RoryJ 0 #1 February 6, 2012 It is time to break down and get a harness machine after getting my master ticket. I have my eye on two different Singer 7-34s. I do not plan to be a full time harnessing man, but want to have it available. Does anyone have any thoughts of why it would be a bad machine to add to my arsenal or alternate machines that I should consider? I have read through and saw about Jerry's 132K6 and the Consew updates, but not sure if I feel like springing $7K right now. And I am looking to update my Singer 69-8 to something programmable. I have been leaning toward a Juki 1900A HS, but also like how the Brother 430E worked, and considered waiting around for a 434 to be cool like PD. Any users out there have particular favourites that they could say the Juki or the Brother is markedly better for one application or another? I will mainly be using it for installing line sets, possibly using it for container repairs, and if I ever get saucy enough for building line sets. Used search for both, but seeing if what current thoughts are on all these.Not again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,442 #2 February 6, 2012 Hi Rory, Quote about Jerry's 132K6 About 6-7 yrs ago, this guy had them for $1200: Sewing Machine Sales Co. 7922 Hill Avenue P. O. Box 544 Holland, OH 43529 419-866-5558 800-449-0835 JerryBaumchen PS) I've recently been PM'ing Rob Cooper ( on here as: cooperf1 ) as he seems to be buying a 132K6 machine. You might aalso consider checking with him about them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parachutist 2 #3 February 6, 2012 About 9 months ago I bought a 1900AHS. I'm happy with the Juki because it was easy to get skydiving-specific patterns on a memory chip (from Skyworks), plug those into the machine and I was off and running. It's been very hassle-free so far, after recovery from Juki sticker shock of course. I don't have any experience with the Brother for comparison. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #4 February 6, 2012 Quote I have my eye on two different Singer 7-34s. I do not plan to be a full time harnessing man, but want to have it available. Does anyone have any thoughts of why it would be a bad machine to add to my arsenal or alternate machines that I should consider? I have read through and saw about Jerry's 132K6 and the Consew updates, but not sure if I feel like springing $7K right now. Rory, The 132K is an OK machine IF you are working on a H/C that has the minimal amount of webbing. In other words, if you get a modern day H/C that has plastic stifferners and multiple layers of webbing, the 132k probably is not the machine to use. it simply will struggle to pull the bobbin thread up properly. The reason is mostly the smaller presser bar spring. I owned a Consew SK-6 which is a exact copy of the 132K and the above is what I found to be true. For the small price differental of the class 7 machines over the 132K, I would take the hit, buy a 7 class and never have to worry if the job is too big or not. With regards to bartackers, Juki is the way to go. I have owned both Brother and Juki and the Juki wins hands down . The Juki knife system works better, programming is way easier, basically no maintenance to speak of, and the machine just runs smoother than the Brother. The 434 is Brother's move to get closer to the Juki design. The reason that most factories used Brother tackers in the first place was that they had a large bobbin and Juki had a standard size. Now Juki has an option for installing a large hook and bobbing case for about $300 more. Now you can get the best of both worlds! If you need more info on these, feel free to contact me. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #5 February 6, 2012 *** .....I'm happy with the Juki because it was easy to get skydiving-specific patterns on a memory chip ...... *** Chris, We have some updates coming with added programs, a complete PDF with photos, and descriptions of all of the tacks used on different canopies. It should be complete in about two weeks. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WGore 0 #6 February 7, 2012 I had a 7-34 when I was building gear and the only downside to it is that it has the small bobbin. For what you are going to do with it the standard should work just fine.GUNFIRE, The sound of Freedom! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoryJ 0 #7 February 7, 2012 And I just found three 7-34s for $4,400 with table and motor, fully refurbed and a Consew 733R2 for 5K a few miles away from me. And a Juki 1900 for $1000 off. And a heavier duty Juki for a reasonable price. This stuff is maddening.Not again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #8 February 8, 2012 Moderators, please split this into two separate threads: the first thread about bar-tackers, and the second thread about harness machines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #9 February 8, 2012 Rob, there really is no way to cleanly do that. I am looking forward to seeing bartack options...Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dpreguy 14 #10 February 9, 2012 Thee are several models (cams = stictch length, etc)of the 69-8's but if it is the right one (correct cam) I may know someone who wiould buy your 69-8. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #11 February 23, 2012 Quote *** .....I'm happy with the Juki because it was easy to get skydiving-specific patterns on a memory chip ...... *** Chris, We have some updates coming with added programs, a complete PDF with photos, and descriptions of all of the tacks used on different canopies. It should be complete in about two weeks. Cheers, MEL Hey Mark; What is the status on this? I would be very interested in this data/info... SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #12 February 23, 2012 Quote Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .....I'm happy with the Juki because it was easy to get skydiving-specific patterns on a memory chip ...... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris, We have some updates coming with added programs, a complete PDF with photos, and descriptions of all of the tacks used on different canopies. It should be complete in about two weeks. Cheers, MEL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey Mark; What is the status on this? I would be very interested in this data/info... Should be any day now for the EProms to come in from the manufacturer. I just added a Box "X" and also a 53 stitch double throw pattern to the exsisting patterns. BS, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #13 February 23, 2012 Nice. I'm assuming the box x requires special clamp foot/feed plates? What working size? They do it by eeprom? I just recently picked up the machine from government auction and I hadn't really looked into it (I had assumed SD card...). I don't have the optional IP-410 control panel. What are you looking at as a price for these? PM me if you want. SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #14 February 24, 2012 Quote I'm assuming the box x requires special clamp foot/feed plates? What working size? Yep, just remove 1 screw for the feedplate and 1 screw for the clamp assembly and swap the clamp out in about 3-4 minutes. We also have on the EProm a double 42 stitch center start - center stop bartack that places both tacks in the same clamping operation. If you look at the Icarus tandem canopies you will see it on the line attachments, It too uses a different clamp. Lastly, all the other tacks can be run E-W or N-S. Just need the standard E-W clamp or a N-S clamp. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parachutist 2 #15 February 24, 2012 MEL, There's one pattern I'd like to have that I haven't seen yet. Precision uses it on their tandem reserves for tacking lines to the stabilizer. It looks like 2 patterns overlapping each other. Have you added that one to the chip by any chance? thanks, Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #16 February 24, 2012 Quote There's one pattern I'd like to have that I haven't seen yet. Precision uses it on their tandem reserves for tacking lines to the stabilizer. It looks like 2 patterns overlapping each other. Have you added that one to the chip by any chance? Chris, If it is on your EProm, it should show up as pattern #80. It is a 84 stitch, CS-CS tack. BS, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #17 March 17, 2012 Hey Mark! Any update on this? If you've got the new eprom's in shoot me some ordering information and I'll take one off your hands... Thanks! SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Unstable 9 #18 March 18, 2012 Quote Thee are several models (cams = stictch length, etc)of the 69-8's but if it is the right one (correct cam) I may know someone who wiould buy your 69-8. I've relined a canopy or two on a Cam-based Pfaff Bartack machine..As a matter of fact, Missouri Sew has about 3 of them in stock for about $1500. The big complaint I've head (folks, please help me if I'm off-base here) is the Cam-driven bartackers allow the cam (about a 9" Diameter disk plate) to take the bulk of operating wear, and being nearly impossible to replace. A good MR friend of mine has a contact for a machine shop in NYC that specialized in rebuilding/manufacturings cams for old bartacking machines, I think he paid just over $1100 for a new cam alone. I've been practicing and practicing and practicing a decent 'immitation' bartack on my 20u's, and they just don't look *right*...I wouldn't do a main reline on that yet..=========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #19 March 18, 2012 Bill, I am currently away from the shop but they did come in just the other day. As soon as I return, I will get back to you on this. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #20 March 20, 2012 That's fine, there is no big rush. I imagine that the market for this is pretty slim and that you are probably not stocking a hundred of them on your shelf so I wanted to make sure I got on whatever list there may (or may not) be... =;> Thanks. SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrigger1 2 #21 March 20, 2012 Actually the market is growing. There are a few rig manufacturers and quite a few rigging shops world wide using the Juki 1900 , not to mention several machines in the military sector. Cheers, MELSkyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustywimp 0 #22 April 14, 2012 I've been looking at Juki LK 1900A HS and Brother 430E lately. Does anyone have any experience with converting an industrial electronic bartacker to home use (using phase converter and transformer)? I'm told that it's not recommended because you'll lose the computer capabilities? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #23 April 20, 2012 Quote I've been looking at Juki LK 1900A HS and Brother 430E lately. Does anyone have any experience with converting an industrial electronic bartacker to home use (using phase converter and transformer)? I'm told that it's not recommended because you'll lose the computer capabilities? All of the ones I have seen are set up for 120v. SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedPhreak 0 #24 April 20, 2012 Here is one up for auction in WA if anybody is interested: Juki LK-1900A-HS I got mine from government auction and it looks like new and runs great! SkydiveAllegan.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,442 #25 April 21, 2012 Hi Phreak, Quote I got mine from government auction and it looks like new and runs great! However, this is listed as H7 which then says: 'Material which has been determined to be unserviceable and does not meet repair criteria; Type I shelf life material that has passed the expiration date, and Type II shelf life material that has passed the expiration date and cannot be extended. ' JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
