I'm looking at buying an older model sewing machine that is sturdy enough to sew denims, canvas, or other thicker materials. I've recently looked at a Singer 96-40 (industrial), 15-91, and a 1500 class Singer with a heavy duty motor attached. I could stitch through 1/4" leather with either. Do you know of a website I could compare and contrast their features? I have looked, but have not had much success. I'd also be interested in reading reviews or hearing your opinions. Thanks! Pam
A 15-91 will not handle 1/4" leather, though it sews denim and reasonable weights of canvas just fine. Even if you could get a couple of plies of 1/4" leather under the foot, the foot would be so far up the upper tension disks would be open, and the stitching would be crummy, loopy on the back. It's a home sewing machine, not an industrial. It is designed to handle from very light fabrics, like chiffons, through stuff like denim and wool coating.
I don't know the 96-40 or the 1500 series. Industrial does not mean "will sew through anything, including steel plate". Industrial machines are designed to do one job very, very well, and that includes "liking" a limited range of fabric weights. The machine you choose for sewing lightweight fabrics will be a different one from the one designed for heavier fabrics like heavy denims and canvas. And heavy leather is still a differentmachine.
If you're truly after an industrial (remember, most of 'em run on 220V, so check your electrical system first), then gather up samples of the fabrics and leathers you want to sew and give them to the dealer(s) you want to consider, telling them the seam types you intend to use. Then see what the samples look like and the recommendations.
You'll find several short essays here that should be helpful:
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Kay, who is quite happy to rent time on the local auto upholstery shop machines when I need heavy duty industrial sewing. Or just pay him to do it for me.
:If you're truly after an industrial (remember, most of 'em :run on 220V, so check your electrical system :first), then gather up samples of the fabrics and leathers
While there are lots of industrials that have 240 motors, the majority of them are 120V. And on most that aren't, it's simply a matter of replacing the motor. Modern machines, with nifty motor controllers, can run on either. My Juki 9000 can run on 120 or 240, at 50 or 60 hz, and on various three phase set ups. You need to wire the plug correctly, but that's it.
If you're buying new, it's a non-issue. you just get the seller to supply you the right motor, or set up the controller properly.
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