Calling all canvas people....Let's have an honest discussion....

Thanks guys...The info is helpful....To bad you guys aren't near, we could share....
If you were closer, I definitely would share it!

Whichever machine you purchase, you’ll find many uses for it.

I fixed a few seams on my cockpit mooring cover, made some small cushions for my dads boat, next is a re-stitching of the bow mooring cover binding.
 
I think that's what will happen with me too....Already thinking about a helm cover.

I'm thinking this machine....I just can't tell if the monster-wheel from Sailrite is better than the Omega.

https://walking-foot.com/product/omega-wf24zzln/

The same machine with the monster wheel is on eBay for $25 more. Just add “MW” to the model number and you should be able to find it.

For me, The Zig-Zag feature and the monster wheel are a “must-have”.
 
If you guys are already up there in price on sewing machines I'd suggest you strongly consider "all the other stuff" you get from Sailrite. Their service is pretty great, they ship wicked fast and they have "nearly everything" you'll need for your projects on their website. Their youtube videos are also worth a mint for a newbie like me.

I'd strongly consider the Sailrite LSZ-1 "Basic". At a minimum it comes with a base which it looks like the Omega does not?

If you're patient Sailrite runs sales on the machines. I ended up with a Sailrite LSZ-1 "Premium" over winter. I believe the sale was 10+% off with free shipping. It came with the heavier wheel and a 1" binder attachment. Both of which I planned to buy anyway. Plus a bunch of other stuff that a new guy like me had no idea I'd need until after I got started.
 
If you guys are already up there in price on sewing machines I'd suggest you strongly consider "all the other stuff" you get from Sailrite. Their service is pretty great, they ship wicked fast and they have "nearly everything" you'll need for your projects on their website. Their youtube videos are also worth a mint for a newbie like me.

I'd strongly consider the Sailrite LSZ-1 "Basic". At a minimum it comes with a base which it looks like the Omega does not?

If you're patient Sailrite runs sales on the machines. I ended up with a Sailrite LSZ-1 "Premium" over winter. I believe the sale was 10+% off with free shipping. It came with the heavier wheel and a 1" binder attachment. Both of which I planned to buy anyway. Plus a bunch of other stuff that a new guy like me had no idea I'd need until after I got started.

I’ve never used a sewing machine but want to give it a try. The cushions on my kids 18’ bowrider are shot and would make a good winter project for a beginner.
I keep hoping to find a used machine to play around with on EBay or Craigslist. But if I could pick up a good sale on an Omega I might have to bite the bullet.
The sailrite looks good but that’s way more money than I’m willing to invest for a project like I’m looking to do.
 
I’ve never used a sewing machine but want to give it a try. The cushions on my kids 18’ bowrider are shot and would make a good winter project for a beginner.
I keep hoping to find a used machine to play around with on EBay or Craigslist. But if I could pick up a good sale on an Omega I might have to bite the bullet.
The sailrite looks good but that’s way more money than I’m willing to invest for a project like I’m looking to do.

The Omega will work just fine, I've been very happy with mine. I also bought from walking-foot.com and was pleased with their service. The model I bought was the 9 inch and he included the monster wheel for free (It was an Ebay buy).

On occasion he has various models on sale, so watch for them on Ebay.
 
I think that's what will happen with me too....Already thinking about a helm cover.

I'm thinking this machine....I just can't tell if the monster-wheel from Sailrite is better than the Omega.

https://walking-foot.com/product/omega-wf24zzln/

Considering all the money you will save on projects I would not try to get the absolute cheapest machine. Just go with the Sailrite and don't look back. If you need support they will be there for you when you need to ask a question. They stock most replacement parts and are a great company. While the machines may look similar I have been told there were modification to the Sailrite's design.

The base package includes everything you need including a machine base that will make it easier to use. Personally I would get (like I did) the one in the case. Makes it portable, easier to store and protects it when not in use.

-Kevin
 
If you guys are already up there in price on sewing machines I'd suggest you strongly consider "all the other stuff" you get from Sailrite. Their service is pretty great, they ship wicked fast and they have "nearly everything" you'll need for your projects on their website. Their youtube videos are also worth a mint for a newbie like me.

I'd strongly consider the Sailrite LSZ-1 "Basic". At a minimum it comes with a base which it looks like the Omega does not?

If you're patient Sailrite runs sales on the machines. I ended up with a Sailrite LSZ-1 "Premium" over winter. I believe the sale was 10+% off with free shipping. It came with the heavier wheel and a 1" binder attachment. Both of which I planned to buy anyway. Plus a bunch of other stuff that a new guy like me had no idea I'd need until after I got started.

Their 1" swing binder is great - I had another one that I finally got frustrated with and stopped using. I ordered in the Sailrite binder and binding feeds through smooth as can be expected. I looked at both binders side by side and to a casual eye they look the same but look close and you could see minor finish details that made all the difference. Yes the Sailrite binder was 2x the price of my old one but in my eyes was a worthwhile investment.

-Kevin
 
I’ve never used a sewing machine but want to give it a try. The cushions on my kids 18’ bowrider are shot and would make a good winter project for a beginner.
I keep hoping to find a used machine to play around with on EBay or Craigslist. But if I could pick up a good sale on an Omega I might have to bite the bullet.
The sailrite looks good but that’s way more money than I’m willing to invest for a project like I’m looking to do.

Always welcome to swing by and take a look and try it - you're certainly close enough.

-Kevin
 
I'd suggest another route... Craigslist. I found a brand new Juki DNU1541S for $500. They are over 2k in the stores. Look into consew, Juki, Pfaff, etc. Make sure it's a walking foot with reverse. You'll be golden. Straight stitch is really all you need for upholstery work. You can also see if your city has an sewing machine store... Many large cities still have them floating around and specialize in sales and service of industrial machines.
 
I'd suggest another route... Craigslist. I found a brand new Juki DNU1541S for $500. They are over 2k in the stores. Look into consew, Juki, Pfaff, etc. Make sure it's a walking foot with reverse. You'll be golden. Straight stitch is really all you need for upholstery work. You can also see if your city has an sewing machine store... Many large cities still have them floating around and specialize in sales and service of industrial machines.

We use several 1541's, 1560's, a Seiko Zig-Zag, and a Juki 158 long arm. All have been great for us. While most of the fabric structure industry has adopted tape/glue welding machines and RF......marine work will always need sewing b/c of the odd shapes and movement. If you can find a 1541 for cheap, its a wise purchase. They are tanks and very easy to work on. Upholstery people and folk that do nothing but marine work probably have a few more specialized machines that we dont need. Ive seen them from time to time but couldnt comment on what models. Check equipment auction sites for deals too.
 
The same machine with the monster wheel is on eBay for $25 more. Just add “MW” to the model number and you should be able to find it.

For me, The Zig-Zag feature and the monster wheel are a “must-have”.

@Espos4 Are you sure? This is the long neck version...It seems the short neck is $25 more.... wf24zzln
@CaptRonn ...That seems like a real good deal to include the monster wheel. What do you use the zig-zag for? The 9" is the long one correct? Care to share the price, PM if you'd like?
 
I paid $550 for my machine which included the monster wheel. Shipping was $70 (and this is a heavy machine at 55 pounds)

Mine has the 9 inch neck. And I rarely use the zig zag.
 
I don’t do any zig zag stitching but that feature allows me to move the needle closer to the left when sewing piping. This helps to hide the stitches.
 
Always welcome to swing by and take a look and try it - you're certainly close enough.

-Kevin

If I get my hands on a suitable machine at a reasonable price I may take you up on that and swing by to get a lesson.
Not looking to invest any money in the kids little,boat, but some of the cushions are really bad so I have to do something.
I’m thinking if I can get a machine to do the job with I’ll give it a try.
 
The Omega will work just fine, I've been very happy with mine. I also bought from walking-foot.com and was pleased with their service. The model I bought was the 9 inch and he included the monster wheel for free (It was an Ebay buy).

On occasion he has various models on sale, so watch for them on Ebay.

Thanks! I’m going to do that.
 

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