Sewing Machine

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 480 Photos: Thistle

I was given a really cool Domestic Rotary Sewing Machine in a beautiful cabinet, all original. Cloth cords and beautifully painted. I suspect it is Pre-war. On the motor where the power enters the motor it says 250 volts. On the motor itself it says D.C and A.C. up to 75 cycles. I wonder wha that means.
I'm told the Rotary's were tough machines and since I'm looking for a machine for boat canvas I was wondering if this machine would do? Is it worth getting it professionally cleaned? Straight and reverse only.

WCF · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 6:13 pm Post subject:

I am writing this as someone who loves sewing machines including vintage machines.

I mean no offense by this: While it is true that older machines withstand abuse better, you will still be constrained by domestic needles and small domestic bobbins.

This is not going to be practical for real boat canvas work. It might work for a patch or a small project in the cabin, but your time will be spent learning how to work around the machine rather than how to fabricate. I'm not saying you can't do it, but if you want to learn how to do canvas work, this is the most difficult path to set off on.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 480 Photos: Thistle

WCF,
I need that type of insight, it's what I was looking for, so I don't chase rabbits down their holes, over and over again.......you saved me. It has an antique value of 50-100 dollars and perhaps that will be a much better path. Thanks for the good advise.
Don

thataway · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 11:39 pm Post subject:

I am far from an expert on sewing machines. I have used machines from a manual treddle, Consew with 30" arm and 1.5 hp motor, Brother heavy duty Portable, old Paff, and even a Sears Kenmore, for canvas work. I have worked in my friend's sail loft with both repairs and new sails, as well as a number of personal projects from Sail Covers, Dodger, and awnings. A machine with a walking foot, is best. I have also used machines with pullers in the Sail loft. The brother has over 100,000 ocean miles on it aboard my racing and cruising boats. It was limited by throat size, but almost all new Sunbrella projects it was adequate. Sure the Consew industerial machine was better. But I had a number of Bobins wound ahead of the project, and checked the bobbin if I had a lot of sewing seams on a cover.

The non commercial machines are slower, may need some modifications, and you do have to wind a number of bobbins, plus have thread hanger adapters etc. But they will work.

I would get your needles from SailRite. I have used Schmetz #16, #18 and #20, with V 69 and V 92 threads. The sailrite machine would be better, but you can put the large wheel on some domestic machines.

Personally I would see what it would cost to have your sewing machine repair place to go over your machine, lubricate, and tune it up. Then get some sunbrella, and do trial sewing. If you were close I would give you some Sunbrella to practice on.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 480 Photos: Thistle

Sound advice. Fair enough. Thanks for the offer of Sunbrella but I have plenty. The biggest issue is that no bobbins any other accessories are available for this machine. There are no bobbins with it. I believe I'll hold off for a new enough machine that parts/repairs/accessories will not be an issue. There is no hurry here.
Right now I'm off working on some real estate that I'm in the middle of cleaning up for sale. I won't sew anytime soon. First planned trip for boat/wife is Mother's Day in Maryland/Chesapeake.