Sewing Through Plywood

[29EssexRat]

So I'm looking to attach cloth to 3/16" plywood. While I do realize this is a leather working sub, I figured the thick plywood would be more comparable to a leather working based sub rather than a sewing sub.

Basically the cloth is a thicker fabric, and needs to be sewn with a thicker thread to 3/16" soft plywood. I'm looking for a sewing machine that will be up for the task. This is a one time use, maybe 80 feet of stitching. So the wear on the machine is negligible. I've found a couple of forum threads that mention some machines, but I am not familiar with sewing machines, and having not found any of the same models on ebay/market place/craigslist, so they're not of use to me.

I'm looking for used, as this is a one time deal, and under $250. There's a ton of older industrial machines on eBay, but again, I'm not familiar with sewing machines, and details about sewing machines isn't really available on the internet. 

There's a few I've seen listed on eBay, that they show/say sewing through thick leather. Or are labeled as "Heavy Duty".

Singers: 1036, 281-36, 66-18, 128, 329K, 237

Pfaff: 130

Kenmore: 148-530

Any of those seem up to the task? Or any I should look for, preferably on eBay under $250. 

I've tried hand stitching, predrilling a hole, and threading it, but it really irritates my carpal tunnel, but that might be what I have to end up doing, and perhaps con someone else into helping.

[Nyckname]

Buy a bench mounted drill press. Drill the holes. Sell it when you're finished. 

[29EssexRat]

Yeah, i might do that. Had posted on another forum and someone recommended chucking an awl into a drill press. A pretty darn smart idea i might just have to do. A sewing machine would be really nice still though, but will look for used drill presses and fab something up for the awl.

[Matt S]

This topic has been discussed a couple times here before. The consensus is that you need at minimum an upholstery weight machine (such as but not limited to) the Singer 111. Preferably a harness weight machine.

All of those machines you listed are domestic machines for sewing shirts and cushions, or garment weight industrials (for sewing shirts and cushions quickly). None of them are suitable for sewing plywood, even lighter stuff. Sadly eBay is full of mislead and misleading persons.

For $250 you're going to be looking a while to get a suitable and functioning machine. You would probably be better off hiring someone who has a suitable machine.

[fredk]

Don't use an awl on plywood. Use a small drill ~ maybe 1/16 inch or less, it will be quicker and less dangerous

[chrisash]

Have you considered epoxy glue, I would imagine some of it will be far stronger than sewing and cheaper than buying a machine

After all lotus cars use epoxy glue to join the chassis parts together in their cars, so quite strong

[29EssexRat]

Darn was hoping one of those i had mentioned wouldve worked. I’ll keep an eye out for a 111, any other comparable machines?

The awl method was with pre drilling, then chucking the awl for a lock stitch.

epoxy glue would be very expensive, would it not? The piece is roughly 4.5’ x 7’. Thats a lot of glue.

[fredk]

Does Chisash mean contact adhesive?

The OP is in a $ using place - US, Canada, Australia?

For under £10, about US$12.50, I can buy a tin of contact adhesive which will do the area mentioned, 31.5 sq ft

Does it have to be sewn? or just attached? I've used contact adhesive to adhere leather, PVC material and cloth to wood panels for vintage cars

Using the awl in a drill press idea is just for making sewing holes. A sewing awl blade is just a special kind of knife. In a drill press it will cut thru thick leather and maybe thin ply but you are looking at 5mm thick ply - the blade will bend and break. Drill the holes and stitch using the two-needle saddler stitch method

[29EssexRat]

I’m in the US, i originally tried contact adhesive, 3M Super 77 but it never set up and the fabric was easy to pull off. This is for a roof of a car, so i glued it down with wood glue, which held really nicely, but would be more confident with a stich around the border, plus it would look nice.

 

Maybe im using the wrong term, but im talking of a stiching awl that you put a bobbin of thread in. With predrillled holes i wouldnt be forcing the needle through, or in any way damage the needle.

[Bert51]

I was told a story of some one restoring a car and stitched the door and kick panels, which had a ply backing with a Singer 132K6.

I have not seen it, but was told it could be done. I might have to go and try it, I wonder if a size 25 needle will do it?

Bert.