Sewing Machine Recommendation Needed

[wpk]

Hi folks, I'm a custom guitar and ukulele maker. I'm trying to figure out what kind of sewing machine I need to make custom cases for my instruments. I've noticed that there are a lot of experienced sewing machine users here who work with heavy materials and I would like a recommendation on a machine.

If you've ever looked at a normal guitar case, you may have noticed that there is a lip on the lid of the case which is usually sewn into place. The lip is often a tolex covered strip of 1/8" plywood or cardboard or synthetic material and it is face sewn onto the edge of the lid, which is usually formed or fabricated from a similiar thickness material. I've looked at a number of patchers mentioned elsewhere in these forums. Would a machine like a group 3 cobra or a Cowboy CB227R or similiar be suitable for this job ? I only make a few dozen instruments a year and would prefer not to spend a lot of money on a machine. What kind of machine would be needed in this application ? What kind of needle ?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

William King

www.chantus.com/journal

[mlapaglia]

The Tippmann Boss would do it for you. The eral issue is it is a manual machine, ie; no motor. Its all hand powered. But it will do the job and its not expensive. $1500.00 list.

As for a needle that depends on what size thread you want to use. I would use a 794 series as the tip is chiseled and not rounded.

I am sure the electric machines will do the job and probably easier. All I can say is the Boss will work.

Michael

[Wizcrafts]

Guitar cases are sewn on a Puritan chain stitch machine...period. They use waxed linen thread that lasts a century. Puritans are available in different height posts, to accommodate anything from a briefcase or rifle case to a golf bag.