I started with a pfaff 138 for canvas pvc and sometimes leather.
it was strong (compared with house hold machines) but the feed was limited (i believe it was not sold for other than light work)
But since i wanted a zigzag it was hard to find a better sewing machine.
at the and i decided i needed a real sailmakers machine: an adler 98 for light and medium heavy work or an adler 166 for heavy work (it was hard too choose so at the end i bought both)
Both are hard to find but exelent machines (and sold for leather)
the most important differeence between my pfaff 138 and adler 98 is the feed.
also only bottum feed but much wider and stronger.
(i love this forum and learned a lott by reading al the posts, but normaly do not feel a have to ad much, so this is my first post)
michiel
http://www.duerkopp-adler.com/commons/download/download-text-attachments/Vintage_Leaflets_Adler/Leaflet_Adler_Class_166.pdf
