I need a High Quality, Heavy Duty Sewing Machine... any suggestions?

Question

I need a heavy duty sewing machine to sew through many layers of fabric and batting... the machine I have now is not quite strong enough and it binds up a lot. I have a Kenmore (which is an awesome machine by the way) I paid over $300 for it and I am so sad that it will not longer suit my needs...

Any suggestions? Do you own an industrial strength machine that you are happy?

Answer 1

The antiquated Bernina 830 will do all that and more, but they are extremely hard to find now. And impossible to get repairs for. If you can find one, that would be my choice. I paid more than $500 for it 30 yrs ago.

If I were to replace it I would go with a Janome. They will build a machine to suit your needs. Just go to their website and then phone or email them with what you want the machine to do. Yes, It will be very $$$!! But will do everything you want it to do for probably the rest of your life.

http://www.janome.com

Answer 2

Your best bet is going to be going to the sewing machine dealers and trying with the particular combination of fabrics you're using.  I'm guessing you're going to need something that will take a size 18 or 19 needle (many home machines will not) from the number of layers.  

That said, my midline electronic Viking will easily handle seams that have six layers of 200 weight Polartec and a waterproof breathable and a lining.  I need a size 16 needle to do so, and a little silicone on the thread.

Electronic machines have the advantage of using stepper motors, which give you full "punching force" at slow speeds.  Mechanicals depend on straight mechanical force (with some you can change gear ratios), but the problem remains that the starting current required for a standard motor is 3x that of its running current (it's why lights dim when a motor starts up -- a localized brownout.)

Have you had your machine in for a clean-oil-adjust?  That can make a big difference.  

Also read: http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

and be aware that "industrial strength" is salespeak only.  BTW, one of the old demos salespeople were taught was how to get a home sewing machine to sew through a wooden yardstick.   It's the method, not the machine.  <g>

You may also want to look at compound needlefeed machines, which will be much pricier new.  Adler and Consew seem to be the top brands in that field, but I have limited knowledge of them.

Also be aware that you void the warranty on home sewing machines by using them for business -- they're just not meant for the sort of duty cycle a commercial or industrial machine is.

Answer 3

Bring your fabric and batting to a sewing machine store and find out for yourself.  You may find an old Singer 201 does the trick -- old mechanical Bernina's are very powerful (and you can get repairs on 830's) as well.  The old Pfaff 130 will practically sew through sheet metal as will older Necchi's.  If you're looking at new machines, then new Berninas (pricey!) and Vikings (medium pricey) are good bets.

The main thing about industrial machines is not that they have powerful motors, it's that they have motors that will run 24 hours a day without burning up.  A good home sewing machine will perform as well as an industrial -- it just can't do it hour after hour after hour.

Answer 4

Casual Hobbyists and Merchants alike are welcome to join and share their crafts.  Those trying to make some money on the side will enjoy the ability to sell their very own home-grown creations on sewforum.org.  Those that are new to the hobby will be able to inquire within and take part in the many discussion so register today!

http://www.sewforum.org

Sew and Say what you want!

Answer 5

I think your best bet would be going to a sewing machine repair shop or store and seeing what older machines they have for sale used.  Older machines are generally sturdier and able to withstand more of a fabric beating than the new ones.  

I have an older Janome New Home from the late 80s. (I can't remember the model number off the top of my head)  It's heavy as h**l and is a work horse.  It's also from just before they started computerizing sewing machines, so there are a lot of fancy stitches and buttons to play with.

My mom has always been happy with her Berninas.  Currently, she's working on an industrial Bernina 950 that she loves.  Industrial machines are a considerable space and monetary investment, but if you'll get good use out of it, it could be worth it.

My best advice is to ask people you know who really use their sewing machines and see what they like about certain brands, do your own research from there and then try to find a used machine.

Good luck!  And happy sewing!

Answer 6

Industrial strength? Please be careful, many sellers, especially on the auction sites advertise industrial strength sewing machines, when, they are in fact, regular household machines.  I fell for one of those ads and ended up buying an old Singer 66-16, advertised as industrial strength...it isn't.  But, it does sew through layers; but I must sew slowly and with the appropriate needle.

After talking to the Singer repairman he informed me that industrial strength machines are all metal, even the table, and have very powerful motors, some that are hydraulic.  Is that what you want?  If you do, you'll pay a lot more and will have to

have repair support.

Please try to define your needs.  Get on some chat lines, I subscribe to one that specializes in old black Singers.  Wished I had done more research before buying "industrial strength."  To make matters worse, I had a 66-16 already!  Didn't realize I was buying the same machine.  In all fairness, my new old 66-16 does have a bigger motor.

Good luck!