Sewing machine for canvas,Which brand??

[crazy charlie]

My wife has a basic Singer machine and wants something better with the ability to sew
some cavas or eisenglass. Without breaking the bank, what machine are you folks using for these purposes? Thanks Charlie

 

[cyclops222]

Buy some small pieces of the materials you want to sew. You can tell if the machine can handle them by the speed it runs at.
If you cut out and pin the pieces together ? Take them to a real sewing place. Should be much cheaper than buying a machine. Neat enough sewing there ? Ask to see some of their work.
I have a Sail Shop do all my sewing. Great

 

[Jmunk]

I picked up a used Consew 206. I changed the clutch motor out to a servo motor with a smaller diameter pulley on the servo and it works great. Many professionals use that model without issue. Any walking foot machine should be okay, a triple feed like the 206 is preferred.

 

[tpenfield]

My wife has a basic Singer machine and wants something better with the ability to sew some canvas or eisenglass. Without breaking the bank, what machine are you folks using for these purposes? Thanks Charlie

I guess it depends on how big a bank you are talking about . . .

The Admiral has a (supposedly) 'Heavy Duty' Singer sewing machine . . . fairly new. I tried sewing canvas (sunbrella) with it. It was a no-go for the most part. I added a special 'flywheel' to the machine and it helped some, but not much. Eisenglass . . . forgetaboutit.

The machine would only do a 4mm stitch length, which is pretty short in the canvas & 'glass world. You would need more like 6-7mm.

Like @Jmunk, I also have a Consew 206 (206RB-4 to be exact). I got it (used) with the table for $500. I added a servo motor and some speed reduction. that's what I use for my boat upholstery and canvas work.

During Covid, these types of machines doubled in value overnight, as lots of people were getting into upholstery sewing (so it seemed). I'm not sure if they have come down.

To do a really good job you will need a 'walking foot/compound feed' machine. A regular 'industrial' machine may be OK, but feeding heavy material through it on a consistent basis may be difficult.

Try CL and FB marketplace for used machines.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Define basic singer. Old singer 15-91will work, but a commercial unit like a Juki, consew or other with a walking foot is best

 

[rolmops]

I use a 80 year old pedal driven Singer made for horse tackle and leather sewing. If you can find a beast like that , you're in business