Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • Members
Posted

As Wiz said, the 20U is an all purpose machine - The one we have has proved excellent for many years.

The model number giveth, and the subclass taketh away ......... Sometimes

  • Replies 21
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted
19 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

The Singer 20 series are zig-zag machines that can be used as straight stitch by zeroing the side throw.

Also parts were available for a straight stitch needle plate and feed dog.  I picked a set up about 5 years ago.

  • Members
Posted

Hmm, sounds like I need to keep an eye out for one. They previous ones I saw before I started looking for a ZZ machine went pretty cheaply.

  • Members
Posted

One other thing about the 20U - They were never really factory machines, being sold mainly for tailoring use, so you usually find them in pretty nice shape, and not worn out from 3 shift, 24 / 7 type use and abuse.

The model number giveth, and the subclass taketh away ......... Sometimes

  • Members
Posted
On 10/14/2021 at 10:42 PM, williaty said:

Better to look for a BLUE one, though, as those are made in Japan - The Gold ones are Chinese manufacture, I believe.

 

20Ufront.jpg

20Uback.jpg

Machines: Juki LU-563, Consew 206-RB5, Singer 20U33, Pfaff 481, Mitsubishi CU-865-22, Consew 29B, Rebadged Juki LU-562,  Mitsubishi LS2-180,  Seiko SK-6, Juki LG-158-1

  • Members
Posted

HA ! Just goes to show - You can't believe everything you read ;~)

The model number giveth, and the subclass taketh away ......... Sometimes

  • Members
Posted (edited)

I have read about the Singer 20U, that it characterized as a 3/4 size machine. So I guess the harp area right of needle is less than a Pfaff 138. I Know that the Pfaff 130 got about 205 mm right of needle as a full size domestic sewing machine.

I saw a sailor forum with a guy, that had got a used Dürkopp Adler 525i for about $1500. https://www.duerkopp-adler.com/en/main/products/shoes_FB_ZZ/525i-811.html 

https://www.duerkopp-adler.com/commons/download/public/525i/B_52Xi_EN.pdf 

It can be configured 1:1 with motor, and then the speed is 3500 stitches/min. But 1:2 with motor is also possible to half speed and more torque, and I guess this will be most applicable here. It got a harp area of 265 mm. So I guess this machine is both for high speed and somewhat heavier work. I am impressed by the possible very low speed of the servo motor of only 10 RPM. It is excellent. Normally I have seen the minimum speed of brushless servo motors to be at least 100 RPM, but Dürkopp Adler may have an extra low speed feature here, and as far as I can see, it is a brushless type motor.

The speed specification can be found at page 15 here:
https://www.duerkopp-adler.com/commons/download/public/525i/0791_523901.pdf

Edited by Gymnast
  • Members
Posted

Flatbed zz machines are used in making male suits. This is lucrative business, so they are pricey, even used.

Machines: Mitsubishi DB-130 single needle, Kansai Special RX-9803/UTC coverstitch, Union Special 56300F chainstitch, Pfaff 335-17 cylinder arm walking foot, Bonis Type A fur machine, Huji 43-6 patcher, Singer 99 hand cranked, Juki DDL-553 single needle (for sale)

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Members
Posted

I'm in SW Michigan. Singer 20u's are all around us. IMHO ONLY buy a blue or tan Singer. Chinese made clones branded singer, consew and a dozen other brands are available as cheap as $300 for the head.

I have several zig zag machines. All but 2 were bought locally

I have 3 20u's, 2 Pfaff 238's, 4 Bernina 217(n),s including one 12m wide, 2 consew 199r-2a's that are double through zig zags. As cheap as $300 amd one of the bernina's with a cam drive for various stitches was $750.  Also an old singer not mentioned above that I can't remember the model number if. It doesn't tension release sp anything you can compress and stuff under the 1/2 clearance foot you can sew. 

I also have a sailrite zig zag because it was cheap but have never used it. 

All except the sailrite are dropfeed only. But I know a parachute container manufacturer that uses a 20u to close the corner of the rig. Seam includes 4 layers of cordura and or parapack and 4 layers of nylon binding tape.

A bernina clone is sold by Global for sailmakers. Can.be had to do a triple throw zigzag and mount a puller to the back. 

The consew 146 is a compound feed zig zag. One rigger I know bought one thinking it would up his capability. Not so much. 

Keep looking at craigslist and fb. But you have to look at every post. Many post have one bad photo and say sewing machine $200. I've gotten many good deals by being able to tell what they were and fix minor things wrong. One of the Bernina's I got for $450. I told them they should get more and it was worth more but not to me as my 5th zig zag. Left the offer standing. No other buyers in 2 weeks and they called me back.

Keep looking. And contact me.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...