New sewing machine! probably too much for what I need.

[gordonl]

So, I think I bit off a bit more than I needed to.  I had been looking at Facebook Marketplace for a couple of months wanting a 206RB or similar.  After missing a couple of good deals, I jumped on a deal that may have been a mistake.  A Highlead GA-2688L came up for sale.  Prior use was in a Nabisco cookie factory sewing conveyor belts.     I got it (head only) for $400.  I am still not sure this was a great purchase, but here we are. 

I used a bunch of degreaser and even had to powerwash it.  I am sure I am going to get roasted for that, but it was a mess on the outside and in. 

Attached are some photos.  I still need to make a table, get a motor and get it running.  So a bit on an ongoing project. 

My initial goal is to sew leather cushion covers for a chair I am making.  I know this is huge overkill, but I am assuming it will work. 

[AlZilla]

Well, I love it. Be sure to pack a lunch when you hike down to reverse it for your backstitch.

[BlackDragon]

20 minutes ago, AlZilla said:

Well, I love it. Be sure to pack a lunch when you hike down to reverse it for your backstitch.

[AlZilla]

I do think you'll struggle getting it to sew thread light enough for cushions. Look the a thread called something like "dumbing down a cowboy 4500".

It'll probably sew a fender on your car just like it is.

[dikman]

Cool! You did a great job on the paint. If I need any conveyor belts stitched I know who to contact.

[gordonl]

AIZilla,  i have been pondering the reverse issue.   would be nice to have a closer lever.   been thinking about some extension. 

 

And, i will look for that thread.  I have been a bit worried what I have may not be fine enough.  we will see.

 

[kgg]

According to the manual it will take a #26 needle. The needles will leave a large hole about the size of a 2 1/2" finishing nail.

If you don't have a manual here is a pdf version.

kgg

20190619115045364.pdf

[AlZilla]

I don't know, this says it'll sew down to V92. You might make those cushions after all.

https://sunnysewingcenter.com/index.php/product/highlead-ga2688-l-long-arm-cylinder-bed-walking-foot-sewing-machine/

[Constabulary]

Good Lord 😲 - needles to say yours is bigger than mine. And I say this w/o any envy... 😁

$400 for sure is a good deal - money wise. But otherwise it pretty much is an overkill for most projects, Bigger is not always better.

Maybe setting it up selling it and looking for something smaller would be a good idea. But due to its size it could take some time to find a customer. There is big $ in machines of this size.

Edited 5 hours ago by Constabulary

[kgg]

2 hours ago, Constabulary said:

Maybe setting it up selling it and looking for something smaller would be a good idea. But due to its size it could take some time to find a customer. There is big $ in machines of this size.

I agree.

kgg

[gordonl]

I have been also thinking that selling is the best option.  I think that if I were to get it actually running it may be easier to sell.   But I am struggling to make a table that is strong enough and does not cost a ton.  This thing weighs 200+ lbs and the center of weight is near the bobbin winder, so way out from the base bolts.  

[AlZilla]

15 minutes ago, gordonl said:

I have been also thinking that selling is the best option.  I think that if I were to get it actually running it may be easier to sell.   But I am struggling to make a table that is strong enough and does not cost a ton.  This thing weighs 200+ lbs and the center of weight is near the bobbin winder, so way out from the base bolts.  

Bolt it to the bench it's sitting on, bolt a motor to the bench and run it.  If it'll run down to V92 without issue (the size of the slot in the needle plate might be way too big and cause whatever your sewing to get sucked in), use it until it sells. You probably don't need all 3 feet of cylinder arm dangling free.