jokingly go by the "seamsters". You'll find more than you want to know. My mom sews, and I have two machines....and I've used neither. That's going to change.
 
There is a line of Singer "Heavy Duty" machines that are good and cheap. On the Hammock forum they call them "thread injectors".
 
I have a 1935 era Singer treadle. It only does a straight stitch, but I have sewn through multiple layers of webbing and cordura with it.
I bet I could sew two pieces of plywood together with it.


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Wirrex said:
First off, I have absolutely no clue about sewing machines. All I know is I could really use one for some projects.

I want to get a sewing machine capable of sewing webbing and possibly tarp material.

From what I gathered here I want a single stitch machine with reverse.

Can anyone suggest ideal models to look for?

Thanks in advance,

Shawn
Click to expand...
Psss.. .They are called Thread Injectors here :)
 
Scott F said:
Craigslist is your friend.

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Click to expand...

I have been all over Craig's list but it's tough not knowing anything. I know I want something old, with metal gearing, and standard available parts. Though, I don't know which models that may be.
 
I am sans computer right now because I moved my family already in advance of my retirement from the Corps in a couple months. 1 Feb I go on terminal leave after 23 yrs 9 months and 14 days - not that I am excited about it or anything!
Tomorrow I'll see if I can narrow down some model numbers for you.

One key thing to look at is what models have 'normal' bobbins. Some have a elongated ones that are difficult to find. I would think you'd want a regular type that you can pick up anywhere.

I bet there are some threads here that list models you can try.

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I bought a Singer Heavy Duty on Amazon for around $80. It's done everything I've ever asked of it.
 
I watched for a straight stitch older machine for quite a while. Prices were high around me. Ended up finding a late 60's early 70's Kenmore zigzag machine for $25 on Clist. Looked brand new and came with everything including the manual. Once I figured out the proper way to thread, it has been great. The only items I have had trouble with, I knew at the start were pushing the limits (3 layers of webbing). Anything outside of the limits of the machine I do with the speedy stitcher.

As your watching listings, Google the models. Tons of sewing machine reviews out there. And if the machine is strong enough to do what you are wanting, you will generally find reviews saying so. My general guideline was to look for something older than 1970 with standard parts.
 
For those of you that have done webbing is it important on how the material feeds? I've also been looking and I'm held up on reading about different feeding methods.
 
I can't speak for everyone, but my treadle machine flys through stuff like cordura and other fabrics. For webbing - especially multiple layers of webbing, I just take my time and spin the big wheel on the right of the machine by hand. I only make saddles for myself so if it takes me a while, so be it. If I made them to sell my method wouldn't be cost effective.

I think worrying about various feeds (like a walking foot) is more important when sewing things like nylon or silicon impregnated nylon for ultralight backpacking. Don't ask how I know, but if you did ask I'd tell you it is cheaper to just buy someone else's already sewn up pack.
You'll cuss a lot less too...trust me.
 
What I would like to be able to also do is heavy marine vinyl and canvas for my fishing boat. Which is what led me to a walking foot, but that's where I'm lost.
 
Root said:
What I would like to be able to also do is heavy marine vinyl and canvas for my fishing boat. Which is what led me to a walking foot, but that's where I'm lost.
Click to expand...
What is your budget? I bought an old singer walking foot a couple of years ago. It will sew through anything I can get under the foot. It's a simple straight stitch with reverse, but it's a beast.

It was made in the 40s and I bought it from an upholstery shop.

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I'd like it to be somewhat cheap, but I would rather spend more for something that will do what I need it to without having to fight it all the time.
 
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