Is this a good sewing machine?

[ONEGA]

Hi resto guys,
I'm looking to learn how to work on some upholstery and canvas for my boats over the winter myself. Looked at local CL ads for a decent sewing machine and came across this one: PFAFF SEWING MACHINE with Table & Chair Model 260
Is it going to do the job? Will really appreciate your opinion.

 

[bigdirty]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Looks very similar to my next door neighbors, and they are a good name brand as far as I know.. but like anything, i'd take someone with me who KNOWS what they are doing/looking at and check it out... Me and my neighbor are both good at a lot of things, mechanical/automotive/marine/etc but ahem.... well, neither one of us can sew to save our own arse.. that was entertaining to say the least...:laugh: so we ended up 'enlisting' a friend of mine (a single mother, of two young boys) and she made that machine work quite well.. sewed up a bunch of canvas for my old chriscraft no prob.

 

[inside0ut]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

This isnt the machine you are looking for. Its a good brand name but doesnt have the HP to sew dense fabrics. I have learned that the hard way and bought a commericial machine...which that machine isnt. You need a walking foot or compund feed or the material will bind up at the dogs. Also it will break needles and just frustrate you....

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Looks very similar to my next door neighbors, and they are a good name brand as far as I know.. but like anything, i'd take someone with me who KNOWS what they are doing/looking at and check it out... Me and my neighbor are both good at a lot of things, mechanical/automotive/marine/etc but ahem.... well, neither one of us can sew to save our own arse.. that was entertaining to say the least...:laugh: so we ended up 'enlisting' a friend of mine (a single mother, of two young boys) and she made that machine work quite well.. sewed up a bunch of canvas for my old chriscraft no prob.

Problem is I have nobody to take with me and have to rely on iBoats member opinion.

Thanks inside0ut.
I kept looking tonight and saw this one which is not that far from me: Singer Industrial Sewing Machine
Is this what I want? What questions should I ask the seller about the machine?
I spent some time reading related threads and watched some videos and feel like learning.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Problem is I have nobody to take with me and have to rely on iBoats member opinion.

Thanks inside0ut.
I kept looking tonight and saw this one which is not that far from me: Singer Industrial Sewing Machine
Is this what I want? What questions should I ask the seller about the machine?
I spent some time reading related threads and watched some videos and feel like learning.

Yep, get the seller to run some vinyl thru it.... Get a model & serial #, you can probably find the manual online BEFORE you even go look at it...

I suspect the Praff machine would do it too, but the Singer's $200 cheaper and has a better commercial table.....

PM WoodOnGlass if you have any specific questions. He's really active @the forum & always happy to help.

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Yep, get the seller to run some vinyl thru it.... Get a model & serial #, you can probably find the manual online BEFORE you even go look at it...

I suspect the Praff machine would do it too, but the Singer's $200 cheaper and has a better commercial table.....

PM WoodOnGlass if you have any specific questions. He's really active @the forum & always happy to help.

Yes, I know that he is active and always ready to help but don't feel like PM as of now as I won't be able to go see it until this weekend anyways.
Will email the seller and ask for model and ser # tonight.
How many layers of vinyl should I ask to run through the machine to test it?
Isn't $75 ridiculously low price for that Singer?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

How many layers do you expect to have to sew thru? 4? 6?

Yes, $75 is low for that machine IMHO

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

How many layers do you expect to have to sew thru? 4? 6?

Yes, $75 is low for that machine IMHO

I don't think I have seen more than 4 layers sewn thru..so guess that was kind of stupid question...

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Pfaff is a good machine but over priced. Singer is to old for my liking. I'd keep looking

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Pfaff is a good machine but over priced. Singer is to old for my liking. I'd keep looking

No price is set in stone on CL. How much overpriced? You think it might be up to a task?
How about this one: industrial sewing machine Singer ?

 

[redstrat]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

No price is set in stone on CL. How much overpriced? You think it might be up to a task?
How about this one: industrial sewing machine Singer ?

This one would be my choice for the larger throat. Make sure it has reverse (you'll thank yourself) and you will also need a welting foot for cushions and a zipper foot if you plan to do any amount of canvas work. Sewing machines are all about how well they have been maintained. The "well oiled machine" phrase applies here. Without turning the machine on, depress the treadle (foot pedal) to release the brake and rock the hand wheel. Some play is OK, too much can signify worn parts. Flip the head over and inspect the undercarriage for obvious wear.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Yep the last one posted is a viable machine as redstart said check the features and for wear

 

[ONEGA]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Yep the last one posted is a viable machine as redstart said check the features and for wear

Thanks to all. Guess now I know what to look for.
Was looking to go see it but unfortunately haven't heard from the seller yet...will try to email one more time.

 

[jimmy wise]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

do your self a favor find out what model the singer is. do not get anything less than a full commercial machine. the throat room is needed. you want a machine that takes an m bobbin and walking foot. reverse is nice but you can lock stitch every seam uhg. I sew on a consew 206rb1. adler , juki, singer phaff is a caddy. you need to sew at least 4 layers plus sewing foam. if your going to try to do this don't skimp on tools or materials you will find out vinyl for boats is priced on quality. the better the nicer it works. an upholstery air stapler is a must. WALKING FOOT!!!! big help

 

[inside0ut]

Re: Is this a good sewing machine?

Yeah that last singer is what you are looking for. Find the model number and look it up online. See if it has compound feed or a walking foot, the pics are all that great but it may have compound feed.