Members talbotship Posted March 9, 2021 Members Report Posted March 9, 2021 Hi leatherworkers, this is my first post but you've already helped me a lot before with all the information i researched in this forum, mainly related to several old sewing machines i've been researching about since i'm starting in this business of backpack & shoes creation... so thanks for all that, i'm pleased to be in this great vibes and passion for the sewing arts forum and... excuse me about my clumsy english... To be honest i'm not mainly a leather worker but a thick materials worker... and this seems the best forum i've found related to this machines... My budget is very limited and i have to decide amongst the 3 machines i have the chance to buy and this is one of them: the Sunstar KM2-740. Does anyone know it ? someone is selling one really cheap and near my town, it has needle feed which is essential (well just some double or triple feed is what i need for medium to heavy material) and these are my main doubts about it: -No info in the whole internet apparently: it seems i wont find any spare part unless i figured out about some other compatible models... and this is something you might help me about: Could you suggest any other brand's compatible models for presser, plates, bobbin cases etc... ? -I'm not sure how suitable this machine will be for 1 needle sewing: The fact is I'm not going to use the 2 needle feature most of the time and i'd like to know if i could use it as easily as a normal flat bed 1 needle - neddle feed machine (because that's the other option i'm considering to buy instead, a Refrey 922). Do you know if it has 1 or 2 pressing feet ? and in case it used a single wide presser feet... Do you know if it's possible to change it for a narrow one like the single needle machines has ? ( I think it has 2 presser feet but i'm not sure ). I fonder if it's better for me to buy a more standard 1 needle flat bed needle feed machine ( a spanish brand's Refrey 922 ) because i could shift between presser foot or roller foot... im sorry to bother you with all this doubts but i don't have the experience to know yet and there is no info to look... -And the last and less important doubt: do you know if it's possible to change the needles separation gap ? because i won't do upholstery but bags & shoes ... This looks to be a great machine but i want to make sure it will really be useful for me and not just be tempted by it's quality and price... I might better wait until tomorrow to write this post because the seller told me to call him tomorrow but well... the more oppinions the better, you know what this researching experience is... Thanks ! Quote
Members Constabulary Posted March 10, 2021 Members Report Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) 12 hours ago, talbotship said: -No info in the whole internet apparently: it seems i wont find any spare part unless i figured out about some other compatible models... and this is something you might help me about: Could you suggest any other brand's compatible models for presser, plates, bobbin cases etc... ? I do not know this machine in particular but Sunstar is a known Korean Brand. It appears to be based on the Singer 212G141 or similar but with different stitch length adjuster. I´m quite confident that the Sun Star is using the the same gauge parts (for different needle distances) as the Singer 212. I own a 212G141 and when I look at the parts list & user manual (can be found online) I see many similarities. Hooks and bobbins can be found online and are for sure the same as for other Singer based double needle machines. I have converted my 212G141 to a "split needle machine" - maybe you are interested in it. https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/80209-singer-212-112-double-needle-converting-into-split-needle/?tab=comments#comment-535703 You can us it as 1 needle machine by just removing 1 needle and the bobbin. But there are no special "single needle feet for double needle machines". You either have to modify a double needle foot for your needs or just use the double needle foot as is. But the 2nd hooks is always spinning you cannot turn it off. I would not worry buying the machine if it technically suits your needs. When you go and look at it check if forward and reverse stitch length are matching, check the condition of the timing belt and if the foot lift suits your needs. I don´t know Refrey machine but by just looking at it it appears to be some kind of clone of Pfaff or Juki machines. Edited March 10, 2021 by Constabulary Quote
DonInReno Posted March 11, 2021 Report Posted March 11, 2021 I also have a similar needle feed singer 212g140 and the parts for different needle spacing are quite affordable. The biggest downside to these machines are the lack of specialized presser feet. I have 1/4” spacing and typically use a narrow zipper foot, or a standard foot that’s been sanded down in width. Ei Quote
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