AdamDZ

So I was trying to modify a couple of bags, my Camelbak unbottle, sew some velcro straps. I also want to make some frame bags custom-fit for my frames and my 15+ yo Singer doesn't cut it any more. I tried to fix it but something is worn out and I can't find any parts for it. It wasn't a heavy duty machine to start with anyway.

So I'm looking for a replacement, I don't care for fancy stitches, computers, etc: it needs to be tough, powerful enough to sew through straps, webbing, thick bag material with a heavy duty nylon thread. But also usable for more normal use for my wife if she needs to fix a piece of wardrobe.

I saw people complaining that new Singer "heavy duty" machines have easily breaking plastic parts.

I know some of you have made your own panniers and bags so perhaps you can make a recommendation?

Is $300 reasonable budget for this?

Someone recommended Janome Thread Banger TB12, but I never heard about that brand.

Thanks!

jputnam

I use an old Pfaff 130 industrial sewing machine, good for sails and upholstery. I'd try looking used.

AdamDZ

Hmmm, delightfully old-school Hard to find other than on auctions, and I'd be afraid to buy used from eBay.

jdon

Ask on a sailing forum. They are used for sail repairs.

geo8rge

Glue the velcro on

Rivets.

Upholstery kits have a hand held plunge needle that might work.

If sewing was sawing: Your needles are not sharp, or the wrong kind. You might see if there are better needles, or if you should replace them more often.

no motor?

Mechanicalron has one that sews canvas saddlebags,maybe he can help you.

AdamDZ

It's not the needles, got new ones, it's the machine: there something rubbing and sometimes knocking inside, so the machine often stalls or skips, plus the thread tension mechanism isn't working well any more and the thread would suddenly lose all tension and I end up with horrible looping. The motor is not strong enough for my needs either, I cleaned it up too. I took it all apart, cleaned, lubed, but it didn't help much. Something must be bent or worn out but I can't figure what it is. This was a low end machine when we bought it 15+ years ago.

I saw some Toyota heavy duty sewing machines on eBay that go for under $100, I missed one yesterday. The Pfaff machines go for $300-400. I'm willing to risk $100. There is a person on eBay who collects and restores sewing machines and they have excellent feedback so I'm going to watch her/his auctions.

Booger1

See if you can find an old White "jean machine". Short of a industrial machine,they are about as good as they get for home use.No plastic moving parts.Mines 35 years old and works as good as the day I bought it.You can still get parts for them also.It will sew anything you can fit under the foot,leather,plastic,fingers,ect.

cachehiker

I found an old Necchi 523 all metal geared free arm unit on ebay for just $25. After having an issue or two with the second project (replacing a backpack strap) that involved 3 layers of strapping, I paid another $50 to have it tuned at the local shop. Although 3 layers of strapping/webbing remains a bit much for it, it goes through 5 layers of denim like butta and I had no problems finishing the second project. I just had to walk it along for that grand total of 2" of material. Padded belts and all will just have to stay out of reach until I really know what I'm doing and can justify a pricier machine.

dscheidt

You're in new york. There are gazillions of old straight stitch industrial machines around.

I'd also suggest you look at some sewing specific forums. Patternreview.com would be a good place to start.

bikem

Google Singer 15-91 sewing machine, from the 1950s straight stitch forward and reverse. lots still around and nicknamed the farmers machine because they are so durable. Lots of sewing machine repair places restore and upgrade the motors on these to resale for heavy duty use.