The Upholstery Forum

Hello all, I just joined and reading old threads.
Two questions -
1 what is the current best vinyl aerosol black spry? I hear Brillo quality has gone down. I can also spray with a gun if better.
2 looking for an industrial sewing machine and focused on walking foot Juki's, any tips on model numbers to look out for gratefully received.

I am currently focused in International Harvester Scout and Travelall vinyl seat covers and Jaguar leather seats and interior.

Thanks!

Hey @olivermarks Welcome to the forum! Happy to have you here.

I would suggest using SEM classic or color coat. https://www.albrightssupply.com/sem-pai ... Click=3957

Tell me your budget for a sewing machine and Ill give you some pointers on what to look for.

Sounds like some fun projects!

Welcome aboard

Other than SEM I don’t have much experience in dye, and with SEM it’s very little.

I loved my juki LU-562 worked great and sewed through thick layers. It’s older now so may be able to get cheaper. The LU-563 is the next newer model and had the larger bobbin. I now use a consew rb1206. Has zero issues with it. Not the largest opening between the table top and bottom of the feet at max opening. But it was an entry level consew. Thickest I’ve sew with it is 210 size thread.

Hi John & Cody, Thanks for your responses. I didn't know SEM made vinyl/leather paint so that is a super useful tip! I use a lot of their primers on auto body which is very good stuff.

Regarding the budget I'm keeping an eye on Craigslist - I'm in the San Francisco bay area where there a lot of juki's and other industrial machines listed but it's hard to know which are best suited to medium thickness leather and trim work. I've been trying to compile a list of model numbers so if one comes up I'm ready to move. Walking foot is a prerequisite but do you think double needle is valuable? assuming you can sew single with those machines too. Budgeting around 750 ideally as the machine will only get occasional use...

Thx for input!

$750 is a realistic budget for a used machine. You should be able to find something fairly quickly in the bay area. I would recommend going the used machine route any new machine in that price range will be junk. Walking foot is a must for automotive / marine upholstery. Any major brand will be a good machine.
Juki
Pfaff
Adler
Consew
Brother
Singer
These are all brands to look out for.
I dont think double needle machines are worth it unless you plan on doing lots and lots of french seams. I have never felt like I needed one.

I hope this helps.

It does, thanks a lot!

there's a 20 year old Consew 226R industrial sewing machine 'in excellent condition ' come up for sale, is this a good model for leather? Seems like it is, I'm trying to get my head around getting large/wide amounts of material through it.
Will go and test it soon

Yep that is a great machine! Same style as my Juki- lu562 and I love it!

Didn't get there fast enough, a 17 year old kid from Oregon bought it (prob stimulus money!). I was second in line. going after a pfaff 141-6c, waiting to hear back from the guy.

Darn!

I got a Consew 206RB first gen in great condition with servo motor, just struggling with topside needle tension issues

Thats a great machine! You will love it once you get the tension figured out.

@olivermarks , you have the same machine I do and the same problems!