Elessar
Well-Known Member
what a BORING man - no way i could watch that video through!!!
Interesting and that video is an oxymoron.
Sailrite
- Thread starter Hurricane
- Start date
Interesting and that video is an oxymoron.
Hurricane
Well-Known Member
You wouldn't believe the videos that I watch!!
That definitely wasn't the most boring but I do skip along a bit sometimes.
That said, if you wanted to see the difference between the two machines, I think he gave an honest view of both of them.
irmascherkid
New Member
I have a question if I may?
Been looking at the lsz1 for a while now but have always been put off ordering one due to the import taxes etc, how did you get on with that aspect of importing your machine?
Been looking at the lsz1 for a while now but have always been put off ordering one due to the import taxes etc, how did you get on with that aspect of importing your machine?
Bouba
Well-Known Member
I paid a lot of import tax...
PCUK
Well-Known Member
Get the Chinese version that the Sailrite is based on and up grade it yourself. Aliexpress or similar list various different but identical makes. (That's what I did). Or get the Solent Sewing's own version which again is identical but this has already been upgraded.
doug748
Well-Known Member
AS PCUK has said, have a look at this:
SOLENT LEISURE PRO | Solent Sewing Machines
It's the one I would buy if I was a bit younger but think I will muddle on with what I have got for now. You can buy similar much cheaper direct from the East but if you hit problems you tend to be on your own.
If looking at alternatives I would make sure I got: The longer arm - there is a shorter model, a heavy flywheel, walking foot and zig zag stitch - which makes for a much more versatile machine.
.
SOLENT LEISURE PRO | Solent Sewing Machines
It's the one I would buy if I was a bit younger but think I will muddle on with what I have got for now. You can buy similar much cheaper direct from the East but if you hit problems you tend to be on your own.
If looking at alternatives I would make sure I got: The longer arm - there is a shorter model, a heavy flywheel, walking foot and zig zag stitch - which makes for a much more versatile machine.
.
irmascherkid
New Member
I have been looking at the solent leasure Pro for some time now, I did also consider the cheap ones that are on ebay but as you say you tend to be up the creek without a paddle when things go wrong, so will probably end up going down the rabbit hole with getting one from solent and continously trying to upgrade it but that will still be cheaper that the import taxes for a sailrite machine.
PCUK
Well-Known Member
On the subject of spares, The Solent machine uses the same spares as the Chinese originals but to be honest these machines are fairly bullet proof as there are no electronics to consider. Also, new motors are available on Ebay for around £40 along with the heavy flywheels which really transform the machine.
I've got the short arm version which makes sewing large things more difficult but still do-able as I'll be making three cockpit canopies in the spring.
Thinking back I reckon that this machine has cost me about £350 in total with the various upgrades but I began well with buying it off Ebay for £40!
I've got the short arm version which makes sewing large things more difficult but still do-able as I'll be making three cockpit canopies in the spring.
Thinking back I reckon that this machine has cost me about £350 in total with the various upgrades but I began well with buying it off Ebay for £40!
PetiteFleur
Well-Known Member
I have a Singer 20U industrial sewing machine, excellent, does both straight and zig-zag stitches and is very powerful, easily going through several layers of acrylic canvas. Also 5/6 layers of sailcloth . I did slow it down by fitting a small pulley on the motor. I could fit an electronic control motor but not got round to it. Otherwise it is too fast at up to 3000spm! It's not portable so stays in my shed.
Hurricane
Well-Known Member
Actually, I think that is a bit "penny pinching".
Compare the amount you will save with the cost of these machines and the extra for the REAL thing disappears into insignificance.
Also have a look at the quality of the components of these "compatible" machines.
My machine often sews through very heavy materials - indeed often through plastic zips.
For me, properly machined parts help to make the whole machine run smoother.
I have also had my problems with Solent Sew - as a supply company.
I have placed about 4 or 5 orders with them for various stuff.
Every order had a problem - one delivery (from suposedly stock) took several months to arrive.
IIRC, I even had to threaten return of payment.
As a result, I won't use them unless I have to.
PCUK
Well-Known Member
In contrast my many dealings with Solent Sewing have been impeccable. Also don't forget that the Sailrite is still only the basic Chinese machine with some upgraded parts. The base machine still comes from China before being uprated.
Hurricane
Well-Known Member
OK - I will give them another try sometime.
