IHazySky 0 #1 July 3, 2014 What's up with this machine? There is one in a thrift shop on a table and filled with attachments ect for $250. What could I use this for? How much punch would she have? E thread? Anyone with experience with this machine let me know Thanks Ian Trying to get some machines together. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #2 July 3, 2014 I haven't sewn with one but gets good reviews. But I'd suggest putting the money with.some.more and getting a true commercial machine on a table with knee lifter and separate motor. I just sold equivalent quality zig zag necchi on table for $250. If you look hard a tan or singer 20u can be had for $400. A Pfaff 238 for $500. And lots if newer straight stitch only like the 201 but real industrial.machines for similar prices. Also lots.of time machine at thrift shops have been donated and have function issues.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gowlerk 2,277 #3 July 3, 2014 Singer 201s are excellent machines. They were the top of the line for home seamstresses for 60 years. Known as the machinist's machine for the quality of the build they were the only Singer ever made in both a domestic and a light industrial model. (1200) If you are looking at taking up making and repairing clothes on a straight stitch only machine you could do no better. Full rotary hook, takes 66 class bobbins, it's the fore runner of the 401 class machine. It will pull E thread, almost any domestic machine will. But it's drop feed with very small feed dogs makes it only really suitable for light materials. Except for canopy patching you would very quickly become very frustrated. And even for that, the lack of clearance from the relatively short arm would be limiting. If you really want one, $50 would be a more realistic price. Keep shopping. If you are ever in Winnipeg, MB for some crazy reason I can give you a cleaned up refurbished one for $75.Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IHazySky 0 #4 July 3, 2014 I have been reading thru machine threads all day, but I'd like to ask a few questions. I have an old sears kenmore zigzag machine (heavy metal one) a bernina virtuosa 160, and a Elna SU. I am a senior rigger, and I want to get my master rigging ticket. I am wondering what machines I should get to expand on this selection. What would the best uses of these machines be, and what should I get next. I am getting more and more repair work, and am wanting to get into manufacturing in the future. I will be able to work with some of our local manufacturers here in zHills area, but I want to learn more about what machine is the best for what task... What machine should one get first? Why? I am getting stuff from linesets to container binding repairs... Also nterested in sewing covers for boats (sunbrella) ect so I am thinking I will need something that will pull large thread eventually. I have a lot of research and learning to do, as you can tell for these questions. Any advice is appreciated. Point me in the right direction. Why the 20u? Bernina 270? Singer 30-15? Should I really invest in a serious bar tacker? I think I could get at least a few DZs worth of linesets... The Expensive juki is he way to go there? Anyone know anyone who is selling any machines, or a loft full of machines ;) Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gowlerk 2,277 #5 July 3, 2014 You are now at the point that you need to understand the importance of, and the different types of material feeding systems. Read this page: http://www.chholderby.com/industrial-sewing-machines/feeding-the-material/ What you will soon learn is that the household machines you have been using are designed to be multipurpose units. Commercial machines are generally designed to do one thing very well and very quickly. The Singer 20u type machine is also designed to be somewhat multipurpose. That is why it is somewhat common in small rigging lofts. It can do double duty as a reasonably competent ZZ and straight stitcher. It is of good, but not great quality, and it excels at nothing, but is adequate for a lot. If you get one it will basically do what the 31-15 does, plus ZZ. I've never heard of a Bernina 270, but the 214 is a very sought after high quality ZZ machine that people like because if you get the right model it can do a three step (308) ZZ stitch. I know little about bartackers, but if you are going to be doing many linesets you will need one. Poynters vol 1 and the Parachute Riggers Manual both have information that you should re-read judging by your questions. The PRM is a free download if you search for it.Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
