I haven't sewed on a machine I wasn't able to stall, even my industrial servo motor machines. I have had to hand assist some sections of webbing with both domestic and industrial machines. You may have to sew all heavy sections by hand power with any domestic machine while the industrial will usually power through once you get it started or may break the needle. Usually the domestic machine will stall before the needle breaks. I would be quite happy having only the second machine I bought, a Singer 15-91. I have been searching for a better all around machine, both domestic and industrial, but the 15-91 is the one I would keep if I had to keep only one. If I was sewing everyday as a business I would keep an industrial machine. If sewing thick stuff, presser foot lift is the most important factor, IMHO.
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Sewing Machine Deals for the DIY Guys
- Thread starter 4090Sharps
- Start date
The 403 would be more robust as well as having more harp clearance so you can fit larger pieces under it.. You don't need 1/2" lift to sew a saddle but you may eventually want to sew something which will not fit under the foot of a lesser machine. I have a 404, the straight stitch only model and have sewed a lot of fabric with it. It is a nice machine. I think I have watched all this guy's videos.
Zaccatdaddy
New Member
Excellent video for a noob thread injector. Thanks for your help. I’ll continue to read and learn from you guys
mattdenney07
Member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2020
- Messages
- 43
I run a 503A which is very similar to the 403A. Aside from having a pretty low presser foot, it's definitely capable of sewing through multiple layers of webbing. Sometimes you do have to manually run the needle down for the momentum like you said, but if you can fit it under the foot, it'll sew it. It can also have some trouble running in reverse to lock a stitch when sewing multiple layers of webbing, so that sometimes has to be done by manually rotating the wheel manually. All in all though, they're great machines, especially if you can find a deal. Found mine for $20 on FB marketplace a few years ago. I'm running size 18 heavy needles with #69 milspec bonded nylon thread.
I forgot all about that problem--super annoying. When I had a Singer 401, that was one of the annoyances that pushed me to the industrial machines.
mattdenney07
Member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2020
- Messages
- 43
It's like it'll be running like a steam roller going forward, then when you go to lock the stitch in reverse the needle pushes into the fabric before the feed dogs stop moving, bends the needle so it hits the bottom plate, and stops like it hit a brick wall. Queue the needle change. I went through two packs of size 18 needles sewing my first saddle. The second saddle only claimed two needles because of lessons learned, and I've made several things since then. What industrial machines have you used that you recommend?
I've used or tested just about every machine recommended in the first post over the past year and a half... I'm not exactly the best at doing something half way... Each machine will have its own caveats, so feel free to post here or message about one you're looking at and I will provide you with my impression.
Your feed dog movement is not timed to the needle. The feed dogs should be moving below the plate while the needle is in the fabric.
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Singer, alternating presser foot (kick foot)
$100
Liberty, OH
Not sure on the exact model, but bobbin cases, bobbins, etc should all be readily available for this model. That kick foot will help feed heavy layers of fabric. Hard to go wrong for that price.
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Singer, alternating presser foot (kick foot)
$100
Liberty, OH
Not sure on the exact model, but bobbin cases, bobbins, etc should all be readily available for this model. That kick foot will help feed heavy layers of fabric. Hard to go wrong for that price.
Think I figured it out. Probably a Singer 44-9.
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Juki DNU-1541S
$1100
Lansing, MI
sdoyle1
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2019
- Messages
- 522
I’m looking for an industrial zigzag machine. This ones not too far away. Anyone here have an idea of what make and model it might be. Lady is selling it because the owner died and she doesn’t know.
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I’m looking for an industrial zigzag machine. This ones not too far away. Anyone here have an idea of what make and model it might be. Lady is selling it because the owner died and she doesn’t know.
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Niiiiiiice. Appears to be Bernina 217. Highly regarded.
sdoyle1
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2019
- Messages
- 522
I contacted them to try to set up to meet but I’m out of town hunting. I probably will get it if it doesn’t sell before I get a chance to get there.
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sdoyle1
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2019
- Messages
- 522
Someone got it before me. I’m not in desperate need of an industrial zigzag machine but I’d definitely like one. I know one will pop up in my area at the right price and the right time for me to get it. I’ve picked up two compound feed machines for great prices in the last year but I watch Craigslist and Facebook marketplace like a hawk to find these deals then pray I can jump on it quick enough to get it.
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Singer 211G165
$200
Weaverville, NC
Has a big table that would be great for laying out your fabric.
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Singer 211G140
$250
High Point, NC
Double needle, needle feed.
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Consew 18
$250
Paducah, KY
Nakajima Industrial Sewing Machine - antiques - by owner -...
"Nakajima 280L Industrial Sewing Machine" Same as Juki DNU-241 - Juki purchased Nakajima True...
syracuse.craigslist.org
Nakajima 280 (Juki DNU 241)
$400
Syracuse, NY
Wish this was closer to me!