I was reading an interesting post regarding sewing machines. I was sure it was here and now I cannot find it. What's up? Did someone move it somewhere?

I make my own harnesses and was thinking about the purchase of a walking foot machine. There was mention of the Sailrite, Phaff, Singer and some others I am sure.

What I was wondering is if the Morse is the same machine as the Sailrite. They look the same right down to the color. I tried to call them but the number is disconnected.

Later,
Dan DeLave

I just - like last week- bought a sailrite LSZ-1. It is great, though I have nothing to compare it to since I had never sewn before. the LS-1 is the same machine, just no zig-zag. I can tell you that there were next to no problems doing a jib for my F-31. A couple things were learned but no problems with the machine.
I did see reports of other machines being very similar- if not the same- to the LS series but I decided to go with the customer service at Sailrite which has worked out very well. They responded to my emails within an hour most of the time (except after business hours of course).

I sew on my grandmothers old 1940's Necchi. 45lbs of cast iron and it will go through 2 layers of seat belt webbing like butter!

One of the biggest things with heavy fabrics is a NEW, SHARP, LARGE needle and a good motor. Jeans needles or larger is best.

A walking foot is really nice so that the fabric doesn't bunch. But a walking foot can be bought separate if you want to retro fit your current machine. Make sure your new one has feed dogs, forwards, (reverse is really nice but not necessary)and stitch length adjustment. If you buy new make sure it comes with a warranty that won't be voided by sewing heavy fabrics. But you could look for a 1950 or older machine and start there. The new ones-Singer-Phaff--etc in the "sewing stores" are lightweight machines. My moms 1970's Kenmore gets jammed with 6 layers of cotton and ALWAYS had to go for service after dad sewed leather.

PTP's report sounds like you can't go wrong with Sailrite. They are made heavy and seems to have good customer service.

Good luck!

Here is a Necchi (circa 2004) on eBay for $25 [edit it has a reserve]
Item number: 360091856200



~*~ THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL SEWING MACHINE ~*~
I SEWED THRU 16 LAYERS OF SUNBRELLA WITH NO PROBLEM

The 7000 RPM motor is EXTREMELY STRONG !

THIS INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH SEWING MACHINE WILL SEW ANY KIND OF FABRIC,
ANY KIND OF SAILCLOTH, ANY KIND OF UPHOLSTERY, ANY KIND OF CANVAS,
ANY KIND OF NAUGHAHYDE AND ANY KIND OF SUNBRELLA !!

This INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH Necchi Omega Model 6010FB ZIGZAG
ALL METAL sewing machine WILL DO IT ALL ~ GUARANTEED !!
It was manufactured in appx. 2004 and if you saw it on the showroom floor
YOU WOULD THINK IT WAS NEW !

I have adjusted this INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH sewing machine to its
maximum efficiency. It also takes standard parts, like needles, bobbins,
light bulbs, motor, belt, hook, electrical wiring, power cord and foot control.

This machine also has the triple zigzag stitch. This is a stitch that is
designed for strength. And you can bring the zigzag closer together
for added strength, which makes this machine perfect for sewing sails.

WE GUARANTEE EVERY SEWING MACHINE WE SELL !!

I have a Sailrite LSZ-1 and am completely satisfied with it.
It will punch zig-zag stitches through the multiple layers of
cloth on the head, tack, and clew of a Tornado main without
even working hard. The only downside is the bobbins are quite
small and it is frustrating to run out of thread in the middle of a seam.

Amen to that. You would think they could come up with a way to have the bobbin thread run off a large spool.... but I know it ain't that simple.
Mine punched through spectra webbing and 5 layers of 8.4oz dacron without a problem

Waz up with all you manly men sewing?

Don't ask, Don't tell....

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyone looked into Swagers so you can make your own rigging?

Sorry for the hyjack.

after paying $100's to fix small tears, and waiting weeks to sail... buying a sewing machine starts to make sense

I borrowed my wife's computerized Janome. It starts to slow down at 2 layers of tramp material plus 2 layers nylon webbing but it will sew it, if you go slow.

My mother gave me an 1950's Singer that she claimed would work but I never had it serviced. My wife's is just so easy to use. It's touch screen, with a walking foot and just so idiot proof.

The moral to this story is many families have sewing machines that are not used and they would be happy to loan them to you or give them to you. The high end computerized machines ($1500-2000) are normally very sturdy with huge motors.

Dan,

I am sure there is an industrial sewing machine shop within 10 miles of you in Orange County. You are looking for a Consew or Singer straight stitch walking foot with a motor, table, bobbin winder and thread stand. Used and sewn off with V138 thread and a #22 needle. These machines are easier to come by then zig-zag machines dialed up for sails. Stay away from the oil resevior models. Expect to pay $600. Look on Craig's List as well. These machines hold their value. You'll be able to sew everything except sails with it.

According to my sailmaker it takes a real man to scream curses or keep silent while you cut the stiches when you sew your thumb to a sail.