I want to buy an industrial sewing machine.

No problem, but there are a few questions that you must ask yourself before handing over any cash. There are many different machine manufacturers, with many different types of machines, all with various subclasses, produced to cater for thousands of different applications. Making a few notes before venturing out into the market place will make life much easier.

• Make a note of the full range of products that you intend to make or manufacture.
• The type and thickness of the material that you wish to use.
• The type and thickness of thread that you wish to use.

How can I ensure I get the right machine?

• Visit or talk to a dealer that specialises in industrial sewing machines.
• Take samples of your intended product, some of the materials, and thread that you wish to use.
• Ask questions.
• Get a demonstration

• Can I use this thread with this machine ? The sewing machine is a device that manipulates thread to create a stitch. If you try to use a light weight thread in a machine that is designed for heavy thread, it will be unlikely to work. The same applies if you try to sew with heavy weight thread in a machine that is designed for light weight thread.

• Will it sew this material ? Most machines can handle most materials within reason, if configured correctly, but the right type of machine for the job will make life a lot easier, and inevitably increase production. i.e. If you are trying to sew materials that stretch then a zig zag may be of benefit. If the material is heavy, like vinyl/canvas, or sticky, like rubber or PVC, or has large bumps or joins, then a machine with needle feed / walking feet, or a combination of both may be necessary. If there are long seams, maybe a machine with a puller feed.

What is a needle positioning motor ?

Industrial sewing machine are normally driven by two very different types of motor. The clutch motor and the needle positioning motor.

The clutch motor has a mechanism operated by the foot pedal, to engage and disengage a mechanical clutch, which in turn provides the drive to start and stop the machine.

A needle positioning motor is electronically controlled, and offers the ability to provide a variety of extra functions.  The main function is needle positioning. The motor can be configured to make the machine stop with the needle either in the work, or out of the work, which eliminates the need for the operator to manually position the needle using the hand wheel when turning a corner or removing work.  Other options available are digital control of sewing speeds and automatic foot lift at the beginning and end of a sewing cycle.

Can I buy the machine I want via the Internet ?

If you are buying new, and you know the make and model of the machine that you want, and are certain that it is configured correctly and will do the job, you can purchase it anywhere.

If you wish to purchase a used machine and are not certain of what you want, then use the Internet as a starting point. Find a dealer that is helpful and you feel you can trust, that has a showroom and can demonstrate the machine as well as explaining why the machine they are recommending is the correct one for your application. Ask how the machine will be delivered, will it be installed and commissioned, will any training be given. Ask someone in the same or a similar trade to yourself if they can recommend a dealer that could help you.

Can I buy and fit parts myself ?

Yes. But beware.

First make sure with the vendor that the part being supplied is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part, or is a copy part of similar quality. Many parts supplied today by some suppliers are copy parts that are not produced to the exacting standards of the original. This may mean the part needs to be modified before fitting, may cause problems, such as bad stitch or thread breaking, or at worst may cause problems with, or damage to, some of the other parts in the machine that it works in conjunction with. If you are in doubt then contact Dowlings or Foundationwear to ensure that you get parts of the highest quality.

Also be aware that some of the parts in a sewing machine can run at speeds of around 8000rpm. A badly fitted part can be damaged in seconds, rendered useless in minutes. A reputable dealer will advise you as to what you can and can't do.

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