5 Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Heavy-duty sewing machines are engineered to sew through thick materials such as stubborn leather, heavy webbing, denim, and upholstery. Heavy-duty machines can be used both in a home environment and as industrial sewing machines in a commercial setting. The information will help you find the best sound-quality sewing machine for your individual needs.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 116,220 professionals use sewing machines in their work[1]. For the rest of us, we are more likely to use sewing machines for personal use, for hobbies, or for a second job or side hustle. However, you don’t need to be a professional to benefit from a heavy-duty sewing machine's increased speed and longevity. But before spending a small fortune on an industrial-type sewing machine, ask yourself some questions to see if a lower-cost portable sewing machine may be a better choice.
What Are The Top Five Questions To Consider Before Buying Your Next Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine?
- How Much Space Do I Need For A Sewing Machine?
- How Many AMPs Will My Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine Use?
- Where Do I Find Replacement Needles For My Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
- How Should I Maintain And Clean A Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
- Where Can I Buy A Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
How Much Space Do I Need For A Sewing Machine?
Before buying a heavy-duty sewing machine, ensure that your space can accommodate the larger size. Most heavy-duty machines are set on tables that measure 30 to 40 inches. In addition, the tables may be height adjustable, so if you are tall, you will want to ensure that the tables can raise to a comfortable height for you. And finally, decide how many heavy-duty sewing machines you will need. If you are planning on operating a small sewing business, you may want to ensure you have enough space for 2 machines, tables, or more!
How Many AMPs Will My Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine Use?
Industrial sewing machines can use a lot of energy, especially computerized ones. Select sewing machines that won't overload your circuits when using one in a residential setting. Industrial machines tend to require upwards of 430 watts per hour or more. For instance, JUKI’s heavy-duty engines are rated for 550 watts. Generally, people start running into problems when running multiple heavy-duty sewing machines on one power circuit or when using multiple machines off of a single power strip. Before setting up your sewing room, consider the wattage (stickers can be found on most machines) and check with your electrician to ensure you will not be blowing fuses or creating fire hazards. Do you live off the grid and use solar or battery to power your electronics? In that case, you may need to purchase an inverter to configure the right electrical current to avoid causing permanent damage to your motor and other electrical components inside your sewing machine.
Where Do I Find Replacement Needles For My Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
The needle is one of the most important pieces of a heavy-duty sewing machine. When sewing denim, canvas, leather, or any other tough fabrics, you may need needles that are 100/16 or 120/18. Singer Universal Heavy-Duty Needles are a popular choice available in assorted sizes. Most sewing machines are compatible with various brands of needles, so make sure you know what brands are compatible with yours and where you can find them.
For more information, please visit Juki Replacement Parts.
*Pro tip: invest in the highest quality needles whenever possible; having a needle break during a project can cost you considerably in material costs and labor hours.
How Should I Maintain And Clean A Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
Maintaining your machine will ensure that it stays in good condition and works correctly. You should wipe your heavy-duty sewing machine, dust off all the lint, and lose thread after every use. Open the needle plate to access the bobbin and hook area and blow the lint and dust out with compressed air towards a sticky lint brush. Oil your machine regularly with a high-quality sewing machine oil, but only after cleaning the dust and lint off first.
When your machine is not in use, you should keep it covered or packed away to prolong its lifespan of the machine. You will also want to have an authorized dealer service your machine yearly. And of course, always check and follow the manufacturer's instructions in your manual to ensure that you maintain your machine according to manufacturer specifications.
Where Can I Buy A Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
An extra heavy-duty sewing machine is an expensive investment. Choose a reputable retailer that is an authorized dealer for your chosen brand. Ideally, the retailer will have all of the manuals and specs online - this will let you ensure that you are choosing the right-sized machine (see question 1). A good retailer should also carry replacement parts and accessories for your machine. Bonus points if they carry additional brands - tell you which ones will work for your particular model.
A heavy-duty sewing machine can be an investment that pays for itself. But be sure to do the research before buying!
The company is the world’s best Smt Spare Parts supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
Is it a good price
I hope you don't mind if I ask you a favor. I don't know anything about
sewing machines, but I have a project that requires a lot of straight
stitching. Doesn't need to be fancy, but I need to be able to adjust stitch
length.
An acquaintance has a Singer Quantum for sale for $75, but I haven't
been able to find any information or reviews online about the machine. I
saw from your web page that you used to sell them, so I was wondering if
you would be willing to give me your opinion of this machine as to
dependability and durability and anything else you think I should know. If
you could do this, I would be grateful.
Regards,
Jere F. Moore
12/23/
Slantomatic vs. Janome
Hi,
my name is juanita. i was introduced to quilting by a good friend of mine and have been quilting for about a year and a half. i starded out with an old machine my in-law let me borrow since i did not know if this would be a passing phase. well one day i came across an old slantomatic at a second hand store.i bought it for $15 thinking that if it did not work it would not be much of a loss. when i set it up at home and began to sew i was thrilled to hear how quiet and well it
worked. i thought i had won the lotto!! since i still had my mother in laws i used that one only to do the quilting since i had already purchased a quilting foot for it. well the other day i was talking to my good friend who also happens to be a home-ec teacher and i told her how i might be thinking about buying a new machine just to do my quilting with. well her sewing circle happend to have an extra janome that i could purchase from them for easy payments. she agreed to let me take the machine home and play with it to see if it would be something i would like. well when i
got it home it turned out just great. sews wonderful, and quiet. however i did not realize i had such an emotional attachment to my old slatomatic. the janome also does not include any of the quilting 1/4 foot or the walking foot that i have noticed all these others at walmart do like the brother machines. all this would have to be an extra expense for me. another problem i've had with my slantomatic is that a few months ago i decided i would oil my slantomatic since i did not know when this was done last. i purchased oil from the sewing section at walmart. however i've noticed that the machine makes more noise now. should i have used a diffrent kind of oil? do you have any advise on the janome i'm considering?
please help i don't know if spending 300 plus the cost of the extra feet would be smart for me to do at this time.
2/2/
The portable upholstery machines are limited in size due to the fact that they take a household machine and convert it to an industrial application, but the machine still uses the 10th of a horsepower motor originally put onto the sewing machine. The inside throat is limited due to the fact that the castings are from original household machines. There is one manufacturer who gives you an extra inch and a half on the inside.
We do not know who is advertising the AlphaSew at $790.00 and selling it for $390.00. We do not sell that brand due the fact that it has poor quality.
We recommend that if you need more space on the interior of the machine that you purchase a full size industrial machine with a 48"x20" table, half horsepower motor. This machine will give you a 9 inch throat, plenty of power, and should last you a good 20 years. You may want to look at the Artisan 797AB on www.sewingandvac.com for $780.00. Let me know.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
Will This Machine Do What I Want It To?
I’ve smoked several cheap brother sewing machines. I do a wide variety of sewing. I sew patches on my leather riding jackets, patches on my uniforms, clothes for me and my wife, clothes for my daughter, jackets for our dogs (looks like a Carhart jacket), drapes & curtains, I’ve even tried re-upholstering my bronco. I’d like to re-upholster my boat, and finish my bronco. I’ve found though, that these things can be done for me for not that much. Patches cost less than a dollar a piece, and upholstery isn’t that bad, but if I do a whole boat and my bronco, I’d save enough money to buy a good sewing machine…I think. I’m currently winning a bid for a
VIKING-HUSQVARNA-500 COMPUTER--SEWING-QUILTING MACHINEeBay: VIKING-HUSQVARNA-500 COMPUTER--SEWING-QUILTING MACHINE (item end time Oct-11-05 06:28:30 PDT)
Is this going to do what I want to do? I’ve heard that husqvarna is the best. In doing some research, I’ve seen some of the cool stuff you can do with these machines, and that interests me greatly. I love to sew, but usually am bound by time and an inadequate machine. What do you think? Can you recommend another machine if this one is not right? Also, am I getting a good deal if I get this machine for less than 600?
No, that machine will not do what you want it to do. You need an industrial machine. Also, the sewing machine blue book value is only $290.00 for wholesale. So, in my opionion, $600.00 is a bit steep.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
RE:
Thanks. Hopefully I’ll get out bid then. I think my max bid was 530 or something. Is there a machine for less than 800 that will do what I want?
RE:
Yes, we can get you a nice industrial sewing machine that will be able to do everything you need it to for under $800.00. If you would like more information, your number and I will have the industrial sewing machine salesman call you or you could call him, his name is Richard. 1-800-544-.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
Buying vs. Repairing
Dear industrial sewing machine man,
Please help! I am facing a decision involving multiple options. In the last couple of years I have become interested in sewing historical costumes. When my Singer Diana bit the dust, my husband purchased a used Singer 775 for me. While it took me a while to learn how to use it, I quickly came to love it because it ran smoothly, very fast and had a bobbin winder that loaded directly from the needle (none of that – pull out the bobbin, set it on the separate knob, wind, reinsert etc..!). The convenience of this feature is very important to me because of my health. I have a long term chronic illness which takes a great deal of my strength – cutting down on even one less step makes a big difference. Now, my 775 has developed a problem - the bobbin hook has worn down, thread starts wrapping underneath and around the bobbin case and the machine jams. The bobbin case could be replaced but I have been warned that since the old one wore down with its internal fitting (like an old key in an old lock) a new one may catch or slip. There is also the possibility that even if it does work something else may then go on this almost 30-year old machine. My household finances have been adversely affected by my health and I have very little money available for this (maximum $300 Canadian). I don’t know if I should try to have the 775 repaired, try to find another older machine with this feature or look for a new machine. I do not need a machine with a lot of fancy features & stitches. To do historical costuming I need a machine with a basic straight stitch that is sturdy, fast, stitches evenly and can sew through multiple layers of heavy material such as denims and upholstery fabrics but also handle light muslins and silks. To that end I have been looking online at the Singer CG-550 Commercial Grade which has a ‘Touch & Wind’ bobbin winder. Is this the same kind of convenient bobbin winder that loads from the needle (like my 775) without having to remove the bobbin? Would you recommend this machine for what I am doing? And/or are there any other particular machines (new or used) that you would recommend to meet these particular needs?
Thank you for your time and consideration of my questions,
Florence
a tired, but eager to sew Canadian)
Dear Florence,
Would like advice on how to go about repairing your 775 or advice on buying a new/used machine? The CG-550 does not have the feature that you are looking for. Unfortunately, they do not make that convenient feature in any new machines. If you would like to purchase a used machine with that particular feature, I have several available in prices ranging from 150-350 Canadian. I could also help you repair your machine if you would like to give it a try. I would just need a little bit more information about the problem. Let me know how I can help.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
RE:
To SewVac Dr:
You said you have several older machines with this feature (bobbin threading from the needle) ranging in price from $150-350 (Canadian). Would you please list these machines with their prices? Also – do you happen to have any two matching machines ie. ‘identical twins’ as it were, so that if I wanted to purchase one, I could buy another to have for back-up parts if I needed them? Is that possible? Thank you for your time.
Florence
RE:
Dear Florence,
Unfortunately, the list of machines is too extensive for me to write in an . There are at least 50-60 models that have the feature that you are looking for. If you have any other particular features in mind, list them and me back. I can get you two of the same machine if that is what you want. Let me know.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
Recomendations on a Machine for Making Professional Looking Drapes
Dear industrial sewing machine man:
Hello, my name is Erin. I am desperately looking for someone who can give me knowledgeable advice on what sewing machine to purchase. I am a beginner sewer, but would like to purchase a machine that will not only serve me as a beginner, but that I will be happy using when my skills are more improved. Do you have any suggestions? Do you have an opinion about what Brands/Models to stay away from? I really want a quality sewing machine, that’s durable and will last a long time. I will be sewing curtains, drapes, table clothes, napkins, pillows, bedspreads, quilts, clothes for my children, etc. I’d like something that will afford me the opportunity to make professional looking drapes when my skills get better. I’d like something with a decent amount of stitch options and that is convenient to use. I can spend anywhere from $250-$500.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Erin
Dear Alice,
Unfortunately, when you buy a machine from Sams Club they are specially made just for Sams Club/WalMart Co.
The Sams Club/WalMart Co. goes to a company like Singer and promises to buy a half a million of their sewing machines if they can make it with certain features and at a price where Sams Club/WalMart can make its full markup. This sounds good, but what happens is Singer reverse engineers the machines so that they can meet the Sams Club/WalMart price. The quality is not the same as if you purchased a machine like the CG590.
When we hear the words "heavy duty'' we assume that the machienery can go through any thickness. We feel that this is one of the most overused words in the sewing industry and when shopping you should be more specific with what you are making instead of looking for a machine that just says heavy duty. For example, a person who is doing dressmaking, does not need to worry about a machine that sews as heavy a material as a person doing upholstery work. Hope this helps.
Thank You,
Industrial Sewing Machine Man
Do I Need an Industrial Machine?
I have a 35 year old Brother Pacesetter Super full auto machine that is all metal and has worked well over the years for me. The motor was replaced about 25 years ago. At that time I was told to keep the machine as long as I could because it was all metal and very reliable. The difficulty I’m having now is in trying to sew thick upholstery fabric – it just doesn’t work well. I’ve sewn decorating projects before, but nothing this thick before, I guess. My thinking is the motor works well and that’s not really the problem with the thick fabric. It’s the clearance from the drop feed to the needle – not high enough to get the fabric in and when it is worked in, the needle doesn’t drop down enough to get the stitching correct. Do I have to get an industrial machine or is there an attachment or different foot I could get?
Please advise!
Repair or Purchase New Machine?
Dear One :
I have a Pfaff HobbyMatic 917. I cannot seem to find anyone hear in Columbus, Georgia that can fix the tension on this machine so it will hold the tension. I cannot figure out what the big deal is about this tension thing that is so hard to fix. It has me so frustrated that I just want to buy another machine. So I will ask about another machine. I need a machine that has a built in walking foot to move the bottom fabric in sequence with the top layer of material as it is sewn. Also this machine needs the ability to sew through 4 layers of denim with a stitch length ofat least 7mm. I just want a straight line sewing machine, nothing fancy, with the above features. It will be used for hobby work such as Car & Home upholstery and I will use it to make me some denim work pants. Another thing, I just don't understand why the sewing machine makers HATE LONG STITCH LENGTHS It makes me want pull my hair out every blasted time I go to Wal-Mart or anywhere else and see 5mm or no idenity of stitch length. It is so very important to have very long stitch lengths when sewing vinyl or thick layers. What is wrong with these people....or is it just me? Does the above machine have a name that can be purchased by me or will it take the deep pockets of a major corporation to buy it? I just want the above type of machine without taking out a second mortgage on my house. I am so frustrated I could take a hammer to this Pfaff. This pfaff did do a 6+mm stitch length at one time when the tension was working. Thanks for your help in identifing the name and location of the above WISHED FOR machine. I wish I could get this pfaff fixed correctly...it did well for years.
-wayne fuller