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Recommendations needed- Buying a Heavy-Duty machine!

Hello all!

I've come across a bit of early Christmas money, and am hoping to put it toward buying an industrial/heavy duty machine. I currently own a Viking sewing machine and serger, both of which suit my garment sewing just fine. However, I've been starting to sew a lot of custom slipcovers lately, and the canvas and home dec fabrics seem to be straining my machine a bit. It does alright, but the stitch quality isn't as good as it should be, and I break a lot of needles.

I need to have a portable machine (just not enough space here for another sewing table!!), and a walking foot seems like a smart idea. It also needs to have accessory feet available, such as a cording foot/zipper foot. I browsed around on Ebay a bit, and there's a guy that has some "Alphasew" machines that seem to be suitable for my needs. Has anyone heard of this brand? I've sewn on a Juki before, but their "heavy" machines run upwards of $700 (I'm hoping to spend around $300-400), as do the Consew and other better brands.

Any advice or reviews would be appreciated. Thanks! Tiffany

Reply to
Tiffany
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I have what sounds like what you're looking for. It's called a Thompson Walking-foot portable sewing machine. Does only straight stitching, has a built-in walking foot, and is portable. I understand they're popular with people who upholster, do slipcovers, and window treatments. I found mine second-hand.

Reply to
Pogonip

JUNK

Reply to
Ron Anderson

Ron, please be more specific! Were you referring to Alphasew, Juki, Thompson, or heavy duty sewing machines in general? And what brand(s) would you suggest? Thanks.

Reply to
Tiffany

probably the alpha sew. Juki is very reputable, as is the thompson mini walker.

Reply to
small change

It was crystal clear to me, but I knokw all the players. Alphasew is garbage. Juki industrial is a good brand, Thompson is also good.

Reply to
Melinda Meahan - take out TRAS

I was referring specifically to the ALphasew , but in my opinion, based on

27 plus years as a sewing machine repair technician that all of those portable walking foot machines lack any credibility. The Thompson would be the best of the lot but, I recommend you find the room, save the pennies and get a real industrial machine.
Reply to
Ron Anderson

Thanks to everyone for your help and opinions. I guess I'll have to convince my husband to move some furniture in the living room to make some space for a real one! Your help is appreciated.

Reply to
Tiffany

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