Re: Chris Craft, input wanted?
I believe that I am correct in that you need a commercial grade sewing machine to make the vinyl seat cushions. But, do you need one to make the boat cover too? Or, can you sew/make a boat cover with a standard sewing machine?
Marc,
i wouldn't say you need an industrial sewing machine to sew vinyl...actually, vinyl is very easy on a standard sewing machine as long as you're not trying more than 4+ layers. It is advised that you use an older machine as they typically have metal gears that will not get tore-up with hard use? My other machine is a Free-Westinghouse from the 40's and when I did the vinyl in my
Baja it worked oaky, but by the end she was a little "tired".
As far as covers go, depending on material, it's easier in some ways than vinyl, but tougher in others...the vinyl tends to be smaller pieces and can pull through without too much issue. The material I used (WM80) tended to slip when I got too much weight in front or behind the machine? A nicely crafted sewing table would eliminate a lot of the pulling...as long as your actively paying attention, you can handle the shear size of the cover material?! Sunbrella, the industry-high standard cover material is tough and anything over 4 layers will chew up even the most robust home machines, if used for more than a few covers...it's just very tough stuff! My Industrial 3/4HP machine would struggle some, depending on where I started the needle?
Let me know if you need more info...bruceb58 is a great source as well. He has a walking foot machine so material bunching and pulling is all but eliminated!
I would say, buy a used, older machine, get some scraps and practice! If you can get a walking foot (industrial or otherwise?) I'd recommend that for both vinyl and cover material.
~Brett
. Feels good to get outside again lol.
