Sewing machines

[jumper03 0]

I've been thinking about picking up a sewing machine on ebay or at a flea market to practice my sewing so I can concentrate on other things when I take the riggers course. A search turns up so many types, brands etc.

So, what type do you all use the most? Any recommendations as to a type for someone just learning? Are there any features I should look for? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Jump

Scars remind us that the past is real

[masterrig 1]

For what it's worth, since you are just starting-out, I would suggest a Singer 31-15. It is a great straight stitch machine and easy to find. Usually, you should be able to pick one up, table included for under $200.00. You might have to do some cleaning and oiling on it, but, they are just about indestructible. I have one and use it for patching parachutes to (some) container repairs. When I got mine, I thought I had really screwed-up. I soaked it in kerosene and got it cleaned-up, oiled it real good, re-finished the table top and it has been a 'jewel'. Juki, is another great machine but, you'll probably pay a lot more for one.

Chuck

[jumper03 0]

you mean this?!?!?! ->

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26256&item=3292781185&rd=1

LOL...1899. I guess they are indestructible.
Grand daddy always said the old ways were best.

Thanks for the tip.

Jump

Scars remind us that the past is real

[masterrig 1]

WoW! That one is pretty rough looking. That machine was produced from about 1899 till the late 1950's. By the time you paid the freight, you could buy a new machine. Mine was made in 1946. You have to get-out and look. Check the want ads in your paper, check garage sales, check with a sewing machine repair place in your town, they may have a good industrial machine that will meet your needs. You need to really 'see' what you're buying. You need to be able to hand wheel it to see if it moves freely and etc. Your grand dad, is right!
Good luck!

Chuck

[jmidgley 0]

Hi

Taking the other tack (geddit?), if you literally mean just learning the mechanics of sewing, then an ordinary 'domestic' would be a great idea. They go for peanuts 2nd hand, and have often led an easy life. I picked up a Pfaff 1471 for a song, and it's amazingly strong. It will push a 110 needle (#18 size?) and 'E' thread through 6-8 layers of denim weight cloth if I take it at a run. It also has a kind of Pfaff-special walking foot arrangement called IDF, which helps to keep two layers of cloth aligned, particularly slippery stuff like rip-stop.

I'm working on the basis that I'll probably kill it in the end - I'm looking out for a Singer 20U or such like, but in the meantime it's nice to have facilities like needle down (where the machine always stops with the needle in the cloth) and multi-step zig-zag.

Regards
John

[masterrigger1 2]

If you where looking for one machine, I would have to say a Singer 143W or a Consew 175RB.
They are both zig-zag machines that also sew very neat straight stitches and parts are readily available.
Stay away from the 20U and it's clones. the 20U is a decent machine, but it has a feeding problem. It is because the presser foot pivot point is so far behind the feeddog......Hard to get the material started sewing/feeding.
Anyway those are my first choices, but if you are looking for cheap and just a straight stitch, I have quiet a few machines available.Some are Singer 241,251,281 and 31-15.
Masterrigger1

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

[riggerrob 643]

Pfaff 230 is a great straight and zig-zag machine. It will hold the size 18 needles needed for E-thread and will gracefully sew canopies all day. I build two kit parachutes on my old Pfaff 230.