Limited funds / first tools

[Cumberland Highpower]

On 12/21/2024 at 6:11 PM, AlZilla said:

I thought the 562s had reverse but I don't think I see it on this one. Also looks to be missing some pieces in the needle area. Neither is the end of the world.

Could be missing something, I can't tell from the tiny photos I'm looking at.  Would probably be a good starter machine for bags/etc 

Reverse, I don't know. Some can't live without it. I almost never use the reverse on a manual machine, but then I don't sew large canvas goods or coats, etc.

Really the ideal machine for the OP (But OP is on a real tight budget) based on the goods made would be a machine such as this:

Could sew anything from cloth/canvas/denim/cordura to fairly heavy upholstery leather, wallets, belts.  Small arm for reach into small goods, etc.   I have the Seiko Badged versions and think they're probably the ideal "All around" machine.  Of course, I'm spending someone else's money here! LOL

Edited Monday at 02:57 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[kgg]

1 hour ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

Really the ideal machine for the OP (But OP is on a real tight budget) based on the goods made would be a machine such as this:

Could sew anything from cloth/canvas/denim/cordura to fairly heavy upholstery leather, wallets, belts.

The Consew 277RB-1 is about $3000 USD or $4400 CAD plus by the time the main dealer in Ontario adds other cost it probably would top out at around $5500 plus tax so the finial price would be $6200. For that price he could get a brand new Juki.

kgg

[Cumberland Highpower]

2 hours ago, kgg said:

The Consew 277RB-1 is about $3000 USD or $4400 CAD plus by the time the main dealer in Ontario adds other cost it probably would top out at around $5500 plus tax so the finial price would be $6200. For that price he could get a brand new Juki.

kgg

Come on, who buys new machines?!??!  LOL

I was just using a stock photo to make a suggestion of a machine type.

Personally, I've never bought a new machine.  The most recent mid size machine purchase I made happened to be a white 277r from Japanese days and cost me $600.  With Canada's busted economy, should be some real deals out there?  To hear Poilievre, It sounds like it' better than 2008 for finding great deals on goodies.

I've actually looked at a few things up north for sale myself and seen some good deals, but the border crossing/import kinda sours things.

Edited Monday at 07:07 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[kgg]

16 hours ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

It sounds like it' better than 2008 for finding great deals on goodies.

For the last six months in Ontario there have been very few used industrial sewing machines for sale and most of what's around looks like they were rode hard and put away wet. The cheapest prices are for the Consew and PFAFF machines as both have always been hard to sell at any price irregardless of condition or age. The ones that sell fast are the older Juki's and Singer's but are commanding a premium prices if in fairly decent shape. Then you have the  portable walking foot machines like Sailrites / Sailrite clones and those are the easiest / fastest selling.

kgg 

[jrdunn]

On 12/21/2024 at 5:11 PM, AlZilla said:

I thought the 562s had reverse but I don't think I see it on this one. Also looks to be missing some pieces in the needle area. Neither is the end of the world.

Some do, some don't.  Mine don't. I don't really miss it.  JM2C

[Cumberland Highpower]

4 hours ago, kgg said:

For the last six months in Ontario there have been very few used industrial sewing machines for sale and most of what's around looks like they were rode hard and put away wet. The cheapest prices are for the Consew and PFAFF machines as both have always been hard to sell at any price irregardless of condition or age. The ones that sell fast are the older Juki's and Singer's but are commanding a premium prices if in fairly decent shape. Then you have the  portable walking foot machines like Sailrites / Sailrite clones and those are the easiest / fastest selling.

kgg 

 

A well used but functional machine is what the OP needs.  Something cheap but functional.  If a Consew is a hard sale and usually cheapest on the market, then it's to the advantage.

When I was a teenager my dad bought a used Pfaff 145 at an auction for around $80 or so. had most of the paint worn off the bed and was on an old singer table.  My mother made quite a few things on that machine over the years, coats/mats/covers etc. They even contracted a small run of nylon goods through me a couple years back.    Did all that good and still have it.  

Rode hard/put away wet, probably so.  That's really where a new hobbyist on a budget should start out I think.

Edited Tuesday at 04:04 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[AlZilla]

1 hour ago, Cumberland Highpower said:

 

A well used but functional machine is what the OP needs.  Something cheap but functional.  If a Consew is a hard sale and usually cheapest on the market, then it's to the advantage.

When I was a teenager my dad bought a used Pfaff 145 at an auction for around $80 or so. had most of the paint worn off the bed and was on an old singer table.  My mother made quite a few things on that machine over the years, coats/mats/covers etc. They even contracted a small run of nylon goods through me a couple years back.    Did all that good and still have it.  

Rode hard/put away wet, probably so.  That's really where a new hobbyist on a budget should start out I think.

My first Industrial was a 111W153 that someone gifted me, table, clutch motor and all. I spent countless hours cleaning, freeing it up, taking it apart, putting it together and learning why I really didn't want a clutch motor for leather work. The lack of reverse doesn't really bother me. If I try to go back over more than about 2 stitches, it starts to look messy. I usually use the "stop, pull it back and sew over it again" method on bigger pieces. Smaller stuff, I start a stitch or two down the line, sew to the "beginning" and then turn it the "right" way. Or, leave long tails on one or both ends and tie it off like a saddle stitch.

It was and still is a great learning tool for me. I keep it threaded up with 138 and it does a variety of things from jeans to 5/16" of leather.

All that is to say, I agree. For the OP, I hope he gets into something along those lines.  That Consew earlier in the thread looks like a great starting point. For $600, I'm assuming Canadian, it definitely looks like a great starting point.

[chuck123wapati]

"Put another way, this is almost the opposite of the dream machine post  "

It is interesting how folks interpreted this lol. 

[fredk]

On 12/23/2024 at 6:55 PM, Cumberland Highpower said:

Come on, who buys new machines?!??!  LOL

Me does,    

[kgg]

On 12/23/2024 at 6:55 PM, Cumberland Highpower said:

Come on, who buys new machines?!??!  LOL

If I am keeping for myself I buy mostly new but occasionally near new machines. Based on my experience if it's a Consew or PFAFF they are going to be hard to resell down the road and you have to almost give them away.

[Cumberland Highpower]

5 hours ago, fredk said:

Me does,    

Good for you     lol

I guess someone has to buy new machines or there'd be no market for the manufacturers, or good deals on used machines a few years down the road.

 

[Cumberland Highpower]

6 hours ago, kgg said:

If I am keeping for myself I buy mostly new but occasionally near new machines. Based on my experience if it's a Consew or PFAFF they are going to be hard to resell down the road and you have to almost give them away.

Nothing wrong with buying new if you have the budget.  Gotta keep the factories going.  If you know of any Consews that are close to being given away, I always can use a machine or 2.   277r2 227r2 or a 756R (Japanese)  I could go for a Pfaff 335 (German only).

 

 

Edited Thursday at 08:08 PM by Cumberland Highpower

[fredk]

I only bought new each time some money investments gave me some cash to play with