Industrial Quality Sewing Machines

[Neuraleanus]

I'm researching the possibility of making a tent, from either polycotton canvas or leather. To save time, I would machine stitch the panels together. I know nothing about sewing machines. What qualities does a sewing machine need to have to stitch either tent weight canvas or leather (2/3oz)? Recommendations as to specifications and sewing machine models are welcome. Also, where is a good place to purchase a used industrial sewing machine?

[rusty myers]

#1 MAKE SURe you get a machine with all steel gears!! The cheap ones at walmart will shred when you stitch heavy canves, much more so leather. www.tippmann.com makes excellent ones, but they are industrial quality.

Best bet may be a sewing repair shop. I got an old 70's sears roebuck with steel gears there that I built 2 civwar a-frames with. Motor finally died and I never replaced it as I was done. Otherwise you may pay a fortune. It was a machine someone dropped off for service and never picked up (repairs cost $100, what I paid for it).

I have sewn some 1-2 ounce leather on our cheapie machine with no problems, but that would be a little too light for the tent.

Good luck.

[Neuraleanus]

I'm leaning towards spending the money on a new machine, something like this:

[url:68n8q89l]http://carusew.com/consew/205rb.htm[/url]

Though I have not ruled out a good used machine. From what I've learned so far these are the requirements:

1. All steel construction (steel gears)
2. 1/2 hp motor
3. Walking foot