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

[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.

[mbnaegle]

I'm in agreement that if you are not sewing heavy materials, it will be better to sell this machine to someone who needs it and buy something better suited to your needs. I remember working on a couple of very similar Highlead machines (Normally we don't work in import machines like Highlead, but these ones were unique). I think they were model GA2698 like the attached video, but they are built on the same deep throat cylinder arm frame as the machine above. Those machines however are configured for "up-the-arm" stitching, where instead of stitching front to back, your material went left to right. A company was setting up to use it to make leather archery quivers so each piece had 24" of stitching and then was pulled off the arm. I guess my point is a big arm like these machines have has a purpose, and it can be a pain to deal with if you are not using it.

Youtube video

A machine like yours is way more versatile being in the same family as a Juki 441, Adler 205, etc. which are useful to someone doing saddle and harness type work. The deep arm would be unusual, as the only application for deep throat machines I'm aware of in that industry is sewing saddle blankets, which is usually done on a flat-bed machine. If someone was trying to add leather reinforcements to custom saddle blankets and sew them roughly in the shape they would be on the horse (not flat) this machine might be just the ticket. It could also be useful in making heavy webbing slings for rigging and helicopter rescue.

If setting this machine up to use, the ones we worked on were on tables that were very similar to used for Juki 441 with the same motor and reducer, but the base was much longer and more substantial (like in the video). Essentially a heavy duty pedestal stand for a big cylinder arm machine, but with an even heavier duty and wider base. With all that length and weight hanging out there, the last thing you want is for this thing to end up on the floor, so I would either invest in the proper stand, or get crafty with the welder and fab something that is going to allow the operator to fully utilize the machine, while also fully supporting it. It might also be an opportunity to incorporate a removable flat bed extension. Something like a big sheet of reinforced plywood that fits around the arm for typical work, but could be removed when you want to use the arm.

[BenOrsonLeather]

I have a longarm in the workshop.  Yeah, that sucker will practically sew through concrete.  The issue I have with it is the foot lever to lift the presser bar!  And I’m tall!  I have to stretch my leg across the room to lift it!  Hahaha!