Sewing machine???

Discussion in 'Functional Gear & Equipment' started by overbore, May 20, 2008.


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  1. overbore

    overbore Monkey++

    If we think of Bug-In scenarios, we are going to need a heavy duty sewing machine to repair webbing, tarps, denim, tents, etc.

    I did my research and share these findings:

    1, No plastic parts
    2. Industrial models are far too expensive
    3. Old solid metal Singers, Vikings etc with 1.0 amp motors may be rated as Industrial strength and are. Just took delivery of one that was re-conditioned and guaranteed.
    4. Do not use a model that needs a walking foot.
    5. Get a model that uses #69 needles, the heaviest made.
    6. Simple stitch is best- less to go wrong.
    7. Have an inventory of heavy duty thread on hand.

    Cordially, Overbore
     
  2. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    This model works well, too.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. overbore

    overbore Monkey++

    Aren't you missing the extension cord???

    When you build up to it, please do post pix of your leather sewing results---[ROFL] Overbore
     
  4. monkeyman

    monkeyman Monkey+++ Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    Well...while a machine would be REAL nice (my preference woud be an old tredal machine) there are pix of a few of my leather projects in the firearms section. Some of them I got fancey and used a drill to make the holes to sew but a couple of them were just a sharpened nail and a mallet to make the holes.

    I also keep a sewing awl in my BOB and have used them quite a bit for webbing and some leather and such. I would still like to have one of the old foot powered sewing machines though since we arent set up for long term off the grid power and figure if we HAVE to make our own clothes and such then probably wont be able to power an electric machine in our case.
     
  5. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    [LMAO]

    You're dead-on in your research for sewing machines. Congratulations on finding one that will get the job done! [winkthumb] You're right on simpler is better. I've had (and burned out or broken) more machines than I can count. None were heavy duty - silly me :oops:- of course, I never had heavy duty jobs in mind for them. At the end of the day (more like the middle of the project), I've found that the only machine that I can really depend on is found at the end of each arm.

    Sorry - no leather photos to share. Most of my leather sewing has been simply for repair (saddle/bridle) and the holes were pre-existing (unless the leather was torn, which is why a metal thimble is so important).
     
  6. ozarkgoatman

    ozarkgoatman Resident goat herder

    Yep you can sew leather with a needle and thread, it was only done for thousands of years before sewing machines were ever invented. You need an awl to punch the holes, even a small nail can be used to make the holes.

    WG has a treadle sewing machine that she uses or does it by hand, no extension cord needed. [chopper]

    OGM
     
  7. dragonfly

    dragonfly Monkey+++

    I bought the whole mess!
    A used heavy duty machine at the local Goodwill store for $50!
    Then 2 leather awls and lot's of waxed H.D. thread!
    Then I bought those nice "curved heavy needle" sets for even doing sails, (yeah Like I'll need those in the desert, right?).
    Lot's of heavy carpet thread in black and white.
    Redundancy!
    I love it!
    Some extra spools of thread, some bobbins, and a bunch of H.D. machine needles and I'm all set....(?)
    ( HELP!!! I need a tailor!)
     
  8. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    You also need a palm and a few straight, heavy canvas needles for the power outage. Yeah, you might need them in the desert to rig sun shades and umbrellas.
     
  9. Tracy

    Tracy Insatiably Curious Moderator Founding Member

    Curved needles are handier than you think. I've most recently used 'em for upholstery and trampoline repair. Make sure to grab some extras!
     
  10. 410

    410 Guest

    We have a Singer treadle pedal sewing machine that was my Great Grandmothers. My mom still uses it from time to time for nostalgic purposes I suppose.



    I am sure you could find one online. I know she ordered parts for hers when we "rescued" it from the Old Place.
     
  11. imasurvivor

    imasurvivor Monkey++

    well sewing machine is always better...you just can sew leathers with your hands. .aside from getting pricked, it easily breaks.. machines always do the easy work..
     
  12. overbore

    overbore Monkey++

    Son, as one old sailor to another,"You wouldn't fid me would you"???[lolol]
    Overbore

    ps : for the no sailing types-- a very inside joke about heavy sewing
     
  13. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Aye, mate, that I might. Even with wire. [rofllmao]

    ps for the non sailors, a fid is a tool used by boatswains mates. I'd guess there ain't but few hands in the modern Navy that has ever seen one, much less knows what it's for. (And fewer still that know where the term scuttlebutt arose.)

    Aside, the only official Navy canvas shop remaining that I'm aware of is in Boston, and it is run by contractors under a crusty old E9.

    Closer to topic, I have a friend that is a pediatric dentist. He has two (ea) one horsepower sewing machines that he uses for tents and the like. He had to cancel several appointments a few years back when he sewed his thumb to a canvas bimini he was making for a classic Chris Craft woody. Had to cut the needle off with a dremel before he could get loose to go to the ER. His wife heard him hollar, went to the tool box for the grinder or he would still be sewed up.
     
  14. Oh, you you mean like these?
    [​IMG]

    We have 18 of them mostly older Singers. We both sew and we enjoy making them run like new. Tip, most of the older one can be converted to treadle quite easily.


     
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