Heavy Duty Sewing Machines? What to look for?

tod0987

tod0987

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Well for years I've used an old singer but its not cutting it any more (I broke it). I'm mostly using heavy canvas duck, webbing, and/or coated nylon for projects such as duck blinds and truck bed covers.

I'm looking for a heavy duty sewing machine that could do multiple layers of canvas, nylon and lighter leathers. I've been on the lookout for a Sailrite sailmakers machine but those are hard to find used and not kill the bank. I know I need a walking foot machine I believe.

I know we have 5-7 leather makers out there, is there any advice on models that I can look for on the used market?

Thanks,
 
Not sure where your located but there's a place called T&T liquidators in Lumberton. They have a ton of commercial machines. I'm not well versed in sewing machine brands but I remember seeing Juki's last time I was there.
 
If you can't find anything semi-local you can get really nice refurbs from Nick-O Sew out of Tennessee. They are legit and will get you a palletized running machine in a few days.
Safe bet to find something locally is to find a friendly stitch shop and see if you can figure out who they use as a mechanic. Most of those old timer sewing machine mechanics are parts collectors and will have machines available to purchase.

I have a Juki LU-563 in my basement that I purchased from a mechanic for $25 when I worked in the body armor world. I repair horse blankets, various riding tack, clothing, and modify tons of stuff to fit my needs.

CHRIS

Edit: Juki and Consew were the only machines that we had on the commercial sewing floor.
 
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Thanks Guys I've seen Juki's and Consews on craigslist around here a lot but from what I can find about them they seem to be the thin teeshirt machines since there use to be so many teeshirt factories years back. Not suited for the thicker stuff.

I'll keep an eye out for that model. Thanks
 
Tod, contact the company I listed above. They have warehouses full of commercial sewing/riveting/manufacturing equipment.

I have no ties to the company, just enjoy going down and rummaging through the place to see what they have from time to time.
 
I got mine from Glenn's Sewing Machines in High Point. They have lots of Consew and Juki machines, refurbished and ready to go. I bought there because if you buy one that's been sold out of a plant, it needs refurbishing... so why not buy one that has already been checked out, parts replaced, adjusted, tuned up, etc.?
 
hp468 said:
Tod, contact the company I listed above. They have warehouses full of commercial sewing/riveting/manufacturing equipment.

I have no ties to the company, just enjoy going down and rummaging through the place to see what they have from time to time.
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Alright sounds like a road trip and hit the Special Operations Museum again on the way back. Its been a few years. Thank you I'll give them a holler.
 
CHRIS_WNC said:
If you can't find anything semi-local you can get really nice refurbs from Nick-O Sew out of Tennessee. They are legit and will get you a palletized running machine in a few days.
Safe bet to find something locally is to find a friendly stitch shop and see if you can figure out who they use as a mechanic. Most of those old timer sewing machine mechanics are parts collectors and will have machines available to purchase.

I have a Juki LU-563 in my basement that I purchased from a mechanic for $25 when I worked in the body armor world. I repair horse blankets, various riding tack, clothing, and modify tons of stuff to fit my needs.

CHRIS

Edit: Juki and Consew were the only machines that we had on the commercial sewing floor.
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In its class the 563 is the best of the best. I sold my last one for $1000 & regret letting it go. Consew 225's & 226's are damn good machines also.
 
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Thanks Curt! so these machines will handle several layers of canvas and webbing. Not looking a speed machine just hate dealing with broken needles.
 
tod0987 said:
Thanks Curt! so these machines will handle several layers of canvas and webbing. Not looking a speed machine just hate dealing with broken needles.
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I've sewn car interiors on a 563. And ive known several old school upholstery shops that use these machines. I've sewn 3/8" of leather on my old 563. Heavy webbing can be problematic on all but the largest machines. But just get the largest needles 26's as i recall. The smaller machines take smaller needles & thats why they break. I've seen Juki Lu563's go from $400 up to a $1000 for a refurbished with Servo motor & the same for the Consew 226’s
 
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gunbelt said:
I've sewn car interiors on a 563. And ive known several old school upholstery shops that use these machines. I've sewn 3/8" of leather on my old 563. Heavy webbing can be problematic on all but the largest machines. But just get the largest needles 26's as i recall. The smaller machines take smaller needles & thats why they break. I've seen Juki Lu563's go from $400 up to a $1000 for a refurbished with Servo motor & the same for the Consew 206's.
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Thanks for the info!
 
Check government surplus, the Army had some of these selling at Bragg on surplus a couple years back
 
tod0987 said:
@Gunbelt Hi Curt, Would $600 for a Consew 226r-2 with table, extra feet in what appears to be very good condition be reasonable?
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Yes sounds like a deal. What do u intend to sew with it? I went back up thread & that machine will do what you want. The heavy webbing is the place it’ll give you trouble. Go slow let the machine do it, don’t force. A good operator can stretch the limits on a bit undersized machine.
 
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Gunbelt said:
Yes sounds like a deal. What do u intend to sew with it? I went back up thread & that machine will do what you want. The heavy webbing is the place it’ll give you trouble. Go slow let the machine do it, don’t force. A good operator can stretch the limits on a bit undersized machine.
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Gunbelt said:
That machine was made for that stuff.
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ok thank you! I don't mind slow and taking my time on the thicker stuff, makes sense.
 
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tod0987 said:
@Gunbelt Hi Curt, Would $600 for a Consew 226r-2 with table, extra feet in what appears to be very good condition be reasonable?
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I paid twice that for mine, with a table and a full tuneup from Glenn's Sewing in High Point. If yours works fine, that's a great deal.

tod0987 said:
600-800D nylon and sunbrella fabric mainly. Some 12oz duck canvas for a new truck bed cover with webbing mixed in.
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Very similar to mine. I use it with webbing on 1000x1000D nylon a lot.

Here's yer manual.
 
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