Choosing The Right Machine

[Velict]

Hello all!

I'd like to introduce myself. I'm extremely new to leather work and vinyl work. I work with the USAF as an Avionics Technician on the B-1, F-16, B-2 and various other aircraft. I have a healthy background in electrical and computer engineering and maintenance. Currently I live in Japan, and I was lucky enough to come across a very rare care in the United States; an R32 gtr.

So far, the car seems to be in good condition, even the interior is very nice for 25 year old car. It does have some cosmetic problems, and of course I want to do a custom interior retrim.

I'm completely capable of trial and error, and taking my time with especially large projects such as an interior retrim.

So I've been doing as much research as I can, and I decided to make an account here to get a first hand opinion from you guys.

Currently, I've researched about the most prominent walking foot sewing machines, since I'll mostly be sewing vinyl. I've heard of the headaches that are solved by using a walking foot.

I looked for pricing on the singer 111 series, and noticed that most of the pricing with motors and table almost always equal the price of a brand new Sailrite LS-1 basic. I've seen a few singer 95-15 around sewing leather, but how well does it honestly work with folded layers of vinyl and foam? I feel that it's a bit incredible that most of these older sewing machines, or general "used" new sewing machines are over 800 dollars. I feel that 600 USD for a brand new LS-1 is acceptable, but I was wondering what other machines I could use with heavy automotive / marine vinyl. Specifically, some allsport 4 way and some thick carpeting / foam padding.

What other machines can you think of that don't break the bank? I'd say the main reason i'm looking for a ~600 maximum is because I would pay for someone to take the time and ship it to me (ie: paying extra for your efforts, plus the shipping cost). Of course, if push comes to shove, if anyone is in Florida, I can get one of my buddies to pick it up and ship it to me.

What are y'alls opinion on my machine choices?

[25b]

The LS-1 will not do what you want to do unless you also buy the Monster II balance wheel, fyi...

It's another $119...I have had the LS-1 and now have the LSZ-1. If I were to do it again, I'd consider getting a Consew 206-RB. I may still sell the LSZ-1 to get the Consew one day after all, but for now I can do everything I need to do between the LSZ-1 and my CB3200...even though the backside stitches from the 3200 look like garbage.

Edited September 29, 2015 by 25b

[Wizcrafts]

You should be looking at industrial walking foot machines with either a servo or 1/3 HP clutch motor. I am guessing that slow speeds won't be required too often for upholstery work. Mind you, a servo is easier to control at slower speeds than a clutch.

The real issue will be how much body depth do you require to sew these items? Portable walking foot machines (made for use on boats) are usually well under 9 inches deep, from the needle to the inside of the body. Some have a fairly low inside height as well. A standard Consew or Juki walking foot machine will have more width and height. The only way that the LS or LZ will work better for you is if space is limited and your vinyl projects can be either edge stitched only, or folded up inside the smaller harp area.

If all your material is other than leather, a dual feed walking foot machine will do just fine. These machines have a driven outside foot that follows the driven feed dog. They also have aggressive teeth on the bottom of both feet.

If your total thickness exceeds 3/8 inch, a Juki LU-1508NH or equivalent will be a better choice. It has a longer needle and is cut out for higher lift.

[Velict]

Hhmm, I don't think I will go above 3/8 inch in thickness.. I've seen the video on Sailrites youtube page of them doing 8 layers of vinyl, which is wayyy more than i'll be doing. I think my problem will be doing on top stitches, because i want to do a european stitch

[25b]

You really are going to need the large, heavy balance wheel.

I'd seriously consider the Consew over the LS-1 for what you're trying to do.

[Velict]

I'll start looking.

[Velict]

I actually found a 111w155 in florida for 500 bucks, with motor and recently maintained. I've heard this is the holy grail of machines.

[Constabulary]

Well, not really "the" holy grale but when setup well these are rock solid machiens that will last for decades. The 111W155 has no reverse by the way

[Velict]

I've decided to go with a Yamata FS-388z. It's chinese, but after researching here, people say that all you gotta do is upgrade the motor from someone reputable, and a monster II from sailright for it.

[glmr]

Hello.

Does anyone know if Sailrite LS-1 with Monster Wheel sews 6mm (15oz) of total leather thickness?