Sewing machine for canvas & sails

[pjobson]

I have an old electric singer sewing machine in a wooden cabinet looks like a side table when when the machine is folded away inside. Free to you if you wish to collect it from me. PM me if interested. It belonged to my late mother and was one of those things you say "we should keep this" after 2 years of it sitting in the dining room you realise she would rather it was used

Let me know if interested.

Thanks but I am after something portable that I can use onboard

 

[pjobson]

Thanks. It seems that you are describing an awl (speedstitch is one brand name). I have one of these but long stitching runs still take me an age. Being lazy, I want something easier. My first task is the whole length on the mainsail cover, then bimini and a new bag for my dinghy

 

[Ariadne]

Go and get the Sailrite machine, worth every penny and a great after-sales service as well.

We bought 1 this year after breaking two domestic machines repairing Genoa's and canvas work.

 

[Huttoft]

Another vote here for the zig-zagging Sailrite, along with Dabond V69 and V92 threads and Schmetz industrial needles.

 

[Blueboatman]

Well alright. I bought a zigzag sailrite and it is very very good. Has not quite paid for itself yet and earnt a few bbqs too from grateful neighbours !
Stows unobtrusively under the table.
At slow speed through multiple layers and jogging from forward to reverse it is a joy to use.
Well worth considering a hot (electric) knife as well, cos it seals any cut fabric edges.

 

[Mrs FG]

Old cast iron SInger [ Chinese copy is OK too ] if straight stitching is all you need. Manual takes no lecky at all! Don't know about the electric version.

I paid £25 for one a few years ago. Get the heavy duty needle and it will sew through 8 layers of sailcloth.

Yep - I'll second that. Great Granny's Jones manual, c. 1900, still works a treat - and yes, you can pick them up for about £25.

The instruction booklet demands you lubricate with "a good sperm oil", but modern equivalents seem to work!