Sailrite ultrafeed LSZ-1 or LS-1

[hiloboy]

well after looking around at sewing machines to start learning on and what i can afford and i don't have alot of room in my shop.. i'm thinking about a sailrite ultrafeed LSZ-1 or a LS-1 does any one here have one and whats your thoughts on it.. good or bad i'd like to know now before i buy.. thanks for your help and advise...

[Regis]

The Sailrites are very good I'm sure. There are a couple clones out there and I have the Consew. I'm real happy with it AFTER I bought the Monster wheel from Salirite. Told Ed (esantoro) about it and he bought same for the clone he bought. And, I think he is happy too. I would prefer the Sailrite but, was pinching pennies so I bought a clone. Salirite has GREAT customer service and tech support.

Regis

[Ashley]

I bought the Yamata FS288 from unbeatablesale.com for $295 shipped, with use of a promo code. It was a steal! Consew, Family Sew, Reliable, Yamata, Fiyue, Sailrite, and a couple more make the same model.

However, I had to return it because for what I needed to do it was too powerful. Strange I know, but it was a workhorse! You can get the accessories from sailrite.com. I would recommend the Monster II Wheel for extra power and control in low speeds.

[esantoro]

I bought the Yamata zig zag machine for around $300 shipped, the Sailrite Monster II Balance Wheel $130 shipped, and the Sailrite storage/carrying case for $100 shipped. Total $530. Even if you buy the Sailrite the Monster II balance wheel is an optional accessory, so I I ended up getting the Yamata and carrying case for $430 total about half the price of the Sailrite zig zag machine. I'm happy with the Yamata.

ed

[gunfighter48]

I bought the Consew CP206R, same machine as the LS1 from Sailrite. I also bought the Monster Wheel II, best investment you can make for these machines. If I can stuff the leather under the presser foot the machine will sew it, with the Monster Wheel installed. It also slows the top sewing speed down a couple of hundred rpms, makes for better control. These machines are great for 3/8" or less veg tanned leather. As Ashely noted the same machine is sold by quite a few distributors. I have a number of Sailrite accessories and they all work just fine on the Consew.

John

[hiloboy]

i'm going to take a look at some of the other machines the prices look good.. i see some of you have zigzag machines and also straight stitch.is there one better than the other when working on leather...or is it you can use the zigzag for other type of sewing other that leather.. or can you use zigzag for leather to.. sorry newbie here just trying to learn

[Art]

Hi Curt,

ZZ is not used much in the leathercraft world as stretch and bias are not in the hide dictionary. Also ZZ machines do not generally have needle feed although I have seen some with walking feet or something similar. If you have difficult or multi layer material to feed the needle feed is necessary. The LSZ-1 can always be run in straight mode and works like any other small walking foot machine. The ZZ is good if you are doing any sail repairs.

Art

i'm going to take a look at some of the other machines the prices look good.. i see some of you have zigzag machines and also straight stitch.is there one better than the other when working on leather...or is it you can use the zigzag for other type of sewing other that leather.. or can you use zigzag for leather to.. sorry newbie here just trying to learn

[esantoro]

I had my yamata zz out last night. Pulled it out, knocked out some seams on some suede pockets, tucked it away. Very nice, practical machine.

I'd like to find a source from which to purchase an extra presser foot which I can grind down at least 2mm, better suited for thicker material and leather.

ed

[esantoro]

I've been watching the Sailrite DVD's Ashley sent me. Never thought I'd be so into sewing machine maintenance and repair.

If I had to have a machine aboard a boat, I might give more consideration to a Sailrite machine. However, after having had a good look at the Sailrite machine, I do have greater appreciation for how Yamata has put together their machine, not bad at all. That said, Sailrite really has gone through that machine and have remedied many issues that may come up in normal operation. However, being a land lubber, I think it's enough to get a Chinese machine and invest in Sailrite parts and accessories as needed.

Ed

[esantoro]

The Sailrite DVDs have inspired me to tinker with my FS288Z.

For the record, If you call Yamata (Florida location), no one will have heard of this machine and they will direct you to

Feiyue USA, located in California. They have always been very helpful.

http://www.feiyueusa.com/index.html

It is very possible to add nearly 1/4" additional clearance for the outer presser foot. grind of about 1/8" off the outer presser foot. Then grind off about 1/16" to 1/8" off the flatbar that the outer presser foot screws into. This will also require grinding the same amount off the screw slot in the outer presser foot.

I'm not sure about the inner foot, but tension here can be backed all the way off if necessary.

The presser feet for this machine seem very basic. You would think you'd be able to get them for $5 somewhere, but I've found them only on Sailrite's site. Feiyue USA is getting back to me on the price. If they don't have if for less than $15 I'll probably just buy from Sailrite.

Ed