Best Sewing Machine for kite Repair?

[rtz]

Check out the videos for these machines:

http://www.sailrite.com/easearch#!Sailr ... ng-Machine

[neworleansrich]

I have been doing kite repairs for at least 6 years, before that I had been doing other canvas work on my sailboats. Sailrite.com is a great resource for thread, clotrh, tape, and other professional sail-making supplies. Their machines are good, but you may find a commerical machine locally cheaper. I have a Sailrite Mini-Walker that I use for heavy cover work.

Basically, any home machine with a zig-zag stitch will work on the kite canopy material. I usually use a rip-stop sail tape. I stitch the edges of the tape and then stitch across the tear to hold the edges together.

The only place where most home machines will not work very well is resewing the leading edge seam. This is a straight stitch, but you will need a machine with a little more punch to go through the 4 layers of heavier cloth.

Most repairs are relatively easy. With access to a home sewing machine and a few basic supplies you can get back on the water with no lost time.

[Johnny Rotten]

viewtopic.php?t=2380490&p=793735

Some good info here,

I just have a go on my Wifes Kenmore, 385.12014


It's got all metal internal parts and seems to pound through ANYTHING. The feeder leaves a bit to be desired and the speed control lacks a bit of modulation but it keeps me on the water and then some.

There's a walking foot accessory I'm gunna give a try. If it works well, I'll report back.

[Peert]

I use an old Pfaff..
No problem at all to punch through thick layers. Biggest advantage is the 'stepper' just behind the needle. Transport of the fabric is thus from top and bottom keeping everything together.

[lieutenantglorp]

For industrial I have a Sailrite LSZ-1 walking foot machine. It is good for dacron, reinforcing line splices, or sewing anything thick like neoprene. It only does zig zag or straight. I also have a Jenome HD-1000 that can do many more stitches including triple step- good for canopy or anything light weight. Both are all metal machines built to last. Also good to have a sewing awl for travel, doing small repairs, or sewing harnesses or bulky items that won't easily fit under the presser foot. It can duplicate the lock stitch of a machine and you can use any machine needle with it.

[Bille]

[quote="Peert"]I use an old Pfaff..

.../quote]

GREAT machine ; i'm jealous !!
Was doing sail-repair on HG's with one of those things, back
in the 70's .

All metal parts inside, is Key.

Bille