I'm no an expert at sewing but have had some good experiences with an older rock-solid Singer zigzag.This machine is the basic do-it-yourself entry-level zig-zag walking foot capable of handling heavier fabrics and sails.It is nearly identical to those sold under many different names.God luck deciphering which ones are made in China or Taiwan, the latter supposedly a bit better made.A fine-tuned version (at a significantly higher price) is available from Sailrite (beware some of the sleight-of-hand discounters selling that brand though Sailrite themselves are highly reputable).I received mine a week ago and have just done a couple of practice projects with 1" webbing and 6-8 oz. duck.I'm finding that the machine gets hung up often.I initially thought it was from using the wrong sized needle or simply too much fabric.Through experimentation culminating with turning by hand with no fabric or thread, I've found that the clutch mechanism in this thing can barely overcome the mechanical resistance of the spring-loaded walking presser foot, even when not actually sewing.I followed the manual instructions and rotated the clutch washer 180º and I guess it's another one of those help suggestions designed simply to waste your time.
I've ordered the Sailrite Monster II balance wheel and, based on my initial experiences, think a modification like that is an absolute necessity.It's not a refinement or luxury but a requirement for this machine to be functional as the factory clutch is pure rubbish.Right now, I have it cranked down so tight I can't unscrew it, but it still slips constantly.
My only other complaint is minor.The foot controller is pretty flimsy but that's not a surprise.It's asinine though that the cord from the machine to the foot controller is so short it barely reaches the floor from a kindergarten-sized table.The A/C plug end is plenty long.That's just very sloppy quality control and I'm going to have to splice a longer wire, simple really, but not something most people would want to deal with.
Bottom line, if you plan to add an enhanced balance wheel with positive mechanical engagement, everything else seems reasonably functional and solid.If you think you can use this as shipped, in my opinion, not a good choice.
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Product Description:
Designed for boat owners, serious hobbyists, and small businesses, this zig-zag walking-foot sewing machine delivers remarkable versatility. Its stitch quality compares to an industrial machine's, for a fraction of the price, plus it provides the added bonus of a zig-zag stitch. To help get the job done faster, the unit also comes with a powerful built-in motor, a maximum sewing speed of 800 rpm, spring-loaded reverse, an oscillating shuttle hook, and a piping (welting) foot to do 1/8-inch > 3/16-inch piping, plus an additional outside zipper foot. The machine uses industrial-standard 135-by-17 needles, and it also offers a high-lift walking foot with a 1/4-inch clearance underneath the foot, a built-in speed reducer for higher torque on heavy material, and toothed belts and pulleys to prevent slippage. Other details include top and bottom feed, a 0 to 6 mm stitch length, up to 4 stitches per inch, an 8 mm stitch width, a pressure foot lift (by hand 9 mm, by knee 8 mm), a 7-inch work space, and a 14-1/2-inch bed size. Accessories include a foot controller and a 12-1/2-by-6-inch extension table with two folding legs. Housed in durable metal with a convenient carrying handle for portability, the sewing machine measures 14 by 7 by 12 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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