Large sail sewing machine

[fordsail]

Hi,

i am from Croatia. We need a longarm 3-step zigzag sewing machine for my loft. The chinese machine sm 366-76-12 Long arm, heavy duty, zigzag sail making machine (see www.cowboysew.com (http://www.cowboysew.com/)) sounds good to me, is there anybody can tell me the quality?
Kind regards,
Tomislav

[Tom Robb]

There is lots of commercial sewing in Asia. So, you'd suppose that they make machines that hold up under the work load unless they're so cheap that it's better to replace than repair them. Too much of their stuff is absolute junk.

Personal experience with them would be considerably better than my guesses.

Aren't there really excellent machines made in Italy - much closer to you when it comes to tech. support or parts.

Cheap tools are expensive - they don't do the job well and need replaced too often.

The word "Cowboy" in the name wouldn't inspire much confidence in me, but perhaps that's a product of some marketing guy who doesn't speak English. I'm sure our marketing in China is at least as off the mark. Idiom doesn't translate very well.

[Lew Barrett]

I just bought a machine for my wife, not a sail making machine but in the process had some fun shopping around. What I learned was that Tom is right on the money. No reason to fool around; buy something of quality. A high quality used machine in good condition will be better than an unknown new one.
I ended up buying two machines in the process, and was offered a free Viking moving foot commercial machine in great condition that would be great for sail making as well. It was tempting, but I don't have the room for it. I thought of you, Tom.
Added: Actually, come to think of it, I was thinking of Todd who is, if I recall, a professional sail maker.

[Todd Bradshaw]

A sailmaking machine is only as good as the technical support that you get from the seller. You WILL need it from time to time and any time you are sitting around waiting for knowledgeable help, or for parts, you are essentially out of business. How's your Chinese? These may be the best machines ever built or they may be complete junk, I don't know, but if it doesn't come with somebody who knows it inside and out and who speaks your language, I'd be very careful. How much are you saving if you experience a week or two of down-time while you wait for a $2 part to arrive?

....and trolling internet forums is a pretty questionable way to get accurate information on the performance and durability of such a machine. Have them furnish you a list of sail lofts that are currently using them and find out from somebody who has real world experience with the machine you're interested in.

[fordsail]

Thanks Todd, yes I have been in touch with their customers in Germany, Bulgaria, Italy and USA. It seems that the chinese quality is acceptable.

Anyhow i heard no production of sewing machine out of china. I plan to buy one for try.

Tomislav

[fordsail]

Tom, i talked with the chineseman called Bill, his english is good, and he sounds knowledgeable in sailmaking work. I am happy with it.

Tomislav


There is lots of commercial sewing in Asia. So, you'd suppose that they make machines that hold up under the work load unless they're so cheap that it's better to replace than repair them. Too much of their stuff is absolute junk.

Personal experience with them would be considerably better than my guesses.

Aren't there really excellent machines made in Italy - much closer to you when it comes to tech. support or parts.

Cheap tools are expensive - they don't do the job well and need replaced too often.

The word "Cowboy" in the name wouldn't inspire much confidence in me, but perhaps that's a product of some marketing guy who doesn't speak English. I'm sure our marketing in China is at least as off the mark. Idiom doesn't translate very well.