Sewing machines Singer vs Sailrite vs others?

[alexsails]

Good morning to all,

Since I just got laid off (like many) I have some time on my hands and Im looking back into sewing machines to start some canvas and sail work on the side.

So many out there and need some help. I have seen the Sailrite LSZ 1 and its videos over and over again also have been looking at the Singer 20U 53, and the Singer 20U 143 (long arm).

I am inclined to go for the 20U 143 with its long arm reach over the standard 20U and Sailrite, but cant find anyone selling them...?

I know the Sailrite is portable but that doesnt concern me right now.

With that aside... Which will provide better performance, reliability and will handle a wider array of tasks in sailmaking and canvas?

Thanks!

[Maine Sail]

Go long arm but also Consider a Consew 206 series or a Juki.. If you are doing this to earn money don't buy Sailrite LS series. They do have commercial machines too..

It's too bad I just sold my beautiful Consew 206 last week...

[sailingdog]

You can also look at used machines, like the Pfaff 360.

[alexsails]

Thanks for the reply.

The Consew 206 seems a bit expensive to start of with and only makes a straight stitch. I do like the foot height and arm clearance.

The Pfaff 360 is way less expensive that the Consew but is tiny under the arm, I dont want this limitaion when sewing in the middle of a large piece.

Does Consew makes a straight and zigzag machine thats comparable to the Singer 20U or Sailrite in price??

Where can I find the Singer 20U 143??

thanks again!

[soulesailor]

I would investigate machines selling locally before ordering something on-line or through the mail. Having the store and person whom you bought your machine from within driving distance makes for great customer service and is well worth a little extra money.

I bought a Thompson mid-grade sewing machine. Not a popular name brand but it is pretty high quality, especially for the volume I put through it, is all metal with a big motor and walking foot and the guy who owns the store is right across town. I wouldn't trade that for anything but the best of deals.

[alexsails]

thanks for the advise,
I am definetly going to see what I can find localy before I have anything shipped over.

Which models of Juki do zigzag stitch so I can look localy?

Also has anyone found a store/dealer that sells the Singer 20U 143 (long arm)?

[hertfordnc]

I don't know if thisd place is any good, but they clain to have good deasl:

Miami Industrial Sewing Machines

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by alexsails

Also has anyone found a store/dealer that sells the Singer 20U 143 (long arm)?

Singer as a commercial sewing machine entity is out of business. The Singer web site you see singerco.com is the singer name being used on a few home machine models by a company that bought rights to the name.. All you will find for Singer commercial machines is used, new old stock or counterfeit..

[Liquorice]

I've been making canvas and repairing sails for 3 years now.
I don't make sails as I haven't got enough floorspace to loft them.
My only machine has been an LSZ-1 from the beginning.

I live in the Canadian prairies so my season is about 6 months with some work during the winter, but greatly reduced.
Because of the location, the boats are in the 20' to 30' range.

The LSZ-1 has performed flawlessly throughout.
Occasionally it would have been nice to have a little extra room under the arm, but it hasn't been a real problem.
The machine will penetrate 8 or 10 layers of Sunbrella easily.
Occasionally, I have difficulty at the head of a sail where I'm trying to sew a Sunbrella UV cover through the reinforcing patches at the head. But it's usually me and not the sewing machine. A little tweeking and experimenting invariably sorts it out.

I've been thinking about buying another machine to avoid resetting the only machine I currently have. If I do, it will probably be a Sailrite Professional with long arm and 4 point zig-zag. Sailrite have great after sale service and are really helpful if you need advice about how to best put a piece together.

I like the idea of using a machine that is still in production and having a ready made body of expertise on which to draw upon.

sam :-)

[scottyt]

as much as i would love a real machine, i have a brother sewing machine from walmart. it has done lots of sewing including restitching my sail cover with out a problem. it did 6 to 8 layers of sunbrella just fine, but i dont know how long it will hold up. it has also done a lot of work on denim so i maybe okay for a while