The Upholstery Forum

I am going to pick up a 2nd hand machine tomorrow, it is described as a 'walking foot', but the foot doesn't look like a conventional 2 piece split arrangement . Is this a different type of machine. I have no reason to suspect the seller is anything but sincere.

Here is the full machine.

In the picture is sure looks like a regular sewing machine , non walking foot . Do you have the model number, might be able to look it up online to find out what it is

I am sorry to disappoint you but that is not a walking foot machine. Just because it is a commercial machine, does not mean it is a walking foot.

There are three things needed to have a good upholstery machine. Being a walking foot is important and you will be able to see the upper presser foot literally moving up and down as it "walks" the material through. What most people don't mention is it also needs to be a needle feed machine. With a needle feed machine , not only do the upper and lower presser feet move the material but the needle actually travels front to rear, as well as up and down to move with the material. If you don't have needle feed (and many inexpensive machines don't ) the needle will bind up with the material when sewing thick layers. The needle will not be out of the material before the machine starts to feed. This results in shorter and shorter stitches as the material gets thicker and thicker. The needle feed machines are frequently referred to as compound feed machines

John

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I have decided not to buy.

@B1N9S, Hopefully you find a good machine that suits your needs. They are out there.

John

@B1N9S ,

Dont worry about buying a junker either if you can challenge some tinkering. My has been to three mechanics and gone through a lot of care but was not where I wanted it. I got some proper tools and took a lot of things apart and even though some parts that were on it are not for the machine it is running like a PRO now.

@B1N9S Yeah you made the right call. That's not the machine you need. A lot of sellers dont honestly know what they have or what a walking foot is. Everyone here gave you solid advice Great community we have here!!!