Sewing machine

angelsson said:
I recently made a complete set of canopy's for my Nic38, the quote I had required a second mortgage!
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That;s why I started this, quotes came in at approx 3 months mortgage payments!

Plus, the first guy made a complete hash of it and took it away for a refund, I decided if he could mess it up so could I....

Looks like the bottom thread tension is wrong?

20130112_153044.jpg
 
increase the bottom thread tension on the bobbin (fiddly but quite quick), or reduce the top tension, for starters.


Could also be the presser foot pressure.

What sort of needles are you using BTW ? Ball point ?
 
GrahamM376 said:
Looks like a Sailrite under different badge and half price.
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Still about five times what I've just paid for a classic all-metal zigzag machine :)

Admittedly mine is not going to be as capable as Nigel's, no walking foot for a start, but perfectly adequate for the odd bag or cover I think.

Pete
 
nigelmercier said:
I've just ordered a brand new "SAINTS WALKING FOOT ZIGZAG INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE" for £400:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290933989143

Never heard of the brand (although the sewing machine was invented by a Mr Saint) but I think it will be OK for the occasional heavy-duty job, look at the pictures!
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Looks a very useful piece of kit.

Let us know how you get on Nigel.
 
Nigel - Have you heard anything from the seller?

I have written to him with a couple of questions, but am still awaiting a reply. Of course, he/she could just be busy. :)
 
PlankWalker said:
I love my Singer 20u.

Plank
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I also have a Singer 20U, model 43 which gives an extra wide zigzag. I did slow it down with a smaller pulley on the motor so had more control but overall been very pleased. Sewn sail covers, new sprayhood and cockpit canopy as well as sail repairs. My wife is also a very good seamstress but won't use my machine as it 'frightens' her - on the other hand she won't let me use her expensive machine(it's too complicated anyway)! All materials bought from Kayospruce. Use Bonded Polyester thread.
Look on ebay - one starting at £50 and others from Alansalterations who is a good contact and helpful.
 
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The Saints machine certainly looks very like the Sailrite in all it's visible features, except it has a friction clutch rather than the pin arrangement of the Sailrite. On the surface it looks very good value, I too will be interested to hear how it turns out. Hope they pack it well, they're piggin' heavy!
 
Thanks for coming back to me Nigel.

I still haven't had a response to my questions from the eBay seller, so have sent them again. I might normally ask you for the answers to my questions, but whilst you will soon know whether the machine comes with any sort of case (or cover) and how much it weighs, I also wanted to know if I could go and look at the machine before buying it. You probably wouldn't know the answer to that one. :)

I'm also waiting for a quote from Sailrtite USA for purchase and shipping of one of their machines, but this is a potential alternative (thanks for highlighting it) - although it will be 220v, not my preferred 110v. If I can do an export deal with Sailrite USA, I may do OK. (The machine isn't destined for the UK base camp.)

We'll see.
 
I am aware of that, thanks. If I am unable to source a preferable deal beforehand, I will try again to cut an export deal at the SIBBS, for direct export. We have a voltage up/down stepper. but without doubt, the resale value will always be better at 110v, overseas, where that is the more common voltage.

When I enquired with Solent in the past, they suggested either dealing directly with the US, or they would have to import and immediately export. My impression, at the time, was that there was insufficient margin to cover the special (110v) order and dealing with the customs for export.
 
MiracleMaud said:
the resale value will always be better at 110v, overseas, where that is the more common voltage.
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Eh?

Nearly everywhere in the world is on 240v as far as I know, except the US and places it has influenced.

(Where "240v" also includes 220 and 230.)

How integrated is the motor on a Sailrite machine? A surprising number of sewing machines seem to stick with a belt-drive motor strapped on the back, which seems archaic and Victorian but does mean they should be easy to swap.

Pete
 
Quite. Our boat is in such a place and has both 100v and 240v shore power and inverter options. But. Should I wish to resell the sewing machine, I know, from experience of selling other useful electrical appliances "over there", that 110v will command a materially better resale value. In fact, to the sailing community, 240v is not very attractive at all – aside from to other Brits.

If I was convinced 240v was the way to go, I'd probably just pack up and take the great machine I have here, and replace it when I return from the great adventure I am close to embarking upon.

Going back to the Nigel's original post (a few days ago), at £400 it might be a decent flutter to take overseas. A UK Sailrite, at pretty much double the cost, is less attractive. The US option, exported has some potential.
 
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