Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

[inside0ut]

So Im gonna try my hand at redoing my upholsrty in my boat. I got a new boat for pretty cheap but the uphosltry is ruined. I asked my wife if her macine could do it, and I got a loud "NO WAY". In talking to my mother and through the net I found that the only real way was to get a commercial machine. So looking on craigslist I happened to come across a 111W151 singer industrial complete and running (It was in a womans shop who was doing upholsrty, she was retiring and wanted to get rid of her 3 machines) and the best thing was it was $100!

I got it home and man, is it heavy! It is a tank, made originally for the military and has NO problem sewing through some vinyl scraps that I am practicing on. Only problem is its fast.

Like 3000 stiches per min. fast.

Its way out of my range to keep up with it. It is a clutch motor and I have found its touchy with my foot. Now Im hoping that someone on here who does upholstry can tell me how to slow this thing down. Is it just the motor? Or can I gear it? Im kinda lost when it comes to sewing machines, Im really just a beginner. I have seen the servo motors but Id like to do it...cheaper...i guess is the best term. The motor is a 1/2 hp and I swear this thing could chew through wood...and possibly my fingers lol.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[crkranz]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

So Im gonna try my hand at redoing my upholsrty in my boat. I got a new boat for pretty cheap but the uphosltry is ruined. I asked my wife if her macine could do it, and I got a loud "NO WAY". In talking to my mother and through the net I found that the only real way was to get a commercial machine. So looking on craigslist I happened to come across a 111W151 singer industrial complete and running (It was in a womans shop who was doing upholsrty, she was retiring and wanted to get rid of her 3 machines) and the best thing was it was $100!

I got it home and man, is it heavy! It is a tank, made originally for the military and has NO problem sewing through some vinyl scraps that I am practicing on. Only problem is its fast.

Like 3000 stiches per min. fast.

Its way out of my range to keep up with it. It is a clutch motor and I have found its touchy with my foot. Now Im hoping that someone on here who does upholstry can tell me how to slow this thing down. Is it just the motor? Or can I gear it? Im kinda lost when it comes to sewing machines, Im really just a beginner. I have seen the servo motors but Id like to do it...cheaper...i guess is the best term. The motor is a 1/2 hp and I swear this thing could chew through wood...and possibly my fingers lol.

Any help is appreciated!

I recently bought a consew and think I'm going to change it over to servo for better control. I use the site below, a bunch of good info on heavy duty sewing machines and knowledgeable posters to ask questions of....

Leather Sewing Machines - Leatherworker.net

 

[jimmy wise]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

You can get a reduction set up...it goes in the belt......or put a piece of foam under the treadle. Just practice you will get the feel. It takes a bit

 

[stevecur]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

I have an old Singer 111W112 that I bought about 15 years ago. Was way to fast for me too. I bought a small diameter pulley for the motor that slowed it down a lot.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

Yeah a wood block with a screw in it so you can adjust how far the pedal can be depressed will work or get another pulley. It does take time to get used to those high powered industrials. But you will!!!!

 

[jimmy wise]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

The fastest way is to use the machine.....just sew scraps rotated. Practice the treadle. If you push down with yourheel it is like a brake

 

[inside0ut]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

Yeah I've been practicing with it lately and its becoming easier. I do think I will get a pulley as suggested, I did a search on them and they are how most slow it down without dropping $150 for a servo motor. The stitches look good so far, I can only do 5 pi. Its the lowest setting the machine has. Will this be ok? I have seen people say that 3.5 is the best but nothing on 5.

I have also found sewing is fun! LOL never thought Id say that but its like building anything else I guess.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bought new sewing machine for upholstry...

Yeah, 5 is good for what you're doing. I really enjoy it as well. You'll find later, that the speed will be a good thing once you get used to it. It's just like anything else, it just takes time.