Hand-held sewing machines

FergusM

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I have seen these advertised, mainly on US websites. Has anyone used one, and are they any good? My problem is that I have a fair bit of palm and needle work to do, on sailcloth and tarpaulin, and I also have a repetitive strain injury in my right arm - that has improved since I switched the computer mouse to left-hand operation, but I reckon it's just biding its time, and a good bit of sewing would set it off again.

Obviously, any solution would have to be able to cope with sailmaking thread.

Any ideas are most welcome.
 

alanporter

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They will sew two layers of bluejean material together, but I haven't tried it on sailcloth. They are cheap enough to buy one and give it a try. Over here in Canada they are the equivalent of about 9 GBP.
 

Roberto

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is it the Speedy stitcher you are referring to ?

I have one and find it very practical, only drawback is the size of the needle: it is quite big so it makes a hell of a hole in the cloth, roughly 2mm diameter: if the cloth is light it may not like it, otherwise for heavy canvas (like around reinforced areas at the clew, or head) + webbing + general rope stitching it is quite useful
 

FergusM

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If the Speedy Sticher is the wooden handled needle with a reel of thread, that you operate by pushing through the cloth from one side, then it might be an improvement on palm and needle, but it might still trigger the RPI. If nothing else effective comes up, I will certainly try it.

I had in mind something powered by battery. I think that might be the kind Alan has in mind.

Many thanks, anyway.
 

cliff

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[ QUOTE ]
I had in mind something powered by battery.

[/ QUOTE ] Don't we all...../forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


Seriously though, have you thought of an old singer 27 machine? It will sew plywood if you are so inclined. Sail cloth and canvass is no problem. Available at your local church fete for £5 or there abouts or from here

I have two old singer machines - one a motorised 28 and the other a treadle driven 15 - fantastic for sail repairs and general heavy sewing.

Really beats SHMO's all seeing all singing all dancing modern multi fangled "need a PhD to switch it on" machine.
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georgesoilis

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Can you please clarify about the electric one,if it is 220V ,and what size needles you use for what use.
I am trying to see if it would cost me less to order the material and have it done DIY ,compared to the professional £70 charges for a new window on the sprayhood.
It seems though that to order and make it by myself calls for some lessons on how to use the thing,as i ve never had the need or the urge to learn how to use one.
I think it is handy ,and in my opinion responsible to carry a sewing machine onboard anything bigger than 25 ft.
It seems it saves money ,and it makes sailing really independent from the fosil fuel production corporations and the rest of the sharks that are around.
I try to do all jobs on the boat ,as i feel safer if i have seen all parts of my boat ,and when i sail in theknowledge that whatever comes ,i can deal with it,repairs,or whatever.I can not imagine i would do different even if i had bought a brand new yacht,and i feel sorry for those souls who dare to go out without securing their safe return ,andwithout depending for survival on outside help (that doesnt unfortynatelly always come on time....)
 
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