Wondering what types of sewing machines you all use for making gear. I'm getting to be a major DIYer and my cheapo sewing machine isn't cutting it anymore, especially for the heavier fabrics. I'm considering getting a used industrial sewing machine. Any input, tips or advice would be appreciated.

I suppose it depends on how thick of a fabric you plan to sew. I have only been messing around with 1.9oz / yard nylon or less and have had no problem with a walmart off the shelf Brother CS-6000i when I get the needle and thread combination right.

If you are looking to sew canvas etc, you will have to go heavier duty for sure.

Ive got a a simple "home" machine, I think it is a Huskystar brand. Got it used from the mom&pop sewing store down the road. Ive done 1.9oz silnylon for a tarp up to the 500D cordura for the portage pack (some times as much as 4 layers). Like okinaw - no problems when I have the needle/thread/tension combination dialed in.

I inherited a White basic home model from my aunt, and I have an industrial Singer that was originally in a snowmobile suit factory.

I have a Singer touch & sew... from the mid 60s. My mom bought it when she graduated college and it was one of the first 'expensive' items she purchased. Newer touch & sews have nylon gears. This one is all metal inside. I've been told it'll last a lifetime with proper care.

I have several but my favorite for camping gear is my old Viking Model 6440. It even has a low gear to sew through tough stuff. I have bought a second one on Craig's List so I have one for parts.

My workhorse machine for straight stitching is an old Kenmore model 86 Stylist in a sewing table stand. I just bought a Singer Model 44S Classic Heavy Duty sewing machine for Zig-Zag and other stitching. I have been very pleased with it, but would not have been able to even put the bobbin in right without having watched a few Youtube videos. Today, I made bar tacks in some nylon straps and they worked very well. I'm using a 33 weight bonded nylon thread and like it very well. I have a 46 weigh bonded nylon thread in the Kenmore and prefer these to the polyester threads. They just seem to stitch better than the polyester threads.

I use a Singer 500a. I started out with a Brother 221A Galaxie which I used to sew my first tablecloth hammocks and my very first down underquilt. I picked up a Kenmore rotary off Craigslist for free and got it back up and running, rewired it, sanded and refinished the cabinet. At that point I'd been looking into a "heavy duty" home machine and had settled on either a Singer 300, 401, 403a, 500a, or 503. I wound up finding my 500a locally before any of the other models popped up. I would also have happily taken a 201 or 15-91 model had they popped up. Couldn't be happier with my 500a though. It sometimes takes a little to get through 2 layers of webbing, but that has only been after I've passed 2-3 lines of stitching through it already and am putting in the final 3rd or 4th line. Once it gets moving though, it is hard to slow it down. An excellent machine for heavy materials up to denim and light leather.

My advice on a used industrial machine would be "don't buy it unless it has a servo motor". Industrial machines run WAY faster than home machines. Look up the stitch rates for the machine(s) you're looking at buying vs the machine you have. With a servo motor the industrial machines will run at slower speeds, like a home machine, and get faster the harder you press the pedal. Also, for the price of a used industrial machine you can buy yourself a VERY nice brand new home machine, or a very nice, well reconditioned older machine like my Singer.

For some pointers on buying a used sewing machine (if you're interested), check out this post.

Thanks for the advice on machines - good information.
I am not looking to buy a new machine. I think I would have to do a ton of sewing to get my money's worth out of it.

Thanks everyone for the great input! After some searching I found an older (70s?) home machine. It was free, so you can't beat the price! I figure I can use this one for awhile and see how it goes until I find something that might be more suitable.

My old Singer was made in 1952 and punches through 4 layers of Cordura 1000 with ease, and 6 if I am careful. Got it for 20 clams on Craigslist.

quote Jaywalker: "My old Singer was made in 1952 and punches through 4 layers of Cordura 1000 with ease, and 6 if I am careful. Got it for 20 clams on Craigslist. "

Those old Singer machines were the best - the new ones are not as much of a "work Horse"