MichaelB

Hi all,
I'm just starting out researching sewing machines. I'm hoping to find a used or second-hand industrial machine for cheap, but don't know what to look for yet. I want it to be of good quality, be easy to maintain, and bobbins and needles should be readily available at retail.

So far I have been making car covers with urethane-backed nylon, and want to be able to work with heavier materials, several layers thick; probably flat fell seams, etc where the needle goes through 4 or so layers of material at one time.

Any suggestions, places to start, things to consider? Any and all input is welcome.

Thanks,
Michael

Chasing Hawk

Consew, Juki and Pfaff are excellent industrial machines. Make sure it has a walking foot, reverse. These three machines usually come with their own table because the motor is attached to the table itself. Make sure the motor is in good shape.

I had a Pfaff 545 converted to use Singer feet, because back then the Singer feet were a lot cheaper to buy. You should be able to buy needles and pre-wound bobbins from an Upholstery supply shop.

If you can find these machines that were built pre-1990 you will have a workhorse of a machine.

MichaelB

Thanks for that. It's a good starting point.

As an added note, my only needs are: Forward, reverse, variable stitch length, straight-line sewing.

charsuewilson

Where do you find used industrial machines? A niece is looking for one. The only place I could think of would be to contact a drapery shop and ask if they have used machines for sale or know where to get them.

MichaelB

Any opinion on the Pfaff 230?

Chasing Hawk

No experience with that model. I did see a few on eBay. A walking footor compound foot is to keep your material feeding evenly. It works great when going through thick material. It's not like a quilter's walking foot but like this....

Candace

Great machine, but it's a domestic machine, not industrial. Lots of people like to claim vintage machines are "industrial" machines, but that's not the case. Will it do what you need? Maybe and probably. Just don't buy it thinking you're getting an industrial machine.

MichaelB

Thanks, Candace. If I want to go industrial, what should I look for?

DogHouseMom

Where do you live (generally speaking). There is a quilting shop in Joliet Illinois and I found out recently that the owner sells vintage industrial machines. No idea if he has what you need, and no idea if he is any good at repairing/refinishing/refurbishing machines ... Just thought I would let you know there is a shop there. If in the area and you want the name/loc of the shop ... PM me.

MichaelB

Thanks. I'm in the Pennsylvania end of the country.