Your Recommendation On Machine Choice?

[IslandMoose]

Good day from New Zealand,

I am embarking on a large project on my boat which involves exterior cover repair and replacement, as well as interior upholstery. Both of these will involve light leather materials a well as multiple layers of Sunbrella cloth.

I am therefore in the market for a robust machine to suit these purposes, and in New Zealand, the market is limited due to high shipping costs for new machines from overseas.

I have a line on a few prospects on the NZ version of eBay (TradeMe):

1. An older Seiko LSW 8BL/CS with a clutch motor - $200-$300NZD ($150-$250USD)

2. A Juki LU 1114-6 fully automated unit with what appears to be a controlled-clutch motor (servo?) $1100NZD (NZD doller = 80 cents US)

3. A Pfaff 1245 (yellow, so older) with every available option (air, controller, independent reverse stitch length adjuster etc).$750NZD

4. A Pfaff 145 with clutch motor $600NZD

There are a lot of Seiko's that come up for auction, and I think they all have Consew equivalents. Are they a good machine? The 145 Juki's seem to come up often as well, but the 145 for sale is awfully close in price to the 1245.

In any case, let me know you collective thoughts on what unit might represent the best value. If I can get the Seiko LSW 8BL/CS (Consew 255RB with a longer stitch?) for $200 I wanted to put a Sewquiet 5000 under it. It has automatic nothing...but in some ways the air and control boxes scare me.

Thanks,

John

[J Hayes]

Im not an expert, but the seiko sounds good, and I think Seiko made the Consew machines, maybe? I think the bobbin may be small on it but depending on the thread size you should be ok, the price is very nice and leaves some money for supplies I would think. Sew on it if you can. Best I can do for you, hopefully somebody more familiar with those machines will chime in.

Good luck.

P.S. I would probably buy that Seiko myself at that price if it were close to me....

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Of those choices I would go for the Seiko as it will do the sort of work you want and parts are inexpensive.

I have not looked to closely at the others but the prices are high and Pfaff parts are VERY expensive. The motors on the computer controlled machines can be great but electronics add complication yu do not need

[Trox]

The Pfaff 1245 is the best performer and quality of the lot, spare part are expensive but you rarely need them. Quality on older pfaff are superior to most other sewing machines. Even by todays standard the Pfaff 1245 is one of the greatest performer in its class (check subclass number/type on it for stitch lenght). The ones that use them do not trade them before they have too. Most common wear parts are available aftermarket, like hooks, bobbin cases feet's and plates. Its a very good machine second to non. Then your choice must be based on the wear of the individual machine. The Pfaff 145 is the grand father of the 1245 and have insufficient stitch length for the sunbrella jobs. It need to be sewn with long stitches to minimize shrinkage. The particular Juki class is unknown to me, quality on Japanese are very good. But it is a copy of a old European/ perhaps US made machine. The Seiko is too, a Singer 211 clone. Old technology compared to the 1245.

Tor

[Cobra Steve]

I agree with Tor. Hey Tor, hope all is well! Steve

[Trox]

Hello Steve, all is well here Thank you, I hope you are too!

Tor

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

LOL I'll disagree with both and stick to the Seiko

That's the problem with asking for opinions - you get them

[Trox]

Hello Darren,

I hope you are well too!

He asked for opinions thats true. You like that Seiko because its a retro clone of one of your good old beloved Singer`s

Tor