Weightless Sewing Machine Suggestions?

[Jim Cate]

I suspect that the "salty" machine someone above was reminiscing about was a Reeds Sailmaker. IIRC it was British in origin, reasonably robust, but had a fairly small throat.

I agree that you won't find a heavy duty machine that isn't just plain heavy! It takes some mass to provide the stiffness in a longer arm. I suppose that one could design a carbon fibre machine that would blow your socks off and weigh 23 ounces, but I doubt if any of us could afford it!

Cheers

Jim

[barnakiel]

Skip the light part or get a heavy clunker - they somehow seem to work better.

Or do it by hand.

b.

[Celestialsailor]

I have a Pfaff 230. Heavy machine that I found for $75 and a tune up/adjustment for $75. Went to goodwill and for $5 got a roll arpound suitcase itr fits into perfectly. I stow it under the V-berth with the storm sails. I figured I would use it about as often as the sails. It's not like you're going to haul it out every week.
Make one set of winch covers for hubby and I'll guarentee you it will end up staying. Repair a torn sail and he'll want an upgrade and ask you how to use it...

[Randyonr3]

I'm one , as many know, who earns a living now sewing... as does my wife... and honestly, if you want to goof around on a project for hours, find an old war horse, and there are many out there but from someone who does it daily, find a good quality , new walking foot machine and do the mods on it to fit your needs..
My newest is a Juki 1541 with a sailrite SC-MCR, AC to DC motor.. and not that you would ever need the power I have but it will stitch a 3/8 inch stitch through 18 layers of sunbrella..
Ours does go with us aboard and sets in a custom (take down) table in the cockpit.
between the wife and I we have a total of 9 machines aboard including one of Vikings new Designer Dimond Royal embroidery machines..
If I wanted a simple machine, Id buy a Juki 1187 straight stitch and add a sailrite motor to it..
we carried that exact combo with us the first time out and the only problem we ever had was trying to leave a marina or anchorage when we wanted to.. once people found out we had an industrial machine aboard and the knowledge to use it, we had a waiting list of work to do..

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by Randyonr3

...we carried that exact combo with us the first time out and the only problem we ever had was trying to leave a marina or anchorage when we wanted to.. once people found out we had an industrial machine aboard and the knowledge to use it, we had a waiting list of work to do..

Thanks for the real-world advice! I've toyed with the idea of doing exactly what you describe in the quote above as a post-retirement career. So far it's only an idea, would need a LOT more experience. Still, good to know there's a demand.

Never knew you could get a DC motor, so far we've just used the inverter. Good to know.

[Randyonr3]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Thanks for the real-world advice! I've toyed with the idea of doing exactly what you describe in the quote above as a post-retirement career. So far it's only an idea, would need a LOT more experience. Still, good to know there's a demand.

Never knew you could get a DC motor, so far we've just used the inverter. Good to know.

Tom,
Ten years ago the building industry started slacking off and I was a special inspector in concrete and steel.. we bought the boat and took off,
but it was only five years ago that I sat down to a sewing machine and then only to spell the wife on a large project.. I really dont have many years of experance doing this BUT what I did have was a wife with 40 years as a pro dress maker and a very anel attitude.. the success of my canvas work comes from the wife as I was taught the work from a dress maker.. very detailed..
What I'm getting at is you dont need years of experance but instead a good teacher, and an attitude to keep doing better.. there is a fine line between doing a job or project that looks like crap and one that looks great.
And the DC motor, its an AC to DC motor and the DC is 110 volt..
The difference is in a standard 110 AC motor, you have to ramp up the speed to gain power much like a car.. and at high RPM it will drive the needle through the fabric but with a AC to DC motor, the DC has the power when first applied much like a train motor.. and with the needle setting atop the fabric, hit the control and it will drive it through... watch your fingers..
but I do think canvas work as a retirement job is great.. just be prepaired for the people beating down your door..
And if you are really thinking about it, got another tip...
when we closed down the shop last year, I moved the machine to my van and built a table from wall to wall.. the machine sets behind the drivers side facing back with a fold up leaf portion at the door.. I now do all my work mobile and I have no overhead, except my van.. and it also keeps me from taking on really large projects, a bimini , sail cover , or dodger is about all I do anymore..

By the way tom, we've closed the Canvas And Upholstery . Com site .. you are welcome to the domain if you want it.......