What sewing machine do I need for gear mods?

[SeizedRug]

Hello, I would like to add zippers to my MR sawtooth so it can zip into my eberlestock Warhammer pack like the little brother pack can. My wife can sew pretty good so I can have her help me, but I don't think our sewing machine is capable. She has tried to make me a couple things before like a belt and extended straps for my pack, but she says the needles just bend and won't go through the webbing. It is a Singer heavy duty. Should I look for a different machine or just using the wrong needles?

this is what the pack is made of:
330 HT CORDURA 5PM
330D Robic Kodra Ripstop

Thanks!

 

[hereinaz]

A heavy duty Singer should do a zipper. If the needles are bending, did she try denim needle?

If you are serious, there are some not so fancy straight stitch machines with the mirror on it. I used one for a while and still have it. I need to make a repair to it and sell it. I upgraded to a heavier wheel with more torque to really hammer through layers and webbing.

Look at Sailrite and see what they have. There are cheap Chinese versions. But, you gotta know a little bit. I got one and had to take it to a shop for timing. I only bought itit cause I couldn’t find this particular type anywhere else.

eBay is a good place.

If you are in AZ, I have some…

 

[TaperPin]

A triple feed walking foot machine is a type of heavy duty industrial machine that every upholstery shop has - it’s simple, easy to use, bullet proof, and unfortunately will take up an 18” X 4’ space. Used prices range from free for a basket case needing significant work, to $1k for a used one in good working shape.

Once you get over the learning curve of an industrial they are quite simple, but they are different from a home machine. A Sailrite is a good semi industrial that has less of a learning curve. We have one in the family and it’s twice as good as any home machine. It’s not a true triple feed, more of a needle and feed dog double feed.

If you like to scrounge for deals, and enjoy tinkering with mechanical things, there’s no comparison with a true industrial triple feed that was built to run two shifts a day, every day for decades. Leatherworker.net has the best industrial forum and is a good source of information on different brands.

 

[Mosby]

Go to a local sewing machine store, talk with them and take a look at their used machines for sale. There is a really old store in KC that services my wife's machines and they normally have a nice selection of used machines for sale. They also service and repair machines, which is nice when something breaks or the machine needs to be cleaned.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

If you're looking for another machine to do these types of things, look into finding an older, used Pfaff 260 or equivalent. My wife's I think could sew sheet metal together.