Adler 367

[SonDog]

I'm very new to machine sewing anything heavy. I have been looking for a walking foot machine that I can use for a boat project redoing vinyl cushions and repairing/customizing a canvas enclosure; but that opened up a Pandora's box of other potential projects I want to be capable of, from quivers, arm guards, and sheaths to repairing tarps or my wife's hand bags. I may even end up getting into leather work in a more general and artistic way. 

I was leaning towards a cylinder bed machine, but I have the opportunity to buy a Durkopp Adler 367 for $1300 that I was told was $5000 new.

I'm very mechanically inclined, and comfortable with lots of different types of tool repair and setup, but admittedly haven't worked on anything more than my basic home machine, and an antique Singer.

Any info about whether this is a potentially good buy, or a machine versatile enough for my needs would be greatly appreciated! 

[chrisash]

Specs here https://www.sewingmachinery.com/adler/Durkopp_Adler_367.html   and here https://www.duerkopp-adler.com/commons/download/public/367/B_367_EN.pdf

 

Edited November 13, 2021 by chrisash

[Constabulary]

The 367 came in several different sub classes. Looks like this once was a binder machine. You probably have to replace some parts for doing plain sewing (sewing area is covered). Don´t know what subclass this machine is (or was) but seems it has some bells and whistles that plain sewing machines do not have. I never have seen the lever on the upper arm. Maybe it is for controlling the upper feed so it could also have been a ruffler machine too. Maybe this machine is an overkill but cannot tell from the pictures. Not sure is this machine really suits for needs - we just have too few information. Maybe you can post some picture front and back view w/o cloth covering things.

Edited November 13, 2021 by Constabulary

[CowboyBob]

We sold them new back a good 15 yrs ago or so,we always sold plain machine & I know they were under $2K ,but this one w/a Efca motor would cost more.One just came back this week with a broken nylon feed bar in it(which I wondered how long they'll last & now I know) they are sewing leather garments for Ren-fairs on it.Parts are expensive ,not much in the after market so they need to be bought from Adler BUT afaik everything is still available,the bobbincases are close to $150.00,this feed bar with the nylon on it is $175.00.

[SonDog]

Thanks for all those replies! I'm going to steer clear. I definitely don't need the bells and whistles, and would much rather have a cylinder bed. Fast speed is also not a big concern. I looked over the manual, and it is definitely a lot for me to process. Seems like its capable of a lot of specialized tasks depending on how it's configured and set up.

I found a vintage Adler 105-64 on this sight that isn't too far from me and might be perfect. The gentleman I spoke with was incredibly helpful, and a real kindred spirit as a craftsman/artist. I realize no machine will do it all, and knowing me I'll be wanting to push my limits again before long; but this 105-64 seems to check more boxes than most.  

[SonDog]

Here's a link to the post for the Adler 105/64 I'm heavily leaning towards. I think it a 1948. A simpler, vintage machine like this just appeals to me aesthetically, and for some visceral, tactile reason I can't explain.

 https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/97643-adler-10564/

I'd love to hear any thoughts about it as well. I understand it isn't a triple/compound feed walking foot, but rather a needle feed. After hearing and seeing what the owner can do with it in leather, I'm not too concerned about it's limitations; but I definitely need to be able sew marine vinyl and canvas (at least for my one boat project).

Edited November 13, 2021 by SonDog