DrRog said..
Does anyone know where I can get access to a sewing machine in Sydney that will handle a few layers of Sunbrella. It's about $600 to buy a basic machine; I'm hoping to avoid buying something I'll only use for a few projects. Don't need it just now - probably over winter.
Or, anyone in Sydney want to share one?
I have an industrial singer set up in a sail room with tables set up either side to handle all sails. Sunbrella or any of the acrylics are easy to sew and there is no need for anything fancy. As a matter of fact when I repair my sail cover etc I use straight stitch instead of the professional approach of using zigzag stitches. The straight stitches are more abrasion proof. Therefore any of the basic machines will do the job. I have my Mums old pedal Singer and with the correct needle and thread and tensions correct it does a phenomenal job, just straight stitching. Using the wheel to hand crank some assistance it will sew though 6mm no sweat. This type of machine cleaned and lubricated will do the job.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VINTAGE-SEWING-MACHINE-/261734089754?pt=AU_Sewing&hash=item3cf091441a. Around my mates place yesterday and he is sewing up a new sail cover. His machine is an ancient industrial Singer allegedly, its hard to tell its so rusty nothing can be read and the controls are basic. Cleaned up and lubricated it will last another 100 years or so. I showed him how to set the bobbin tension for the heavier thread and now it sews perfectly. Youtube has plenty of handy videos on sewing and adjustments etc.
If your into something more modern then an old Pfaff from an op shop might be a good deal. Anything pre computer.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/Industrial-sewing-machine-/171646640223?pt=AU_Sewing&hash=item27f6efe05f
