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? Sewing Machine

 
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norcom



Joined: 16 Jun 2008
Posts: 137

PostPosted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 8:29 pm    Post subject: ? Sewing Machine Reply with quote

I'm interested in a sewing machine to fix sails and kites if necessary. I completely understand that a professional fix would be much better than any of my attempts but I want to do it myself. Fixing something gives me experience in a new trade. To me that's worth more than the cost of tools, materials and time and the multiple attempts to get an OK job done. And sometimes still having to buy a new sail/kite because I still couldn't fix it. I like fixing things myself. "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."

So I'm wondering about a 3 step zigzag machine. Particularly this one:
http://www.lotathings.com/Toyota-FSG325-Sewing-MachinebrWith-Walking-Foot_p_763.html

It looks heavy duty enough for me to do some kite repairs but I'm not sure my 9.5m sail would fit if I tore something in the center of the sail. Doesn't seem like rolling it up would fit under the arm; any thoughts on that?

I'm also looking at this machine, though it doesn't do 3-step zigzag:
http://www.lotathings.com/Sailrite-Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine_p_493.html

The Sailrite looks more powerful but a bit more expensive. And I found a Pfaff 130 locally. I'm not sure that would fit a sail either.

I think any of these can fix a kite as long as it's folder really tight. But has anyone fixed large sails with machines around these sizes? Is it possible?

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine that's under $1k, 3 step zigzag and might accomplish the job fitting a large sail? I want a sewing machine for other reasons as well. I believe it's a good tool to have around.
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thombiz



Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 799
Location: Corpus Christi

PostPosted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been repairing windsurfing sails for about 16 years. I could spend hours telling you about why the machines you've posted are not good for you needs. Instead, I'm going to take the lazy approach. The machine you want is a Bernina 217 something like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bernina-217N-08-Industrial-Zig-Zag-Sewing-Machine-and-straight-sewing-/200904201517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec6d2d52d

except this one on Ebay is waaaaaay over priced. Bernina 217's are the standard used by most sail shops. Some come with a cam reader which allows it to sew straight stitch, standard zigzag, and 3-step zigzag Like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BERNINA-CHANDLER-INDUSTRIAL-SEWING-MACHINE-MADE-IN-SWITZERLAND-/181135136658?pt=BI_Sewing_Machines&hash=item2a2c7ed792&nma=true&si=RlMVrdye1GvNaKEAjfmMCEvQotc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Also: http://duluth.craigslist.org/art/3923674436.html

http://santamaria.craigslist.org/app/3953494308.html

This one is an incredible find because it has the cams and cam reader: http://savannah.craigslist.org/art/3945983861.html

http://capecod.craigslist.org/hsh/3879848037.html

Once you find a machine, find a shipping company near the seller who is willing to pick up the machine, mount it to a pallet, and ship it to you.

If you can find a one that just does straight and zigzag, you can put two rows of zigzag side by side in lieu of the 3-step zigzag. The Bernina was rebadged to be sold as a Chandler 1217 and as an Adler 1217.

Send me a PM with your email and I'll send you some stuff on how to repair sails. I can also fix you up with some repair materials.

Bob Thompson in Corpus Christi
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norcom



Joined: 16 Jun 2008
Posts: 137

PostPosted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bob,

Thanks for the tips! The one in Savannah is close enough for me to drive to but it's a little more than I want to spend at the moment. I'll stay away from the ones I listed and keep an eye out for the 217.
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thombiz



Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 799
Location: Corpus Christi

PostPosted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 217 is a favorite of the parachute and spinaker shops too, so it works great on kites. They are always in demand so there is no problem selling one when the time comes.
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mfdevlieger



Joined: 12 Nov 2013
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:54 am    Post subject: bernina 217 Reply with quote

I was at Interzum fair in german and i found a company Global international and they have reproduced they 217 model.
I have tested they machine in my work shop and it works perfect identical to the original.even the parts

http://www.globalsew.com/en/zz217.htm
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Sailboarder



Joined: 10 Apr 2011
Posts: 656

PostPosted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There is a Bernina 217 for 150$ on Kijiji. It's in the Sherbrooke area, here in Canada.
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