Union Awl Machine Price

[Brian]

Question - I have an opportunity to purchase a Union needle and awl machine - the guy wants $1000 for the head only. This was a machine that was used by him, and has not been sitting, so without taking a look at in person (its on the west coast, and I'm on the east coast) is this a fair price? This is for the head only, plus parts (bobbins, thread, etc). I have a motor and base.

Thanks for any input.

Brian

www.nittanyleather.com

[Wizcrafts]

That is a ridiculously low price for a working ULS machine. I am asking 2 1/2 times that amount for mine, with the motor and table.

Here are some things you need to consider if you intent to buy a ULS head only.

• The head alone weighs about 350 pounds
• The motor used in most ULS machines is a continuous running 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP motor, not a clutch motor
• This motor has a double 1.5" pulley. One pulley drives the flywheel, which has a clutch is on the inside. The other pulley drives the special bobbin winder, made specifically for this machine.
• My motor is mounted on the top right rear of the table. Newer models have the motor under the table.
• One of the pulleys is for the flywheel; the other is for the bobbin winder assembly.
• The table made for the machine has a cutout under the entire body, for adjusting gears and shafts
• The machine bolts to the table from underneath, in the front
• The machine is clamped on the back by an angled bracket bolted into the table top.
• The table top will need to be about 3 inches thick to support this machine.
• You will need very strong steel k-legs to support this machine.
• You will either need the original pressor foot lifter and speed control pedals and rod/crank assemblies, or will need to buy new ones from Campbell-Bosworth, or will have to fabricate them from scratch. They are totally different than any other system used on industrial sewing machines.
• Assembled, the machine, motor and table weighs about 500 pounds.
• It will cost you several hundred dollars to have the head trucked to your location (on a pallet). You will probably need a forklift, or a few very strong men, with a very heavy duty steel dolly to unload it and move it into your establishment.

These some facts to keep in mind about a Union Lockstitch machine head only. I personally wouldn't buy one without the correct table, legs and motor. You are going to spend hundreds of dollars on creating or modifying a table to support and activate it. If you don't receive the bobbin winder, pedals, rods and pivoting cranks, you will have to buy them somewhere.

[Brian]

Thanks for the info. I know these are specialized machines, with specialized parts. As for the price, I was skeptical myself about it being so low, but maybe because its the 'head' only - that would be the reason. At least you gave a larger list of questions to ask. Thanks for the info.

Brian

www.nittanyleather.com

That is a ridiculously low price for a working ULS machine. I am asking 2 1/2 times that amount for mine, with the motor and table.

Here are some things you need to consider if you intent to buy a ULS head only.

• The head alone weighs about 350 pounds
• The motor used in most ULS machines is a continuous running 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP motor, not a clutch motor
• This motor has a double 1.5" pulley. One pulley drives the flywheel, which has a clutch is on the inside. The other pulley drives the special bobbin winder, made specifically for this machine.
• My motor is mounted on the top right rear of the table. Newer models have the motor under the table.
• One of the pulleys is for the flywheel; the other is for the bobbin winder assembly.
• The table made for the machine has a cutout under the entire body, for adjusting gears and shafts
• The machine bolts to the table from underneath, in the front
• The machine is clamped on the back by an angled bracket bolted into the table top.
• The table top will need to be about 3 inches thick to support this machine.
• You will need very strong steel k-legs to support this machine.
• You will either need the original pressor foot lifter and speed control pedals and rod/crank assemblies, or will need to buy new ones from Campbell-Bosworth, or will have to fabricate them from scratch. They are totally different than any other system used on industrial sewing machines.
• Assembled, the machine, motor and table weighs about 500 pounds.
• It will cost you several hundred dollars to have the head trucked to your location (on a pallet). You will probably need a forklift, or a few very strong men, with a very heavy duty steel dolly to unload it and move it into your establishment.

These some facts to keep in mind about a Union Lockstitch machine head only. I personally wouldn't buy one without the correct table, legs and motor. You are going to spend hundreds of dollars on creating or modifying a table to support and activate it. If you don't receive the bobbin winder, pedals, rods and pivoting cranks, you will have to buy them somewhere.

[Wizcrafts]

When you say that you have a table and base, are you referring to a Union Lockstitch table, or a standard industrial sewing machine table? If the latter, forget it. The table top will warp under the weight of the machine, unless you add a second table top and glue or bolt them together.

If you want to see mine, come to Flint, Michigan.

[Brian]

When you say that you have a table and base, are you referring to a Union Lockstitch table, or a standard industrial sewing machine table? If the latter, forget it. The table top will warp under the weight of the machine, unless you add a second table top and glue or bolt them together.

If you want to see mine, come to Flint, Michigan.

I hear you on the regular K leg table. The one on my consew is already starting to bow.

Thanks for the offer to see the machine. If I ever make it to Flint - I'll look you up. Thanks

Brian