Cylinder Arm Machines

[Coluber42]

Okay, I don't actually sew leather very often, but I'm looking for a (preferably used/cheap) cylinder arm machine and this forum keeps popping up with good info when I google various models. I need it to make padded instrument cases, which are made of nylon with closed-cell foam padding, and I need to be able to bind the edges with it as well as assemble the padded cases. The most important considerations are that the needle needs to come as close to the end of the cylinder as possible; I need to be able to use a binder attachment; and the minimum needle size can't be much bigger than 16. I don't need reverse. The nylon I use isn't especially heavy or difficult to sew through, but it's not particularly fragile either. I've called a few sewing machine dealers, but all they want to tell me is why I need to buy a new machine from them, and not a used one (even if they deal in used ones). The reasons they give me are not especially convincing ("You'll have an older piece of equipment" or "You'll have to oil it manually"). I could maybe cough up for a new machine, but I need a better reason than that.

I'm not a sewing machine mechanic, but I'm generally mechanically inclined/interested and I don't mind taking on a bit of a project in order to save some money. But on the other hand, I don't really want to take on a project that's going to take six months of trial and error and scrounging for spare parts before I (hopefully) have a working machine, and I figure there's no way to know how much of a project something's going to end up being if it doesn't already run.

So do y'all have any recommendations, either for dealers, models, things to avoid, etc? Sorry if you get tons of questions just like this... TIA!

[coryleif]

Hi,

I would think a Consew 227R would probably do the trick. You often see them used: http://www.ebay.com/...=item2c633faeed

Also, not as common, but nice: Juki 341:

I would steer clear of used Pfaffs (eg the 335), as parts are mega $$.

Good luck in your search!

[c]

[Wizcrafts]

If you don't care about reverse, a Singer 153w102 (or 103, or 104) walking foot machine should be good enough for your humble requirements.

There is a discussion about this model on our forum, in this post.

Expect to pay about $500 to $600, for a complete Singer 153, with clutch motor and table, thread stand, bobbin winder and flex-lamp. You may even find one that has been converted to use a servo motor, like the SewPro 500GR, with a knob on the back to limit its top speed.

Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines has them for sale (866-362-7397).

As a reference, a brand new medium duty cylinder arm machine, similar to the Singer 153, but with reverse and a modern mechanism, sells for about $1600.

Edited February 24, 2012 by Wizcrafts

[Coluber42]

Thanks for the info... I'm currently going back and forth between either an old Singer or a new Techsew with the oscillating binder, since binding edges is a big part of what I need it to do. Needless to say, that makes it a pretty huge price difference.

I suppose my real question is, what are the real advantages of a new machine over an old one? As far as I can tell, in terms of features it's reverse, oscillating binder (which adds substantially to the price if I decide to go for it), and self-oiling. The other potential disadvantage of an older machine is that it's more likely to need repair or replacement parts. It doesn't seem like it should be difficult to find them for a Singer 153w, and it doesn't seem hard to find bobbins, needles, attachments, etc, for one either. Am I missing anything?

If you don't care about reverse, a Singer 153w102 (or 103, or 104) walking foot machine should be good enough for your humble requirements.

There is a discussion about this model on our forum, in this post.

Expect to pay about $500 to $600, for a complete Singer 153, with clutch motor and table, thread stand, bobbin winder and flex-lamp. You may even find one that has been converted to use a servo motor, like the SewPro 500GR, with a knob on the back to limit its top speed.

Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines has them for sale (866-362-7397).

As a reference, a brand new medium duty cylinder arm machine, similar to the Singer 153, but with reverse and a modern mechanism, sells for about $1600.

[Wizcrafts]

Thanks for the info... I'm currently going back and forth between either an old Singer or a new Techsew with the oscillating binder, since binding edges is a big part of what I need it to do. Needless to say, that makes it a pretty huge price difference.

I suppose my real question is, what are the real advantages of a new machine over an old one? As far as I can tell, in terms of features it's reverse, oscillating binder (which adds substantially to the price if I decide to go for it), and self-oiling. The other potential disadvantage of an older machine is that it's more likely to need repair or replacement parts. It doesn't seem like it should be difficult to find them for a Singer 153w, and it doesn't seem hard to find bobbins, needles, attachments, etc, for one either. Am I missing anything?

If you can afford to buy a new machine, from one of our dealers, do so. When you encounter problems just pick up the phone and call the dealer. If you need help you will get it. If you need accessories they will have them. Many dealers give package deals on the initial purchase. You can load up on bobbins, needles, different presser feet and a binder in the size you require.

Finally, if something really goes wrong, you can send the head back for servicing, or receive replacement parts and instructions for installing them yourself.

One-stop shopping beats chasing parts down on the interwebs.

Finally, the new machines are very well built.

[mmike956]

I'm a new one here and I have a few industrial machines I haven't exactly mastered yet but enjoy experimenting with. I have a 153w102 and a 154w101 two needle model along with a 31-15 and 31-20. I take pleasure in the mechanical design as much as I do the work they can produce. My granddaddy was a service rep for Singer in Atlanta thus the interest here. I wish I could've been exposed to the machines earlier in life so I could have gleaned all of granddaddy's technical advice. Sadly he's been gone for some time now and I'm 59 and poorly equipped to use the machines he left me. I think I take more pleasure in making the machines work right more than making them produce the useful items they were designed for. I can make a cell phone case or a tool bag or even a bikini for a friend or two but the bottom line is that I enjoy the mechanics of it all more than the production. I'll get some pictures up here soon.

[Ray100]

Hi what is the thickes thread the 227 or the 153 can handle and the stitch lenght on them aNd also the max leather thickness it can sew thanks in advance for the info

[Constabulary]

I'm a new one here and I have a few industrial machines I haven't exactly mastered yet but enjoy experimenting with. I have a 153w102 and a 154w101 two needle model along with a 31-15 and 31-20. I take pleasure in the mechanical design as much as I do the work they can produce. My granddaddy was a service rep for Singer in Atlanta thus the interest here. I wish I could've been exposed to the machines earlier in life so I could have gleaned all of granddaddy's technical advice. Sadly he's been gone for some time now and I'm 59 and poorly equipped to use the machines he left me. I think I take more pleasure in making the machines work right more than making them produce the useful items they were designed for. I can make a cell phone case or a tool bag or even a bikini for a friend or two but the bottom line is that I enjoy the mechanics of it all more than the production. I'll get some pictures up here soon.

I really like that! It´s sad the a lot of knowledge about old sewing machines is gone but there are still some folks that keep the flag waving

For me its a pleasure to keep these old workhorses alive. One comes after another - maybe one day when you have setup the machines you will have fun producing some useful things with them

If you don´t mind I´d like to see some pictures of the machines you have.

[Constabulary]

Hi what is the thickes thread the 227 or the 153 can handle and the stitch lenght on them aNd also the max leather thickness it can sew thanks in advance for the info

usually 138 thread but some are setup to run 207 - just try it. I think the older types have a 5 SPI and the later models may have 4 SPI or even longer. Same with the max thickens - usually 8-10mm max. but later types may have more foot lift. There are too many models and clones and you cannot know the specs from all of them.

[mmike956]

I'll get some pictures posted asap. The 31-15 is on an old chopping block style table and the 31-20 is on the traditional green linoleum K leg stand. Both with clutch motors, the 31-15 powered by the old style open clutch and the 31-20 sports a new Singer clutch motor. I'm currently building two tables for the 153 and 154. I'm not certain whether to go with a servo motor for them or not. I'm open to suggestions.