Sewing Bulky Foam On Singer 4411

[mikesc]

Ah well..they were all long shots..given a 4411 ..

Re the Consew 206RB-3..I've never used one..but ..
if you put the following line ( exactly like that "copy and paste" it into Google..

site:leatherworker.net Consew 206RB-3

You'll get all the times that Consew 206RB-3 was mentioned here..and someone who has actually experience with that model may be along to advise.. :)

Edited September 17, 2019 by mikesc

[kgg]

Question AusSimon what are you or planning on making? Since you have been using a 4411 with a degree of success moving up to a basic walking foot maybe all that you need. Example would be a basic portable walking foot like a new Reliable Barracuda (~$650 CA) or a new industrial walking foot like a Juki DU 1181 (~$1400 CA).

kgg

[AusSimon]

@mikesc thank you that was good advice.

@kgg that is a very good point, I did have a lot of success with the 4411 on think leathers and only really plan on using at most 2 layers of 4oz for 95% of projects.

I did test out a portable walking foot today actually and I think it was a Barra. But it scorched huge marks in the top of the leather. No idea how to prevent that.

I will look into the Juki you mentioned, i was previously looking at used 1541 and the RB206 that I mentioned. Will these be overkill for what I am doing? Space and budget are both a concern for a hobbiest like myself.

[kgg]

10 hours ago, AusSimon said:

But it scorched huge marks in the top of the leather. No idea how to prevent that.

If the presser foot has to much downward tension this can easily be adjusted by the presser foot tension knob. If the presser foot is too aggressive it can either be changed to a smoother foot or the teeth be filed smoother.

10 hours ago, AusSimon said:

I will look into the Juki you mentioned, i was previously looking at used 1541 and the RB206 that I mentioned. Will these be overkill for what I am doing? Space and budget are both a concern for a hobbiest like myself.

 I think for the thickness you mentioned the the Juki 1541, will do the job and give you the option of thicker materials in the future as it is compound feed (feed dog, presser foot and needle). I have to be careful with thinner materials with my Juki1541S and do the necessary adjustments to thread tensions and presser foot tension. That said it likes thicker stuff and will sew whatever I can stuff under the presser foot. The Consew 206RB-3 is I think a compound feed machine as well.  In my opinion given the choice between a Juki or a clone in the same mechanical shape I would pick the Juki. If you come across a used machine be prepared to put a servo motor on it for better sewing control, they are much quieter then a clutch motor and more energy efficient. 

kgg

 

[Konapaniolo]

Did you get your problem taken care of?  There are products available for what you are doing.  If you would like more info let me know.  Hate beating a dead horse if you got it figured out.  

[AusSimon]

Hey @Konapaniolo unfortunately not.  I have been lucky to find a leather school near me that is willing to let me borrow there machine for a few hours. I am on a crazy hunt for a used machine now that can handle this type of work.

[Konapaniolo]

AusSimon, You might try an upholstery shop.   We use a product called Skrim.  It comes in 1/4, 1/2 and 1 inch thicknesses.  Also 3 different compressions.   The thing about Skrim is that there is a netting or mesh that is laminated to the back side which is meant to hold a stitch and slide under the foot of the sewing machine.  I do know that my wife uses it at home with her sewing machine without any problems.  Yet, you will have to pull and, or assist the material and foam in because of the thickness.  It's not that the machine won't stitch it.  It is the fact that you need to help it through.  Do not change the tension on the thread but, loosen the foot pressure slightly.  It is a good idea that you look for a used machine.  Consew 206 series machines are great and you can usually find one for a few hundred dollars.  Good luck...

[nylonRigging]

Same/similar here as ( konapiaiola ) just said . I order in and use rolls of ' Skrim Back ' 1/4" and 1/2" high density pink . I have had a lot practice last few years with foam on a couple larger size items I sell .

( For Me ) .. I use a 'narrow foot' and knock down on the foot pressure to help lower foot friction and help move smoother . You still need to have hands-on and massage as you feed the panels threw, but it all goes pretty smooth .

Also all the panels I am sewing have a lining-inner panel  , So I do all my sewing Skim side up. just make all my stitch guard marks on the skrim side . the inner liner hides all my guild marks .

.

[AusSimon]

Hey guys,

Thank you so much for your advice, I was actually using skrim foam. I agree it is the perfect foam. 

I actually ended up picking up an old Consew 226R-1. it goes threw the foam and leather without skipping a beat. 

I know now I was just asking too much of a home use machine.