Sewing machine reco for canvas

[crazy charlie]

Looking to learn to sew some canvas and vinyl projects.Anyone do their own canvas projects or repair that can make a reco on what kind of machine they use??Thanks Charlie

 

[Chris1956]

"reco"? really. Spell check will help you with the rest...

 

[southkogs]

@tpenfield is the pro 'round here.

 

[crazy charlie]

"reco"? really. Spell check will help you with the rest...

Yes reco,meaning recommendation.Charlie

 

[Scott Danforth]

woodonglass uses an old singer

 

[Chris1956]

I have a pet peeve about using abbreviations that aren't. I cons it just lazy not to say the wh word.

 

[tpenfield]

My recommendation would be a Consew 206RB-4 (or -5). It is a compound feed walking foot machine and the price of used ones is in the $500-700 range.

Consew, Juki, and Pfaff seem to be the common machines used in upholstery. Not all models are walking foot with compound feed, so check the details of the machine. In one of my posts on the subject, I listed the recommended machines. So, you can do a search to find it.

 

[crazy charlie]

My recommendation would be a Consew 206RB-4 (or -5). It is a compound feed walking foot machine and the price of used ones is in the $500-700 range.

Consew, Juki, and Pfaff seem to be the common machines used in upholstery. Not all models are walking foot with compound feed, so check the details of the machine. In one of my posts on the subject, I listed the recommended machines. So, you can do a search to find it.

Thanks for the info.Walking feed sounds necessary or optimal to have?? Charlie

 

[cpo1]

Looking to learn to sew some canvas and vinyl projects.Anyone do their own canvas projects or repair that can make a reco on what kind of machine they use??Thanks Charlie

reco= recommend I think. There are lots of machines that will sew canvas, vinyl, etc. I suppose you have a few things to keep in mind. You probably need a commercial machine for long-term usage. You either need a walking-dog foot or a needle feed machine. You want a machine that allows you to lift the presser foot using your knee and a foot treadle (like grandmas old treadle machines) powered by a motor that likely has a pulley) as opposed to a small foot box sliding around on the floor. Sail-rite makes a machine you might be interested in, but I would look for a good used industrial (commercial) machine. Be patient. Price might go anywhere from $200.00 to $700.00, with $500.00 to $700.00 likely being more common. I've sewn leather, vinyl, and even shoes during my earlier years in the orthopedic field. Of course shoes were done on a shoe stitching machine, not a flat bed sewing machine. Good luck.

 

[tpenfield]

Thanks for the info.Walking feed sounds necessary or optimal to have?? Charlie

I reco it because it is nece (IMO)

 

[Lectro88]

I thought Reco was the federal act to prosc. Illegal acts by organized criminal rings.

Ohhh, thats Rico..
sorry my bad.

Sorry couldn't resist a total wasted post with a little twisted humor.

I haven't delved into the sewing yet, trying to avoid that hobby.

 

[72fj40]

Try to find a commercial machine with a least a walking foot and reverse, to tie the knot. It needs to be able to handle heavy material. A lot of commercial machine are for light material. If you want better speed control you might consider getting a servo motor for the machine.

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, I got my Consew 206RB-4 with the original clutch motor and swapped out to a servo motor. I also changed out the pulleys to get a 3:1 gear reduction with the servo motor. So, the machine can sew through lots of layers even at slow speeds.

 

[Parkview147]

Sailrite makes very good machines with a walking foot. expensive but you won't be sorry

 

[crazy charlie]

Thanks guys,I was kinda lookin to do this on the cheap at first to see if this something I can actually do. I may be terrible at it who knows. A better machine and investment would come after I learned how to do this.I see quite a few old singer machines for sale but no one wants to demo them so we all know what that means.Charlie

 

[cpo1]

Thanks guys,I was kinda lookin to do this on the cheap at first to see if this something I can actually do. I may be terrible at it who knows. A better machine and investment would come after I learned how to do this.I see quite a few old singer machines for sale but no one wants to demo them so we all know what that means.Charlie

That said, you can get a Singer HD new for about $199.00 or maybe less on sale. I have sewn auto upholstery on a Kenmore of similar style and quality with success. Frustrations? You betcha, but it can be done if you are patient and willing. I'm thinking you might get through 4 layers of blue-jeans with a machine like this, but if you a going to add a welt into your project, you definitely need a welt foot. Personally, I think tpenfield nailed it with a Consew 206RB-4. For upholstery, canvas, etc., I think that machine will be fine and you'll love sewing with it. Not only do they sew well, they are practically indestructible as well in my opinion. When it comes to "can I do it", just remember that light bulbs usually come on one at a time and the more you work at it and practice, the more light bulbs you will find. Good luck and give it a try.

 

[tpenfield]

FWIW - I found that the right machine makes all the difference in the world, especially if you are a novice.

Expert upholsterers can make a mediocre machine give good results, but I am not sure a rookie could.

 

[crazy charlie]

Saw this on youtube.It might be a good place for me to start..?? Its called a shoe cobbler.

 

[crazy charlie]

 

[cpo1]

That is very similar to what we call a shoe patcher machine. They are great machines, but the ones that I always used were electric. Early on, we had a Singer patcher and it ran off the treadle, no electric. Later we moved to the Adler, I think. Anyway, a machine like you show is probably a good machine, albeit slow from a hand crank rather than electric. Slow, but sure.