Replies

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Jan 15, 2000 02:00am | #1

   *
   Hello msloan,

   Are you sure you want to go thru the trouble of buying a sewing machine just to fix one thing?

   You may wish to contact your local custom awning maker to see if they can perform the fix. Also check out slipcover makers; if your phone book doesn't have a separate listing then look under furniture or call fabric stores that specialize in home decor fabrics for recommendations.

   Both of these entities will own the heavy duty industrial sewing machine capable of sewing heavy canvas fabric.

   If you're intent on repairing the top yourself the next best bet would be to contact a sewing machine sales shop that has industrial machines to see if you could rent a machine for a week or so. Get a sewing savvy friend to go with you so you don't seem the complete novice (and thus un-rentable to).

   If this is a business you're contemplating then used industrial sewing machines start for around $500.

   --lin

1. 
   Mary_Jenkins | Feb 13, 2000 03:06pm | #2

   *My business is custom canvas for boats etc. We also do alot of work for jeep car rentals, restitching tops and replacing zippers and 40g windows. We use our industrial sewing machines. It would be extremely hard on any little home sewing machine, and you are wasting your time unless you use thread that has a high UV. Our machines new are VERY PRICY. We use Poly 138 or Gortex and 110 to 120 needles. Our Phaff machines have large motors. I suggest you take the top to a marine canvas business, upholstry shop, awning company , or auto detailing company. It probably needs a total restitch.

1. 
   Paula_White | Mar 13, 2000 02:23pm | #3

   *The machine that you will want to use for this is the Thompson Mini Walker sewing machine. I have one, it works great. It is a rough and tough heavy-duty little machine, but a great alternative for those who need a do-it-yourself machine. It is not for industrial use. It is a portable size and can fit in a regular flat-bed sewing machine case, but if sure is a little work brute. The cost is somewhere around $500. new, and can be purchased used because there is a lot of them out there.One source is Atlantia Thread and Supply o., call them at 1-800-847-1001 for a free catalog. There is also an add for these machines in Threads and Sew News magazines and they offer a zig-zag version of this machine too.