Sewing machine advice wanted

[Benning Boy]

I'm looking for a simple sewing machine to use for kilt making, and sometimes sewing outdoor gear. I can get a Pfaff 6 and cabinet for free. Does anyone know anything about the machine? I'd like recommendations of machines to search for. I would guess I'd need something capable of sewing through several layers. Are there good but common models I should be looking out for?

[Chas]

From what I can see on-line the Pfaff 6 is a commercial model and is considered 'heavy duty'. It should be able to deal with multiple layers.

[Spartan Tartan]

Fantastic question!! I am VERY interested to see some responses. I have been wanting a sewibg maching for a long tine, but do not know what to look for. Eventually, I figure i will end up spending time in the shop with someone trying to figure out what would be best for me.

[ratspike]

A quickie Google search tells me that Pfaff is old and made out of metal parts, which is exactly what you want, and you can't beat the price. If it's anything like the older machines I've sewn with it'll have a nice, high presser foot lift and will sew through just about anything you can get under the needle. I think it'll be a lovely machine to make kilts with. It should do pretty well for outdoor gear as well, though you may want to pick up a walking foot.

Spartan Tartan, anything that's older and made with all metal parts will be a good starting point. The various Kenmore 158 models are very highly regarded and not hard to find. Prices will range from free to a few hundred bucks.

A note about "heavy duty" and "industrial strength". The way those terms are used with sewing machines are really misleading. These vintage domestic machines are made with all metal parts and they'll generally run forever if you maintain them well. They'll usually sew through just about anything with the right needle. For this kind of sewing in particular I think a vintage machine is a fabulous choice, but it's still a domestic sewing machine. Nothing industrial or commercial about it, and that's totally fine.

[sydnie7]

If the Pfaff is running, you've scored a great deal. I might invest the $60 or so that a local sewing machine shop will charge to clean and tune it up. If it doesn't come with a user manual, look for one online -- it should show you where the machine may need periodic oiling, tell you what range of needle and thread sizes it accepts, other good info.

I recently splashed for a new Janome and really like it. Had hopes for a "vintage" machine that had been in someone's garage for 30-odd years, but it turned out to be too corroded inside to repair. Wishing you better luck!

[usonian]

If the machine works, I would jump on it in a heartbeat! And then spend the money to have someone give it a once-over. It may not be industrial, but old solid-metal domestic machines like this are wonderful, and should certainly be able to handle multiple layers of fabric... even heavier stuff like canvas for making bags.

It's definitely always worth poking your head into thrift/charity shops; you never know what you might find if the timing is right. Last month I stumbled across a 1953 Necchi BU Mira sewing machine and hand-built cabinet in a thrift shop. I wasn't familiar with the brand and don't know much about sewing machines in general, but one look at this machine from across the room and I could tell it was 1) Well-maintained and 2) Built like a tank. I asked if I could plug it in at the store, and the thing ran smooth as silk and soft as butter. I took it home for $50 and apart from replacing a small length of electrical cord, all it needed was a good cleaning and oiling. It's a domestic machine, but from what I've read it was top of the line in its day and from what little I've used it so far it feels like it will sew through just about anything I throw at it.


Hello Beautiful by Usonian, on Flickr