[ad28]

LOTS of clones out there. Taiwan is a busy place. Some that come to mind right off: Mini Brute, Sew Strong, Thompson MiniWalker, Consew CP146R, Artisan, Innovation...

here's an interesting article:
(BTW the 'no zigzags for some reason'? That is because Sailrite SUED all the competition and won, so no zags are sold in the US. Nice people.)


Attack of the Clones:
Heavy-duty walking foot machine topic posted Thu, December 13, 2007 - 3:48 PM by shawn Share/Save/Bookmark
Let me tell you about my new love! Born in China, but has a milky-white complexion. Deep throat that beckons up to 9 inches (two inches more than her friends). She's "bi"... sometimes straight, sometimes not. With plenty of lube she can go all night. She likes to do it on the kitchen table. And she promises to sew leather and costumes!

Ever since my first (and last) big sewing project on my basic little machine, I've been interested in finding a heavy-duty "walking foot" machine. These feature a special presser foot with teeth on the bottom and a mechanical action which synchronizes with the lower feeder, helping ensure even stitches and fewer broken needles when sewing thick layers of fabric.

At first I thought I might want a refurbished industrial machine, but it turns out that even the used ones are too expensive for my budget, and moreover they typically run at high speeds designed for production use.

Then I discovered a style of portable walking-foot machine that's very popular with the sailing community for making sails.

The heavy-duty portable walking-foot machine seems to have originated with the Thompson "Mini Walker" or "Mini Brute". According to the Thompson website, they're "the original portable mini walking foot... since 1977". According to several blogs I've read, these all-metal machines are still used and loved today for sail-making and canvas work.

Further research led me to the Sailrite company. Sailrite caters to the sailing community and deserves a special mention in this story. According to several web reports, when Thompson moved their manufacturing from Taiwan to China, Sailrite purchased the original Taiwanese factory in an effort to maintain quality. Over the years Sailrite made several significant improvements to the design of the machine, and their improved designs were copied. (In 2002, Sailrite was granted U.S. patent 6,499,415 for their improved designs. Search United States Patent and Trademark Office for interesting technical details and drawings.) Several companies began producing "clone" machines with identical parts, or offering OEM versions which were re-branded and sold under different names.

These portable walking-foot machines are all very similar, with fully interchangeable parts, and differ mainly in straight-stitch versus zigzag, 7" standard neck or 9" long neck, handle and case options, paint color and finish, and country of manufacture. They aren't really industrial machines, but use all-metal construction and heavy-duty industrial 135x17 needles. The machines made in Taiwan are typically more expensive than their counterparts from China, but reportedly are slightly better made.

I focused my search mostly on zigzag versions of this design, and found the following brands and models. I've listed them in order of approximate price from highest to lowest. The first three brands are reportedly made in Taiwan and the last three are made in China. Here are six readily-available variations, and there may be others:

Sailtrite LSZ-1 ($800)
Thompson PWZ-500 ($750)
Reliable 2000U33 ($500)
Consew CP146R ($400)
Alphsew PW200ZZ ($300)
Yamata FS-288 ($250)

There are even more versions of the straight-stitch machine available including models from Rex, TuffSew, and other manufacturers. (TuffSew regularly offers their factory-new straight-stitch machines on eBay these days.)

Check around for pricing... I found the same model ranging over one hundred dollars in price from different online retailers.

I think that Sailrite is special in this list because they have the most "value added" features and accessories for their machines. After shipping the basic machine to their facility in Indiana, they upgrade certain parts and give each machine a tune-up. Sailrite also offers many useful accessories and are well-respected for their customer support. Their website is quite extensive and even features product and technique discussion forums.

Despite their higher price tag, I was very interested in Sailrite because of the apparent quality control and support for their machines. They also continue to innovate and offer new upgrades as they become available. Unfortunately, however, they currently only offer machines with the standard 7" neck, and based on previous experience I thought that the deeper 9" neck option would be very useful for sewing bulky fake-fur projects. So I kept looking.

There are 9-inch straight-stitch variations available, from TuffSew for example. But I couldn't find any 9" zigzags currently in production. Manufacturers (like TuffSew) who made this combination a couple of years ago seem to have stopped selling them for some reason.

Then I got lucky and found a barely-used "no name" 9-inch walking-foot zigzag machine for sale on eBay. I was thrilled to get it for less than $300, although shipping these 40 lb. monsters is quite expensive and added roughly another $60. The previous owner says she purchased it from a dealer on eBay about two years ago, and that it was advertised as a "President" brand, although the only markings on the machine are a script-like lettering that says "Innovation" on the front.

It's just what I was looking for: heavy-duty metal construction, walking foot, zigzag stitch, 9" neck. The paint is flaking in a couple of places, and the flimsy printed manual is almost useless. It has no case and just rests on some cast-iron feet (in the photo I have it resting on a home-made plywood stand to keep the metal feet off the table), and because it's two inches longer than most machines it won't fit into a standard-sized case. But it's built like a tank and seems very solid. I oiled it up, found some heavy thread, and proceeded to sew a few perfect rows of straight and zigzag stitches through a thick junk-mail catalog! The walking foot helped pull the material along perfectly evenly, and the heavy-duty needle punched through effortlessly. It was very easy, and my old sewing machine sure couldn't do that. I think this machine will be able to sew anything I throw at it, although the teeth on the walking foot and lower feeder are quite "aggressive" so I think the foot pressure might need to be reduced for lighter-weight fabrics.

Even though this isn't really a Sailrite LSZ-1, I purchased an excellent owner's manual from them and my machine has all the same features and adjustments. Sailrite also sells a heavier balance wheel option that customers praise for sewing thick layers of fabric easily at slow speeds, and I might eventually upgrade to that, but for now I just need to try a few projects and see how the new machine performs.

 

[mbianka]

Customer service aspect of Sailrite machines is a big plus. Bought a LZ-1 machine last year and was having a problem with the stitching. A quick call to Sailrite on a Friday afternoon solved the problem (operator error).
I am hoping to make a new sail cover over the winter along with a few smaller projects. Bought the machine with the deluxe package and glad I did. While using it on board I found I like using the manual Monster Flywheel better than using the motor for smaller projects. Much better control IMO.

 

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Customer service aspect of Sailrite machines is a big plus. Bought a LZ-1 machine last year and was having a problem with the stitching. A quick call to Sailrite on a Friday afternoon solved the problem (operator error).
I am hoping to make a new sail cover over the winter along with a few smaller projects. Bought the machine with the deluxe package and glad I did. While using it on board I found I like using the manual Monster Flywheel better than using the motor for smaller projects. Much better control IMO.

Same here with my machine. Using it manually helps control the machine at certain times. Maybe I'm just not used to it yet, but there are times it feels like it's going a bit too fast (I am heavy footed too) but that speed really helps for the long straight runs.

 

[dody]

Actually, I must admit, after the disaster about the UV-Strip (see somewhere earlier in this thread) with my friends industrial machine and my Singer CG590, even with the wheelbalancing-lead around her flywheel - once my Sailrite arrived I immediately installed the Monster Flywheel with the hand-crank. I've never tried her out with the normal flywheel. So, please keep in mind that all I've written before concerns the LZS-1 with the Monster-Flywheel.

And I absolutely agree - there is times when using the handcrank gives you an incredible amount of extra precision - even for those who are not that heavy-footed :-D !

I bought the Premium-Package as there was a lot of things included I really wanted to have and I'm glad I did so. And also heaps of spareparts, just in case something goes wrong where delivery might be a bit difficult. Only, the Premium-Package at that time was not offered in 240 V. Being in Europe at the moment (and there is plenty more places with 240 V in this world) means, I had to get myself a Transformer from 240 V to 110 V. Not a big deal in itself, but in the rough Marine-Environment another thing that can go wrong, and another thing to carry on board.

Still, I'm absolutely happy with the machine!

Cheers & fair winds
Dody

 

[TejasSailer]

Sailrite talks a little about that in their history. Ultrafeed Sewing Machine History

For someone considering a used Ultrafeed, a take-away from the history would be to ask the seller for the serial number, and then call Sailrite to be able to avoid a pre-Posi-Pin Clutching System machine.

 

[Cande]

Hi, I just re-read your post that you use a Sailrite Long Arm... I didn't know they MADE a long arm. Since my original post several weeks ago, I've been researching potential machines. $2000 is way beyond my reach. A Standard Sailrite LSZ 1 or 2 Plus is within my price range. But there are many walking foot long arm machines at $800 and well below that. So many people responding to my post rave about the Sailrite. However, I would really like the greater flexibility of the 9" arm. I know, it's bigger and heavier, but it's so much more accommodating to thicker and bulkier materials. I still have not decided. I appreciate everyone's recommendations and comments. Any additional thoughts welcome!

 

[TejasSailer]

Cande,

Although the chart is a bit dated, here is a link to a comparison chart of Sailrite sewing machines. Among the differences in addition to space under the arm, there are other differences than might be meaningful to you, such as oscillating- versus rotary-hook and walking-foot versus compound walking-foot. If zig zag is essential, then compound walking-foot would not be a consideration.

http://www.sailrite.com/PDF/Sailrite Sewing Machine Comparison Chart.pdf

 

[Pamlicotraveler]

We carried our Sailrite LSZ 1 for 3 years in the Med and never used it. I found that wherever we went we could find sail repair shops, and so to spend the time to set it up didn't ever seem worth it. I can't imagine trying to repair big sails in the cabin of a mono-hull, and especially at sea. For the emergency repairs we needed we used sail tape and hand-threading until we could get somewhere.

The LSZ-1 is nice, but it is very heavy (think inverted!) and takes up precious space. When when we got back to the US we took it off and sold it. The only use it had ever had was before we left the US. In the Pacific with no options maybe we would have found things different, but in Italy, Greece, Turkey etc there are almost always setups for repair. You may have to limp along for a while until you get to one.

 

[senormechanico]

Cande,

Although the chart is a bit dated, here is a link to a comparison chart of Sailrite sewing machines. Among the differences in addition to space under the arm, there are other differences than might be meaningful to you, such as oscillating- versus rotary-hook and walking-foot versus compound walking-foot. If zig zag is essential, then compound walking-foot would not be a consideration.

A bit OT but there is at least one machine which will do a 9mm zig zag and rotary hook and dual feed (compound walking foot). It's not designed for sail repair though. A comparison would be, a Sailrite is a 4WD SUV pickup truck and the machine in question is more of a Formula 1 race car.

This is the kind of machine I service almost daily:

http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Produc...US/BERNINA-products/Sewing-Quilting-and-Embroidery/BERNINA-8-Series/BERNINA-880

Steve

 

[TejasSailer]

there is at least one machine which will do a 9mm zig zag and rotary hook and dual feed (compound walking foot).

Compound walking-foot usually means a combination of drop-feed, needle-feed and an alternating presser-foot. I think all or almost all dual-feed machines lack needle-feed.

There is an Australian Cordes machine that sells for six figures I've heard that does multi-point, multi-step zig zag with a cam, and a puller.

 

[ad28]

Here are some good prices on machine heads from Miami Industrial:

miamisewing.com/specials/zigzagsewingmachines.htm

 

[Siamese]

Here are some good prices on machine heads from Miami Industrial:

miamisewing.com/specials/zigzagsewingmachines.htm

She needs to be able to fit the machine on her sailboat. Those machines require a table and motor, and I didn't see a walking foot among them.

 

[ad28]

Those industrial machines won't be lightweight but yes, several of them can go on a boat. The EAGLE is a walking foot 3-step zag, and a couple of the Durkopp-Adlers (265-305 ex.) are good candidates. These are quality machines, esp compared to the Taiwanese. For same/to not that much more money you're getting a far better machine.

a really nifty invention is the DC Servo Motor which will drive any of these machines, it's DC, and very programmable/easy to use. I have a Consew "Con Serve" that I am very pleased with

Nevertheless, you do NOT, repeat, NOT, need a walking foot to sew, and I promise you if you walk into lots of sailmaking/canvas houses you'll find plenty of drop feed machines. My sailmaker, f'rinstance, has three Pfaff 138s...

 

[Siamese]

Well, we'll have to disagree on that. Reading her original post, I never got the impression she's looking for a table mounted $2,300.00 machine for her J37.

 

[captjcook]

My "Long Arm" is a 1997 model, similar to SR-200, same owners manual. Machine is at warehouse at the moment so I can't measure. Throat might be 10" as a guess. Birch veneer box might be 21-22" overall and it is heavy.

 

[ad28]

Siamese, please note the $750 machines offered at that page. FYI you don't have to mount any machine in a table.

I'm sure that the OP (and others) might enjoy knowing that there are other options than Sailrite and its Taiwanese clones for the same price @ lesser quality. Is there a problem with offering alternatives?

 

[sailor1924]

Hi, I just re-read your post that you use a Sailrite Long Arm... I didn't know they MADE a long arm. Since my original post several weeks ago, I've been researching potential machines. $2000 is way beyond my reach. A Standard Sailrite LSZ 1 or 2 Plus is within my price range. But there are many walking foot long arm machines at $800 and well below that. So many people responding to my post rave about the Sailrite. However, I would really like the greater flexibility of the 9" arm. I know, it's bigger and heavier, but it's so much more accommodating to thicker and bulkier materials. I still have not decided. I appreciate everyone's recommendations and comments. Any additional thoughts welcome!

Hi and good luck with your search.
I too have nothing bad to say about the Sailrite machines and the super website they publish. That said I didn't have the budget to buy their machine. I think that their pricing is understandable, but have also found that most (though not all) of the items they sell are not unique, and with some time and effort can be purchased else where for significantly less. And I too thought I'd like a deeper throat dimension.
After a long period of online searching I found a Chinese walking foot zig zag with a 9" throat that matches the published Sailrite sewing specs. I bought the below described machine
for less then the currently listed price, from John Caruso, the vender listed below. I found his advice and support to be excellent and the machine to be excellent. I have subsequently added a heavy fly/handwheel to increase the punching power and built a carrying case. I also hired a sewing machine tech for about $60. to teach me how to adjust and service the machine.
I have absolutely no complaints about the performance of this machine. The only thing it's been unable to sew is the head board of a large roller furling genoa that had about 8 layers of cloth and tape that I don't think can be sewed with a portable machine. Below is the body of a message from John Caruso with contact info, I have no connection with him or his company save that single purchase and the subsequent support contact:

Sew Strong, RE 607Z

For sewing medium to heavy weight fabrics. Canvas, nylon, vinyl, leather, synthetics, and similar materials
Main Uses; For sewing boat and truck covers, tents, awnings, sails, parachutes, tarpaulins, wet suits, leather, shoes, boots and similar products.

(16 1/2" x 7" MACHINE BED SIZE)

Work Space is Approximately 9 inches from Needle to Machine Arm.

•800 Stitches Per Minute (Max Speed)

•Walking foot dual-feed capability built-in

• Comes with foot pedal for immediate use with heavy duty motor

•Sews Heavy materials approximately 5/16" thick

•Upholsters furniture, tarps, tents, curtains, cushions, quilts, dresses and much more
•Great portability with handle accessory on top
•Recommend Organ Size 22 Needles system 135x17
•Recommend #69 bonded nylon/polyester thread for sewing on exterior weight upholstery fabrics.
•90 Day Manufacturers Warranty

Included;
Instruction Manual,
Screwdriver
Oiler with Oil
Commercial Thread Stand,
Variable Foot Speed Control
4 Extra Bobbins
10 Extra Needles

"Getting Stronger All The Time"

All machines are tested and shipped with a sewn Leather Sample.
And YES! the SEWSTRONG RE607Z is equipped with REVERSE FEED.

--

--
Regards,
John Caruso

Westchester Sewing Machine Co.
Nanuet, NY
Commercial Sewing Machines, Industrial Sewing Machines

Sewing Machines Industrial, Industrial Sewing Machines

Sewing Machines
(845) 627-8873 Phone
(845) 627-6949 Fax

 

[MarkSF]

Looks like just another case of an outfit slapping their label on a low-quality knock-off from the Taiwanese factory. I'd be interested to see some pictures of the internals. It's interesting that they extended the under arm space by 2". I wonder if they improved their poor quality control at the same time? The same quality control that made Sailrite find another factory?

 

[sailor1924]

Looks like just another case of an outfit slapping their label on a low-quality knock-off from the Taiwanese factory. I'd be interested to see some pictures of the internals. It's interesting that they extended the under arm space by 2". I wonder if they improved their poor quality control at the same time? The same quality control that made Sailrite find another factory?

Here you go MarkSF, pictures below. I hope they're readable the site wouldn't allow a higher quality.
I looked at the Sailrite pictures of improvements and can't see any differences. I'm not an expert, they pretty much look alike.
I don't know that this outfit has poor quality control. What attracted me to this one rather then the dozen others I looked at was that the importer was a local dealer in commercial machines and stood behind this one.
I live in NYC where there is a huge sewing machine industry that dates back to the industrial revolution and I like the old timers (being one myself).
I expect the evolution of machines is a kind of continuum of copying and improving on the other guys stuff, which is exactly what the Sailrite history site describes.

 

[MarkSF]

Have you got the pictures in higher res form? It's very difficult to tell anything from a 28Kb file.