Tough but cheap sewing machine

[Junior1942]

Anybody got a link to a tough but cheap sewing machine capable of stitching heavy canvas, thin leather, or polypropylene strapping?  I'm looking for something simple and maybe one step above a sewing awl.

[oldandslow]

I'm not sure about finding one that is cheap. You might check out the Tippman Boss. Tandy should have it on their website but I would google it and look for a better price. I've also seen one in a Harbor Freight catalog that looks much like an old style Singer that is supposed to be an industrial type machine.

[rdstrain49]

Be careful, the difference between "industrial type" and an industrial machine is huge.  I use a Tippman Boss, btw Tandy no longer sells Tippman.  The Boss is not a production machine, but works for my needs and will easily sew heavy leather up to 3/4" thick.  In my experience there is no such thing as a cheap sewing machine that will sew medium to heavy material.  Check out this web site,  if these guys can't help you, nobody can.   http://leatherworker.net/content/

Good luck with your search.

[Junior1942]

After looking at machine prices online, my $10 awl is looking better........

[rdstrain49]

There is not much you can't do with an awl and a saddle stitch.

[oldandslow]

After looking at machine prices online, my $10 awl is looking better........

That's why I still use a stabbing awl and double needles. I don't do much at all anymore. Make a belt once in awhile. When I make a knife I build a sheath for it. Get a new gun and I'll build a holster. It's slow and kind of hard on your fingers but it gets me by.

In the old days when I did quite a bit of work I would take my stuff down to the local bootmaker who I was buddies with and use his hot wax machine. He's passed on now and his son has the shop. I could probably still use the machine but I do so little it isn't worth the bother.

[RockinW]

for sewing the things you listed, you could use an older table top upholstry type machine. pfaff, adler, singer etc., all made several different models. dont know about your area, but around here you can often find old singers from $250-$500 complete. 281 model singer would be a good choice.

[rdstrain49]

I've seen some of RockinW's work.  Listen to what he says

[quickdtoo]

I've been using an old Kenmore Deluxe Automatic Zigzag machine for years that works fine for sewing canvas, I've made two whelen tents and a half dozen canvas tarps with it, still sews great. The machine weighs about 50lbs, is all metal, no plastic, unlike modern machines, they don't built em like they used to. 

Tim