Sewing machine and thread:

match your machine to your method

Upholstery Journal

October•November 2004

Thinking of buying new (hand) wheels? It pays to do some homework first.

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If you have an upholstery business, you have a sewing machine. But even the most durable and well-maintained machine breaks down occasionally, and even the most experienced upholsterer may wonder when to repair an existing machine, buy a used one, or spring for one that has that new sewing machine smell. So we’ve put together a quick checklist to help steer you towards the right machine for your operation. We’ve also asked equipment and thread suppliers, through a mailed questionnaire, to give us information on their new products, plus where to find machine repair services and used equipment. The information they supplied is shown on the following pages.

• Replacing your machine costs less than the estimated bill for repairs.

New or used? • Decide which features your employees prefer. Do they want a new machine with a front-mounted bobbin winder, or an older machine with the winder on the table? • Newer machines may be more ergonomically sound than older ones, which may translate into increased shop efficiency and healthier employees. • When buying a reconditioned machine, ask exactly what the reconditioning entailed.

Replace your sewing machine when… • It has worn, cracked or broken casting, which often can’t be repaired. Repairing casting can cost nearly as much as a new machine. • It’s consistently and frequently troublesome, you’ve ruled out operator error, and the problem resists diagnosis. • A needed replacement part is no longer available. • You decide that switching to a machine with additional capabilities will improve your efficiency. www.upholsteryjournal.info

No matter what you buy… • Purchase from a reputable dealer. Check with your Better Business Bureau, and get references from other businesses like yours. • Attend to routine maintenance, including cleaning. Make sure you, and/or your employees, get the necessary training to care for your equipment. • Remember to change the oil.

Sewing Machines * = repair service available

*Baer Fabrics Louisville, Ky. 800 769 7779 [email protected] www.baerfabrics.com Baer stocks new and reconditioned machines, and can deliver within metropolitan Louisville, Ky. New drop feed and walking foot machines by Consew, Juki and Pfaff are available, as well as blindstitch machines, industrial sergers, and Thompson portable walking foot machines.

Brother International Bridgewater, N. J. +1 908 252 3279 [email protected] www.brother.com Industrial sewing machines, including the S-7200A, a single-needle direct-drive straight lock-stitcher, are available in three versions: complete dry, semi-dry and minimum lubrication. For all three versions, no oil is used around the needle bar, thread take-up or hook, ensuring stain-free sewing. The semi-dry and minimum lubrication machines use a rotary hook that enables sewing speeds of 5,000 rpm. The S-7200A also includes an adjustable tension release, smooth direct-drive high-speed response, low noise, and low vibration.

Hinton, W. Va. +1 304 466 6220 [email protected] Hinton sells new long-arm industrial machines, including compound

Philadelphia, Pa. +1 215 922 6900 [email protected] www.keysew.com Heavy-duty industrial sewing machines are distributed, and both new and used models are available, including the new Consew 206RBL-5 Long Arm. This model is designed for stitching auto, boat and furniture upholstery and can handle light- to heavy-weight materials as well as various coated and laminated products.

specifically designed for sewing materials such as vinyl, leather, synthetics and various coated, laminated and rubberized fabrics. Two needles, an extralarge vertical axis hook, compound feed and walking foot, lockstitch and reverse stitch are all features of this machine, which comes in 20- and 30inch arm lengths.

Lowell Distributing LLC Churubusco, Ind. 866 556 9355 [email protected] www.lowelldistributing.com Lowell sells new machines in several heavy-duty industrial lines, including the Sailrite Professional, which has a

*S. Kaplan Sewing Machine Co. Newark, N. J. 800 352 7739 [email protected] www.kaplansewingmachine.com Kaplan distributes new and reconditioned machines. One of the models this company offers is the DA466, an large rotary hook and bobbin mechanism to reduce the frequency of bobbin winding and allow the use of heavy thread. Suitable for light to heavy-duty work. Can be combined with Sailrite’s new MCC Power System. extra heavy-duty 28-inch arm zigzag machine for heavyweight materials. It is equipped with a large oscillating shuttle hook that allows very heavy threads to be used. The machine has a maximum zigzag width of 12mm, a 14mm presser foot, and cams for regular and three-step zigzag stitching.

Manart-Hirsch Co. Inc. Lynbrook, N. Y. 800 626 2781 [email protected] www.manart-hirsch.com

Manart-Hirsch sells new sewing machines, including the complete line of Consew machines, well-known in the marine sewing industry. www.upholsteryjournal.info

October•November 2004

feed model SM III W 156, which is 30 inches from needle center to the back of the casting.

*Keystone Sewing Machine Co.

Rosemont, Ill. +1 847 671 1550 [email protected] www.hoffmanbrothers.com One of the models this company sells is the JWP Series extra heavy-duty long-arm post bed sewing machine,

Upholstery Journal

Hinton Manufacturing Inc.

*Hoffman Brothers

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Sewing Showcase *Reliable Corp.

Seiko Sewing Machine Co. Ltd.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada 800 268 1649 [email protected] www.reliablesewing.com Reliable sells new and used brands of sewing machines, as well as new and used machines bearing the company’s ‘Reliable’ name. The Reliable

Tokyo, Japan +81 3 3872 6173 [email protected] www.seiko-sewing.co.jp Seiko sells new machines, including the SKZP-6B, a one-needle post bed zigzag stitch sewing machine with low feed and reverse. Ideal for furniture and auto upholstery, this machine has a two- and three-step zigzag stitch option with stitches from zero to 12.7mm. Model is also available without the reverse function.

Baer Fabrics Louisville, Ky. 800 769 7779 [email protected] www.baerfabrics.com

*Sloan Machinery Inc.

line includes a single-needle, compound-feed walking foot machine with thread trimmer: the MSK-8410BUT. New to the U.S. market as of 2003, this machine offers upholsterers exceptional productivity at an economical cost.

800 832 0050 Ipswich, Mass. [email protected] www.sloanmachinery.com Sloan sells new and reconditioned sewing machines, including the new Directron line of heavy-duty industrial machines .Sloan can extend the length of certain machines from, for example, 12 to 24 inches.

*Rubenstein Brothers Co. Inc.

Upholstery Journal

October•November 2004

Montreal, Quebec, Canada 800 361 0100 [email protected] www.rubenstein.ca In addition to leasing, renting and selling new and used industrial heavyduty machines, this 140-year-old com-

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pany distributes a long-arm walking foot machine with a new price/performance factor that offers exceptional value. Repair available at five fullservice locations across Canada.

www.upholsteryjournal.info

Thread Alliance Thread and Supply Inc. Warminster, Pa. 800 220 1529 [email protected] www.alliancethread.com A major source of industrial sewing thread, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners and other sewing supplies, the company has over 100 years of combined experience serving the sewing industry. Strategically placed warehouses and sales offices assure quick delivery on every order. Wide variety of sewing supplies and large inventories assure one-stop shopping, with a focus on dependability and excellent customer service.

Baer stocks a large selection of threads, including UVR Aqualon, 69 nylon, VVV serger, monofilament 22 nylon, Perma spun and blindstitch thread.

Bainbridge International Canton, Mass. 800 422 5684 [email protected] www.bainbridgeint.com • Bainbridge is a full-line distributor for Hemingway + Bartlett Dabond 2000 premium bonded polyester machine thread, suitable for a wide range of applications, and the industry standard for sewn marine products; available in white, black, and a variety of colors to order. Also available in anti-wick style for reduced water penetration. • This company also offers Bainbridge EX polyester anti-wick thread with a left twist, plus Tenara® PTFE

thread, which is UV-proof, will not rot or mildew, and is completely inert to acid rain, industrial pollutants, and cleaning agents. Tenara®, manufactured by W.L.Gore & Associates Ltd., is also inherently non-flammable, with a melting point of 550 degrees F.

• The Bainbridge Thread Lubricator Box attaches to a sewing machine to lubricate thread during sewing; thread lubricant is available in a nontoxic blend and as “Clearco” Silicon Thread Lub-ricant for use with the attachment.

D. J. Associates Inc. Fort Smith, Ark. +1 479 452 3987 [email protected] www.dj-associates.com This company distributes military specification nylon thread, specializing in small orders. Their products are used primarily for aircraft and auto interiors.

Hayne Surridge Co. St. Louis, Mo. +1 314 231 7120 [email protected] Hayne Surridge distributes bobbins, needles and industrial sewing threads of nylon, polyester and cotton.

Just-In-Time Furniture Supply Athens, Tenn. +1 423 745 6213 [email protected] www.carvcraft.com Distributor of nylon upholstery thread.

Manart-Hirsch Co. Inc. Upholstery Journal

Lynbrook, N. Y. +1 516 887 1133 [email protected] www.manart-hirsch.com Manart-Hirsch stocks a variety of threads and bobbins. Dabond thread is available in white and black, 92 or 138,

October•November 2004

regular or anti-wick. Polymatic thread is available in white or natural; Sunguard thread is available to match Sunbrella® fabric. Tenara®, manufactured by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., is also carried. www.upholsteryjournal.info

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Sewing Showcase Rochford Supply Inc. Minneapolis, Mn. 800 334 6414 [email protected] www.rochfordsupply.com

discounts offered for larger orders. Tex69 nylon thread is available in a rainbow of colors, and polyester thread in many different weights and colors; visit the Web site for complete information.

Shelton-Reynolds Inc. Milwaukee, Wisc. 800 877 7150 [email protected] This company distributes U.S.-manufactured close-outs and over-runs of bobbins, as well as nylon and polyester threads, all at deep discounts.

Vicar International

Upholstery Journal

October•November 2004

A huge inventory of thread and bobbins from top manufacturers is kept in stock and ready to ship, with a variety of

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www.upholsteryjournal.info

Union, N. J. +1 908 964 1200 [email protected] www.vicarinternational.com Vicar manufactures and distributes Aqualon polyester thread, manufactured to the specifications of the OEM automotive convertible top manufacturers. Vylon nylon thread for automotive and industrial indoor seating is also available.

WBC Industries Inc. Westfield, N. J. 800 818 2932 [email protected] www.wbcindustries.com • WBC distributes ready-wound bobbins and nylon thread. The bobbins are specifically engineered for embroidery, upholstery, luggage and leather goods, apparel and automotive applications. They increase production, reduce repairs, provide uniform tension and stitch formation, allow quick bobbin changes and reduce waste, with no unused thread to clean from metal bobbins. • Nylon thread has numerous applications, from stitching leather goods to upholstered furniture, and from heavy canvas products to lightweight gloves. Controlled-stretch processing provides excellent sewability for optimum operator and sewing machine efficiency, with excellent extension and recovery.