recomendations for a good heavy duty, walking foot, zig zag

[coryleif]

That was a photo of one of North Sails' lofts. Attached is another one. I assume the machine is on the floor and the rest of the room is one huge table. Wish I had that much sewing space. 

I wonder if these are Solent machines. I'm assuming they're more than 4k. Scroll to the bottom for more huge machines:

http://www.nauticexpo.com/prod/solent-sewing-machines-ltd/product-38112-420079.html

BTW, mixmkr, I have a 2-point/1-step Sailrite Pro, which is their copy of the Consew 146, if you need any action shots. Looks like they're going for 2.3k right now.

c

[Tejas]

I think that the machine is a Cordes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvCpv6kllY8

 

[GPaudler]

I have a Brother TZ1-B652 that was the basis for the first generation Sailwright Sailmaker. I also have the Sailwright conversion of that Brother that has a hand crank for when you're away from electricity, as well as its motor, all in a wooden carrying case.

They are said to sew 12mm wide zig-zags but I think the maximum width is more like 10-11mm. They'll sew straight, as well.

I made some slight, reversible, modifications to the Brother so that I can sew eye splices in rope up to 1/2" in diameter with a little 1.5amp motor that I mounted to keep the machine portable. With a very short stitch length, I make two narrow passes and two wide passes, about 3" long, with #92 thread, and the rope breaks, not the splice, at about 8,000lbs. I have a crane and dynamometer that I use for testing

I bought the second machine, in the photos, thinking that I'd cannibalize parts if necessary, or maybe just to have another machine. But I really don't need it and would be willing to part with it for $900. It's heavy but way more UPSable than a table-mounted machine with motor. It is in excellent, unmodified condition. As I recall, they were over $2,000, new, a long time ago.

Gary

[dikman]

That handcrank and handwheel look awfully similar to the those fitted to my Singer 201K (even down to the mounting arm).

[casemaker]

On 6/5/2017 at 9:10 AM, Uwe said:

This Keestar GA204-104A sure looks like a step up from a Singer 107W1

 

 

 

On 6/5/2017 at 9:10 AM, Uwe said:

This Keestar GA204-104A sure looks like a step up from a Singer 107W1

 

 

I asked for a quote for one from China and the freight was twice the cost of the machine.

 

[casemaker]

On 6/5/2017 at 12:02 AM, mixmkr said:

title says it.  I have a Singer 107W1 which is OK...but would like something with a little more....oomph.  Foot lift, arm space, wider stitches....

I started with the 107 but a dealer recommended a Pfaff 38.   It works for me and does what a need to stitch 2 layers of 8 oz. veg.

[Wizcrafts]

6 hours ago, casemaker said:

 

I asked for a quote for one from China and the freight was twice the cost of the machine.

 

You'd also have to pay a considerable Customs and Duty charge before taking delivery.