Firefighter Sewing machine

[SilverForgeStudio]

39 minutes ago, Tc1388 said:

Also what thread thickness would be closest to standard waxed thread? Thanks again guys...

You can hand-sew with the Kevlar thread- you can even wax it if you desire- I also use thread exchnge as well as Miami Thread (out of NC no less- HA!)- I am still learning but the fellow I am quasi mentoring under hand sews with Nomex. 

Here is the thread exchange info on "waxed threads" it has sizes listed:

https://www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=waxed-thread-information

Hope this helps

[Tc1388]

Hey JerseyFirefighter, do you happen to use special threads on our PPE. I know all of our standard gear must meet NFPA requirements, did really think through the shield tho haha.Thanks everyone for the knowledge and advice. 

[JerseyFirefighter]

Nope. Either Bonded Nylon or Poly thread. Certain aspects of NFPA such as turnouts require the use of fire resistant thread. After quite some searching through the standards, things like suspenders, shields, glove straps etc are considered accessories and do not fall under the scope of NFPA requirements. 

[Tc1388]

On 11/11/2018 at 10:52 AM, Wizcrafts said:

Besides needing to be a walking foot machine, the take-up lever itself needs to be beefier (is that even a word?) than an average upholstery class machine. This puts you into the heavy duty end of the walking foot spectrum. The reason has to do with the abrasive nature of these particular threads. With repeated use they can act like fine grit round Emory tape (more so the Kevlar thread).

You will need to focus on walking foot machines capable of sewing 1/2 inch out of the box. These include the Juki LU-1508NH and the Cowboy CB3200, as well as some Adler machines that can sew 1/2 inch with Nomex thread. Of the two, the Cowboy is less expensive.

Wizcrafts, I know you guys suggested staying away from old machines but a friend on my dept is selling a 1950 Barnard De Luxe for cheap, with manual. Would this suffice? And thanks again Jersey Firefighter

[brmax]

What kind of machine is this, or whats it designed for. Like google description. 

[Tc1388]

10 minutes ago, brmax said:

What kind of machine is this, or whats it designed for. Like google description. 

So I can find much research on it but here’s an image 

[R8R]

1 minute ago, Tc1388 said:

So I can find much research on it but here’s an image 

That is a sweet machine, if you are sewing a blouse. Nowhere near what you need for leather.

[Tc1388]

Just now, R8R said:

That is a sweet machine, if you are sewing a blouse. Nowhere near what you need for leather.

Hahahah well that just saved me $250

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, Tc1388 said:

Hahahah well that just saved me $250

Perhaps we haven't fully defined the type of machine you are going to need. It will not be in a little self contained wooden box, nor on a fancy fold away table. It won't have a little foot pedal speed control that you put on the floor. It won't weight 35 pounds or less. It will be a full blown industrial sewing machine that either sits on a 20" x 48" industrial table, or a pedestal table, with steel legs and a big motor hanging under the table. The speed control will be via a very large foot pedal that pulls down on an arm emitting from the motor. The machine head will likely weigh well over 75 pounds. There will be a flex lamp and a thread stand with 2 or more platforms that hold thread cones. There will be a bobbin winder attachment, or one will be built into the machine head. The bobbins will probably be very large compared to domestic machine bobbins, with some holding many times as much thread. The head and table, assembled, will likely weigh over 150 pounds.

Here is just one machine that potentially fits your work description.

Here is a lesser machine that can still do the work you mentioned.

Read the specs on these machines, then compare them to this upholstery class machine that's good up to 3/8 inch.

Think these are expensive? Look at this fully qualified Adler sewing machine that Weaver Leather has for sale.

I hope this helps rather than hinders you.

[Tc1388]

1 hour ago, Wizcrafts said:

Perhaps we haven't fully defined the type of machine you are going to need. It will not be in a little self contained wooden box, nor on a fancy fold away table. It won't have a little foot pedal speed control that you put on the floor. It won't weight 35 pounds or less. It will be a full blown industrial sewing machine that either sits on a 20" x 48" industrial table, with steel legs and a big motor hanging under the table. The speed control will be via a very large foot pedal that pulls down on an arm emitting from the motor. The machine head will likely weigh well over 75 pounds. There will be a flex lamp and a thread stand with 2 or more platforms that hold thread cones. There will be a bobbin winder attachment, or one will be built into the machine head. The bobbins will probably be very large compared to domestic machine bobbins, with some holding many times as much thread. The head and table, assembled, will likely weigh over 150 pounds.

Here is just one machine that potentially fits your work description.

Here is a lesser machine that can still do the work you mentioned.

Read the specs on these machines, then compare them to this upholstery class machine that's good up to 3/8 inch.

Think these are expensive? Look at this fully qualified Adler sewing machine that Weaver Leather has for sale.

I hope this helps rather than hinders you.

Thanks Wiz, ya I’ve looked at all of those before I came on here just wanted to take the cheaper route with the investment. I will take you and Jerseys advice on saving for the better machine when the time comes and build up the callouses for now. 

Edited November 13, 2018 by Tc1388