Anyone do auto/boat upholstery work? Need help picking a sewing machine.

[IQRaceworks]

I’ve decided to start a new project…….re-upholstering a few seats out of my boat. I’m always up for learning a new skill.

So, that being said…..I need to pick up a sewing machine that will work for this project. If this goes well, I might try to redo some seats in my car one of these days. But at this point, I just need a good reliable “hobby” type machine, I’m not going into business.

I’ve done a bunch of research on machines, and it sounds like I at least need something with reverse, something I can run very slow if needed, and it needs a true walking foot for doing multiple layers of marine vinyl fabric and/or leather.

So here are some machines I’ve been looking at…..just wondering if any of you guys have done upholstery work like this, and have had some kind of experience with these lower end walking foot machines.

Rex 607, about $269 online

Consew CP206RL, about $400 inline.

Sailrite LS-1, about $700 online.

To me, they all look like pretty much the same machine….just different colors, and different brand.

I don’t mind looking for a used machine, but there are so many out there, unless I have a specific brand/model that I know work for me, it’s kind of overwhelming if you don’t know what you are looking at……so if there any older ones out there that I should be looking for, please let me know!

Any other info would be great! Thanks

 

[LB-1911]

You may want to PM nine4gmc He should be able to offer some insight.

 

[cgrutt]

I'm in the same boat looking for machine to do my boat's upholstery. I'm also thinking about doing some side work so looking at other machines. The Sailrite is nice and they supposedly have great customer service as well as great videos for your project. I believe the machine itself is same Chinese core as others (Rex etc) that can be had for under $300. Sailrite uses different components though such as the Walking Foot, Flywheel and motor. They also set up machine and tune it before it leaves shop so that is part of price difference. I believe they are running free shipping promotion that ends soon (maybe today?) That can save $100 or so. One of key things is ability for machine to run slow with full power. I thought alot about buying the Sailrite but am now leaning towards Juki 1541S. I've settled for too many tools over the years and have always been disappointed I didn't get what I really wanted lol. Good luck.

 

[cgrutt]

Sailrite shipping promo ends today 11/15 use code
99SHIPSFREE

I also saw separate 12% off entire order promo if you sign up for texts. Not sure if you can take both discounts or not.

 

[K13]

I replied to your post on the HAMB as well.

I am not an upholster but I am doing my own upholstery and personally I wouldn't want to try and do it with any of the machines you listed. They are all small compact machines with what looks like short throat depths. I have enough trouble doing the work with a regular depth throat. I can't imagine trying to reach the middle of a larger panel and get all the extra material stuffed into that small an area and still keep seams straight. They would probably be fine for doing work that only required sewing around edges but anything that you want to reach the middle of a panel with they don't look like fun. Also the lack of a flush table would make things difficult as well.

 

[IQRaceworks]

Are the sailright machines worth the extra $400 over the REX or Consew?

 

[jumbo61]

I would suggest joining this upholstery forum and ask away. I've been a member for 6 yrs and learned a lot. Many tutorials.
https://www.hotrodders.com/forum/interior/

 

[Showkey]

I have had a sailrite for 15 years..........good machine,good price, good service.
But it’s like woodworking or metal work........user skills and experience are way more of a factor than the actual machines.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought a used JUKI for $500. I had it serviced at Mason, a local sewing machine shop. My JUKI has a walking foot for leather and vinyl. I bought an older JUKI so I could have a made in Japan model. The later models are made in China. A professional upholstery guy and several forms suggest the Japanese originals are preferred.
The biggest thing you should get to know is, do you like a clutch motor or not clutched. I don't remember the model number of my JUKI.
Watch Craigslist. Don't walk away from an old Singer upholstery machine. A vintage Singer can be good.
My friend has an upholstery business. He has JUKI, only, for reliability and service.
A proper commercial sewing table is a must have. The professional sewing machine tables are adjustable for height and pedal position.
If you get cheap now, you will regret that choice. Pictures later and model number.

 

[isb cornbinder]

As promised, here are a few pictures. The model number is 562. The model that came after this is still made in Japan and it will have a larger bobbin. Both models sew the same. The larger bobbin holds more thread and changing it out will be less often.
The sewing tables often come with the sewing machine. The opening in a new table has to be cut to fit the machine that will be installed on that table. So, the table will not likely work in another application.

 

[cgrutt]

I believe country of origin is dependent upon machine the Juki 1541S is still made in Japan as far as I am aware. As far as value of Sailrite vs Rex and others I'd say it depends on buyer. They are not really apples to apples machines. Sailrite has heavier flywheel among other parts that are upgrade over other similar looking machines. There are videos on You Tube with comparisons some value the better parts and customer service others value the cheaper price lol...

 

[isb cornbinder]

The Juki 1541S is made in Japan. It is a really good and versatile machine and worth the extra money when you buy it and then when you sell it. The Juki 1541S is worth more when it is working because it will last longer between service adjustments and parts replacements.
I have never regretted buying my Juki. I feel very luck to have found my 562 for $500. If or when I offer it for sale, I am confident I will get my purchase money back and , I might even make a few bucks.
I will be doing the upholstery in my daughters 1953 L110 pickup with my 562.
I checked Craigslist this morning and there were about 10 JUKI machines for sale.

 

[gordo9742000]

I have a singer 20U that I have been using for years. Has reverse but not a walking foot. Goes through several layers of vinyl no problem.

 

[22george]

As said before, go to interiors on hotrodding.com. Much info there. Search for Dantwolakes. He is a professional upholsterer with many years experience. He has posted many times on what machine to get. I used his recommendations when I got mime and am well satisfied with it.

 

[vpd66]

I was in the same boat has you about 8 years ago. i found a used Singer 111W155 with table for $285. I up graded it with an import servo motor ( the clutch motor was way to fast and took quite a bit of feel to used to it) and its been a great machine. It doesn't have reverse but that is a luxury not something you need.

 

[FANTM58]

I’m using a used PFAFF 545
A great heavy duty machine, used for $400. With table
I’ve upgraded to a DC motor. I Love it.
I took a class at a local trade school on the week ends
Taught by a really talented guy who runs a high end shop
Have fun !

 

[FANTM58]

Also I used to be on a site for auto upholstery
The hog ring
A ton of information, but they have changed and now only allow
Shops or professions to join,,, BS if you ask me
I really enjoyed that site ..

 

[frozen-stitches]

I’m an upholsterer. I would suggest looking on Craigslist, or a local shop and buy an used industrial walking foot with reverse. If you can splurge I would get a servo motor with a needle positioner, it will be easier for a beginner. Although I did learn with a clutch motor it takes a while to get proficient with it. At work I have a Consew 206RB5, and at home I have a 206RB6. If I were going to buy a new machine it would be an Adler 867 variety.
I would also since you are doing your boat pick up a pneumatic stapler and stainless steel staples.

 

[chinboys]

There is a team of people based in Ok. on a youtube channel "SV Seeker" that makes their own sails and skirts using a sewing machine of sorts.

 

[IQRaceworks]

I found a nice used Singer 281-3 with an AC servo motor on it for around $300, and also a Singer (looks like a 111W155 but it's hard to tell) that looks to be in good shape for around the same price. Both have tables with them.

Would either of those machines work for me? And is that a good price?

 

[langss]

These might work for somebody.....https://www.govplanet.com/jsp/s/item/1808525?kwtag=p13n-V&h= We had a Consew where I was working. It survived a lot of different hands running it, so only one person should be easy.

 

[Xpectation]

Morning all, after all your help and recommendations I think I have made up my mind but before I spend my money I thought to ask for your thoughts just in case.
I like the following Juki machine and it comes with the servo motor, looks mint and the price seems reasonable. Any feedback from yous would be appreciated as I am planning on purchasing it.

 

[brokeboater]

Way old thread but what the heck. In the Sailrite vs clone contest I bought a Rex 607Z. Is a Sailrite worth double a clone? It depends really on your mechanical aptitude and luck. Some of the clones come out of the box ready to go and some don't. Mine didn't and it took several days of fiddling around and adjusting before I got it running decently and another couple of days to get it right. Once I was done I knew and understood the machine. Most of what I did you will eventually have to do to the Sailrite and they all need fairly constant adjustments. I ended up upgrading my Rex with some Sailrite parts, a Monster Wheel, a case, I think a few other odds and ends. I think I paid about $350 for the Rex and now have right at $700 invested. It's close to identical in every way to the Sailrite "premium" on sale right now for $1,270. If you need constant hand holding to keep your machine running, and nothing wrong with that, go with the Sailrite. All of the information you need to do most anything is available through the Sailrite web site but you won't be able to talk directly to a support person.

I bought mine to do upholstery work on my RV. I did it and sold the RV. It was an interesting and worthwhile use of my time and effort. Now I've got a walking foot machine that will last forever that I'll never use again.

 

[mmb617]

Morning all, after all your help and recommendations I think I have made up my mind but before I spend my money I thought to ask for your thoughts just in case.
I like the following Juki machine and it comes with the servo motor, looks mint and the price seems reasonable. Any feedback from yous would be appreciated as I am planning on purchasing it.

I take it you are not the OP so I'm not sure what you want the machine to sew. From what I can see that machine is not made for sewing leather or other heavy materials. The largest size needle listed for it is an 18, so it's not real heavy duty, which is why it also doesn't have a walking foot as far as I can tell from the pics. As long as you don't want to sew real heavy material it's probably fine.

I was a supervisor for 19 years in a plant that made hunting clothes at one time and we had some Juki machines but that plant closed in 1991 so I'm sure things have changed quite a bit since then.

The setup on that machine is like our industrial machines were with the head separate from the motor and driven by a belt, which is a good layout and it has an oil pan to circulate lube through the head, also good. It also appears to have a reverse lever which is nice to have. I would guess that the price of $1k is pretty good for the whole setup, as long as you think you'll use it enough.

When our plant closed I was able to buy one of the Singer 281 model single needle machines and had it converted to 120 volt for home use. We've had it for almost 30 years and it works great. It's not a real heavy duty model and doesn't have a walking foot either but I can sew leather with it if I "help" the material through and go slow. I usually run a size 18 needle in it but at work we used to run 21's most of the time. Although on the lighter side of industrial machines it can sew stuff that the typical home machine could not handle.

I was very familiar with a variety of industrial sewing machines back then, so I might be able to answer any questions.

 

[matt_i]

I went with the Consew 206RB5. So far it is great, I'm a complete noob

Demo'd on 2 pieces of ~1/8" leather at the shop where I bought it. Just practicing on 12oz denim from the local joanns.

I'm investigating a larger sheave for the input shaft to further slow it.

 

[frozen-stitches]

I went with the Consew 206RB5. So far it is great, I'm a complete noob

Demo'd on 2 pieces of ~1/8" leather at the shop where I bought it. Just practicing on 12oz denim from the local joanns.

I'm investigating a larger sheave for the input shaft to further slow it.

If it’s a servo motor there is a switch on it to slow the speed. They do make needle positioning servos where you can really adjust the speed and do just one stitch at a time.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bushmechanic]

I've done a lot of vinyl, carpet, and leather automotive work with my antique Singer; the sort that's built into a table. Likewise, I've seen a line of them where I have my leather jackets made.

It'll out-grunt many modern machines.

Have a look at those, to be sure something like that has the balls for your specific job.

 

[Gary Roe]

Excuse me, I have just bought Bry-Tech Marine1 White Upholstery Fabric. Can i sew it with a heavy duty sewing machine?

 

[MikeC55]

I bought an old Singer 111W155 and it does everything I ask of it. No reverse though. I also had to swap in a servo motor and sheave to slow it down. If you did nothing but sew for a living, I guess you could eventually get used to a clutch motor but it was very difficult to go slow.