Machine help- too much good info- please.

[Brad2017]

Good Morning All-

First, thank you for allowing me to join this forum. Just looking to gain valuable information from the experts and hopefully in return some day. I have been searching the Internet for information / reviews on sewing machines and always get directed to this site. I have spent weeks reading various discussions and reviewing numerous websites. Unfortunately, I am still new to all of this and need a little guidance. I thank you all in advance for any information you might provide.

 

Type of sewing: Heavy Canvas / Upholstery fabric / light to med. Leather.

- Mostly the Canvas & fabric in multiple layers.

- Heavy/strong thread (138???)

- Us of the machine would prob. Be in the range of a few hours per day- nothing like a production factory. 

 

I have spent too much time researching different machines and I think that’s part of the problem- confused with too much information. I was hoping the experts here might be able to guide me a little in this department.

 

Machines: ( Only new or almost new)

 

Juki 1541s: Seems to get mostly good reviews but a little out of the price range. I like the fact it has a “safety clutch” on it to prevent a serious disaster when I mess up. Not sure I would need it but sounds good right? Also, seems to be able to handle much more than what I would need it for at this time, which is a good thing.

 

Juki DU1181N: Again- good reviews but no safety clutch. Much cheaper than the 1541. Per the specs, it’s a medium weight machine- not sure if this would work for my application. IS that safety clutch needed?

 

Consew 206rb-5: Seems like a true workhorse per all the reviews. Can handle anything from light to heavy and just about all threads that I would need. Read a few negative reviews but most positive.

 

Sailrite New Fabricator: Looks like everything I have been looking for but there aren’t any reviews on this thing. Who makes this machine? Also, it is said that they tune the machine in the USA prior to delivery. Nice servo motor / table / etc. Also, there support seems top notch. Also, it has a type of pin safety clutch which is a positive, I think. It also has been said it will take the 138 thread. The video is very impressive and it seems to be a nice package. Also- with the discount, shipping would be free. Here is a link if anyone would like to view: 

 

- I think it’s new for 2017 and really would like feedback on this one as I am leaning toward it.

 

I have looked for all of the above models (except the Sailrite) at various vendors and found prices all over the board. Unfortunately, the shipping for these machines ranges anywhere between 200-400 dollars, which defiantly factors into the decision process. Also, the type motor that comes with it.

 

Anyway- I won’t keep typing everything that pops into my head. Can anyone please give me their thoughts on these machines? Quality / Customer support / history / anything else?

 

All the best and I truly appreciate your help – and so does my wife as I keep hearing…….”just pick one and get off the computer”. 

 

Brad

Wilmington N.C.

 

 

 

[Northmount]

Sitting on the fence doesn't get you anywhere.  Pick a machine in your price range that is in good condition and is suitable for your work and fly with it.  There is always something better out there, but in the meantime, you will have a machine to use and build your business with.

With the experience you gain, you will be in a better position next time to decide what is best for your next acquisition.  And you will have had some cash coming in along the way.

To me, the important part is servo motor and possibly a reduction pulley set if you are sewing thicker and harder temper leather.  And a cylinder arm is more versatile than a flat bed.

Tom

[JLSleather]

It will depend on what you call "light to medium" leather.  For me, that would be 4 0z to 8 oz veg tanned tooling leather (what I would call "medium").  NExt guy might think "medium" is 4 oz garment / chap leather

So let me say this much.  

1. I used to own a Consew 206-RB5.  Only "bad" thing to say about it is I was dumb enough to let some girl up the road talk me into selling it.  Only one issue with it EVER, and that turned out to be a bad spool of thread! 
2. BEST choice, find something local where you can have it serviced it needed - at least until you're comfortable with doing it yourself.
3. NEXT best choice, call Bob.  Knowledgeable guy who can answer your questions and - while he will sell you a machine - I don't believe he will throw a bunch of BS at you to do it.  You might ask about the CB 3500 or the 227R (for example).
4. LAST, but not least -- I'm hardly a sewing machine expert. But, I tend to pick up things fairly quickly, and I actually read what the real pros had to say about various machines / uses, and I have actually used more than one model.  And I would certainly say that you'll get more useful info out of a 15 minute phone call to Bob that you'll get in 6 hours of poo-tube videos

Note that I could "suppose" and "guess" here, but I'm only putting down what I know to be correct.  In fact, I'll sign it ...

-- Jeff

Edited January 26, 2017 by JLSleather

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

1181 is a a top bottom feed only, not a true walking foot.  Needle is fixed, where a true walking foot has top, bottom and needle feed with alternating presser feet.

Consew 206RB-5 is a bit less money than the Juki, but the Juki DNU-1541S runs a bit smoother.  You can save $100 by getting one without safety clutch, but I don't, at all, recommend that.  Both are very reliable, great machine designs.  Hope this helps.   

[mixmkr]

The Sailrite Fabricator is new in their lineup, replacing their Sailrite 111.  Supposedly has some upgrades and has only been out for about a couple weeks as you mentioned.... hence no reviews yet..  Looking at the specs, seems the presser foot clearance is slightly less than the JUKI or Consew, but Sailrite's service is stellar and that is probably a fine machine for medium leatherwork.  I only do marine canvas, and I'd be comfortable with it for sure but use a JUKI LU562.  I'm fairly new to this as well...so.... :-)   I order quite a bit from Sailrite for my marine supplies, and they're extremely fast and accurate.   They have a live chat on their website too.   All that said, I might personally lean towards the JUKI and then the Consew...and then the Sailrite.  But I'd be happy with any of those actually. 

Edit... I don't know who makes the Fabrciator, except I believe it is made in China.  But Sailrite will go over the machine before it is shipped out.  I believe the Consew is made in China as well and the JUKI maybe still in Japan.   Again, I'm not the expert, but always good for opinions!

Edited January 27, 2017 by mixmkr

[Wizcrafts]

The main difference I see between the walking foot machines meant for marine/upholstery vs. veg-tan leather is that the marine/upholstery machines tend to be dual feed with teeth on the feet, vs triple feed with smooth feet for leather. Dual feed means that the outside foot is driven in sync with the feed dog and helps to claw the material along as you sew. This is often a plus when one is sewing a long banner, sail, awning, tarp, Bimini or bench cover. These items are not made of leather and do not hold the tooth marks. Being slippery on top, the teeth help secure and move the vinyl / duck cloth along.

The walking foot machines meant for leather sewing have compound, triple feed, where the inside foot and needle move in sync with the feed dog and the outer foot just moves up and down to hold the leather in place between stitch cycles. They work great on all types of leather and don't leave marks unless you install feet that have teeth on them (like zipper feet)..

[mixmkr]

Aren't the Fabricator, 206RB and the JUKI all unison/triple feed? You're the expert, but those are all popular marine machines and I have been led to believe the walking foot, needle feed (or triple feed or unison feed)  is most desired.  Also typically, I think many use the flat footed presser feet, as I do especially when sewing in clear vinyl windows.  Those grooved feet definitely leave their mark on the clear vinyl like pigs running thru a putting green.  Then I (and I think others) just leave the smooth feet on, unless there are problems feeding/pulling material.

Am I getting my definitions mixed up??  :-D

[Wizcrafts]

You're absolutely right about feet with teeth marking clear windshields. The Sailrite 111, Big and Tall, and Fabricator are compound feed machines taking standard walking feet. The Sailrite portables all have dual feed, with teeth on the feet.

[Brad2017]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I will reach out to the recommended vendors and see what we can come up with. I will keep you posted on the final choice of machines. I truly look forward to participating with everyone in the future.

All the best.