Seeking machine recommendations

[eLeM]

Hi all, 

First time poster, but have lurked quite a bit. As I suspect you've encountered countless times before, I'm looking for a machine recommendation. I'm wanting a walking foot with a servo that can do thick marine vinyl for boat seats and leather for leg bags. I'm using a size 20 needle, #92 thread for the boat upholstery, and while my current machine technically WILL do it, it's definitely the wrong machine for the job. Trying not to spend huge money (I know, laugh). I've looked at machines and specs until my eyes bleed and I'm no closer to a decision. Models I've looked at are Juki DNU-1541s, Consew 206RB, and others. Seems like these are both highly regarded. I've used a Juki LU-1508 to sew custom printed billboard vinyl to make a 2 part cover for a 40' geodesic dome, and it seems that might work for my current stuff too? Anyway, I'm overwhelmed.

P.S. I have photos to help illustrate, but it's not letting me insert them. 

[friquant]

20 hours ago, eLeM said:

I'm wanting a walking foot with a servo that can do thick marine vinyl for boat seats and leather for leg bags

Tell us about the leg bags. Boat seats are typical "upholstery" which works great on a flatbed walking foot. But when you start talking bags then you have gussets. And if you've ever stitched a stiff gusset on a bag with a flatbed machine you will wish for a cylinder bed or post bed. 😀

 

20 hours ago, eLeM said:

P.S. I have photos to help illustrate, but it's not letting me insert them. 

What type of images? What is the filesize? Sometimes there are filesize restrictions, so scaling the image down to 1000x1000 pixels gets it under the bar.

[Northmount]

7 minutes ago, friquant said:

What type of images? What is the filesize? Sometimes there are filesize restrictions, so scaling the image down to 1000x1000 pixels gets it under the bar.

@eLeM

800 pixels in the longest dimension is quite adequate and recommended.  Most devices members use don't display much higher resolution and it is a favor to users on the fringes of the internet that suffer from low download speeds.

[kgg]

21 hours ago, eLeM said:

I'm wanting a walking foot with a servo that can do thick marine vinyl for boat seats and leather for leg bags.

You really looking at compound feed machines (needle/feed dog/presser foot) move the material along which the machines you have mentioned are.

For flat items, think of wallets/belts, are best done on a flatbed machine like a brand name Juki DNU-1541S or a clone which the Consew RB is and both are able to handle up to 3/8" thick material. 

For round items like bags, seats a cylinder arm machine is a much better choice like a brand name Juki LS-1341 or a clone and able to handle up to 7/16" thick material. .

You can sorta kinda turn a cylinder arm into a flatbed machine by installing a table top attachment but you can not turn a flatbed into a cylinder arm machine.

The cost of brand name machines like Juki can be expensive that is why a lot of people go with clone machines like Consew, Cowboy, Cobra to name a few. There are quite a few clones available at various price points, just depends on how deep your pockets are.

[TomE]

Lots of good choices for your projects.  The Cobra Class 26 is a popular machine and there are a fair number of lightly used machines available on FB marketplace, Craigslist, etc.  I bought one in like new condition several years ago and figure it will hold its value.  It is quite handy for medium to lightweight projects. 

[eLeM]

2 hours ago, Northmount said:

@eLeM

800 pixels in the longest dimension is quite adequate and recommended.  Most devices members use don't display much higher resolution and it is a favor to users on the fringes of the internet that suffer from low download speeds.

It just asked me for a link to the images online, not to actually attach anything. Maybe it wouldn't allow them either way because I was still waiting for approval to join? 

[eLeM]

3 hours ago, friquant said:

Tell us about the leg bags. Boat seats are typical "upholstery" which works great on a flatbed walking foot. But when you start talking bags then you have gussets. And if you've ever stitched a stiff gusset on a bag with a flatbed machine you will wish for a cylinder bed or post bed. 😀

 

What type of images? What is the filesize? Sometimes there are filesize restrictions, so scaling the image down to 1000x1000 pixels gets it under the bar.

The leg bags are simple. Phone slot, slots for pens and a flashlight, etc. All straight seams. A part cylinder with a flat bed attachment is worth looking into though, in case I end up making these bags more complex. Are there models that compare to the flatbed machines I mentioned that I should look at? Thanks!

[Northmount]

40 minutes ago, eLeM said:

It just asked me for a link to the images online, not to actually attach anything. Maybe it wouldn't allow them either way because I was still waiting for approval to join? 

Maybe, also maybe files were too large, but somehow missed telling you that.  There was a major upgrade here a month or so ago and some things are still cropping up to be changed or clarified.  Keeps us all on our toes!

[friquant]

49 minutes ago, eLeM said:

Are there models that compare to the flatbed machines I mentioned that I should look at? Thanks!

You might look at 

1. Adler 669
2. Adler 105-25
3. Cowboy cb246
4. Jianglong 246
5. Jianglong 341
6. Jianglong 1341
7. Cowboy cb227r
8. cowboy cb341
9. cowboy cb1341
10. Techsew 4800
11. Cobra class 26
12. Pfaff 335
13. Typical TW3-P335
14. Necchi 840-100