The Upholstery Forum

Hey everyone,
I am very new to sewing. Back story: Husband and I purchased a business in aluminum fabrication for boats. Part of our products include tops made out of Herculite material. We currently have a gentlemen who does the sewing for our tops, but I want to be able to learn how to sew and create the tops and covers for our leaning posts. With that said, I have signed up for some basic sewing classes. Question for my pro's, what is the best sewing machine for materials like Herculite?

Any industrial walking foot would work.
I would pick based on the brand that is locally supported in your area in case you need service.

Stick with the major brands like juki, consew, pfaff, durkopp adler, seiko and singer and definitely purchase from a reputable dealer that will set up ,dial it in for your needs and offer support after the sale regardless if it's a new or used machine. For every brand, there are many models that will be suitable. Look for terms like triple feed, triple transport or unison feed. All meaning the same thing...drop feed, walking foot and needle feed. Other thing to consider are top load bobbin vs side load. It's mostly personal preference although the top loaders can often have a larger bobbin which everyone always wants. As far as specific models:
Juki - 563, 1541, 1510
Consew - 206, 2206, 226, 255
Pfaff- 145, 545, 1245
Durkopp Adler- 167, 267, 467
Seiko- STH8BDL3
Best thing to do is if you can get to a dealership, take samples and test drive several and see what speaks to you

I am completely happy with my Sailrite Fabricator. Excellent customer service if and when its needed.

My Consew 255 RB2 is a beast. I prefer the top load bobbin myself and this one uses the large U size.

While I love my made in Germany Pfaff 545, and really want a 1245, personally I would not recommend one for someone who is running a business based on sewing. The only reason why I say that is availabilty of original replacement parts. While you can get them, sometimes it takes a long time to find them through ebay or marketplace. Pfaff's of the type you would need are no longer made. If however you were to buy two of the same machines you would always have a backup. I would stick to the current name brands - just my $0.02 though.

I have a Pfaff 545 and a Pfaff 1245. Both are great. I own these two machines just in case anything would ever happen to my 545 which is my daily use machine.
Personally if I was to buy another machine I would buy a newer production, last 15 years, and it would be any of the name brand machines as long as it had a top loading bobbin. I find the side loading bobbins to be a real pain but then again I'm used to a top loader.

Which model do you use?

@LLeeT What sailrite model do you use?

I have the LSZ1 and the Fabricator. The LSZ1 would probably work for you. The Fabricator has a longer neck which makes the automotive upholstery easier because of doing diamond, pleats and tuck and roll under the head. I have done some pretty large pieces with the LSZ! that required the rolling up material under the neck. Also the LSZ1 has the zig zag which may be handy for boat projects. Sailrite folks are very willing to help with any problems you may run into.

Thanks! That is very helpful information.

The Juki 1541 is a very basic strong industrial sewing machine that is easy to work on. I have sewn 3" of material with it, no problem.

I took it apart and reset the timing with the hook and needle, very easy to do with a top view, as the panels are easy to remove. Two screws, and positioning the hook right next to the needle where the indentation is, was very straightforward. Oiling is a breeze with the capillary action felt distributing the oil . If I were to get another, it would have the larger bobbin capacity, but so far, the bobbin goes for about 20 minutes of sewing at a time, using 135-17 needles and 92 weight thread. With your application, may want to go to a heavier needle, say 135-21-22 and the 135 weight thread. Not my area of expertise....as I sew mostly leather and vinyl, see pic....

I am curious about this....."I have sewn 3" of material with no problem" Can you explain that?

I go with what Jimmie Joe says. Despite favorites and brand history when you need service and parts in a commercial operation you cannot have down time waiting for months.