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[IvanD]

Yeah. Looks very sharp!


I decided to do some service and paint job to Seiko I got. Results so far :)
Going to replace some small parts and see if I can make it sew again

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[IvanD]

Finally alive. Every adjustment that could be misadjusted - was screwed up. Got it to sew and it runs! Any speed, 4-6 layers of leather or as much as I can put under feet - no problem.

Still need to do some tiny adjustments to make reverse stitch just perfect, other then that - it's running good now.

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[John]

Looks Awesome @IvanD !! That seiko is lucky to have such a good owner!

[ajnegus]

very nice! I've been looking at these Seiko machines too but having seen the work you've had to do to get it to work properly it has given me concerns over buying a used machine via ebay from a private individual.

I've found a used machine from a dealer for what seems like a reasonable price, around £600 GBP ($775 USD), its a Typical 0302 with a servo motor. Does anyone know if these are reasonable machines? I'm not looking to run a trimming business, its just a hobby.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of direct drive machines? They sound like a nice idea and you don't have belts to worry about or motors under the table etc. I've found a brand new Jack machine for around £650 ($840 USD) which seems to be a good deal (or are they Chinese junk?)

[BigRig]

@IvanD, @John, interesting inquiry on direct drive machine from ajnegus. @IvanD that is my machine pretty much exactly that you cleaned up it is VERY special.

[IvanD]

@ajnegus You don't have to go through machine like I did, you can buy it dialed in. Right now I will be selling one of my machines, either PFAFF 1245 or this Seiko, one have to go since I don't need 2. Not sure which one to keep though

Machines now following me. Just bought 2 more, was very good deal, can't skip. I wanted skiver but didn't want to pay for it. And machine was always on my mind to do stuff like headrests. Guy had both and more.. Skiver already apart, will go through as it's got rust and some parts were seized. So good cleaning/lube and paint in order. Machine just need to be cleaned and adjusted.

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[Pays0n-UK]

That singer post bed looks interesting. Are you planning using it or was a two for one with the skiver?

[IvanD]

That singer post bed looks interesting. Are you planning using it or was a two for one with the skiver?

It was at very good price to not take it. I always thought about something like this to do headrests. Having trouble sewing them on flat bed machine. I didn't plan on buying post bed but for the price it was "why not" so I got it. Not sure how much I will use it but I will make it work and try doing those headrests and see how it works. Maybe I will realize this is what I really need as 1 machine.

Not this one (as it doesn't have reverse) but maybe another post bed machine with "flat" adapter can be all needed. Will see.

[Pays0n-UK]

I have one with the wheel feed but I have seen your type with a stationary presser foot as well. I can’t see from the picture what yours has got. Some of these machines have trimming attachments near the presser foot as well. Anyway, I had never tried one of these before but was pretty happy with it on a project to sew a thick wool hat and it really allowed good access to the tight areas like around the headband which a straight stitch machine would struggle with. I also used it to sew a really thin bit of synthetic material for a kids costume and it didn’t like that. Too thin and I think I would need to adjust the height of the needle bar up a bit or the feed wheel down which I haven’t figured out how to do yet. I found a pdf of the manual for your type of machine I think if it’s a 168 series if you need it? Let me know if so. What sub class is it on the little brass plaque? Maybe 168-k-104 or something?

[IvanD]

It's 168w101, Essentially the same as Singer 111 but with a post. It's a walking foot machine, just like Seiko on top, I bet lots of the same parts.
It's definitely for heavier stuff, I know people using up to 207 threaad with those.

[Pays0n-UK]

Thanks great if it’s a walking foot one. I forgot to say, I agree that the no reverse is a bit annoying on these machines. In a table they are going for a fair bit of money in UK on ebay. Like $700.

I wanted to say that there seem to be a lot of Dürkopp-Adler used upholstery machines for sale at the moment in UK. The N291. For UK based people this is relevant to the thread topic. I wonder if some big setee (sofa) factory went out of business or something? A local supplier near me had around 10 of them! I got a good cash price on one for an auto upholstery job I am doing. They aren’t super cheap, like 1000£-2000£ but really geared for upholstery. I was put off by the programmable stitch controller for factory use as well as the necessity to use an air compressor for the foot lift. All this stuff just seemed like more to go wrong and especially to go wrong and be far out of my ability to sort out myself. In the end I was desperate and no older more straight forward machines like Pfaff were around or at least only weaker, knackered old ones. I went for it in the end and despite the steep learning curve and some trouble with the tensioning and auto thread cut feature not working (despite a trip back to the supplier for adjustment by the engineer), it has been a good machine to use. It is the heaviest machine I have ever experienced! I can’t move it in my own and you can’t even just take the head off for all the air lines, oil lines and computer control cables... That being said it is a really top quality German specialised machine which there seems to be a glut of right now in UK so maybe other people can take advantage of this and get one for a good price as well. Another thing though is the cost of parts even bobbins or presser feet are really expensive. Even Chinese’y ones are expensive. This has to be factored in to any decision I guess. I’m not sure about compatibility with other makers machines presser feet. Does anyone know about this? It would be great if there was a brother or seiko or juki machine that uses the same feet. Here are some links to some on ebay for example:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2900549160

On looking for links I think I answered my own question about where these machines came from! Check out the screen shot of the online auction from last summer:

[IvanD]

My "sewing machine table" project is completed now! It's little bit too much and I wouldn't do it again but I love end result.
Had to make my own aluminum pan, installed better motor, 1100W with needle positioner and 24V for knee lift (might add that too).

My other machine (Seiko above) is for sale in St. Louis complete with table/servo if anyone looking.

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[John]

Very nice set up IvanD!

[Cale]

Waking up this old topic and maybe even updating it. lol
After a two year hiatus from sewing, I am getting back into it. I am looking for a new machine to add to my shop. I want a long arm machine and I have narrowed down to 2 machines, the Consew 206rbl-25 and the Techsew 5100-25.
My main concern right now is that the 206 might be a notch too small and the 5100 a notch too large.
I am doing automotive interiors and my main concern is being able to sew larger threads for top stitching. I want to use larger threads, up to at least 207, can the consew handle that?
I know that the techsew 5100 can easily do the larger threads but I am affraid that the standard 92 I use for sewing may be too small for that machine.
Anybody have any input on these machines?

I also posted this on the Consew206rb post.

[BigRig]

@Cale, man will you get your investment back on that machine? I like the idea but no space for that ginormous long arm and it is heavier than all heck. Did you just want to get away from rolling material up to get under arm when sewing panels or are you going design crazy and sewing through panel board and materials?

[Cale]

@BigRig Yes, crazy designs, door panels and not rolling up the material. lol But I can't decide which machine will be best for me.

[BigRig]

@Cale, I totally get it and it will be a great asset to your trimming.

[BigRig]

@Cale , what are you doing with that long arm Consew? Did it just turn out to be a real lemon?

[Rhonda]

I get it , getting started is the hardest. I started out mostly hobby and relatives and friends only. My husband bought me my first machine for my birthday , sailrite Fabricator.
After i bought the Rex 607. Which i will give to any one of ya that want to fix it. Later i bought a singer for 300.00 that was in a golf bag plant that shut down. its a straight stitch and old. But that stitch is beautiful. Last year i bought Consew 206B then an embroidery machine. But the courses that John offers made me who i am today!!!!

[Jane Helen]

Hey there!

I’ve been down the same road with entry-level machines for upholstery, and I know how frustrating it can be to feel like the machine’s holding you back just as you’re getting the hang of things. Here’s some insight on your setup and what could help:

1. Machine Control and Speed
The Singer 4432 is great for general projects, but yeah, for precision work on heavy materials like vinyl and leather, it’s hard to get the speed control you need. Even with a voltage controller, domestic machines tend to be too fast and lack the torque for thick fabrics. For upholstery work, look for machines with variable speed control so you can slow it down for those tight seams and curves.

2. Presser Foot Height and Feed
Having enough space under the presser foot is key for handling thicker seams and topstitching, especially on those French seams. Industrial-style machines or heavy-duty walking foot machines (which help with thicker materials feeding evenly) usually have the clearance you’re looking for. The walking foot attachment you tried helps, but built-in walking feet on an upholstery-grade machine make a big difference.

3. Compact Options Like Sailrite
Sailrite machines are compact and portable, designed specifically for heavy materials like vinyl and leather. They might seem pricey, but they’re built for control and strength, especially on thick, layered materials. Plus, they can be stored away when you’re not using them. Sailrite even has a variable-speed option that’s great for precision, and users often recommend them for projects exactly like yours. I’d say they’re worth considering if you’re short on space but need something solid.

4. Avoiding Knock-Off Machines
You’re right to be cautious about cheaper knock-offs. They can be tempting, but they often lack the durability and precision you need for long-term use. I haven’t tried Omega specifically, but from what I’ve seen, they don’t tend to hold up under the kind of heavy, consistent use that upholstery work demands.

5. Industrial Machines in Small Spaces
If you can make room, a small industrial machine like a Juki or Consew might be an option as well. These machines offer the power, control, and clearance for thicker materials and detailed topstitching, although they’re not quite as compact as Sailrite.

For more detailed comparisons on machines and the features that matter most for automotive upholstery, check out this guide: best sewing machine for automotive upholstery., It’s got a breakdown of machines that are specifically great for projects like Recaro seats and heavier fabrics.

Hope this helps, and keep going—it sounds like you’re well on your way to some impressive results!