Help me pick a sewing machine.

[aldfaa]

I replaced the stringers and deck two winters ago on my 1996 Celebrity 195 and have been enjoying it since. The age, use, and sun have all taken a toll on the upholstery and I've decided its time for new vinyl.
I plan to build and install new seat covers as well as a Sunbrella cockpit cover. Looking for advise on a good machine for this purpose.

I know several members on here have used a singer 503A Slant O Matic Rocketeer and seem to like them.

I had also found a model on a website that I found interesting:
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 Sewing Machine ZigZag / Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

I have also seen a Consew such as a 206RB-5

So what is everyones thoughts on these machines? Any other suggestions?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

I'm not sure that comparing a Slant-O-matic from the 50's to a $900 Sailrite machine is doing either justice. Or a $1200+ Consew?

If you think you can justify the $, buy the 1 you want. A 1950's Rocketeer is likely to disappoint if you're even considering the other 2, whether it's a sufficient machine and could perform the tasks necessary for marine upholstery.

My $0.015

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

I started with that Singer, only because at the time it was not financially feasible for me to buy something better.....it IS NOT an upholstery machine...can you get by with it...not really, the overall stitch length and inability to hold a consistent stitch on several layers of heavy vinyl leave a lot to be desired... The sail-rite is a decent machine, but those are "portable" walking foot machines and do not have a detached motor so slightly less powerful, I like my Consew 206RB-5 cant say enough good things about it...worth every penny spent...do your homework and buy from the right place...look for a reputable dealer that preferably pays shipping (freight charges on a shipped machine are about 300 bucks). I bought mine from Zamir Sewing Machine in California for 1250 bucks (upgraded to servo motor) and he paid the shipping. Look for used if you do not plan to use it again after doing your seats

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

It's all about $$$$. There's some possibility that if you buy a High quality machine, you could always sell it after your done. Everything JDA said is spot on. I started with a Kenmore and upgraded to a 1960's model MORSE machine. Heavy duty and does a really nice job on 6 layers of vinyl. Paid $75 for a Model 4300. I all depends on the bucks!!! The High Dollar Walking foots make it SOOOO much easier and nicer but You Pay For It!!!!

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

my marine surplus guy has one

Consew 261-2T


Googled it you don't want this...

 

[V153]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

Ya the 261 is a bar tack model. Consew's a great machine but that's not the one you want. I have a 206 & a 226, never had a lick of trouble with either one. [Frantically knocking on wood ...]

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

It's all about $$$$. There's some possibility that if you buy a High quality machine, you could always sell it after your done. Everything JDA said is spot on. I started with a Kenmore and upgraded to a 1960's model MORSE machine. Heavy duty and does a really nice job on 6 layers of vinyl. Paid $75 for a Model 4300. I all depends on the bucks!!! The High Dollar Walking foots make it SOOOO much easier and nicer but You Pay For It!!!!

Ayuh,.... I've got a nearly new Sailrite in the other room,... unfortunately, I'm not much of a Seamstress,...
My life experience is up to 'bout 2 feet, straight stitchin'...
Probably oughta be tryin' that out on these nasty cold days...

Anyways,... My Love, Deb does a Great job at it,... her older Sis runs an Upholstery, 'n Canvas Shop over 'cross town...
If I cut, 'n build a pattern, lay it out, Deb does a Super job of stitchin' it up,...
We've build quite a few things, seat coverin', electronic's covers, windows, 'n whatnots,..

A Good Friend of mine was wantin' a rather big job of stitchin' done, 'n asked Deb, 'course, she said Sure, but got no machine,...
So, Mark went 'n bought this nice red Sailrite, 'n set Deb up in a warehouse with tables, 'n everything...
She made the 1 test sample, 'n Mark lost interest, or whatever, 'n the stuff just sat there...

When the company leased the warehouse, Myself, 'n a crew went in, cleaned it all up, broke all the tables back into plywood, 'n 2Xs,...
Then moved the dozen or so rolls of extra wide heavy duty truck tarp poly canvas stuff to another warehouse,...(wish I had use for Alota bright Red vinyl/ poly tarp)
That left the Sailrite, so I brought it home for Safe keepin'....
I mentioned it to Mark, 'n he says if he needs it again, he'll call,..... someday.....

 

[V153]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

If you plan on really 'using' the machine I would stick with Consew or Juki or Pfaff or Adler. Those are "the big 4". Good luck!

 

[V153]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

unfortunately, I'm not much of a Seamstress,...

Neither am I but hear it pays purty good. Past month or so been berry berry good to me. Lotta work on the horizon too. Btw "Seamperson" is the politically correct term ...

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

Neither am I but hear it pays purty good. Past month or so been berry berry good to me. Lotta work on the horizon too. Btw "Seamperson" is the politically correct term ...

has been excessively good for me as well, have 4 jobs on the floor, several more on the calender...also have a job in the works to recover 43 church pews...I have a lot of upholstery friends who say they are doing just as well, maybe things are looking up!

 

[aldfaa]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

When it comes to doing stuff It has always been my preference to not skimp and do the job to the best of my ability. With tools its no different, I like to buy what I think will give the best results for the task at hand. Other than the boat, I have two 69' mercury cyclones in the restoration process and they need interior as well. My experiance with upholstery to this point has been purchasing premade covers and installing them. Which turned out nice.

So I could potentially see several jobs for this machine. Have also had a few other people interested in automotive projects. So it sounds like the Consew 206 is winning. Work has been good to me for awhile so I've got the money set aside so it isn't really a factor.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

Then I wouLd for sure be buying the Consew

 

[V153]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

has been excessively good for me as well, have 4 jobs on the floor, several more on the calender...also have a job in the works to recover 43 church pews...I have a lot of upholstery friends who say they are doing just as well, maybe things are looking up!

Amen to that. I dare say things are looking a lil better. Well, 'specially since my nearest competitor dropped dead a few weeks back. Guy was 47 yrs old?! I'm tellin ya the canvas/cushion business can be hard on ya. RIP Dave Baker.

Yo Judge I'm having a stellar "season" so far. And judging by the traffic every snowbird & his Mother is down here.

This week I cobbled up a 24' deck boat cover, two biminis, and a big repair/restitch on a 30' SeaRay cover. WooHoo!

 

[redstrat]

Re: Help me pick a sewing machine.

I've been using a Juki for 20 years with no problems. What ever you buy be sure it's industrial with a walking foot and reverse. If your just beginning, start on small projects to get your skills together. Here is a pic of a seat I just finished for my 73 Checkmate.