Sewing machine features

[mwrohde]

I'd like to get a sewing machine to do canvas work, and possibly make sails from a sailrite kit. I'm also looking to do this as inexpensively as can be done and still get a machine up to the tasks.

I know the dog just bought one - a Pfaff 360?

I don't know much about sewing or sewing machines, so I'm skeptical of my abilities to obtain the right equipment on my own. What characteristics are required in a machine to do what I want it to do? I'm hopeful that having a checklist will help me cull the field some.

Thanks,

Matt

[Maine Sail]

These are the musts

Walking foot !!!
Heavy Duty Motor !!
Reverse !!!
Large bobbins !!!
Thread tree or thread spool stand !!!


Zig zag only necessary for sail work..

[sailingdog]

MWrohde-

You want a sewing machine that has all metal gearing in it... since the plastic ones just don't have the punch to go through lots of sailcloth on a regular basis. There are quite a few Pfaff machines out there, and I'd highly recommend them. They have a lot of features that I'll never use, including the ability to monogram and embroider to some degree. However, they do go through five or six layers of denim, and more of Sunbrella, just fine. You can probably pick one up on craigslist for less than $300, which is a good chunk less than the Sailrite Ultrafeed machines, and the Pfaff's will do zigzag and straight stitches.

[mwrohde]

Thanks, guys. I'll keep a watch out. I'll probably post back here from time to time with candidate machines for your evaluation.

[westerly84]

researching hd zig-zag sewing machines. looking at sailrite lsz-1 which seems overpriced, rex 607z, which dealer claims is exactly same as sailrite except price, also reliable 2000u-33 & consew cp146r which both appear fine but i have little to go on. any input would be most welcome.

[NauticalFishwife]

All great information... (I have a Sailrite machine) and have done a lot of sewing for the boat. One thing I'd like to add to the above information is .. you want a machine that will do a LONG stitch. Important when doing canavas work. If you make a sail cover-two important features that work well are 1)make sure you sew a "flap" that covers your zippers and 2)rather than metal fasteners use webbing and clips. The clips like you would use on life jackets. Sew these under the cover so you have UV protection. They last forever, easy to fasten and do not tear out of the fabric, and they stay fastened even in a hard blow.