Durkopp 265 Zig Zag

[eblanche]

Hello Folks,

I have been considering picking up a 'new' machine to help in small production of backpacks and accessories. The primary use for this machine is attaching 3/4" elastic binding to stretch mesh with a stretch stitch. I do this now using a three-step zig-zag on an old domestic New Home from the 70/80's. This machine is only being borrowed when needed for the pockets so I am looking to obtain my own and preferably one that is going to be dead-set reliable.

I have been very interested in the Singer 20U for this purpose as they are very popular and 3/4 size would be nice...but

I stumbled upon a Durkopp 265 on facebook marketplace for just under $500. I've always admired the Durkopp/Adler machines but from a distance. I do not know much about the company(s) or their machines. Would one of these be a better option than a Singer 20u for similar price? What can you tell me about this type of machine? If I pursue, what are some of the things I should be looking at or asking about when I visit the machine? I was able to locate a manual which indicates several different deviations in the model line. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://partner.duerkopp-adler.com/commons/download/public/265/K_265_267_269_EN.pdf

This doesn't appear to be a leather machine, but this is the best resource out there to my knowledge for this kind of feedback and information. 

I have inquired about the exact model and subclass and waiting to hear back.

I currently sew on a Juki 5410 and have had no issues finding any type of parts and pieces for it. For the Durkopp 265, are parts accessible and how are the costs? I like to tinker on machines myself, but if I find myself over my head and need to bring it somewhere for service, will I have a more difficult time finding someone compared to Juki repair shop? Looks like a needle system of 265-50, which I can only find online at a few locations. Looks pricey!!

Lastly, is there anything else you can tell me about the particular Durkopp 265, this class of machine, or maybe alternative zig-zag machines I should look out for? I am looking to spend less than $1000 and open to older machines w/ reverse as well.

Thanks all, I appreciate any and all feedback!

 

[Michiel]

These old durkopp machines are rare.

if the internal timing belt fails i doubt if you will be able to find a replacement 

(for the more popular adler or durkopp-adler models its not difficult to find them)

otherwise if its good it could take a long time before you need one.

For Myself i would rather buy a zig zag machine without a timing belt for example bernina 217 / adler 1217 or a pfaff 138

[nylonRigging]

On 11/10/2024 at 5:19 AM, eblanche said:

or maybe alternative zig-zag machines I should look out for? I am looking to spend less than $1000 and open to older machines w/ reverse as well.

There bunch of different zigzags out there . Just looking threw my local Craigslist today. there is few used Zigzag's for sale . old Singer 20u . Consew CN205R . Tacsew T-199RB . Juki LZ-586 . I used to have a old Singer 107W and it was a real good machine and those made to last forever . I see those old Singer 457's around for sale once in while also .

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