I'm new to the forum but been lurking for a while.
I am looking for advise good and bad about my desire to upgrade to a better, more suitable sewing machine. Mainly for doing motorcycle saddle work Leather/Vinyl, as well as automotive or boat seat covers. I'm self taught but been at the craft for about 25 years. For the most part upholstery that goes along with whatever I may be restoring or riding. I started doing Bike saddles about 25 years ago, and have gotten to a point I just want to be better or near perfect in my work. I must not be to shabby, as on occasion have riding friends ask me to do customs for them.
Machine wise, For many years using a cheap Brother home type machine, several years go picked up an industrial grade Pfaff 463. Its a great running heavy machine that will punch through anything I throw at it, but really want to upgrade to a walking foot machine. I have done quite a bit of searching at something like an older Consew rb1 or the new RB5 but it appears to me that good used ones are near as pricey as a brand new one.
To those that might reply....if you were in the same boat, and were willing to spend say $1000, what would you look for and why?
Any and all replies appreciated.
Mike in Central Alabama