GoneDiving
Guru
I'm starting to consider options for sewing soft furnishings for a trawler (no steady sail). Ideally I would like to buy a used Sailrite but they are unicorns in Australia. A new one is A$2500 delivered. Intended use is a full vessel refit of lounge toppers, curtains, custom mattress covers and exterior shade fabrics. Plus the 50 other jobs I find when I have a machine sitting there ready to go. I have zero experience sewing.
Option 1: Buy a new Sailrite and sell it once the main refit is finished. Resale is unlikely to happen as there will always be new work to do, so I'm down $2500 but have a very good machine.
Option 2: wait for a used machine to appear. Hopefully this century.
Option 3: Chineseium unit for $700 delivered. Zero resale value so just keep it. Tolerate any quality issues.
Has anyone used a AliExpress special? Is quality so-so or complete garbage?
Is a walking foot model a need to have or a nice to have? The thickest materials will be the couch toppers and shade sails.
Is there anything/other models that I have missed?
Thanks
Option 1: Buy a new Sailrite and sell it once the main refit is finished. Resale is unlikely to happen as there will always be new work to do, so I'm down $2500 but have a very good machine.
Option 2: wait for a used machine to appear. Hopefully this century.
Option 3: Chineseium unit for $700 delivered. Zero resale value so just keep it. Tolerate any quality issues.
Has anyone used a AliExpress special? Is quality so-so or complete garbage?
Is a walking foot model a need to have or a nice to have? The thickest materials will be the couch toppers and shade sails.
Is there anything/other models that I have missed?
Thanks