Alexg3265 0 #1 December 8, 2014 Ok so I need some advice. I want to buy a double needle walking foot machine for sewing everything from containers binding edges to manufacturing a full size canopy. I've got a few ideas and a 15sq foot prototype already built and performing well.... Or as well as unmanned drop from a quadcopter can go. I've been using a single needle machine for a while now and I'm sick of sewing everything twice. My budget is roughly $2500. I think I need/want a 3/8th inch needle width. What's The standard guage on canopies nowadays. I'm looking for more for a new one rather than something I'll be needing to fix up or put a lot of work into. All suggestions, links, information, opinions are awesome! Go!I was that kid jumping out if his tree house with a bed sheet. My dad wouldn't let me use the ladder to try the roof... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quagmirian 40 #2 December 8, 2014 1/4 inch is the standard for binding and a lot of canopies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiggerLee 61 #3 December 8, 2014 Fuck new. Old all steal machines are better. You don't need or probable want a walking foot. Consew dose make one with nice beg bobbins but I prefer a needle feed for binding. It's a simpler foot and you can grind it down to get the binder closer to the needles. It works better. If you want to build a canopy you want a needle feed with a puller like a 112w116 singer. It could be used for both but generally the spacing used for 3/4 inch binding is 3/16. Most canopy sewing is a 1/4 inch gauge. You could still use it for most things but It might be nice to have the slightly wider gauge for sewing on 1/2 inch tape and to give you a slightly wider bottom seam unless you want to do the bottom seam of your loaded rib with two passes of single. If you buy a good machine you want regret it. LeeLee lee@velocitysportswear.com www.velocitysportswear.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexg3265 0 #4 December 8, 2014 https://atlaslevy.3dcartstores.com/Automatic-Double-Needle-Sewing-Machine-Brother-LT2-B875-907-Tag-4182_p_4230.html Something like this....? I was looking at this.... And I'm waiting on some quotes... I've been scouring eBay and Craigslist and online retailers..... I've also decided needle feed is fine and a walking foot is unnecessary. Which then I can find an automatic one.... Hehehe fuck trimming threads. Ok so 1/4" for almost all except the bottom loaded ribs, which are 3/8... Maybe a dumb question but are there any that you could swap out the foot to switch between 1/4 and 3/8? After talking to a few reps I'm leaning toward used... I just really don't want to get something and then be stuck fixing it up after a few weeks.I was that kid jumping out if his tree house with a bed sheet. My dad wouldn't let me use the ladder to try the roof... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gowlerk 2,246 #5 December 8, 2014 QuoteMaybe a dumb question but are there any that you could swap out the foot to switch between 1/4 and 3/8? After talking to a few reps I'm leaning toward used... I just really don't want to get something and then be stuck fixing it up after a few weeks. You can change the gauge of the machine, but it's a lot of work. You have to change the needle clamp, the needle plate, the feed dogs and you have to adjust the position of both hooks and retime them. So you can buy a machine with a common 1/4 gauge and change it to what you want, (up to 1" usually), but you would only want to do it once.Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiggerLee 61 #6 December 8, 2014 Heads aren't that expensive. Just get a second head and swap them out on the table to change gauges. $150 problem. A good attachment like a binder can cost more then a head. LeeLee lee@velocitysportswear.com www.velocitysportswear.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineed2fly 0 #7 December 9, 2014 I have a 3/16" gauge and i've just used that to build all of my canopies, worked just fine."As soon as you're born you start dying. So you might as well, have a good time." -CAKE I'm crazy not stupid. There is a difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexg3265 0 #8 January 23, 2015 gowlerkQuoteMaybe a dumb question but are there any that you could swap out the foot to switch between 1/4 and 3/8? After talking to a few reps I'm leaning toward used... I just really don't want to get something and then be stuck fixing it up after a few weeks. You can change the gauge of the machine, but it's a lot of work. You have to change the needle clamp, the needle plate, the feed dogs and you have to adjust the position of both hooks and retime them. So you can buy a machine with a common 1/4 gauge and change it to what you want, (up to 1" usually), but you would only want to do it once. So i like a challenge.... I bought a 3/8" guage lt2-875 brother split bar machine.(not an automatic) It needed some tlc but looked sound and ran ok, but very stiff. Got it for a good price and bought the 1/4" conversion. This thing is a tank! I was able to convert it, to 1/4'' but i see what you're saying... it was a pain in the ass. No issues or hang ups, just time consuming. Getting it all timed right was kind of a bitch but it was all very straight forward. But you're right... i dont want to do it again.... hahaha thanks for all the advice and help.I was that kid jumping out if his tree house with a bed sheet. My dad wouldn't let me use the ladder to try the roof... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #9 January 24, 2015 I have two Consew 339s that I am converting from 1/4 to 3/16 gauge. The new parts arrive Monday and my brother arrives Friday to help make the change. It's nice having a relative that is also a wickid smaht sewing machine mechanic. 50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
