Sunstar cylinder arm for leather.

[Shirlwhirl]

Hi everyone.

I'm looking to purchase a cylinder arm sewing machine for sewing leather.  To start with I want to make bags and other items from recycled leather from old coats and a few leather sofas that were beyond repair that I stripped.  After I get more advanced then I shall look at other uses for the machine so want some 'growing room'

I've seen a Sunstar KM390 BL that looks to do all I am looking for.  I got educated on the best machines on Wizcrafts thread about the best overall being the triple feed and I believe the Sunstar fits this catagory.  However I'm really struggling to find out much about the machine.  I'm a bit wary of buying a cheap clone as i've had to sell some of my other machines to buy this and I want to keep it a long time and for it to be a little flexible ( I do understand that industrials aren't made as flexible as domestics but it will be nice to have something that is a little versatile)

What do you think guys, would you be happy with a Sunstar cylinder machine?

Thanks for any help

PS if you are in the UK and have a machine I may be interested in please shout out  

[Uwe]

The Sunstar is probably a fine machine, but a used original may be a better choice in terms of long term parts availability and general support. 

I'd recommend considering a used Juki LS-341 instead. You'll have an easier time finding parts and accessories for the Juki compared to the Sunstar. You also have College Sewing not too far from you near Manchester - they support Juki in a big way. College Sewing may also have some used machines, who knows. 

Here's an example of a nice Juki LS-341 on Ebay in your general area that looks like a really good candidate to me:

   

Edited December 16, 2017 by Uwe

[Shirlwhirl]

Thank you Uwe yes I was actually looking at that machine but then I noticed similarities to another machine and the company seem to be posting under different names which worries me a bit.  Looking at their history they haven't actually sold a sewing machine yet.

That is exactly what i'm looking for but not much success.  Its also more than my budget but I would sell a few of my domestic machines to get a good cylinder arm

I can get the Sunstar for almost half that price, but its not money well spent if its not a good machine...

Edited December 16, 2017 by Shirlwhirl
Added more info

[Uwe]

I can't vouch for the seller. Don't just click buy-it-now. I'd talk to the seller and then decide if it's worth spending an afternoon to go check out the machine in person. It's only a two-hour drive to Manchester. Avoid shipping if at all possible. 

There isn't much overlap between "good cylinder arm machine" and "less than 1,100 GBP". 

[Shirlwhirl]

Thanks again, I think that is the way to go.  Shipping could end up being very risky.

I've now found an Adler 69 which is even more out of my price range so I would have to find other sewing machines to sell... but it does look a lovely machine! 

[Sonydaze]

I run a couple of Sunstar KM 590BL machines fairly hard (for many years) and they have proven to me to be good machines. The few parts I've needed were easy to get.  That being said, I buy my machines used and certainly wouldn't turn down a good deal on a Juki.

[Shirlwhirl]

Thanks Sonydaze.

I've been searching all night and its quite confusing with all the different models and clones etc. 

The Sunstar 390BL is just over an hour from me and almost half price of the Juki as I mentioned.  There doesn't seem to be another Juki 341 for sale other than that one on ebay but I have a bad feeling as its been advertised in a few places under different names...  I would love a Juki 341!

I may go see the Sunstar after your positive comments on them.

Otherwise I am waiting to hear back on an Adler 69, but again its £500 more than the Sunstar.

[Uwe]

If you can get a new Sunstar with table and servo motor for £600, then your budget may dictate to check that one out first. I'm just a little concerned that after subtracting cost of table, motor, and shipping from Korea, there's really not much left to build the actual sewing machine. Sometimes new things are too cheap to be sustainable or ethical. But then again, I'm guilty of buying that $3 bottle of wine and I forget all my ethical dilemmas by the time I'm done with it.

[Matt S]

3 hours ago, Shirlwhirl said:

Thanks Sonydaze.

I've been searching all night and its quite confusing with all the different models and clones etc. 

The Sunstar 390BL is just over an hour from me and almost half price of the Juki as I mentioned.  There doesn't seem to be another Juki 341 for sale other than that one on ebay but I have a bad feeling as its been advertised in a few places under different names...  I would love a Juki 341!

I may go see the Sunstar after your positive comments on them.

Otherwise I am waiting to hear back on an Adler 69, but again its £500 more than the Sunstar.

Shirl is that Sunstar being sold with a guarantee, and if so how confident are you that the seller (a) knows what they are talking about and (b) has the wherewithal to backup that guarantee? Are they a dealer or someone who sells sewing machines?

[Shirlwhirl]

Good morning, thanks for the replies.

Ah sorry I was unclear wasn't I.  The Sunstar is not a new machine.  Ive been in conversation with the guy and he has offered me a good price for pick up only.   He seems to have a number of machines available and feedback seems ok. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunstar-Walking-Foot-Cylinder-Arm-Industrial-Sewing-Machine/322857342067?hash=item4b2bcc1473:g:0S0AAOSwfXBZqWea

I don't know what it is a clone of and of course I don't know what kind of treatment it had in its last life.  That will be the same with any second user until I guess.

Otherwise i'm waiting to hear back on an Adler 69 and i'm looking at a brand new  Tysew Mark 5 https://www.tysew.co.uk/industrial-sewing-machines/needle-feed/tysew-mark-5-cylinder-arm-walking-foot-needle-feed-eco-  At least going brand new I wont have the usual worries.  However from reading these forums it seems you guys would rather go for a used quality over new mediocre. 

Remember that the Sunstar is going to be around £500 cheaper than the other two machines I mentioned.  However the price isn't the only concern as I would pay more for a machine I will enjoy....

Thanks again

 

Edited December 17, 2017 by Shirlwhirl