Cheaper Sailrite sewing machine clones (share your experiences)

[kjemmo]

Hi All.


(Clone to the left - Sailrite to the right)

I am looking to buy a portable sewing machine with a walking foot for doing repairs and projects.

In my research I stumbled on this thread where the user 'fearmhuir' shares his good experiences with a Sailrite clone ordered directly from China. (SAILRITE CLONE)

I live in Denmark and importing the most basic Sailrite LSZ-1 with a heavier flywheel is $1.750 including shipping and import taxes. That is simply out of my range.

I have contacted the company that 'fearmhuir' ordered from and communication has been easy and swift.

They can offer there model with a heavier flywheel for $650 including shipping and import taxes. I am now very tempted to go with that offer.

I wonder if anyone else have experience with the various Sailrite clones. Please share them.

I am especially interested in people who have had a clone for some years who can report how it performs over time. Also tips and tricks to get the best performance are welcome.

Any accessories that are needed. Do these walking foot types require different feets for different tasks like regular machines (zipper foot etc.)

I my research I have found these two helpful videos.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Order the heavy or monster flywheel .That helps to push the needle through the heavy fabric .The foot it comes with will do most things .

 

[Bouba]

As far as I know, Sailrite sewing machines are made in China..they are then imported to America, where they are tuned and delicate parts replaced with stronger ones. Sailrite are extremely expensive but they provide very good back up...also a second hand Sailrite sell for very good money.
I have researched it and some people got lucky buying made in China clones...others did not.
Perhaps the best thing is to buy a cheap, secondhand, or very old, sewing machine from a famous brand

 

[KompetentKrew]

Another thread which you might find useful: Ordering a Sailrite machine from the USA

One poster there suggests some other models, including the Solent Pro, as having more room under the arm.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I use a Singer 20U43 - which is an industrial machine so is on a table with a large motor. No walking foot but works fine for me. Straight and zig zag stitch. Sewn cockpit canopy, spray hood, dodgers etc. Also new UV strip on genoa and various sail repairs. Several on ebay.

 

[doug748]

Welcome kjemmo.
As KompetentKrew has mentioned there is an alternative, see here:

SOLENT LEISURE PRO | Solent Sewing Machines

Still pricey but might be worth thinking about.

.