Shirlwhirl

Thanks guys, I got the Sunstar KM390BL which seems very similar to the Techsew 2750 Pro. Techsew have a much better online presence so Ive been watching their videos in attempt to get myself familiar with this big guy. Looking forward to getting myself a new handbag or ten..

Hi again. Just a quick update. So I contacted the guy with the Sunstar 390BL and it turns out that he is actually a sewing machine engineer. He has a number of the machines that he took out of a workplace that was getting upgraded. His company installed the new equipment and I assume bought the old stuff as part of the deal. I bought one of the 390's and the guy delivered and set it up for me. I'm thrilled with it. It even comes with the sewing guide and a useful lamp. The machine is as good as new. It runs well (in my limited experience) It is made in China and probably not as g ood as the Juki or Adlers but I would be paying double or triple for one of those. So just wanted to say thanks for the helpful advice given to me. I hope to get cracking on some leather items very soon!

Thanks Matt I had actually looked at all the dealers around Leicester but didn't find anything so assumed they had none in. I will have another look and give them a call.

Good morning and thanks again Some very good comments there and certainly things to think about. Matt you are absolutely right.. and the bit about getting your bill, well yes, that makes buying a cheaper machine not exactly the bargain you think you may be getting. Ebay isn't the place it used to be. It does seem to have become the place to dump everything you can't shift, shame really. Sonydaze I am going to wait to hear back about the Adler 69 today. Its from a dealer and they need to check whether they still have stock, if not I will go look at the Sunstar armed with testing material. The Sunstar is close enough for me to bring it home with me and not have to worry about having it shipped. As you mentioned, the machine does look like its only been lightly used. I do fancy a Juki but the only one I can find for sale is the one on the above auction and something doesn't feel right there. That same picture has been used to advertise machines on Gumtree, Preloved etc but each time with a different owner. I'm not going to investigate that one any further.

Good morning, thanks for the replies. Ah sorry I was unclear wasn't I. The Sunstar is not a new machine. Ive been in conversation with the guy and he has offered me a good price for pick up only. He seems to have a number of machines available and feedback seems ok. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunstar-Walking-Foot-Cylinder-Arm-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/322857342067?hash=item4b2bcc1473:g:0S0AAOSwfXBZqWea I don't know what it is a clone of and of course I don't know what kind of treatment it had in its last life. That will be the same with any second user until I guess. Otherwise i'm waiting to hear back on an Adler 69 and i'm looking at a brand new Tysew Mark 5 https://www.tysew.co.uk/industrial-sewing-machines/needle-feed/tysew-mark-5-cylinder-arm-walking-foot-needle-feed-eco- At least going brand new I wont have the usual worries. However from reading these forums it seems you guys would rather go for a used quality over new mediocre. Remember that the Sunstar is going to be around £500 cheaper than the other two machines I mentioned. However the price isn't the only concern as I would pay more for a machine I will enjoy.... Thanks again

Thanks Sonydaze. I've been searching all night and its quite confusing with all the different models and clones etc. The Sunstar 390BL is just over an hour from me and almost half price of the Juki as I mentioned. There doesn't seem to be another Juki 341 for sale other than that one on ebay but I have a bad feeling as its been advertised in a few places under different names... I would love a Juki 341! I may go see the Sunstar after your positive comments on them. Otherwise I am waiting to hear back on an Adler 69, but again its £500 more than the Sunstar.

Thanks again, I think that is the way to go. Shipping could end up being very risky. I've now found an Adler 69 which is even more out of my price range so I would have to find other sewing machines to sell... but it does look a lovely machine!

Thank you Uwe yes I was actually looking at that machine but then I noticed similarities to another machine and the company seem to be posting under different names which worries me a bit. Looking at their history they haven't actually sold a sewing machine yet. That is exactly what i'm looking for but not much success. Its also more than my budget but I would sell a few of my domestic machines to get a good cylinder arm I can get the Sunstar for almost half that price, but its not money well spent if its not a good machine...

Hi everyone. I'm looking to purchase a cylinder arm sewing machine for sewing leather. To start with I want to make bags and other items from recycled leather from old coats and a few leather sofas that were beyond repair that I stripped. After I get more advanced then I shall look at other uses for the machine so want some 'growing room' I've seen a Sunstar KM390 BL that looks to do all I am looking for. I got educated on the best machines on Wizcrafts thread about the best overall being the triple feed and I believe the Sunstar fits this catagory. However I'm really struggling to find out much about the machine. I'm a bit wary of buying a cheap clone as i've had to sell some of my other machines to buy this and I want to keep it a long time and for it to be a little flexible ( I do understand that industrials aren't made as flexible as domestics but it will be nice to have something that is a little versatile) What do you think guys, would you be happy with a Sunstar cylinder machine? Thanks for any help PS if you are in the UK and have a machine I may be interested in please shout out

Hi all. I'm in the UK (midlands) and i'm looking for a cylinder arm machine for sewing leather. I need the machine to be in good working order please. Looking for it to have a servo motor. Let me know what you have and where about in the UK you are. I think private message works but if I don't reply its because it doesn't! Many thanks

Hi all. I've been into sewing machines for a long time, mainly the old ones, Singer 201k and Pfaff 130 being a couple of my favourites. I'm now looking into getting a cylinder arm for leather. At first just light leather, i've been collecting old leather from coats, scrapped sofas etc. I don't like to see things being thrown away and enjoy creating new items. Infact at the moment i'm making socks and scarves on a 100 year old circular sock machine, mostly using unravelled cashmere/lambswool jumpers. I've been reading the forums and enjoying them so wanted to take part.. Thanks for letting me join Shirley