Sewing machine for horse blankets?

[weedsportpete]

Any suggestions on make and models of sewing machines that can handle heavy horse blankets? How about halters - is it worth it to repair them? We drop off our horse blankets at a place that does leather repair and blankets, but we have moved another 40 minutes away from there, plus we would like to do it ourselves. TIA

You can just sew them by hand. That's what we do.

[Hakim]

Hi Pete,

You're going to need what is called an "industrial" sewing machine. There are quite a few different brands, and it will depend on various factors. I am not sure that the needle and thread for horse blankets and leather would be used on the same machine. Industrial machines are often specific to a task or medium.

My wife used industrial machines in her ladies clothing design business. New, they can run to several thousand dollars. But you often can find a real good deal on one used.

They have very powerful motors, and are usually very, very fast. You have to be really careful sewing with them.

One other thing about industrial machines is -- they are heavy. The machine is usually fitted into a worktable stand. You couldn't lift one by yourself.

This web site below is for a guy who does repair on industrial machines. I would drop him an email, or call him, and explain what you are looking to do. He can probably be of enormous help in telling you the specific manufacturers and models that will work for your needs.
Repair Specialist on Industrial Machines

Hope this helps.

[Hakim]

Pete,

Here you go ...

I didn't realize it in my last message, but apparently EBay is a great place for industrial sewing machines and supplies. Just type "industrial sewing machine" in your search box, and you will get dozens of hits. For example, I found leather thread in rolls various colors, for $38.00. Sounds like there are deals there to me.

Plus this Pfaff 545 (good reputation for leather and upholstery work) is being auctioned right now, with bidding at $545 with less than a day to go (I have seem them go for up to $1,700 used):

"Pfaff 545 Large BobbinIndustrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine

PFAFF for Fantastic Fashions ! Work Wonderfully with a Walking Foot!

The Pfaff Model 545 Walking Foot Industrial Sewing Machine is perfect for work on leather, heavy canvas, synthetic canvas, heavy jeans, vinyl, upholstery etc.

This high quality sewing machine includes a table, bobbin winder, thread stand, lamp, belt and powerful motor with switch.

The 110V motor is rated at 1725 RPM and at 1/2HP.

Features of this powerful Pfaff Model 545 Industrial sewing machine are:

Easily lift and lower the presser foot with a knee control.

This machine has a presser foot lift easily of about 3/4 inch.

Simple Adjustment of Length of Stitch with easy access lever

Reverse
Walking Foot
Wide Bobbin and Hook

Used for upholstery, awning, canvas, luggage, automobile trim , coats, leather coats, gloves, overalls, heavy clothing, handbags etc.

This machine is a great addition for Designers, Manufacturers, Needletrade Shops, Leather Designers, Upholsterers etc..

Whether you create fabulous fashions, flags or futons you can finish it with a Pfaff!

BONUS: I will add some extra bobbins and needles with this machine.

We also pre-thread the machine for your convenience and to help you understand how the machine is threaded.

This machine has been tested and has been sewn off and is verified to be in full working condition as of this auction."
End of EBay listing.

Other good brands are: Artisan 797AB, Consew 146RB (Walking foot, reverse & zig zag), Consew 206RB, Consew 226RB, Juki 563, and Singer 211A (or maybe 411A). I have no experience with these, but was told they are good.

Now don't forget, you may need other supplies and accessories, scissors, etc.

If you don't do a LOT of sewing of this type, maybe you would be better off for occasional tears and small repairs, just to do it by hand. Otherwise you may be starting off on a pretty expensive hobby. [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

[weedsportpete]

wow these machines are expensive.. unless we make this a business, I don't think it's worth it.. maybe we can get by with a regular machine.

[Hakim]

Hi Pete,

Yes they are pretty expensive, and require some training to operate correctly.

If you are going to be working with leather, canvas and similar heavy fabrics, I am afraid all you will do is ruin a "standard" sewing machine. They simply are not up to the task. Wish the news was better.

My solution is to find someone who DOES have the right equipment, and is skilled at doing the repairs I need. In the long run, I save plenty of money, and a lot more is saved in terms of aggravation! [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[egon]

A cobbler may have the required equipment.

Egon

[jsnitzer]

You might get away with this for heavy fabric, but not leather:

Look for an old Singer sewing machine (mine is 1942 and $20 from a garage sale). Those have steel gears and hold up to heavy loads that the new ones can not handle. Plus, cost is so low you have not much to risk.

Go to a Singer store and get industrial needles - they are HD and have a groove in the back for the thread to 'hide' in, so the fabric does not rub on it too hard. To make them fit the home meachine, you have to grind off about 1/4" inch to make them shorter.

If you sew a lot, your motor will get hot. On mine, I made a larger diameter pulley and attached it to the main pulley, then moved the motor over to line up. Makes the machine run slower but helps the motor to run cooler. There was enough stretch in the rubber belt to work, but probably should get a longer belt if they make them.

I only used it on one project to do some upholstery for a car I was working on, but it worked fine.

Good Luck!

[weedsportpete]

So there is a way.. yeah, we can do that(get an old machine and fix it up). Or find a cobbler.. never really looked for one before.. Thanks guys!

[egon]

There are also sewing machines for sail making that may work.

Egon