Followup to Sewing Machine Problem

[Eujeankilt]

I finally solved my sewing machine problem. All the tuning info, good advice and tension adjusting info got me close to my goal, but ultimately, I was trying to do heavy duty sewing with a consumer machine. My consumer machines were heavy duty, heavy cast iron beauties from the past but when facing 8 to 10 layers of canvas or denim (belt loops on waist bands), they just couldn't cut it.

I've always had a hankering for making stuff and since I started wearing kilts, it just seemed natural to make my own. I've been kilted full time for 3 and a half years and I don't see that changing anytime soon, so, I decided to get a serious machine. After many weeks of perusing Craigslist and eBay, I found one on Craigslist being sold at a local sewing machine shop, the only one locally that deals with industrial machines. After seeking Wizardly guidance from our very own Curmudgeon I bought it.

I'm posting this now because I just finished my first kilt with it and let me tell you, this thing truly sews through anything.

It's a Pfaff Model 118 Industrial Zig Zag. It's not as heavy duty as Steve's 138-6s, but it works fine for me. I was told it was about 20 to 25 years old and has very little wear.

Once I deliver the kilt to an appreciative friend, I will get kilt pictures, but for now, here's my new toy -




Dale

[Dave K]

Excellent! Good find there. I'm still using a borrowed machine that just barely lets me sew a X-Kilt. I hope it serves you well.

Dave

[Smayniac]

I'm still happy with my "cast iron beauty from the past" but kiltmaking does put some serious time on it. I am fortunate enough to have access to an industrial straight machine at work, which I use for those pesky belt loops.
Bob

[Aldisimo]

Eujeankilt: Would you mind telling us how much it cost you?

[Mipi]

That was a good find Dale. Hope it didn't cost you a little fortune?

Mipi

[Eujeankilt]

I gave them $600 cash and they threw in a dozen bobbins and a couple dozen needles of various sizes. I came with a 1/2 hp, 3600 rpm clutch motor that takes time to master smooth usage. Not wanting to take that time, I purchased an Artisan 1800 rpm electronic servo motor ($160) that is as easy to use as a home machine. The price isn't for the faint of heart, but I probably could turn around and sell it for what I have in it.

The bottom line is that it does exactly what I want it to do. Besides, after making myself three or four kilts, it's paid for itself! Rationalization is a wonderful thing

Dale

Eujeankilt: Would you mind telling us how much it cost you?

[Dixiecat]

I gave them $600 cash and they threw in a dozen bobbins and a couple dozen needles of various sizes. I came with a 1/2 hp, 3600 rpm clutch motor that takes time to master smooth usage. Not wanting to take that time, I purchased an Artisan 1800 rpm electronic servo motor ($160) that is as easy to use as a home machine. The price isn't for the faint of heart, but I probably could turn around and sell it for what I have in it.

Faint of heart? Then maybe I shouldn't mention that the top of the line home sewing machine is close to $6000?

Anyway, good on you! You got a pretty good deal there. Not many industrials out there for less than $1000.

[Eujeankilt]

Most of what I saw was in the $800 range. I was happy this one was at a dealer. I know new machines, both consumer and industrial, can be quite expensive.

Dale

Faint of heart? Then maybe I shouldn't mention that the top of the line home sewing machine is close to $6000?

Anyway, good on you! You got a pretty good deal there. Not many industrials out there for less than $1000.