sewing machine for sails

[doug748]

I use V69 for everything and have had few problems. I would buy a big spool, you can twist heavy wire around the bobbin holder at the top/rear/right of the machine and make yourself a handy feeder for leading the thread off the spool
I have never worried about needles except to use big uns, generally "jeans".
I guess your Jones is electric and may date from the 60's. A good old Manchester company it was taken over by Brother so yours may be a re-badged Jap machine - no problem whichever because they are all well up to the job.
If you have lower thread problems it is generally due to incorrect threading...Good luck with it, one of the most useful things you can have for a boat.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

I would recommend v92 thread even if the sails are old. The best needle size for this thread is 19 or 20. Iif you use V69 for everything, it will be weak within three seasons,it's not really heavy enough .Particulary if you are restiching seam ends and sacrificial strips.
You can use chisel point needles in the thicker areas.Turning the machine by hand and applying more pressure to the foot with a finger can assist in holding the fabric firm when the needle pulls back up.

As previously said, the older cast body machines will put up with much more than the modern plastic more complicated ones.

Without a walking foot machine, feeding is usually the main problem ,laying out on a level surface so the weight is spread level with the machine.A silicon spray helps getting it through,so that stitches are even
Cindy

 

[KellysEye]

>Kellyseye - sorry, but chisel needles on sailcloth ?

Oops sorry! Brain not in gear, too much Gin with the cornflakes. As was said they are used for leather. I was remembering when Jane was sewing leather not canvas making. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[SimonJ]

Seng machinewi

Thanks very much everone for your helpful and interesting comments. I don't have the space unfortunately for a table mounted industrial machine. I had a good look at the ace-apparel site and spotted an old Jones machine for £35 so I have bought it to see how I get on. If it will go through four layers I should be able to do most of the long runs with a bit of hand stitching at the corners.

Cheers! Neil

I have a similar machine - basically a Reads is only a (slightly) modified one of these. The best modification you can make is to have a stronger spring fitted to press the foot down more. I had a sewing machine shop do this for me and they also added a hand crank (ex an old Singer) which has been wonderful -very cheap!